Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

Does anyone have any considerations about using the modern gear-reduction, 12 volt starter that is available for Model A's?
Thank you in advance.

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

I would assume they cost more than an original starter, and the more modern stuff you put on there and change the less it becomes a Model A. Just my opinion though. ;) Also I see you're in Grand Forks! I graduated UND (2003) and spent 7 years there between being a student and flight instructing for UND. Go SIOUX! :D

As a side note, I remember a history teacher at UND that taught a lot of history electives, and I nearly took a class from him but wound up taking Military history instead. After college when I inherited my Model A and dove in head first to the hobby and acquired a stack of restorer magazines and I saw that history teachers name in some articles and learned he's a Model A guy. I also see he's selling a cabriolet project in the latest restorer. Gordon Iseminger I think is his name. Do you know him? Anyhow in hindsight I should have taken classes from him! Then again at that time I liked Model A's and was interested in my grandfathers but mentally hadn't gotten to the stage of owning my grandfathers car and being involved in a car hobby to the extent I am now. I was more concerned with passing classes and not letting my students kill me in the airplane!

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

Doesn't look correct, costs more and is not needed. Is that enough?

Charlie Stephens

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

Ok, let's go the other way and let us ask you a couple questions please. What do YOU feel would be the biggest benefit, ...and why do YOU want one?

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

I agree that it does not look correct. As far as cost, I don't have a core to turn in, so it is not much difference in price. I will be going to 12 volt on everything else. Also, I occasionally drive it in the winter.

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

gear reduction starter? for an engine with 4:1 compression?

This is like offering a fur coat to a southerner in July

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

One con is you lose some the character, IMO, of the Model A by not having the foot starter. To me the starting routine is part of the overall experience.

My original starter spins the engine PLENTY fast enough on 12v...

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

I have an alternator/starter shop. I buy pretty much direct.
I use a Ford Model A starter and 6V system with a generator.
I have a modern car for all the other stuff, including 12V and 65MPH stuff.
I go slow I have to fiddle with it every now and then, wouldn't have it any other way.
To each his own. If you are new at this I wouldn't be fixin to much on a very well designed car. To put it another way I doubt you'll see many 2015 Honda's running around in 2099.

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

You should be able to find a rebuildable starter core for about $20 with a wanted ad. Shipping can be done with a flat rate box from USPS for under $20. Being somewhat off of the beaten path you probably still have shops that know how to rebuild starters. All of the parts, including 12 volt coils, are available from Bratton's among others. Having a gear reduction starter looks as bad as having an alternator (just my personal opinion, I hope I didn't offend anyone).

Charlie Stephens

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

I'm with Charlie. Hook up with a local club. Tons of cores out there.
The Model A starter is not hi-tech. It is very basic and thus about as rugged as a Sherman tank. They are so beefy you have to work to kill them. A customer brought one into the shop recently with original brushes etc..I asked what do we want me to do? Bring it back in 30-40 years was my suggestion.
If you find a core take it apart and I bet you'll only have to lube the bushing and run it again, the odds are really on your side.

Re: Modern gear-reduction starter pros or cons
 

Thank you for all your replies.