Model A as a "daily" driver?

Call me ignorant if you want but when I shared this thread with some of
the guys at the shop, some of 'em are still rolling on the floor.

Enjoy your fantasy world... The rest of us prefer reality.

JT





DellDude wrote:
>
> Well I guess should expect an ignorant response from someone calling himself
> Grumpy.
>
> When you can't argue the subject you decide to attack the person. This is a
> sign of a person who has some issues and is a negative aspect of this hobby.
>
> FYI, Like you I choose to be somewhat anonymous on this very public forum to
> keep the spam junk in check. You will find the email address leads you to
> me.
>
> I have been learning about the correct ways to rebuild Ford cars for the
> last 25 years. I have had to teach many an old timer new tricks about their
> cars they have been fiddlin with for many years. It is neat to see their
> faces when they drive a properly restored car for the first time and learn
> they do work better when put together right.
>
> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
> ...
> > After fiddlin' with antique, special interest, classic cars for the past
> > forty years, I stand on my record.
> >
> > 1. A model A would be a **** poor choice for a daily driver.
> >
> > 2. They were mass produced and cheaply made.
> >
> > 3. The braking system was inferior to just about every other brand.
> >
> > So, I suppose that's why you chose "Dell" as part of your moniker, eh?
> >
> > Another mass produced box with nothing special about it other than slick
> > marketing.
> >
> > JT
> >
> > (in Austin where Dell (sweat shops) exist...)
> >
> > 1931 Studebaker President State Coupe
> > 1955 Studebaker President State Coupe
> > 1955 Studebaker President State Sedan
> > 1956 Studebaker (Commander) Power Hawk
> > 1964 Studebaker Champ (T-6)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > DellDude wrote:
> >>
> >> Well Grumpy,
> >>
> >> I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and if you
> >> want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will prove
> >> it
> >> to you.
> >>
> >> You can legally drive, right?
> >>
> >> There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
> >> understand how to properly put the car together. This means learning the
> >> facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was
> >> engineered
> >> to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is worn out.
> >> If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back
> >> together
> >> from junk parts than he will have a very capable car. Unfortunatly,
> >> about
> >> 85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking and
> >> drivablity.
> >>
> >> You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down the
> >> freeway
> >> you might begin to understand.
> >>
> >> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
> >> >
> >> > JT
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > DellDude wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a
> >> >> work
> >> >> horse that was designed to last for many years.
> >> >>
> >> >> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
> >> >>
> >> >> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the
> >> >> model
> >> >> A
> >> >> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop as
> >> >> good
> >> >> as the tires will allow.
> >> >>
> >> >> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of
> >> >> driving
> >> >> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little
> >> >> car
> >> >> was
> >> >> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of each
> >> >> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for
> >> >> strength
> >> >> and lightness.
> >> >>
> >> >> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most
> >> >> people
> >> >> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or
> >> >> center
> >> >> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were not
> >> >> made
> >> >> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can
> >> >> get
> >> >> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake system
> >> >> is
> >> >> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
> >> >>
> >> >> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained that
> >> >> they
> >> >> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic
> >> >> brake
> >> >> situation in the A and it held its ground.
> >> >>
> >> >> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just
> >> >> have
> >> >> never driven a car that was properly restored.
> >> >>
> >> >> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in minor
> >> >> accidents and throw the people out.
> >> >>
> >> >> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn
> >> >> more.
> >> >>
> >> >> > wrote in message
> >> >> oups.com...
> >> >> > Hi,
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I live,
> >> >> > allegedly in excellent condition.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and
> >> >> > tranny
> >> >> > work out as a regular driver?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a
> >> >> > couple
> >> >> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could drop
> >> >> > a
> >> >> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig
> >> >> > welder,
> >> >> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
> >> >> >
> >> >> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile or
> >> >> > what-not.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Thanks.
> >> >> >

Humm

People were still driving Model A's everyday long after Studebaker went out
of business.

So I guess the Studebaker was hand built and not massed produced to be a low
cost car for the masses?

Like I said. Open your mind and try driving a properly restored car for a
change. So how often have you checked that all the wheel cylinders are
actually functioning in your cars. Have you ever driven one of your cars
with a wheel cylinder not working 100%? Are you sure you are getting 100%
shoe contact area?

My guess is you have unless you are driving each car quite regularly.

But I assume you are aware of the failure modes of hydrualic systems that
are not operated regularly. Almost every show I go to I talk with someone
having hydraulic brake problems on their newer cars. Usually it is a rear
wheel cylinder not operating or half operating.

Yup the modern brake system are so much better. Plus you can throw them in
half assed and they still seem to work ok even when you are only really
getting a fraction of the braking because the shoes do not fit the worn
drums. The model A's are older and not floating so you actually have to
take the time to put them together with some accuracy. But I am sure you
know all about how to make your brakes work great and if I were to pop you
drums off I would find you arched the shoes to fit the drums and all the
wheel cylinders are working 100%.

So what type of shop do you work in? You fixing chevy's everyday?


"Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
...
> Call me ignorant if you want but when I shared this thread with some of
> the guys at the shop, some of 'em are still rolling on the floor.
>
> Enjoy your fantasy world... The rest of us prefer reality.
>
> JT
>
>
>
>
>
> DellDude wrote:
>>
>> Well I guess should expect an ignorant response from someone calling
>> himself
>> Grumpy.
>>
>> When you can't argue the subject you decide to attack the person. This
>> is a
>> sign of a person who has some issues and is a negative aspect of this
>> hobby.
>>
>> FYI, Like you I choose to be somewhat anonymous on this very public forum
>> to
>> keep the spam junk in check. You will find the email address leads you
>> to
>> me.
>>
>> I have been learning about the correct ways to rebuild Ford cars for the
>> last 25 years. I have had to teach many an old timer new tricks about
>> their
>> cars they have been fiddlin with for many years. It is neat to see their
>> faces when they drive a properly restored car for the first time and
>> learn
>> they do work better when put together right.
>>
>> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > After fiddlin' with antique, special interest, classic cars for the
>> > past
>> > forty years, I stand on my record.
>> >
>> > 1. A model A would be a **** poor choice for a daily driver.
>> >
>> > 2. They were mass produced and cheaply made.
>> >
>> > 3. The braking system was inferior to just about every other brand.
>> >
>> > So, I suppose that's why you chose "Dell" as part of your moniker, eh?
>> >
>> > Another mass produced box with nothing special about it other than
>> > slick
>> > marketing.
>> >
>> > JT
>> >
>> > (in Austin where Dell (sweat shops) exist...)
>> >
>> > 1931 Studebaker President State Coupe
>> > 1955 Studebaker President State Coupe
>> > 1955 Studebaker President State Sedan
>> > 1956 Studebaker (Commander) Power Hawk
>> > 1964 Studebaker Champ (T-6)
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > DellDude wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Well Grumpy,
>> >>
>> >> I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and if
>> >> you
>> >> want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will
>> >> prove
>> >> it
>> >> to you.
>> >>
>> >> You can legally drive, right?
>> >>
>> >> There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
>> >> understand how to properly put the car together. This means learning
>> >> the
>> >> facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was
>> >> engineered
>> >> to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is worn
>> >> out.
>> >> If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back
>> >> together
>> >> from junk parts than he will have a very capable car. Unfortunatly,
>> >> about
>> >> 85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking
>> >> and
>> >> drivablity.
>> >>
>> >> You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down the
>> >> freeway
>> >> you might begin to understand.
>> >>
>> >> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >> > Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
>> >> >
>> >> > JT
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > DellDude wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a
>> >> >> work
>> >> >> horse that was designed to last for many years.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the
>> >> >> model
>> >> >> A
>> >> >> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop
>> >> >> as
>> >> >> good
>> >> >> as the tires will allow.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of
>> >> >> driving
>> >> >> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little
>> >> >> car
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of
>> >> >> each
>> >> >> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for
>> >> >> strength
>> >> >> and lightness.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most
>> >> >> people
>> >> >> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or
>> >> >> center
>> >> >> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were
>> >> >> not
>> >> >> made
>> >> >> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can
>> >> >> get
>> >> >> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake
>> >> >> system
>> >> >> is
>> >> >> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained
>> >> >> that
>> >> >> they
>> >> >> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic
>> >> >> brake
>> >> >> situation in the A and it held its ground.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just
>> >> >> have
>> >> >> never driven a car that was properly restored.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in
>> >> >> minor
>> >> >> accidents and throw the people out.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn
>> >> >> more.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> > wrote in message
>> >> >> oups.com...
>> >> >> > Hi,
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I
>> >> >> > live,
>> >> >> > allegedly in excellent condition.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and
>> >> >> > tranny
>> >> >> > work out as a regular driver?
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a
>> >> >> > couple
>> >> >> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could
>> >> >> > drop
>> >> >> > a
>> >> >> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig
>> >> >> > welder,
>> >> >> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile
>> >> >> > or
>> >> >> > what-not.
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > Thanks.
>> >> >> >

I drive a Studebaker daily.

JT




DellDude wrote:
>
> Humm
>
> People were still driving Model A's everyday long after Studebaker went out
> of business.
>
> So I guess the Studebaker was hand built and not massed produced to be a low
> cost car for the masses?
>
> Like I said. Open your mind and try driving a properly restored car for a
> change. So how often have you checked that all the wheel cylinders are
> actually functioning in your cars. Have you ever driven one of your cars
> with a wheel cylinder not working 100%? Are you sure you are getting 100%
> shoe contact area?
>
> My guess is you have unless you are driving each car quite regularly.
>
> But I assume you are aware of the failure modes of hydrualic systems that
> are not operated regularly. Almost every show I go to I talk with someone
> having hydraulic brake problems on their newer cars. Usually it is a rear
> wheel cylinder not operating or half operating.
>
> Yup the modern brake system are so much better. Plus you can throw them in
> half assed and they still seem to work ok even when you are only really
> getting a fraction of the braking because the shoes do not fit the worn
> drums. The model A's are older and not floating so you actually have to
> take the time to put them together with some accuracy. But I am sure you
> know all about how to make your brakes work great and if I were to pop you
> drums off I would find you arched the shoes to fit the drums and all the
> wheel cylinders are working 100%.
>
> So what type of shop do you work in? You fixing chevy's everyday?
>
> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Call me ignorant if you want but when I shared this thread with some of
> > the guys at the shop, some of 'em are still rolling on the floor.
> >
> > Enjoy your fantasy world... The rest of us prefer reality.
> >
> > JT
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > DellDude wrote:
> >>
> >> Well I guess should expect an ignorant response from someone calling
> >> himself
> >> Grumpy.
> >>
> >> When you can't argue the subject you decide to attack the person. This
> >> is a
> >> sign of a person who has some issues and is a negative aspect of this
> >> hobby.
> >>
> >> FYI, Like you I choose to be somewhat anonymous on this very public forum
> >> to
> >> keep the spam junk in check. You will find the email address leads you
> >> to
> >> me.
> >>
> >> I have been learning about the correct ways to rebuild Ford cars for the
> >> last 25 years. I have had to teach many an old timer new tricks about
> >> their
> >> cars they have been fiddlin with for many years. It is neat to see their
> >> faces when they drive a properly restored car for the first time and
> >> learn
> >> they do work better when put together right.
> >>
> >> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> > After fiddlin' with antique, special interest, classic cars for the
> >> > past
> >> > forty years, I stand on my record.
> >> >
> >> > 1. A model A would be a **** poor choice for a daily driver.
> >> >
> >> > 2. They were mass produced and cheaply made.
> >> >
> >> > 3. The braking system was inferior to just about every other brand.
> >> >
> >> > So, I suppose that's why you chose "Dell" as part of your moniker, eh?
> >> >
> >> > Another mass produced box with nothing special about it other than
> >> > slick
> >> > marketing.
> >> >
> >> > JT
> >> >
> >> > (in Austin where Dell (sweat shops) exist...)
> >> >
> >> > 1931 Studebaker President State Coupe
> >> > 1955 Studebaker President State Coupe
> >> > 1955 Studebaker President State Sedan
> >> > 1956 Studebaker (Commander) Power Hawk
> >> > 1964 Studebaker Champ (T-6)
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > DellDude wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> Well Grumpy,
> >> >>
> >> >> I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and if
> >> >> you
> >> >> want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will
> >> >> prove
> >> >> it
> >> >> to you.
> >> >>
> >> >> You can legally drive, right?
> >> >>
> >> >> There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
> >> >> understand how to properly put the car together. This means learning
> >> >> the
> >> >> facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was
> >> >> engineered
> >> >> to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is worn
> >> >> out.
> >> >> If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back
> >> >> together
> >> >> from junk parts than he will have a very capable car. Unfortunatly,
> >> >> about
> >> >> 85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking
> >> >> and
> >> >> drivablity.
> >> >>
> >> >> You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down the
> >> >> freeway
> >> >> you might begin to understand.
> >> >>
> >> >> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
> >> >> ...
> >> >> > Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > JT
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > DellDude wrote:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They are a
> >> >> >> work
> >> >> >> horse that was designed to last for many years.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no problem.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven the
> >> >> >> model
> >> >> >> A
> >> >> >> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will stop
> >> >> >> as
> >> >> >> good
> >> >> >> as the tires will allow.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable of
> >> >> >> driving
> >> >> >> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple little
> >> >> >> car
> >> >> >> was
> >> >> >> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams of
> >> >> >> each
> >> >> >> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals for
> >> >> >> strength
> >> >> >> and lightness.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most
> >> >> >> people
> >> >> >> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes or
> >> >> >> center
> >> >> >> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums were
> >> >> >> not
> >> >> >> made
> >> >> >> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you can
> >> >> >> get
> >> >> >> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake
> >> >> >> system
> >> >> >> is
> >> >> >> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that complained
> >> >> >> that
> >> >> >> they
> >> >> >> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a panic
> >> >> >> brake
> >> >> >> situation in the A and it held its ground.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they just
> >> >> >> have
> >> >> >> never driven a car that was properly restored.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in
> >> >> >> minor
> >> >> >> accidents and throw the people out.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to learn
> >> >> >> more.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> > wrote in message
> >> >> >> oups.com...
> >> >> >> > Hi,
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I
> >> >> >> > live,
> >> >> >> > allegedly in excellent condition.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant and
> >> >> >> > tranny
> >> >> >> > work out as a regular driver?
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a
> >> >> >> > couple
> >> >> >> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I could
> >> >> >> > drop
> >> >> >> > a
> >> >> >> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent tig
> >> >> >> > welder,
> >> >> >> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too fragile
> >> >> >> > or
> >> >> >> > what-not.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Thanks.
> >> >> >> >

That is great. I used to drive a 68 Mustang daily, now I drive a Mercedes
daily. I drive the Mercedes for the fuel economy and the safety. The nice
little diesel gets me 25mpg in a full size luxury car and if anyone hits me
I expect to win. Do you have and wear seatbelts in you cars?


"Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
...
>I drive a Studebaker daily.
>
> JT
>
>
>
>
> DellDude wrote:
>>
>> Humm
>>
>> People were still driving Model A's everyday long after Studebaker went
>> out
>> of business.
>>
>> So I guess the Studebaker was hand built and not massed produced to be a
>> low
>> cost car for the masses?
>>
>> Like I said. Open your mind and try driving a properly restored car for
>> a
>> change. So how often have you checked that all the wheel cylinders are
>> actually functioning in your cars. Have you ever driven one of your cars
>> with a wheel cylinder not working 100%? Are you sure you are getting
>> 100%
>> shoe contact area?
>>
>> My guess is you have unless you are driving each car quite regularly.
>>
>> But I assume you are aware of the failure modes of hydrualic systems that
>> are not operated regularly. Almost every show I go to I talk with
>> someone
>> having hydraulic brake problems on their newer cars. Usually it is a
>> rear
>> wheel cylinder not operating or half operating.
>>
>> Yup the modern brake system are so much better. Plus you can throw them
>> in
>> half assed and they still seem to work ok even when you are only really
>> getting a fraction of the braking because the shoes do not fit the worn
>> drums. The model A's are older and not floating so you actually have to
>> take the time to put them together with some accuracy. But I am sure you
>> know all about how to make your brakes work great and if I were to pop
>> you
>> drums off I would find you arched the shoes to fit the drums and all the
>> wheel cylinders are working 100%.
>>
>> So what type of shop do you work in? You fixing chevy's everyday?
>>
>> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Call me ignorant if you want but when I shared this thread with some of
>> > the guys at the shop, some of 'em are still rolling on the floor.
>> >
>> > Enjoy your fantasy world... The rest of us prefer reality.
>> >
>> > JT
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > DellDude wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Well I guess should expect an ignorant response from someone calling
>> >> himself
>> >> Grumpy.
>> >>
>> >> When you can't argue the subject you decide to attack the person.
>> >> This
>> >> is a
>> >> sign of a person who has some issues and is a negative aspect of this
>> >> hobby.
>> >>
>> >> FYI, Like you I choose to be somewhat anonymous on this very public
>> >> forum
>> >> to
>> >> keep the spam junk in check. You will find the email address leads
>> >> you
>> >> to
>> >> me.
>> >>
>> >> I have been learning about the correct ways to rebuild Ford cars for
>> >> the
>> >> last 25 years. I have had to teach many an old timer new tricks about
>> >> their
>> >> cars they have been fiddlin with for many years. It is neat to see
>> >> their
>> >> faces when they drive a properly restored car for the first time and
>> >> learn
>> >> they do work better when put together right.
>> >>
>> >> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in message
>> >> ...
>> >> > After fiddlin' with antique, special interest, classic cars for the
>> >> > past
>> >> > forty years, I stand on my record.
>> >> >
>> >> > 1. A model A would be a **** poor choice for a daily driver.
>> >> >
>> >> > 2. They were mass produced and cheaply made.
>> >> >
>> >> > 3. The braking system was inferior to just about every other brand.
>> >> >
>> >> > So, I suppose that's why you chose "Dell" as part of your moniker,
>> >> > eh?
>> >> >
>> >> > Another mass produced box with nothing special about it other than
>> >> > slick
>> >> > marketing.
>> >> >
>> >> > JT
>> >> >
>> >> > (in Austin where Dell (sweat shops) exist...)
>> >> >
>> >> > 1931 Studebaker President State Coupe
>> >> > 1955 Studebaker President State Coupe
>> >> > 1955 Studebaker President State Sedan
>> >> > 1956 Studebaker (Commander) Power Hawk
>> >> > 1964 Studebaker Champ (T-6)
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > DellDude wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Well Grumpy,
>> >> >>
>> >> >> I put my money where my mouth is. I am near Atlantic City, NJ and
>> >> >> if
>> >> >> you
>> >> >> want to come try a model A that does all I say email me and I will
>> >> >> prove
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> to you.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> You can legally drive, right?
>> >> >>
>> >> >> There is no secret stuff to smoke. It is all in taking the time to
>> >> >> understand how to properly put the car together. This means
>> >> >> learning
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> facts and ignoring people who are just guessing. The model A was
>> >> >> engineered
>> >> >> to drive well and becuase of that it will also drive when it is
>> >> >> worn
>> >> >> out.
>> >> >> If a restorer actually restores the car rather than piece it back
>> >> >> together
>> >> >> from junk parts than he will have a very capable car.
>> >> >> Unfortunatly,
>> >> >> about
>> >> >> 85% of the A's I see have obvious problems that would limit braking
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> drivablity.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> You dont have to believe me, but when I pass you running 55 down
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> freeway
>> >> >> you might begin to understand.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> "Grumpy AuContraire" > wrote in
>> >> >> message
>> >> >> ...
>> >> >> > Would you share the secret of that stuff you're smoking?
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > JT
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> >
>> >> >> > DellDude wrote:
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> The Model A is not the cute little toy they seem to be. They
>> >> >> >> are a
>> >> >> >> work
>> >> >> >> horse that was designed to last for many years.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> A properly restored Model A will run 55MPH all day long no
>> >> >> >> problem.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> A far as brakes, well I would say 95% of those who have driven
>> >> >> >> the
>> >> >> >> model
>> >> >> >> A
>> >> >> >> have never driven one with properly rebuilt brakes. The will
>> >> >> >> stop
>> >> >> >> as
>> >> >> >> good
>> >> >> >> as the tires will allow.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Most people fail to restore their cars so that they are capable
>> >> >> >> of
>> >> >> >> driving
>> >> >> >> as designed (yes it was designed to run 55 MPH). The simple
>> >> >> >> little
>> >> >> >> car
>> >> >> >> was
>> >> >> >> assembled with a balanced engine (the rods were made +-2 grams
>> >> >> >> of
>> >> >> >> each
>> >> >> >> other) and all the parts were carefully made of selected metals
>> >> >> >> for
>> >> >> >> strength
>> >> >> >> and lightness.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> The brakes are probably the most maligned part of the car. Most
>> >> >> >> people
>> >> >> >> assemble them with worn parts. Then they do not arch the shoes
>> >> >> >> or
>> >> >> >> center
>> >> >> >> them so they do not get full contact on the drums. The drums
>> >> >> >> were
>> >> >> >> not
>> >> >> >> made
>> >> >> >> to be cut and most found today are worn beyond safe limits, you
>> >> >> >> can
>> >> >> >> get
>> >> >> >> excellent cast reproduction drums to use. Then the whole brake
>> >> >> >> system
>> >> >> >> is
>> >> >> >> not adjusted as Ford had intended.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> I have been out with people in their fifties cars that
>> >> >> >> complained
>> >> >> >> that
>> >> >> >> they
>> >> >> >> could not keep up my brothers model A. I have also been in a
>> >> >> >> panic
>> >> >> >> brake
>> >> >> >> situation in the A and it held its ground.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> If anyone tells you that the A cant run fast or stop than they
>> >> >> >> just
>> >> >> >> have
>> >> >> >> never driven a car that was properly restored.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> Seatbelts are a must in the A as the doors like to fling open in
>> >> >> >> minor
>> >> >> >> accidents and throw the people out.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> I suggest you wander over to ahooga.com and fordbarn.com to
>> >> >> >> learn
>> >> >> >> more.
>> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> > wrote in message
>> >> >> >> oups.com...
>> >> >> >> > Hi,
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > I have been seeing some nice Model A's for sale around where I
>> >> >> >> > live,
>> >> >> >> > allegedly in excellent condition.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > My question is would a model A with an original power plant
>> >> >> >> > and
>> >> >> >> > tranny
>> >> >> >> > work out as a regular driver?
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > I don't drive to work, so "regular" means to the supermarket a
>> >> >> >> > couple
>> >> >> >> > times a week, on sort of beat-up city roads, no highway.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > I was thinking if the engine or tranny does eventually, I
>> >> >> >> > could
>> >> >> >> > drop
>> >> >> >> > a
>> >> >> >> > toyota 4 cylinder pickup engine/tranny in there (I'm decent
>> >> >> >> > tig
>> >> >> >> > welder,
>> >> >> >> > so I shouldn't have too much trouble with this).
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > I really don't much about these cars, maybe they are too
>> >> >> >> > fragile
>> >> >> >> > or
>> >> >> >> > what-not.
>> >> >> >> >
>> >> >> >> > Thanks.
>> >> >> >> >

DellDude wrote:
>
> That is great. I used to drive a 68 Mustang daily, now I drive a Mercedes
> daily. I drive the Mercedes for the fuel economy and the safety. The nice
> little diesel gets me 25mpg in a full size luxury car and if anyone hits me
> I expect to win. Do you have and wear seatbelts in you cars?
>
>

Yes.

JT