Pimp my ride . . .

[jim galli]

All the cowl lights on '29 tudors and other stuff that no one dreamed of putting cowl lights on a generation ago just bugs me.

Showing my age...

rant mode; -off-

[Tom Wesenberg]

I agree. I don't like changing the original looks of the car. Stone guards is another thing takes away from the good looks of the radiator IMHO.

[jim galli]

Ha ha, got me in one post. My late '31 coupe has a cheap modern radiator core (slated to be replaced at some point with the original) and I was planning on covering it up with a stone guard

[Dusty]

I don't get it what are people thinking



Kicking back in WV checking out the chrome beauty rings from Snyders

dusty

[christian]

Go big or go home right Dusty? Love that dual green by the way, looks great even if Henry never painted em like that.

[mass A man]

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I remember seeing a big Packard phaeton, maybe a '29 or '30, that was silver with red trim and had a red undercarriage. Under fenders and all. I was told by the owner it was a custom, original Packard paint scheme. Dusty, you would've loved it.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by mass A man

I remember seeing a big Packard phaeton, maybe a '29 or '30, that was silver with red trim and had a red undercarriage. Under fenders and all. I was told by the owner it was a custom, original Packard paint scheme. Dusty, you would've loved it.

When my dad and I visited Germany in 1987 most of the trucks I saw had the undercarriages painted red. I liked it and thought it looked much better than black.

[BashawT]

To each his own. I just love cars. Original or modified.

[Pat Martone]

I agree with you, Tom.
I think the radiator shells are a thing of beauty on the Model A, but mine is hidden by the stainless steel stone guard because my radiator old, worn, and not as pretty as the stainless steel radiator shell on my 31 Slant Fordor.

[Tinbasher]

Most cars up to 1912 had the fenders and chassis painted the same colour and the body was a contrasting colour like the Packard idea. The Pinstripe was the chassis colour also. Nothing I like better than a 1929 Cord L-29 Cabriolet that has a silver frame, fenders, body with burgandy mouldings and a silver pinstripe. Yup I love the 1927 to 1934 era of cars.
But my 28 Sports Coupe will have to do!!!!!

The Old Tinbasher

[28ACoupe]

This ranks right up there with 12v, and juice brake conversions.

[jim galli]

I don't care about the unseen stuff. I just think cowl lights on a '28-29 pickup, tudor, coupe, whatever else didn't have a bump in the hood, looks dorky. It doesn't add a thing. It subtracts. Dusty, you could have got big bucks for that coupe in Vegas . . except Liberace's dead.

[Bob-A]

Most if not all high-end cars {Packard, Cadillac, Lincoln, etc.} of the Model-A era had stock paint schemes for their cars. But, usually these cars were special order customs and you could get "any" paint color pattern/scheme you wanted for a price. Also, custom nickled or chrome engine and chassie componets were available for the customer's wishes.

"I have Packard dreams with Model-A Realities"

Bob-A

[Napa Skip]

Sad that some have to settle for Packards, Cadillacs, Cords, etc., instead of a nice Model A. They don't know what they're missing...

[midgetracer]

I love those cowl lights. I have a 30 std phaeton and a 31 pickup with cowl lights. The more lights the better i say. I won't let this rant die.

[mass A man]

I don't have cowl lights on my pickup, but does a spididle Cat's Eye on the front count?

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by Napa Skip

Sad that some have to settle for Packards, Cadillacs, Cords, etc., instead of a nice Model A. They don't know what they're missing...

Yeah it must be rough to settle! I love all old cars and the aftermarket industry has been there since day 2. I truly believe that there is a seat for every ass. There was a truly pimped out fordoor at the NorCal roundup. Everything stainless was plated brass the car was all white with red velour guts!!!! Totally Pimped out!!! Not my thing but I bet the owner loves it and its another A on the road. It's not like my opinion matters anyway. It's your car do what you want

[jr-41ford]

Originally Posted by Dusty

I don't get it what are people thinking



Kicking back in WV checking out the chrome beauty rings from Snyders

dusty

I like those beauty rings, but I don't like the price.

Spokane Swap Meet is tomorrow, maybe I might find a set there. I'm actually trying to find a set for my 15" Gennie wheels.

[stallerl]

I agree, a simple clean un-accessorized Model A looks the best. But as it's been said "each to their own". We have a guy in our club that has a Model A with just about every accessory available. Some may think it's over the top but what's neat about him and his car is that he drives his car everyday, everywhere he goes! How can that be wrong!

[FL&WVMIKE]

I "restored" my "A" Model, back in the early 60s, when the restored Cadillacs, Pierce Arrows, Packards, etc., were all driven to local Car Shows.
The thinking was, you just had to "keep up".
If you were to drive just a plain ole "A" Model, which is thought of so much, today, you were thought of, as not really trying. Welled fenders, cowl lights, trunk racks and any accessory were all, at a premium. Back then, these items were what separated the "restored" "A" Models from the "run of the mill" cars.
You just had to be there.
MIKE
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE - Twice

[SeaSlugs]

personally to me i appreciate the fully origional styled cars(of all eras - goes for muscle cars too) the highest.

now if its got period accessories or parts on it and it still looks clean i like it.

one thing that kinda urks me is a bone stock origional styled lets say 57 chevy - ya know exterior is stock looking, interior stock looking then they seem to give up and get some basic new american racing rims and run of the mill tires... its like take the extra time to get restored wheels! now i dont mind it if they are aftermarket rims from that cars era or if thier on hotrods.

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by christian

Go big or go home right Dusty? Love that dual green by the way, looks great even if Henry never painted em like that.

Right on, if you can't run with the big dogs than stay on the porch Your right about Henry, I haven't shared this with many but I have had visions of him visiting my bedroom at night....don't know what that's all about

Preparing for another long night in WV

dusty

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by jr-41ford

I like those beauty rings, but I don't like the price.

Spokane Swap Meet is tomorrow, maybe I might find a set there. I'm actually trying to find a set for my 15" Gennie wheels.

I don't like it ether but bling has its price

dusty

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by jim galli

I don't care about the unseen stuff. I just think cowl lights on a '28-29 pickup, tudor, coupe, whatever else didn't have a bump in the hood, looks dorky. It doesn't add a thing. It subtracts. Dusty, you could have got big bucks for that coupe in Vegas . . except Liberace's dead.

Speaking of Liberace, I wonder if his golden candelabra would make a good radiator cap

Hey, I love all you guys(and gals) and for the ones that can't see the forest because of the green on green???? Well that's their problem


Dreaming they made 24K gold plated accessories for Model A's in WV

dusty

P.S. gold sure would be purrty on green

[dave in australia]

If cowl lights were available to be purchased and installed in 1929, what is the difference between that and choosing different style wheels, after it leaves the showroom for a car today. Just because it wasn't done in 1929 on that particular car, but done in 2013 makes no difference to me. A little bit of personalization makes it the owners car. As for the stone guard, after losing a radiator to rocks kicked up by vehicles going the other way, I think you'll change your mind about them. I even have a set of headlight protectors on my A. Some of the roads I drive on are not exactly freeway standard.

[jim galli]

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Show me a picture done pre- 1960 of a standard 1929 car with cowl lights. Nobody did that. It looks dumb. Town car's and Cabriolet's. Now '30 - '31 are tolerable. Because of the depression Ford was upgrading the cars. Deluxe car at the standard price. Get them into the showroom. But puh-leez, not on a pickup truck.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by jim galli

... cowl lights... But puh-leez, not on a pickup truck.

Pickups and trucks are where I see them the most.

[FL&WVMIKE]

JEEEZ !
Why do some people get so anal as to what, someone else does to their own car ?
MIKE

[jim galli]

Maybe I'll market some fake Duesenberg pipes coming out of the hood sides for Model A's. Bet I could make a million bucks. Maybe some of those gangsta wheel things that keep spinning when the car is stopped. Under fender lamps for the wheels of course. I mean why stop at stupid looking cowl lamps!!

[Rock Hornbuckle]

My skinny girlfriend likes cowl lights and my fat girlfriend doesn't. I'm trying to please both of them, so the coupe has no cowl lights and the sedan does. I just keep trying !

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by jim galli

Maybe I'll market some fake Duesenberg pipes coming out of the hood sides for Model A's. Bet I could make a million bucks. Maybe some of those gangsta wheel things that keep spinning when the car is stopped. Under fender lamps for the wheels of course. I mean why stop at stupid looking cowl lamps!!

I can't stop laughing!!! Otherwise ,I can't touch this. insert smiley face!!

[SLPreston53]

I live in LA and actually drive my As regularly in the traffic that is LA...while I agree that cowl lights on 28-29 is somewhat of a distraction, I put them on my 29 Tudor as an additional safety factor...they were my VISIBLE turn signal lights. I also have hallogen bulbs in my headlights for the same reason (visibility in traffic). With hallogen bulbs, you cannot see signals that are converted park lamp bulbs. And I HATE the look of those very modern looking lights added between the bumper bars, etc. So, I put on cowl lights to have visible, and less ugly signal lights.

[Bob Bidonde]

I started out as a purist in 1962 when I drove my first Model A, but that didn't last long. Driving a Model A for any distance on modern roads necessitates some changes:
> turn signals;
> right side tail light light;
> LED stop lights;
> outside rear view mirror;
> seat belts;
> alternator;
> traffic light finder;
> better & safe cooling fan.

[midgetracer]

Jim, Can I put in an advance order for a set of Duesenberg pipes. I would also not put stupid looking cowl lights on my pickup. My pickup has the repro smart looking cowl lights. What a difference. No stupid ones for me!!!!!

[jim galli]

I'm no purist. I drove my roadster to the Columbia River and back in May. 1860 miles. C Motor. Full pressure. Downdraft 81. Borg overdrive. 16" wheels. 12V Alternator Halogen system.

I carried a full compliment of antique cameras and lenses. 8X10. And I carried everything in an expando on the running board, nothing newer than 1935, so it would look "right". Leather suitcase with straps. Hardboard camera case.

There's probably a name for my condition. You'd all just say anal retentive. I just like stuff to "look right". Cowl lights on '29 cars and any of the commercials, just

don't look right.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by jim galli

... C Motor...

[Napa Skip]

Well, like the blonde said when spotting a banana peel on the sidewalk up ahead, "Here we go again..."

[Clem Clement]

I'm guessing youse guys won't like my 1939 peeekup. Momma's side has beauty rims and 3 WWW. My side has black walls. The curb scratchers and on my side as "Momma's she don't want no stinkin curb scratchers." Momma's side hub caps match as do my side, but... My fog lights came off my former 40 Merc and the starter button is from my former '54 Merc. The spare tire has a hubcounter on it , but it doesn't seem to work. I'm planning to install dual oil filters and dual spares: Cleaner and safer is gooder!

[Mike V. Florida]

I know a guy that bought a '26 T because it had a dozen period accessories on it.

[Rock Hornbuckle]

Wow! I thought my ex wife was opinionated! But, she did like the same tires and oil wt that I did...oh well, we did have two things in common. Now what's this about cowl lights?

[ursus]

I was looking over a guy's Tudor in the parking lot of a swap meet one day, complimenting the nice paint, all original in appearance, etc. He told me that he had to replace the engine and installed a used one that he wasn't too happy with. He went on to say that it was actually an excellent running motor but had "some issues". Then he pulled open the hood to reveal a stock engine that had every single part painted a different color, like a carnival clown. He planned to repaint it when he had the time. What were they thinking?

[insomniacshotrods]

You mean lights like this? Seen this on craigslist. Lights bugged me and the red interior has to go,but all in all a nice car and at $7750 its getting down enough someone will buy it.

[Russ B]

I am not a fan of cowl lights, but want front turn signals, somehow. I might try some small, body color painted light to put low and out of the way near the radiator splash apron. I don't like the radiator stone guards either, but might use one to hide a new non-standard radiator core that I hate the looks of even more. The quail is enough exterior bling for me, along with a second tail light.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I DON'T have to please anybuddy but ME & Buster T (NICE CAR!) Bill W.

[jim galli]

dahlstrom's garage

Whoa! Computer was down for a couple a days. Managed to get the coupe together and take it on a shakedown run to Goldfield, NV.

Notice that I DO like cowl lights! The ones that Henry put there. Also notice, THEY LOOK RIGHT

BTW, don't adjust your TV, antique cameras with soft focus portrait lenses from about a hunnert years ago are my other expensive bad habit.

[Purdy Swoft]

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I notice that you also like running board step plates.

[jim galli]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I notice that you also like running board step plates.

I like most accessories. Some things just don't look right. Would you drive around with 21 inch wheels on a late '31 coupe? How 'bout phaeton wind wings on a tudor sedan? Or maybe dual sidemounts with a spare in the back. Of course not, it looks stupid.

I think little accessory fender lamps would make better turn signals than '29 deluxe cowl lamps on a standard '29 car.

Aesthetics. Sure aren't many folks that 'get it' these days. Don't worry, my hair's white and I'll be dead soon. Then the new generation can whore up their cars without me making a fuss.

[Purdy Swoft]

No worry and no harm meant, I really do understand your point. My cars are plain Jane standard models. I do like a few accessories like candy striped gear shift knobs, inside temperature gauges and some period correct engine accessories. I've got a kick out of this thread!!! Especially the mention of the spinning gangsta hubcaps.

[Allanw]

Technically, these ARE cowl lights on a 29 Tudor... They were just of a 32 V8 wagon(?) No "modern" plastic turn signals here!

[jim galli]

somewhere west of frenchglen, oregon

16" wheels "look" fine. 17's in back 16's in front, even better. Me, up in Hart Mountain Antelope reserve, May of this year. A wet day.

[Super88]

Vehicles have been modified and accessorized since the beginning and are as much of automotive history as showroom stock ones are. The hobby is large enough for everyone's personal tastes.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Super88

Vehicles have been modified and accessorized since the beginning and are as much of automotive history as showroom stock ones are. The hobby is large enough for everyone's personal tastes.

What he said!

[Purdy Swoft]

I guess that it is just a matter of personal taste. I do mine the way that I like. I figure that as long as it can be easily removed and replaced without holes being drilled, no real damage is done. Sixteen inch wheels look just as bad as cowl lights on the coupe pillared 28-29 models. The wheels can be easily swapped. The cowl lights require holes to be drilled.

[jim galli]

Originally Posted by Super88

Vehicles have been modified and accessorized since the beginning and are as much of automotive history as showroom stock ones are. The hobby is large enough for everyone's personal tastes.

Originally Posted by CarlG

What he said!

Obvious as a belly button. Still, even with New York and the left coast working against me, I haven't lost my right to free speech . . yet . . so, every now and again, I'll post my views.

Funny how many nerves I seemed to hit.

Don't worry. Be happy.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I guess that it is just a matter of personal taste. I do mine the way that I like. I figure that as long as it can be easily removed and replaced without holes being drilled, no real damage is done. Sixteen inch wheels look just as bad as cowl lights on the coupe pillared 28-29 models. The wheels can be easily swapped. The cowl lights require holes to be drilled.

I agree, and that's why my 1928 Phaeton won't have wind wings as long as I own it. It never had the holes and I won't drill them. I really don't mind the looks of wind wings on open cars, but I also don't think they make that much difference, and they are in the way of side curtains.

My Phaeton came just as plain as Ford built it, and I like the looks of it that way.

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by jim galli

Obvious as a belly button. Still, even with New York and the left coast working against me, I haven't lost my right to free speech . . yet . . so, every now and again, I'll post my views.

Funny how many nerves I seemed to hit.

Don't worry. Be happy.

No nerves hit here! In post number 47 you asked would I run 21 inch wheels on a 1931 coupe? Of course not, it would look out of place. Sixteen inch wheels look just as out of place on a 29 roadster. It really depends on the look that you prefer. To a purist it would look bad either way. I'm a do em like you want em kind of guy. I've got a strip down 30 model A truck that I run with no fenders, it has 700x16 mud grips on the back and 600X16 on the front. I mostly prefer the appearance of original. Accessories like a Trojan dual updraft intake manifold and a Fumaze breather are also good in my book

As a retired bodyman, I can't help but think how I would hate to have to repair the damage caused by cowl lights on a 28-29 tudor, coupe, roadster or truck!!

[30ccpickup]

When I was sixteen I dreamed of putting a 426 Hemi in a 1931 pickup, making it a sleeper (whereas: it looked original, but would blow anything off the road). Thank God my taste has changed. At 49, I entered this hobby with no knowledge of Model A’s. When purchased, both my A’s were/are slightly pimped, with dual side mounts, cowl lights and step plates. In hindsight, I wish I knew more before the purchase, but it is too late, I already named them.

Paul

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

... a Fumaze breather are also good in my book...

It took me 3 years of searching, but I finally now have installed a Fumaze on my PU a couple of weeks ago. Sure cleaned up the left side of the engine.

[Purdy Swoft]

I like the one that I have, it works good and I like the look. It seems that the prices for Fumaze breathers have really went up since we started talking about then a while back. I guess we've gotta be careful what we say. insert smiley face.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I like the one that I have, it works good and I like the look. It seems that the prices for Fumaze breathers have really went up since we started talking about then a while back. I guess we've gotta be careful what we say. insert smiley face.

Well.........you could talk about my pay check!

Oh, wait......I don't get a pay check.

[columbiA]

The 28-29 ,s just don"t look right to me,especially on the coupe7 2-door sedan models.The 30-31 cars have much better looking cowl lamps & I have a 30 deluxe coupe with the original cowl lamps.If it had been the std model,I would have left it that way. JMHO

[Super88]

No nerve hit here either Jim. Everyone is entitled to their opinion as much as they are entitled to finish their vehicle as they wish.

[Elcastor]

Originally Posted by jim galli

somewhere west of frenchglen, oregon

16" wheels "look" fine. 17's in back 16's in front, even better. Me, up in Hart Mountain Antelope reserve, May of this year. A wet day.

Jim,

I am impressed that you took your Model A to Hart Mountain. Most people here on Ford Barn have no idea how remote that area is. Did you go in from the East or the West? There is that long, steep grade on the West that would be a challenge going either direction.

Ben

[jim galli]

Originally Posted by Elcastor

Jim,

I am impressed that you took your Model A to Hart Mountain. Most people here on Ford Barn have no idea how remote that area is. Did you go in from the East or the West? There is that long, steep grade on the West that would be a challenge going either direction.

Ben

Hi Ben. West. Fort Bidwell, Adel, Plush, Hart mountain, and I spent the night and supp't with the birders at the French Glen Hotel. I was quite alone, and had the time of my life. Here's an image from the 8X10 camera next day at Brothers.

old station, brothers, oregon

Do you have some images of the Martin-Parry on line? The roadster made it through, but I'd never punish a wooden body on that road!

[jim galli]

Just realized the '28 restoration is all your pics. Wow!

[jim galli]

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Model A Tow Truck with Mohair interior and carpets. There y'go. No pics, so have to use my imagination on the wide whitewalls and cowl lights I'm sure it must have.

[Purdy Swoft]

What about dual side mount spares ??? Lots of model A's have been clowned up that way, some think that its a deluxe feature.

[jim galli]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

What about dual side mount spares ??? Lots of model A's have been clowned up that way, some think that its a deluxe feature.

Doesn't hit me quite the same, but you're right. Dual sidemount with whitewalls and little mirrors strapped to the top

Jim (who wishes his coupe had a single side mount spare so he could put heavy cameras in the trunk easier)