Confessions of a Model A Modifier – Model A Upgrades?

[J Franklin]

My 1930 Fourdoor has a 5.9 Brumfield head, CI drums, B distributor, leakless water pump, and a modern Zenith carburator

[kp]

Large 4 core Radiator ,best thing I ever did . Here in Central Tx. it gets plenty hot.

[Purdy Swoft]

30Tudor, you ask about the Pertronix coil, if you are running 6 volts you would use the 1.5 ohm. If running 12Volt use the 3.0 ohm. These coils won't need a resistor and the epoxy filled version won't leak oil like some oil filled coils when mounted with the connections at the bottom as model A coils were mounted. You will get quick starts and more power that you can feel.

I thought that I posted this info yesterday. I don't see it today so here it is again.

[30Tudor]

Thanks Purdy - I looked at your previous post and it sounds like you are using this coil with modern points. Is that the indeed the case?

Mike

[Purdy Swoft]

30Tudor, Actually I use original type points, they are easy to adjust and I have had No problems. I have had good results with the original points that I have got from Snyders or Brattons. I tried running the modern points and had nothing but problems. Some believe that having the condensor mounted under the distributor cap is cooler. It doesn't have any air moving over it under the cap as it does in the original position and it gets pretty hot. The only condenser failures that I remember in 50 years were in recent times with the modern condenser mounted under the cap. Actually you can mount the condenser on the coil bracket and attach the condenser wire to the switch side of the coil. I learned this many years ago. That said, the pertronix coil works great with original points. The original coil was around 20.000 volts the Flame thrower coil is 40.000 volts, it pretty much doubles the ignition power. You can feel the difference. I think the last one I got was around $40.00 Thats a lot less than electronic. I think it is pretty cool to modify the original system without makeing visible changes. It is also good to have the simple original distributor that can easily be fixed.

[Logan]

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As most people know, I don't keep model a's stock because I'm into the speed equipment. Top choices are overdrive, electronic ignition (no matter what anybody says it's simple and can change a module in the time it takes to change points & condenser) modern carb, inserted engine, high comp head, and if you want air conditioning.

[Mike V. Florida]

I'll take your muffler off your hands.

[30Tudor]

Based on the feedback to this thread and other areas on fordbarn, I have ordered a modern water pump bearing and a Pertronix 40,000 volt Flamethrower coil.

I didn't even know the modern pump bearing existed and I think it makes sense in combination with my alternator. Even on my recently rebuilt pump I do have some vibration coming from the fan end so hopefully the new bearing will clear it up.

I very intrigued with the coil as it sounds very impressive. In fact I am wondering if I should have a fire extinquisher around when I take it out of the box. Perhaps I need to replace my normal coil wire with some high voltage cable used in high voltage electrical transmission. At any rate, I needed a spare coil for my kit.

[Tony S,Fl.]

Boy O boy we must have been a bunch of idiots back in the forties. We drove stock model A's. Put in gasoline and had a ball. Today you might think the model A is supposed to be launched next week at Cape Kennedy. Enjoy it for what it is, an old car restored as a project to be proud of. I never heard of flo testing, might get you 500 feet more per gallon. Overdrive which you cannot use in hilly country and could buy a lot of gasoline for the outlay. LED lights, most never drive at night. High compression heads are they really that important. Stainless steel mufflers what was wrong with the $55.00 mufflers that everyone at that time was happy with? Now it's a mortal sin to use one. Well I guess I stirred the pot enough for one day. All the above venting is something that made me feel good. Throw it at me now.

[Louis]

I feel the same way Tony. I like a basic A model, But i still enjoy looking at all of them.
Here's my 31 i just completed a few mo's. ago.

[Vanspeed]

I put a 39 toploader in mine and I love it! Best improvement I have made to date. I plan on putting a high comp head on it and maybe a new ignition in the future. I also like speed parts and I feel that these do not take anything away from the car being a model A. Just slightly improved.

[WEEKS 46]

Beautiful car.

1. Overdrive
2. Good Radiator
3. High Comp Head

-Weeks

Originally Posted by Louis

I feel the same way Tony. I like a basic A model, But i still enjoy looking at all of them.
Here's my 31 i just completed a few mo's. ago.

[30Tudor]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

I put a 39 toploader in mine and I love it! Best improvement I have made to date. I plan on putting a high comp head on it and maybe a new ignition in the future. I also like speed parts and I feel that these do not take anything away from the car being a model A. Just slightly improved.

What is a toploader? Is that some type of gun?

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by Tony S,Fl.

Boy O boy we must have been a bunch of idiots back in the forties. We drove stock model A's. Put in gasoline and had a ball. Today you might think the model A is supposed to be launched next week at Cape Kennedy. Enjoy it for what it is, an old car restored as a project to be proud of. I never heard of flo testing, might get you 500 feet more per gallon. Overdrive which you cannot use in hilly country and could buy a lot of gasoline for the outlay. LED lights, most never drive at night. High compression heads are they really that important. Stainless steel mufflers what was wrong with the $55.00 mufflers that everyone at that time was happy with? Now it's a mortal sin to use one. Well I guess I stirred the pot enough for one day. All the above venting is something that made me feel good. Throw it at me now.

Tony- no quarrel with most of your comments above, but I CAN tell you what was wrong with the $55 Midas muffler. the cheapo design causes excessive back pressure which robs power & generates heat. that's why I switched to Beaver muffler a long time ago and Aires after that. not a mortal sin to use the old one, I just prefer not to.

[Bob A.]

Hey whatever turns you on, Here is a picture of my friend's modified '31 and my stocker '31. We both drive them daily (except when we're riding our bikes) and enjoy them very much. I have to admit, his is a little faster.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by 30Tudor

What is a toploader? Is that some type of gun?

Yup, TOP GUN...with syncros, and.. if with zephyr gear set and 3:54s, eliminates need for $$$$ overdrive unit!!

[roccaas]

I posted a related question some years ago, "What is your favorite upgrade/accessory?"

The winning answer was, "A cellphone and AAA's towtruck number"!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 30Tudor

I like to experiment and tinker so here are some of the crazy and unfortunately expensive things I have done over the years –

Blasphemer!

Mods, How dare you!!! May you go to a place where all the body styles of A's are resting and you cannot touch them, just gaze upon them and when you reach towards them they move away from you for all eternity!