The Ford Barn

BlueWaterEric · 05-15-2016, 12:57 PM

Just joined forum, am looking to buy model a truck, so my first newbie question is are they "street legal" with only one taillight, no blinkers, and no seatbelts?

Will Ziegler in LI NY · 05-15-2016, 12:59 PM

Yes, that is how they were made, so they are street legal that way today.

Tom Wesenberg · 05-15-2016, 01:03 PM

The Model AA is a ton and a half truck, while the Model A is a small pickup. Which are you looking to buy?

Jim/GA · 05-15-2016, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueWaterEric

Just joined forum, am looking to buy model a truck, so my first newbie question is are they "street legal" with only one taillight, no blinkers, and no seatbelts?

It might depend on where you live and how you intend to register it.

It is legal in the US as it was manufactured.

BlueWaterEric · 05-15-2016, 01:48 PM

Florida

C26Pinelake · 05-15-2016, 02:05 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Each state may have a different interpretation ! In Canada it is legal as long as it is as manufactured. Wayne

Mitch//pa · 05-15-2016, 02:07 PM

There are tons of original model A's driving around in Florida legally..

That's one state you'll have no problem at all as they don't even have a state inspection or emissions test program... Many of the cars I see driving around when I visit are literally falling apart and still street legal

Charlie Stephens · 05-15-2016, 02:07 PM

It might not hurt to check but most laws were passed with a "grandfather" clause (I am in California and probably shouldn't be relied upon for Florida laws). If something was legal when the vehicle was manufactured you are not required to change it. A second tail light, blinkers and seat belts are probably a good idea. There are a couple of things that came without grandfather exemptions to the best of my knowledge. I think you still need both an inside and an outside mirror and a seat belt for a minor or car carrier for a baby.

Charlie Stephens

Y-Blockhead · 05-15-2016, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

There are tons of original model A's driving around in Florida legally..

That's one state you'll have no problem at all as they don't even have a state inspection or emissions test program... Many of the cars I see driving around when I visit are literally falling apart and still street legal

And most of the drivers are the original owners...

Ted Duke · 05-15-2016, 02:22 PM

Probably legal, but IMHO NOT safe at night!

Ted

C26Pinelake · 05-15-2016, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

Probably legal, but IMHO NOT safe at night!

Ted

I certainly agree with your opinion. Wayne

30ccpickup · 05-15-2016, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

Probably legal, but IMHO NOT safe at night!

Ted

Why?

Ted Duke · 05-15-2016, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30ccpickup

Why?

Run up on one at night with original lights!

Kevin in NJ · 05-15-2016, 05:13 PM

Legal, yes.

In fact, it is likely legal to have kids without child seats in car without seat belts. Check your states laws, in NJ it is part of the law.

Do you really want to run with one tail light? Probably not, in fact you probably want to put some sort of modern thrid light on too.
As for turn signals, do people even use them anymore

We are comming up to tourist season here by the shore in NJ. That means out of state people not using turn signals as a rule.

SeaSlugs · 05-15-2016, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benson

Eric,

Are you aware that a stock Model AA has a relatively slow top speed of maybe 35 or so?

Just so that you do not buy one and expect to run with traffic.

thats if it has the high speed rear gears - otherwise your looking at mid 20's as a top speed.

russcochiolo · 05-15-2016, 06:17 PM

ALL of the stockers in our club regularly cruise at 50mph. I think the above posters are thinking Model t. Russ

J Franklin · 05-15-2016, 06:31 PM

My motorcycle only has one tail/stop light with no seat-belts or windshield wiper, and I ride at night. Don't let the nanny society bite you.

BlueWaterEric · 05-15-2016, 06:50 PM

What is top speed of 1928 Model A pickup

Tom Wesenberg · 05-15-2016, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueWaterEric

What is top speed of 1928 Model A pickup

The same as the car, about 60 is the very top speed, but I consider 45 as a good top speed for a stock car. At 45 the engine is turning at just over 2000 RPM. A high speed rear end or overdrive and a higher compression head will let you cruise much better if you want to drive 50 to 60.

Charlie Stephens · 05-15-2016, 07:28 PM

Eric,

I have a '31 Roadster Pickup with 3.54 rear end gears (which I recommend). It is comfortable at 55 but I have probably had it to 70. The problem is mechanical brakes are not quite up to 70 and modern traffic. Another problem is that the front fenders tend to lift the car above about 55. If a Semi passes you are in for a bit of excitement. If the road crosses a canyon with a wind blowing down it still more excitement. I think I would plan on 55.

Charlie Stephens

05-15-2016, 12:57 PM	#1
BlueWaterEric Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Key Largo, FL Posts: 9	Street Legal? Just joined forum, am looking to buy model a truck, so my first newbie question is are they "street legal" with only one taillight, no blinkers, and no seatbelts?

05-15-2016, 12:59 PM	#2
Will Ziegler in LI NY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Northport, NY Posts: 179	Re: Street Legal? Yes, that is how they were made, so they are street legal that way today.

05-15-2016, 01:03 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Street Legal? The Model AA is a ton and a half truck, while the Model A is a small pickup. Which are you looking to buy?

05-15-2016, 01:48 PM	#5
BlueWaterEric Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Key Largo, FL Posts: 9	Re: Street Legal? Florida

05-15-2016, 02:05 PM	#6
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: Street Legal? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Each state may have a different interpretation ! In Canada it is legal as long as it is as manufactured. Wayne Last edited by C26Pinelake; 05-15-2016 at 03:09 PM.

05-15-2016, 02:07 PM	#7
Mitch//pa BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 11,454	Re: Street Legal? There are tons of original model A's driving around in Florida legally.. That's one state you'll have no problem at all as they don't even have a state inspection or emissions test program... Many of the cars I see driving around when I visit are literally falling apart and still street legal

05-15-2016, 02:07 PM	#8
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,305	Re: Street Legal? It might not hurt to check but most laws were passed with a "grandfather" clause (I am in California and probably shouldn't be relied upon for Florida laws). If something was legal when the vehicle was manufactured you are not required to change it. A second tail light, blinkers and seat belts are probably a good idea. There are a couple of things that came without grandfather exemptions to the best of my knowledge. I think you still need both an inside and an outside mirror and a seat belt for a minor or car carrier for a baby. Charlie Stephens

05-15-2016, 02:22 PM	#10
Ted Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fairfield, Virginia Posts: 616	Re: Street Legal? Probably legal, but IMHO NOT safe at night! Ted

05-15-2016, 05:13 PM	#14
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Street Legal? Legal, yes. In fact, it is likely legal to have kids without child seats in car without seat belts. Check your states laws, in NJ it is part of the law. Do you really want to run with one tail light? Probably not, in fact you probably want to put some sort of modern thrid light on too. As for turn signals, do people even use them anymore We are comming up to tourist season here by the shore in NJ. That means out of state people not using turn signals as a rule.

05-15-2016, 06:17 PM	#16
russcochiolo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Clovis, CA Posts: 218	Re: Street Legal? ALL of the stockers in our club regularly cruise at 50mph. I think the above posters are thinking Model t. Russ

05-15-2016, 06:31 PM	#17
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,370	Re: Street Legal? My motorcycle only has one tail/stop light with no seat-belts or windshield wiper, and I ride at night. Don't let the nanny society bite you.

05-15-2016, 06:50 PM	#18
BlueWaterEric Junior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Key Largo, FL Posts: 9	Re: Street Legal? What is top speed of 1928 Model A pickup

05-15-2016, 07:28 PM	#20
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,305	Re: Street Legal? Eric, I have a '31 Roadster Pickup with 3.54 rear end gears (which I recommend). It is comfortable at 55 but I have probably had it to 70. The problem is mechanical brakes are not quite up to 70 and modern traffic. Another problem is that the front fenders tend to lift the car above about 55. If a Semi passes you are in for a bit of excitement. If the road crosses a canyon with a wind blowing down it still more excitement. I think I would plan on 55. Charlie Stephens