Success with improvements for touring

[tbirdtbird]

OK, first off I am in this for all the touring I can get.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I am glad you are happy with your Model-A experiences. Your comments do pose an interesting thought to me though, ....how is it that Model-A's were capable for touring successfully all these years, and all these miles without a set of tube shocks, an electronic ignition system, and a Mitchell overdrive?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

GEEZ! I feel REALLY COLD water frum somewhere????? Maybe my A.C. drain line plugged up again???
Bill W.

[Gyrodoc]

I like hearing both sides. You're both right.

"There's only one thing worse than a man who doesn't have strong likes and dislikes, and that's a man who has strong likes and dislikes without the courage to voice them".
Tony Randall

[Duffy1]

tbirdtbird ;

You left out your A/C by Ken Davis . Hard to argue against an A/C especially when living in Texas and it is the Bosses prerequest to going on tours . If mama`s not happy nobodys happy. Glad you are happy with your set up. Diversity in Model A ( from no mods to a lot of mods ) is what makes this hobby interesting . Keep touring and posting .

[H. L. Chauvin]

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On a more serious note, with nothing but sincere respect for the gentlemen replying to "Touring Improvements", this particular discussion could be published in a book for both experienced Model A owners & for newbies who just bought A Model A, to illustrate the differences in restoration opinions that we "all" share.

The comical replies should be left in to add interest.

With a few suggestions from "all" Ford - Barners brave enough to offer an opinion, we could throw in a few more likes, dislikes, pet peeves, etc.

Some other topics could be: white-wall tires, detergent oil, cut-off switches on positive & negative battery leads, & what ever.

This publication could be eloquently presented with humor, & could be both educational & professionally amusing for all Model A owners.

[Rock Hornbuckle]

Blackwalls, whitewalls, skinny girlfriends, fat girlfriends, it's all a matter of preference. Enjoy whatever you have.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

So, if one has ANYTHING non-original that violates the MARC or MAFCA mission statement, should we not be allowed as a member???
My '30 Coupe, Minerva, was highly modified & very dependable & was a pleasure to drive. My '29 Coupe, Vermin is almost completely "bone stock" & will be a new driving experience & will be very dependable also.
I can imagine Henry Ford saying, "Well, folks, I've built you a TUFF, DEPENDABLE, car, so go & accessorize it to suit yourselves, we even offer GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES to help you, jist DON'T buy them "GYP" parts out there"!
As for "US" reaching a "CONCENSUS" on this subject, it has my Dog laughin' uncontrollabley & rollin' in the floor!! Bill W.

[Jordan]

Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

OK, first off I am in this for all the touring I can get. So if you don't like what I have done, simply put, don't do it. This post is for the benefit of those who have considered these changes for their car but weren't sure about them. And, the Dallas club has a bunch of excellent tours every yr.

1. Ken's modern rear shocks WoW the car doesn't hop all over the road any more!
And we do have our share of bad roads around here.

2. FSI electronic ignition. WOW I was told it would seem like I had a counter-balanced crank (which I don't), and it is even better than that ! The engine runs so smoothly it is beyond description. So I am thrilled and I am sure my babbitt is happier, too. And, I used to have a nasty harmonic at 50-55 mph but that is totally gone now. Despite what the instructions say, full advance has kicked in by 1600.

3. Mitchell OD. Holy crap this is excellent! I threw on a tach and was turning 1900 at 60 and 2200 at 70; and it was smooth as could be. I will never see 70 on an actual tour; but I can now be on those stretches of Interstate that can't be avoided and not be a hazard to myself and others. And at lower speeds there will be less wear on the engine. In fact, with my 3.78 gearset I can drive around town in Mitchell high with ease, even off the line at lights.

I had a 3.54 in there before but it cannot compare this Mitchell setup.

4. I thank Tom Endy for exquisite instructions on setting up an A gearset, way better than the Schild book I used 20 yrs ago. Not a peep from the rear and needed no shims at all on the tapers; it is solid back there.

This all boils down to being easier on the car and easier on the driver.

I too have an overdrive, FSI Distributor and Ken's modern shocks (along with some other goodies). I have been very satisfied with this set up.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Jordan

I too have an overdrive, FSI Distributor and Ken's modern shocks (along with some other goodies). I have been very satisfied with this set up.

That is a prefect statement!

[amodel25]

I don't have any of it (except an oil filter and alternator) and I'm happy as a clam.

Old school is still cool.........


Talkin' about my '31 slant window, not my avatar

[brum1]

I personally strive for a completely authentic Model A but if someone wants to modify to suit their needs they would still be welcome in our local chapter and get along just fine

[mike657894]

some people just want to argue
. i like the points you made and are things I may consider. I do want to drive my car out of state and there seems to be stretches that you have to get on the freeway.

[Dodge]

I have one of each...a completely stock one to enjoy as original and one all the goodies
on it. I like them both just two different rides for different types of driving...

[inex01]

Originally Posted by Dodge

I have one of each...a completely stock one to enjoy as original and one all the goodies
on it. I like them both just two different rides for different types of driving...

Like you I have two cars, a totally stock #s matching 31 Roadster and a 31 Slant sedan that has a Touring Engine, Overdrive, Radial Tires, Cast Iron Drums, Pannard Bar and a couple of days ago installed electronic ignition. I really enjoy both cars.

When I sell the sedan it can always be brought back to original because I saved everything that I up-graded so no harm done, but in the meantime I have a car that is more enjoyable, comfortable and safe to drive in the current environment.

[Synchro909]

As terrific as Model As were in their day, if they were to be produced today, they wouldn't be allowed on the road. I have had MANY miles of enjoyment out of a standard car and one modified for touring so I can see both sides of the story.
We have another long trip coming up in May next year of about 8 thousand miles, towing all the way. Think I will use the modified car.

[Duffy1]

I think some folks are confusing adding all these bolt ons with chop and channel ,etc,etc therefore assuming preservation of the Model A is not taking place . I have a 31 s/w with many many goodies ( set up for touring) which can be removed and the car is as stock as the day it rolled off the assembly line. As tbirdtbird stated if you are into touring you might be interested in my post if not, do not waste your time reading it.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Duffy1

... I have a 31 ... with many many goodies ( set up for touring) which can be removed and the car is as stock as the day it rolled off the assembly line ...

That's the way mine is!

[quickchange]

So where do we find these 3.27 original ring & pinnion sets from ? I have had 56 Model A,s & non had 3.27 rears . Are these a MODERN UP GRADE like the tele shocks etc or did some A,s come out factory with them ?? IF not then this must be a modification too.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by quickchange

So where do we find these 3.27 original ring & pinnion sets from ? I have had 56 Model A,s & non had 3.27 rears . Are these a MODERN UP GRADE like the tele shocks etc or did some A,s come out factory with them ?? IF not then this must be a modification too.

This thread has been "twisted" WAY off-topic but going to back to the first comment, I believe the point was we should consider putting on tube shocks, an electronic ignition, and an overdrive because it is easier on the car & driver if we plan to tour with our Model-As.


To play Devil's Advocate with your question, can you walk up to any Model-A and at a glance tell what rear end gear ratio it has installed?