Model A Huckster Group
 

I started a Model A Huckster Group.

I know a Huckster is not a "true blue" Model A Ford type body but there are a number of them around. So all you "odd balls" let's join in together and share some ideas.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Well I'm not ready to join as of yet. I just got my 31 p.u home and he's going to begin the next stage of his life as a Huckster. I got my body plans which I'm going to do some tweeking to but will still (other than wood body) be a stock Model A. I would like to ask, do you have any good pic's of how the cowl meets the wood cab? Fitting the cowl isn't in the plans.
James Hitchcock
Visalia, Ca.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

I have a pair of hinges made for a huckster or woody. They are made correctly for a 1928-1929 style. Duplicated from an original set of hinges. Anyone interested, asking $300 plus shipping or I can deliver to French Lick, and I can send pics. 413-786-6318 after 6PM

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Me and a friend are building both the truck version and the panel truck version with their plans. The plans that we have are from 1995 so no DVD was available.The plans are easy to follow , and a person with even moderate wood working skills can have the body roughed together in a weekend. Getting it sitting on the frame also keeps you motivated because it looks like something ...Heck ... we even cut down the oak tree that we sawed up and had kiln dried for the lumber .This seems like the cheepest way to get into an "A"..... Oh , by the way , if you are very tall, don't forget to taylor the seating to fit yourself during your build


JIMI

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

"Oh , by the way , if you are very tall, don't forget to taylor the seating to fit yourself during your build"

This is very good advise. I am 6'2" and have a little problem getting my big feet in the door. I had the guy make the seat sit back a ways.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

New to the site and Model A's, I am bringing a 1930 Huckster back to life from being in a shed for 10 yrs.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Just finished the body building platform for my huckster. Using a 28-29 cowl and it will be powered by a 1975 Ford 1.8 SOHC engine with a 4-speed transmission.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

I am building a convert 1929 version ( 1950's mechanic Illustrated ) of a Huctster and or convert woody wagon...along the same lines for sure...A 2-dr. called an Estate Wagon...I have the original info from MI and an artist drawing 2'x4' for inspiration..

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

I remember that article...didn't they call it a "beach buggy or a beach wagon" or was that Pop Mechanics?

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Hey, I am interested!! Been loading pix of Hucksters from the internet and wondered if anyone has actual plans for Huckster bodies for an "A"?

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Hey Tinman1,
those might be the plans i've been looking for. how'd you get ahold of them ?

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Looks like it is on the way. Also looks like it is in good shape. Good luck.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Steve, if you are interested is getting one already built, I purchased mine form Lentville A's in Holland MI. They have a web site at www.lentville.com.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Hey all, I'm taking delivery on my new 1930 Huckster in the morning, from Lexington NC. I feel like a kid on Christmas eve! My first task will be doors. Can someone give me the dimensions of their doors? Thanks and it sure is nice to have found a Huckster group. Sincerely, Fritz

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Fritz, I'm building my Huckster Van from a set of plans and Video from the Wagon Works. I don't know if yours was built from the same plans ??

I just Finished Building and installed My Front doors about a week ago, the Height is 45" Width is 27". Glass size is 24' wide by 18' high. If I get time Tomorrow I'll take some Photos and Post them to this Thread. Good Luck on Building the Doors, little bit tricky doing the Dadoing and making the Original or Repo's Window Risers and Glass Channel work, but mine came out Great, if I say so myself. The Rear Doors were a Breeze, even with Oval Windows.

For those looking to purchase the Plans and Video, His name is Jay Cramer. He bought out the Plans and business from the Hudson Wagon Works of years ago. His Address is below, best time to reach him is after 7 PM est.

Wagon Works
213 SW Kline St.
Ankeny, Iowa 50023-2639
Tel. 515-964-5085

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

This is my second go round on building a Huckster. I'm doing a Wagon Works body with modifications. You need to buy both the DVD and the plans. Can't tell you how many times I get ready to do something using the plans and then double check the DVD only to find that the old boy changed his mind! I'm doing a tailgate like the original huckster and a glass lift gate using Jeep Wrangler hardware.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

I know they look great in natural wood but, in the day, weren't most of the originals painted? I think the wood was usually painted green.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

The Salt Creek Chapter of MAFCA owns this one. It has a Lentville body. The whole project took about 3 years.
Any club member can drive it. We refer to it as "The Pie Wagon".
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...ekPieWagon.jpg

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Here are the Photos of Progress of the Huckster Van I am Building. I still need to install the rear Door Handle and Locks, Plus put the Black Vinyl Top on. My Son is almost finished, with the Front, and Rear Fenders, which I will Paint Black. I still have a lot of Mechanical work to Finish up Also. But all Progress will Halt, Car is being Stored off Property, as I will be Wintering in Florida for the Winter as of Dec. 1st. Next spring I will finish it, than Trailer it to Florida to Use.

For these who want to Know about the Seat, It came out of a Dodge Mini Van, (Durango) Back seat, it was given to me. I used Fabric Dye to color it from Red to Black. As you can see it is 41" long and will fit the 44" inside space with 3" to spare. I built the Base out of Oak, the same height as the metal feet that were on it. I will anchor it to the Floor, using a Continuous Hinge, that way it can flip it up, and Store Tools, Jack and Spare Parts under it. It also came with Seat Belts already anchored in the seat, on the front, under the drivers side, where I will sit, I'll mount a Electrical Kill Switch.
This type of seat could be used for any Model A, if you don't have a Seat.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Nice looking Huckster. Looks like you are getting along well with it.

I have one of the "Pie" wagons as mentioned above. My pie wagon is used to haul grandkids in parades and other outings.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Fritz, it would seem like the dimensions would depend on how the rest of the body is built. I assume the huckster you are getting has some sort of body on it. So you may want to wait until you get the rig to determine the size of the doors. Also do you want to put windows in them? What kind? etc..

Anyway, good luck with your project. It is fun to have a rig like this. When going to shows a person quite often gets more interest in a huckster than a "standard" type of Model A because it is something different that people do not often see at shows.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Jazzjr, What a beautiful Huckster, and no better way to advertise your skills than the work in that jewel. Thanks for all the info. I have to go back and look at your pics again now ;)

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My doors are on and the vinyl black sides with clear for the rear are up and snapped in. I'm no cabinet maker but my brother is, so maybe my doors will last until he can do it up right. They look allright to me, sliding windows, and my measurements came out to be the same as Jazzjr had posted. Now i'll hang handles and peep mirrors. If i could only find a gas tank fix without removing the tank, got a few small drips and the black stuff in my filter cant be good for my motor if it gets through. I'm thinking of an auxillary tank.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

If i could only find a gas tank fix without removing the tank, got a few small drips and the black stuff in my filter cant be good for my motor if it gets through. I'm thinking of an auxillary tank.

I had the same problem. Had a small leak I could not get fixed and a bunch of stuff inside the tank. So I did take the tank out of the car even after I had the body on. Mine is a 29 so it was not that much of a problem-had to take the windshield out, all the bolts around the tank on the firewall, took the steering wheel mounting off. I did not have the wireing in yet so it was a little easer. But it came out rather easy. Then I cleaned it out well and got a coating kit from one of the vendors to coat the iniside. It stopped the leak and so far have had no trouble with it at all. With a little extra effort, I would think it would be worth it and so you would not have to get another tank.

If you need info on the kit I purchased, PM me and I will look it up.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Thanks Fred, I was reading up on sealers, by the way, love your rear bumpers. I removed a make shift bumper off mine today, stood there staring and thinking of doing what you just did. My tank removal looks to be one big project, wish i could cut into it, clean it and re-seal it. I wont run my motor from it any more, for now i'll run it off a 5 gal. plastic tank.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Tinman, Do you have the name, and date of publication for the original article in Mechanics Illustrated? The huckster is built different than the above examples. From around San Jose Calif and built years ago. Thanks, Bob

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Fresh from barn 1928 30 years in the barn

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tinman. would also like to read the mechanics illustrated article. can you post it? thanks, bob

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My early 29 (Schurmeier Whitney). A solid and unrestored 'driveable dream'.

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What a great looking vech.....what's a Schurmeier Whitney ?

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the coach builder for this canopy express huckster. this link contains some history. http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/s/schu...schurmeier.htm
http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...yExpressAd.jpg

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

I've owned a couple of Model A Ford Martin Parry vehicles.
I no longer own them, but here are some pictures.
One was a pickup and one was an estate wagon. There were both originally built by the Martin Parry Commercial body company and installed on new Model A chassis.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Dan, can you post more pictures of your huckster?? Great looking rig.

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Dan, can you post more pictures of your huckster?? Great looking rig

Sorry Dan, did not seeing your later post. Great pictures and nice rig. What are you going to do with it? Leave it the way it is??? or???

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

This will remain unrestored. here are a couple other shots. sorry need to use photo bucket links at the moment. http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...29truck005.jpg
http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...29truck011.jpg
http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...29truck015.jpg
http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...29truck013.jpg
http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...29truck019.jpg
http://s244.photobucket.com/albums/g...29truck018.jpg

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Bill, Is there a picture that you can show us?

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

I found the pictures. Very nice!

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I just bought this one a couple of months ago. Still real new to this hobby!

This one came from the movie The Thornbirds. Ended up for sale here in North Carolina and I couldn't pass it up. Don't know too much other than it came from the movie, no real history of the body or cowl section. The club here has great guys in it and they helped me put a new rebuilt motor in it along with a new clutch. No doubt...it gets it's fair amount of attention!

Re: Model A Huckster Group
 

Have fun with your new purchase. You will get a lot of attention with this kind of Model A. Kids at shows realy like this kind of car now days.

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In the third pics that´s Station wagon is your car Elcastor?