Discussion with "Original" Owner

[marc hildebrant]

Group,

Went to a local hot rod show today...Longmont, Colorado.

Met a number of Model A people...one was unique. The present owner can trace the car back to the original owner...grandson type of thing.
The car, 1931 sedan with "suicide doors" was totally original except for a new radiator. From Iowa/barn stored in winter type of thing. While the paint looked very tired, the inside wasn't to bad.

I asked the owner how fast he drove it..."50-60 MPH". Overheat ? "Nope"
What type of gas mileage "Was 20 but currently I'm getting 10"

The owner and his family drive it all over for fun. Said that it has little vibration below 60, but over 65 really shakes.

Interesting comments from a totally original car owner !

Marc

[Ray64]

What body style did they make suicide doors?

[jetmek]

must be talking about the rear doors.....

[2manycars]

Some cars never leave the family. I restored a model T runabout for a guy who's great grandmother bought it new. It has never left the family. Now his sons drive it. That's 5 generations.

[marc hildebrant]

Group,

Rear doors were the "suicide" type.

Marc

[Chris in WNC]

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so much for that nonsense about how they can't be driven over 35-40-45-etc. (take your pick)

[RJ]

45 mph is the sweet spot

[Kevin in NJ]

Originally Posted by RJ

45 mph is the sweet spot

That is not what was said. They drive it 50-60 mph.

My ratty old fordor had its sweet spot in the 55 mph range (should have never sold it) and my brothers coupe has always been driven in the 55 to 65 range at 20+ mpg. Both are (were) fairly 'factory' cars.

The original car being described is what you would expect from a car off the factory line.

The 45 mph car is what one can expect when people do not pay attention to details when rebuilding their cars. I suspect most guys driving their cars at 45 would be quite surprised at how a car off the line drives and handles.
I have driven some 45 mph cars and did not consider them safe over 30 mph.

My brother has let others with 45 mph cars drive his. They come away with a different opinion and start planning how they are going to fix their cars.

[marc hildebrant]

"My ratty old fordor had its sweet spot in the 55 mph range (should have never sold it) and my brothers coupe has always been driven in the 55 to 65 range at 20+ mpg. Both are (were) fairly 'factory' cars.

The original car being described is what you would expect from a car off the factory line.

The 45 mph car is what one can expect when people do not pay attention to details when rebuilding their cars. I suspect most guys driving their cars at 45 would be quite surprised at how a car off the line drives and handles.
I have driven some 45 mph cars and did not consider them safe over 30 mph.

My brother has let others with 45 mph cars drive his. They come away with a different opinion and start planning how they are going to fix their cars. "

Steve,

My conclusion, while similar, would be said slightly different in that by knowing what is possible with the Model A (50-60 MPH), I will not be satisfied with my restoration work till it's sweet spot moves from today's 45 MPH up to the original cababilities.

Marc

[ChicagoBob]

When I first bought my '30 Tudor in 1991, I sometimes drove it at 55, at which speed it was smooth (but it POed the locals on the Chicago Skyway, who wanted to drive 85). It still has the same engine, and no problems yet.