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Old 05-12-2023, 05:31 AM   #1
Lenny Bruce
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Default Model A Vs Model B advice

Hello everyone. So I went to look at an enclosed trailer last evening and to my surprise the fella had a 1932 Model B closed cab pickup truck in it and would like to sell it as well.. The truck is turn key..He did a decent amateur restoration. It’s on the road and ready to go. My concern is how readily available are parts for this truck? Mechanically it’s basically a Model A correct? My other question is it’s worth…He’s firm at $ 14,000. Can anyone shine some light on my situation? I’m very interested in the truck…
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Old 05-12-2023, 06:02 AM   #2
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

If you like the truck and can afford it, go for it.
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Old 05-12-2023, 06:13 AM   #3
Lenny Bruce
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

I’m leaning in that direction just don’t want to get into it too deep from the start. Theirs not much research showing their value.
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Old 05-12-2023, 07:10 AM   #4
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Buy the truck and have him throw in the trailer!
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Old 05-12-2023, 07:14 AM   #5
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Without photos, it's had to say, but if it is rust free, including the surface of the bed, that could be a fair price. As far as parts availability goes, much of the cab, the bed, and the fenders and running boards are available as quality reproductions. B engine parts have a fair amount in common with their A counterparts. If it has a counterbalanced crankshaft that's a big plus. Depending on your standards for originality, make sure that it has its correct original radiator cap as they can be very expensive to replace with a $500 price tag not unheard of and no reproduction ever made.
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Old 05-12-2023, 08:41 AM   #6
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for a 4 cylinder, that price is about right.

if it were an 8 cylinder, it could go up another 30-40%.
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Old 05-12-2023, 10:38 AM   #7
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Parts are available thru early V8 stores. Engine parts are mostly the same as Model A except gaskets.
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Old 05-12-2023, 10:55 AM   #8
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

How about a bunch of pictures and maybe someone can spot something that will cause you grief later?

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Old 05-12-2023, 11:28 AM   #9
Gil Sissons
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

If you decide to pass on this pickup..... there is one like it on
Craigslist Monterey California....but it is for sale for $33,000 !

Gil. NoCal
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Old 05-12-2023, 12:32 PM   #10
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

When you look carefully, most engine parts are not the same (unless you count fasteners), starting with the blocks, valve chamber covers, cylinder heads, water pumps, crankshafts, connecting rods, oil pump, camshaft, tappets, timing gear cover, oil pan, flywheel housing, and distributor.
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Old 05-12-2023, 01:32 PM   #11
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

I bought my 1931 AA thinking it had the original engine. Serial numbers matched. Thanks to this forum, I found out that the original A engine was replaced by a B engine. I had mixed feelings about this, but the B is 50 HP right out of the gate instead of 40 like the A. Yesterday, I took my truck out on the main road with a portable GPS to verify my speedo was correct. I hit 52 MPH and my speedo was right along with the GPS reading. Now I know my truck is really going that fast which is not bad for a 4 speed work truck. A little rough riding, but fun every once in a while. 14k sounds fair if it runs good and good shape.
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Old 05-12-2023, 02:05 PM   #12
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lenny Bruce View Post
Hello everyone. So I went to look at an enclosed trailer last evening and to my surprise the fella had a 1932 Model B closed cab pickup truck in it and would like to sell it as well.. The truck is turn key..He did a decent amateur restoration. It’s on the road and ready to go. My concern is how readily available are parts for this truck? Mechanically it’s basically a Model A correct? My other question is it’s worth…He’s firm at $ 14,000. Can anyone shine some light on my situation? I’m very interested in the truck…
IMHO, if it runs and drives without you needing a tetanus shot, it is worth the 14k asking.
As to some responses, yes, the "B" is different than the "A", but here again, IMHO, it is an improved Mod "A".
Parts are plenty available, most running gear from the early V8 models.
FWIW, I replace just about everything I can in my personal Mod "A's" with later V8 parts. Understand that I do not care about restoration judging, I own them to drive and play around with.

There are many old wives tales about the "B" blocks being weaker and prone to cracking, yes, have touched many cracked blocks both A and B.
The Diamond B blocks were cast as late as the '40's, much better than 20's quality and many years less potential damage.

Just another opinion, J
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Old 05-12-2023, 02:43 PM   #13
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Cracking is like sex, it relieves stress.B blocks, even diamond B blocks crack. I agree with John, besides less time working diamond b blocks are better because Ford was harder on their subcontractors …
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Old 05-12-2023, 09:58 PM   #14
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

The 32 is a better truck than a Model A. If it is decent, that is a very fair price. From the factory, all 32 trucks were 4 cylinder. The V8 engines were reserved for passenger cars.
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Old 05-12-2023, 10:44 PM   #15
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

I have had several B engines over the years I am a fan of the B engine. Mostly if you can work on a A engine you should be able to work on the B. I have B water pumps and heads if you should need some. Good Iuck
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Old 05-13-2023, 05:50 AM   #16
Lenny Bruce
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

That’s great news! Thanks everyone! 31a I would love an extra water pump if I do buy the truck. Never hurts to have spares! Thank you. If you wouldn’t mind pm me your contact info
Sometime…
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Old 05-13-2023, 01:29 PM   #17
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Get to know Dave Renner (at Renner's Corner, ((734) 428-8424) for Model B engine parts.

When you get the extra water pump be sure it is the 1932 pump, the 1933-34 pumps have 3 bolts and look similar but are shorter due to the sloped radiator. See photo, '32 pump on left, note spacing of grease fittings for quick identification.

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Old 05-13-2023, 05:40 PM   #18
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Get it!
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Old 05-14-2023, 05:41 AM   #19
Lenny Bruce
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

I appreciated you all so much thank you! I will keep you posted on it.
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Old 05-14-2023, 12:13 PM   #20
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Model A Vs Model B advice

Those parts you already have, the parts most often replaced are pistons, rings, valves and such, they are the same as Model A.

Quote:
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When you look carefully, most engine parts are not the same (unless you count fasteners), starting with the blocks, valve chamber covers, cylinder heads, water pumps, crankshafts, connecting rods, oil pump, camshaft, tappets, timing gear cover, oil pan, flywheel housing, and distributor.
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