Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Which is better, an apple or an orange?

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Model A's, because I love 'em, period....

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

As far as parts availability,Beside the fact that I've got lots of them, I figure model A parts are more readily available and more reasonable in price.. After owning and fixing my own model A's for over 50 years, I can fix model A's easier..If I could keep the model A and had the choice of buying a V8 or buying another model A I would buy the V8.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I would have to say the A,just because they take up less room to store in the winter.I have three A's on the road right now,but really only use one at a time.The idea of having a bunch of A's sounds like fun,but after 30 years or more of taking halfway care of them it gets old.Right now I'm on the lookout to trade my unrestored standard roadster for a pre-war flathead to drive.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

We can't choose your mind for you. You have to think about what YOU want, and what YOU are going to use it for.
I have both. For me, I like the model A better. Some personal reasons, but also it is more primitive, so not everyone can drive it, but not as primitive as Model T (I love them too) but is it getting very limited in areas to drive a T without putting people at risk, because of all the self centered brats on the road.
My A is fast to figure out a problem, and usually I can fix it. It looks great, as aerodynamic as a brick, but people just love to stand and look at them. At most shows, you will see more people looking at the A's.
I have fun with it. When I have friends who have never ridden in one, I have them climb in and I go over some railroad tracks at about 40. Years later I will have a guy come to me and say, "Do you remember taking my father and me in your car? When we hit those tracks I thought we were airborne". So 20 years later, they still remember it.
Model A owners tend to hold onto what we have. At the opening of the Museum (Yes, not an unbiased population) the had everyone hold up their hands; they asked you to take your hand down as they counted down the years; "How many have owned you car 5 years or less lower your hands, 10 years, 20 years......" They got to 70. I have had mine 40 years, I'm a newbe.
My V8 is fairly new to me, and is very different than most any V8 you will ever see. It's in great condition, National Best of show winner. I really like it. I enjoy it. But if I am forced down to one, model A stays.
Get the car that you like, that makes you feel good, that makes your heart skip a beat, that brings back a memory, that you want to see in your driveway. If you like the V8, go for it. They are great cars.
Then please post a photo of what you have chosen.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

exactly!!!

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I would cheat and find a way to get both.

Never too old to have a happy childhood.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

The answer depends on which forum you post the question.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

the v/8, smoother, more power,a lot easier to rebuild with out the babbited rods and mains, and in my opinion more reliable, and some of the pretties body styles ever producded

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Which one pulls your trigger ?

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

In order for a fair answer I must have more info.

Model As span four years with many different body styles .
Pre war V8 spans 10 years with a lot of changes .

Questions , how big are you and what will you use the car for ??
Do you have family riding with you etc , ???

Now if you have a chance to buy a 32- 35 coupe , original , restored for what you can buy an A model for then , I would get the V8

Tell us more

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I would love a 34 Ford V8 Coupe -However based on the current prices of these and Model A's (at least in New Zealand) I could buy three or four nice Model A's for the cost of one nice 1934. Would I like the 34 more than 3 or 4 Model A's -Not sure . Academic really as I don't have the funds for either currently-Karl

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

As this is a Model A forum I'm assuming you are asking about what to place in the Model A body style.


I own a model a and as such I like the A engine. If I owned a Hot Rod I would choose a flat head V8.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I own a hot rod and chose a Model A engine :)

Let's not forget that the A & B motors were THE hot ticket on the dry lakes in the late 30's!

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

You can basically build a Model A out of a catalog. I don't know of any of the post-war flathead cars that have that kind of support.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Personally I think your age has to come into play here. I, myself may have to make this decision in the spring. I am presently going thru an infected hip revision (orig oper was 8-7-13, new hip 12-6-13) and the going is slow. Much muscle tissue was removed from left leg due to pseudo tumors. The recovery is going much slower than the 1st time about 9 yrs ago. Now the question becomes will I be able to get into my tudor and operate the clutch, perform maintainance and crawl under it OR do I need to look for something with bigger doors and more seat room (there goes the T bucket) or get into something even newer that a fat ford but distinctly different??
There's plenty of A AND flathead knowledge here on the board and plenty of flathead body and mech parts avail. JMO FWIW
Paul in CT

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Hicktick, over 6 foot tall and 200 pounds. Size 12 shoes.

The '36 Ford I slid into today was definitely easier to get into than any Model A!

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I am 6'3 and have a Tudor Model A. I moved the seat back on rails that I made. Has plenty of room and I have driven a 4,000 mile trip to Montana.
It is easy to make a 2 door sedan fit. The roadster hot rod I am building is tighter. I guess if you want an A you can make it work,same with the V8's.

Have fun deciding.

John

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Body style would narrow down the decision... even then your opinion will most likely differ from mine or everyone elses. So tell us... what vehicles are you asking about?

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Actually the main reason I'm looking into getting a later 30's Ford is that I can't drive a closed A more than a few minutes with the windows up.I'm not that big,but my shoulders give me troubles.A lifetime of working on heavy equipment,operating it,driving trucks,building,concrete work,dirt work,etc,have given me some strange shoulder joints.They're not really a problem,I just have to have my arms out from the sides of my body at all times.If I tuck my arms against my side,like driving a closed A,my arm tries to pivot on the muscle under my armpit,and that tries to pull the arm out of the socket.I can drive open A's,or closed A's all day with the window down,as long as my arm can stick out.Three miles in a closed A with the window up is about the limit for me.I've driven a 36 and a 39 quite a lot and they have just the right amount of room I need.The power and speed of the A is not a problem for me.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Av8 would have the best of both worlds,but there's nothing like say a 40 fordor for comfort and power. They ride so much nicer than model as

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I live in sunny Southern California, so for me a Roadster is the body style of choice. I have a 1925 Model T Roadster ("Runabout") in original paint (what's left of it), and a '31 Model A Roadster. The one step up from it would be a stock 1932 Deuce Roadster, preferably with the Flathead V8, not the B 4-banger engine. The problem is, a T Roadster costs about $15K, an A Roadster $20K, and a B Roadster $75K.

Anything later than '32 is too modern for me.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Don't get me wrong, I love my A, but a 39 or 40 coupe would be very tempting. Far as parts go the A is more affordable. And it is a nice car.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I have two A's and a '41 Fordor. The '41 has a factory two-speed rear end, and is a comfort to drive. It would be difficult to choose. Sort of like having to choose which child you would keep.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Looking at a '31 Roadster vs. a '36 Coupe five window.

Model A's look to be 'easier' to work on, parts look to be a lot better and cheaper to come by, more good repo parts out there vs. what they have for the flatties....Father-in-Law with a '30 Coupe reminded me today 'You can pretty well get home on a Model A with basic mechanical knowledge, the A won't let you down'.

Thanks for all the comments helps a lot!

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I own a 28 roadster and a 40 tudor. I've driven both in the past as my only daily drivers and would have to say the 40 wins hands down in speed, comfort, ease of driving and dependability. I have had no problem with parts availability for either one. That leaves style, which is a personal preference. I have trouble deciding if a 28 or 40 is the best looking cars ever made. If and when I ever get to retire I will own nothing later than a 40.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

LOL, I once said my 62 Chevy would be my newest car, but when we started getting ripped at the gas pump I needed something with good fuel economy, so I now own mostly 1980 to 1999 cars.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Looks like we are drifting away from the Flathead issue, but since we're doing it, let me tell you that I wrote about this very subject a few years back:

http://www.californiaclassix.com/Bernard/NewCars.html

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I couldnt decide either.... So I built a '30 coupe with a Flathead :D

To answer your question in my opinion. I was brought up around Model A's from the day I was brought home from the hospital. I came home in a '31 Standard Phaeton in 1984. So Im rather partial to them myself. But I was also extremely fascinated by Flathead V8s as well. So I guess the decision is up to you and your personal preference. There are strong support groups behind both sides. Model As are a bit more plentiful and popular, but early V8s are nice too!

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I have one of each and the "A" has more availability of finding parts. The V8 I have to hunt and that takes time and I get impatient!

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I also have one of each, and it's like apples and oranges to me as well. My Tudor was my first car, and I'll never part with it. It generates many smiles per mile (mine, my passengers, and many observers). My '39 Deluxe Fordor is very different, but I love it as well. Either way, you can't lose.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

I bought my first Model A in '66 and have owned several through the years. The lines and overall look of a Model A are just right. I overlooked the issue of not quite fitting into one. I'm 6'4" and 225 lb.

Then I visited a friend who has a '36 Flathead. The fit was good. The power for these two lane Montana roads was there. I started looking at the V8's. Their look started to grow on me.

Last year I sold one of my A's and a trailer full of "A" parts and bought a '39 Coupe. It is eleven years younger than my Model A. Improvements obviously were made but the basic car isn't all that much different.

If possible, drive a Model A for a week and then drive a V8 for a week. Afterwards you will have the answer that is right for you.

Re: Model A vs. Flathead quandry
 

Like others here have said, I also own both and enjoy them both. I've owned my '30 Model A Phaeton longer and thus have driven it more and done more with it. If I was only going to own one and decided on a Model A, it wouldn't be a Phaeton because weather impacts the usability of a windowless vehicle. But when the weather is good, it's a lot fun to drive, top up or down. If I had to pick one between the two I have right, I'd keep the '48 mainly for the reason above. Fortunately I don't have to choose and plan to keep both for a long time.

I will have to admit that being a big guy, the Model A isn't nearly as comfortable as my '48 to fit into and to drive around in. But the Model A is more of an attention grabber and you'll find people waving to you as they see you go by.