Saved Another One: 1928 AA

[mramc1]

Lean-to Find!!

I recently pulled this shortened '29 AA out of a dirt floor shed. It was actually sided over in a lean-to shed and had been in there for more than 30 years.

It had a pretty well thought out shortening job and was painted up nice at one point. The original owner passed over 10 yrs ago and he used to use it to plow his driveway.

Here it is just out of the lean-to.



Homemade plow setup with homemade straight plow and manual pump hydraulic system. Checkout the 1200 lbs. counter weight!







The cab is actually pretty solid and the wood is all in good shape thanks to a tin roof addition and indoor storage.



I got it cleaned out and the weight off (heavy!) and am currently freeing everything up in preparation for trying to get it running.

[KGBnut]

I doubt it is road worthy....so short I would think it is a bit unstable. However, it looks like a great doodlebug. Is it a AA rear end? My dad's doodlebug had two transmissions and a double-reduction rear end. It was great for clearing snow and would rip tree trunks out of the ground.

Ken

[2manycars]

That is great. There are AA frames available from people who have taken off the cab to make a pickup, if you want to return it to original equipment. I love those wire wheels on the rear.

[holdover]

outstanding find, bet the rear springs didn't budge when that weight was removes...

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by KGBnut

I doubt it is road worthy....so short I would think it is a bit unstable. However, it looks like a great doodlebug. Is it a AA rear end? My dad's doodlebug had two transmissions and a double-reduction rear end. It was great for clearing snow and would rip tree trunks out of the ground.

Ken

I'm just going to leave it as a doodlebug and just drive it around the yard for fun. I have a shortened box I took off my hot rod '29 A truck that I am going to put on the back of it. The rearend is just a stock worm drive unit. The transmission is a 4 speed with reverse lockout.

[C26Pinelake]

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Just curious, how do you know it was once painted up nice ? Wayne

[mramc1]

I have started to tackle getting this truck running. I have pulled the intake and exhaust as well as the valve train cover.



The motor was stuck, but I slowly got it to turn and have now freed up the two sticking intake valves on cylinders 2 and 3.



Checkout the nice Autolite heater.



When I couldn't get much oil to drain out I dropped the pan. The old oil was the consistency of cream hand cleaner. I used kerosene to loosen the old oil up and was able to wash it out good.

I have ordered new gaskets and igniton parts so I am hoping to see if this thing will run again soon.

[Vanspeed]

Very nice find! I like your plans for it too. Would look great with a box on the back.

[29 model-a]

Just keep us all posted, and don't forget the pictures, thanks for keeping us updated

[mramc1]

Spent the last week cleaning gunk out of the engine, painting parts, and adding new gaskets. The oil in the pan was so old it was the consistency of DL hand cleaner. Here is the engine all reassembled. I am rewiring the dash and ignition now.

[Stretch Cab]

That's the prettiest lipstick on a pig I've ever seen. Wish it was in my garage!

[katy]

Looking good. You may have to put fresh gas in it.
Have you done a compression test yet?

[pooch]

What is the wheelbase ?

Looks as if a stock pickup tray would drop on real close.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by pooch

What is the wheelbase ?

Looks as if a stock pickup tray would drop on real close.

Haven't measured the wheel base. I have a shortened bed off my hot rod '29 truck that I am going to put on it.

[burner31]

I'm still stuck on the "plowing the driveway" part.

[Mike V. Florida]

[Roadster62]

Great find, I'm impressed with the orange paint job someone took the time to apply at some time, firewall and inside the hood. Bob

[Fred K-OR]

Great find. Have fun with it.

[mramc1]

So I got the engine running. Everything was good, but the #4 cylinder was dead. I pulled the head to see what was going on and I'm glad I did as there were a lot of rust flakes in the coolant passages that I then cleaned out.



The problem was a tiny amount of rust on the exhaust valve stem that held the valve up off the seat a few thousandths. After filing the rust off the stem I had a good seal and the head went back on



Engine runs good now. It looks like the engine was rebuilt at some point as there is little to no ridge on the cylinder walls and everything is tight. Time to get some sheet metal back on the front. First I got rid of the clunky homemade plow frame.



I found a front frame stub at Hershey with good horns.



So after some fitting and trimming I had good frame horns.



Now it's time to see how the fenders and braces fit.



Then a radiator and headlight bar.



Then the headlights.



Next up, some wheels and tires.

[Fred K-OR]

Looks good.

[Fullraceflathead]

I'm looking for a front cross member, if that one is good and your not gonna use it please let me know.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by Fullraceflathead

I'm looking for a front cross member, if that one is good and your not gonna use it please let me know.

Cross member is pretty hosed, but I'm keeping for parts.

[KGBnut]

I've never worked on a AA. Are those front brake drums original? They look enormous compared to a regular A.

Ken

[Henry's Lady's Man]

I've never seen front drums for an AA before. Are those stock drums?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yes, the AA brake drums are enormous and can put you into the windshield if you step down hard.

Removing a AA rear drum took me hours with a Snap On puller and lots of sledge hammer hits. Restoring that truck cured my desire to ever do another one.

[mike657894]

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that shortened AA wheelbase looks pretty close to the A's 103.5"

[mike657894]

also thats quite the undertaking but by the look of the engine your wiling to go the distance.

[mramc1]

I had to make some front wheels since the original AA wheels I had were mostly all junk and when the retainer rings get too rusty the wheels are very dangerous. I cut the centers out of the two worst wheels and mated them to some newer 16" Ford Budd wheel hoops.



On the rear I got really lucky and was able to buy a cool set of '30 AA wheels with monster 9.50-20 tires. They will look really cool with the tow rig I'm going to build.





The next problem is that there is something broken in either the worm gear rear or the torque tube. The rear end will only roll a few inches before it locks up. With the rear tires off the ground the tires will turn freely in opposite directions of each other so I know the differential is okay. I also pulled the shifter out of the tranny and the PTO cover off to inspect the gears. Everything looks good in the trans so I'm pulling the rear end out next.

[mramc1]

Got the rearend pulled out to see what was going on. The torque tube and tranny were fine so had to split the rear and see what was up.





Balanced the rear, pulled a hub, and then split the case.



Here is the problem. The rear bearing wouldn't turn.



Oh that's why!



Since this truck isn't going on the road I just derusted the existing bearing and race, greased everything good, and reassembled.

Here's what 87 years of use does to a bronze ring gear.



Back together.



With a fresh coat of paint.



And back into service.

[mramc1]

For those that didn't read the start of my build thread let me clarify that I am just restoring this truck to be a big yard toy and it will not be road worthy. That's why I'm not repairing the body and cleaning it up for personal enjoyment.

That being said, it's kind of fun, like a full size model. Assembling parts, painting with a brush, etc. Anyway, I painted the truck last weekend. I applied a quart of Ford Engine green which is close to the original Rock Moss Green. First I edged the windows.





Here it is out in the sun the next day.





The color is a little dark, I might mix some hunter green and midnight blue together to get closer to the rock moss color. Either way it looks a lot better than rust.



Later in the weekend I got most of the chassis painted black.





Next up, finishing the wheels and adding the fenders.

[mramc1]

Installed the fenders and headlight bar.



Then the headlights.



Painted fenders and made a front bumper similar to the small '30-'31 style bumper.





Finished up with the wheels and grille shell.



And finally I was able to drive the truck under its own power and take some outside shots.

[Goldhardt]

Thanks for the update and pictures. Looks like that would be the perfect play toy out on the back forty!

[Pilotdave]

Thanks for saving that AA. Your skills are impressive and so is the result.

[brum1]

Wow!-nice job

[bambooboy]

enjoyed the show,thanks

[Mikeinnj]

That spray paint "engine rebuild" reminds me of putting a new suit on a dead man.

[burner31]

Just to add some perspective...
Very good job, well done

[jeep44]

Aren't you going to put the hood on it?

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by Mikeinnj

That spray paint "engine rebuild" reminds me of putting a new suit on a dead man.

I'm just building a running piece of yard art. Cleaning the old oil out of the pan, all new gaskets, a rebuilt water pump, carb rebuild, and rebuilt electrical system made it a good enough runner for what I want to do with it.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by jeep44

Aren't you going to put the hood on it?

Yes. I haven't painted the hood yet.

[Deluxe Delivery Don]

Is that a backup Camera on the back of your cab ?

[mramc1]

The construction of the Weaver style tow rig on my truck has commenced. I bought this BB chassis from another Ford Barner to get the winch spool off the rear.



Once in the garage I started with the winch base.









The boom is 2x3x0.25" angle. Bent with a lot of heat similar to a Weaver crane.



I ordered up square head bolts for final assembly for more authenticity.



Upper pulley mounted and shackle to hang the end hook.





Tail light, boom light, and start of the bumper.



The crank handle can operate either side of the drive gear.



Rear bumper with multiple balls, pivots for a sling, and pin hitch mount.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Nice work, and that can be handy for a lot of things. Looks like it might have enough overhang to even change a motor.

I posted a link the other day to a Weaver hoist that is listed in the MPLS craigslist ad.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Nice work, and that can be handy for a lot of things. Looks like it might have enough overhang to even change a motor.

I posted a link the other day to a Weaver hoist that is listed in the MPLS craigslist ad.

The overhang is enough to do an engine. I think lack of weight on the front of the truck will be the limiting factor on how much the crane can lift. I have a large gear reduction and also a snatch block so the lifting capacity should be several thousand pounds.

I only have about $400 in the gears and steel so I'm well below market cost of finding an original Weaver.

[700rpm]

Josh, I am in awe of your abilities, vision, and dedication. Congratulations on a fine project well done.

[Pinesdune]

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That is really a neat project, what's next on the list? Outriggers? Lol just kidding, but that is a well put together unit, I'm jealous.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CWilson]

Love the updates, keep them coming.

[Spokes]

Originally Posted by mramc1

So I got the engine running. Everything was good, but the #4 cylinder was dead. I pulled the head to see what was going on and I'm glad I did as there were a lot of rust flakes in the coolant passages that I then cleaned out.



The problem was a tiny amount of rust on the exhaust valve stem that held the valve up off the seat a few thousandths. After filing the rust off the stem I had a good seal and the head went back on



Engine runs good now. It looks like the engine was rebuilt at some point as there is little to no ridge on the cylinder walls and everything is tight. Time to get some sheet metal back on the front. First I got rid of the clunky homemade plow frame.



I found a front frame stub at Hershey with good horns.



So after some fitting and trimming I had good frame horns.



Now it's time to see how the fenders and braces fit.



Then a radiator and headlight bar.



Then the headlights.



Next up, some wheels and tires.

Josh, Thanks for posting all the pix's. It is nice to see your Truck coming a long !!!

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Josh, I am in awe of your abilities, vision, and dedication. Congratulations on a fine project well done.

Originally Posted by Pinesdune

That is really a neat project, what's next on the list? Outriggers? Lol just kidding, but that is a well put together unit, I'm jealous.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by CWilson

Love the updates, keep them coming.

Thanks!

[mramc1]

So here is pretty much the finished raw rig before paint. I have the cab protector built, the Guide headlamps and bus brake light mounted as well as an old commercial plate.



Made a winch dog lock.





Starting the disassembly for paint. Winch can be used to lower boom after support arms are unbolted.



Base painted and working on the boom.



Bam! All painted and reassembled.





Then I got carried away with the detailing and painted the pulleys, sprockets, and hooks red.



Also added an old exhaust stack that I liberated off a doodlebug cowl.

Taillight installed.



Can't wait to finish so I can pull the truck outside and wash it. Really want to see what the truck looks like completed in the sun.

[burner31]

That's a pretty good looking "hooker" you got going there.
You have her rear end looking sweet, now just have to pretty up the face, she'll be a "head-turner" going down the road that's for sure.

One thing you're going have to get when you take it to a car show or function or just out cruising, is one of those snappy one piece shop coveralls, with a neat "old school" shop logo on the back and your name above the front pocket.
Top it off with a hat...and you're there.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Looks great and a very useful truck to have.

Looks at your pictures in post #47. Did you really get all that done in just one month?

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by burner31

That's a pretty good looking "hooker" you got going there.
You have her rear end looking sweet, now just have to pretty up the face, she'll be a "head-turner" going down the road that's for sure.

One thing you're going have to get when you take it to a car show or function or just out cruising, is one of those snappy one piece shop coveralls, with a neat "old school" shop logo on the back and your name above the front pocket.
Top it off with a hat...and you're there.

I actually have an old '20s Ford white overcoat from a filling station. It would be really nice except someone wore it to stain their house and got stain splashed all over parts of it.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Looks great and a very useful truck to have.

Looks at your pictures in post #47. Did you really get all that done in just one month?

No, someone quoted a previous post. I got this truck back in July. Been working on it on and off since then.

[mramc1]

Here is where the crank handle resides when not in use. It also holds the gear lock in place.



Got the rear wheels and drums painted. I was able to use the '30 disc wheels on the '28 rearend with a few modifications. I first screwed the dual wheel "Budd" studs onto the '28 single studs. Due to drum interference with the wheel hub hole I also had to machine 1/4" thick spacers that slip over the studs and sandwich between the drum hub face and wheel.

[Tiny]

This is a great project. I love it. Nice save

[katy]

Without a positive retainer, I'd be concerned about that crank bouncing out when hitting an unexpected bump.
Maybe a linch pin in the stud?

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by katy

Without a positive retainer, I'd be concerned about that crank bouncing out when hitting an unexpected bump.
Maybe a linch pin in the stud?

There are two grab hooks mounted up at the rear of the boom that will hold safety chains down to whatever I am hauling on the hook. Even if the dog popped out the chains will keep the load from falling.

Also the truck isn't going on the road, just trailered to a few shows. When in transport the crank will ride in the cab.

[biggieou]

Josh, I like this a lot! I am envious as I wish I had the skill to complete a project like this. I have the vision like you, just not the ability to get there. Great work!

[Gumpy]

thankyou for sharing your project,, nice!

[burner31]

Originally Posted by mramc1

There are two grab hooks mounted up at the rear of the boom that will hold safety chains down to whatever I am hauling on the hook. Even if the dog popped out the chains will keep the load from falling.

Also the truck isn't going on the road, just trailered to a few shows. When in transport the crank will ride in the cab.

Oh come on...you've got to drive it around town every now and then, if not for the pure pleasure...then to just freak people out.

[mramc1]

Crappy cell phone pics from this weekend. First time outside fully painted and assembled.

[jeep44]

I really like the looks of that, and it looks useful, too. Any plans for rear fenders for it?

[Pinesdune]

That looks sharp, good job


Looking for the front bumper emblem that has "Ford, Made In Canada"

[Spokes]

Thank you for posting all the pix's. It gives the rest of us Hope !!!

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by Spokes

Thank you for posting all the pix's. It gives the rest of us Hope !!!

Not me, I've been told there's no hope for me.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by jeep44

I really like the looks of that, and it looks useful, too. Any plans for rear fenders for it?

No plans for fenders. I like the utilitarian look of the open springs, wrecker, wheels.

[mramc1]

After cleaning the cowl tank and installing a new fuel bowl I was able to run down the road and shoot some outside shots.





Engine runs well and even got the truck into 4th gear. There is a pretty wide ratio between 3rd and 4th!







Those big rear tires really throw some mud with no fenders covering them!



AA wheel on the hook as I was showing my friend and his son how the winch works. Check out the mud splatter up the cab and fender!

[mramc1]

I shot a quick video of my tow truck when I was out running it around the other day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKlE74JdGRQ

[Pinesdune]

Nicely done [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]


Looking for the front bumper emblem that has "Ford, Made In Canada"

[1Tudoor]

Great post & pics !
Brings back a lot of memories as when I was young , there were Ford doodle bugs everywhere here in the boondocks, mostly A's & were by no means meant to be road worthy as they were considered the poor mans tractor (& plaything) .
W/ a worm rear & two in line trannys , the lowest ratio would be a crawl .
Today I rarely see them for sale but would like to find one just to tinker with .

[mramc1]

I'm slowly collecting everything to build an old Richfield gas station. This truck will be displayed at the station as a service truck. I got these repro Richfield decals and put them on the doors of the truck. I love the spread of the Eagle wings over the Richfield sign. I still need to have the truck pinstriped and lettered, but thought I'd share.

[Classiccanuck]

great pic's! looks like that truck earned its keep and some, glad to see it going back into service.

[mramc1]

I was invited to attend the Oak Hill Invitational Car Show at Oak Hill Country Club last Sunday. Oak Hill is the private PGA course in Rochester, NY. Many very expensive high end cars in attendance...and my $800 homemade wrecker truck.


Check out the puddle of rear main oil on the parking lot. Priceless. (Yes, I wiped it up.)

[TerryH]

Really like that Richfield door decal......that really sets it off and looks perfect! Bet you got a lot of looks and thumbs up at that show.

[SeaSlugs]

shes pretty! i know you like the utilitarian look but even a basic hoop of a rear fender will keep most of the mud off the cab.

like a complete fender:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...45ea82765e.jpg

or even a little stubby one to keep it off the running boards
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...bf7379d3bb.jpg

[mramc1]

I am going to fab up some rear fenders soon. Probably will go from running board up to just over center of tires to keep most of the mud in check.

[mramc1]

Originally Posted by TerryH

Really like that Richfield door decal......that really sets it off and looks perfect! Bet you got a lot of looks and thumbs up at that show.

The firemen at the show with a freshly restored '25 LaFrance fire truck really liked it. I am going to build a small Richfield station at my house to house the truck and some of my petrolia. I have a 60" Richfield sign, model 39 Tokeheim pump, and several other Richfield items. The station will cost of a 10'x20' office with 10'x20' overhang.

[DougVieyra]

As famed General Douglas MacArthur said at his retirement speech:
"Old trucks never die . . . they just fade away . . . "

[john charlton]

So pleased you cleaned out the valve chest and oil pan before you ran it .Many good engines have been ruined by people who belong to an obscure religeous cult who think that a long dead barn find can only be saved by getting the engine running as soon as possible " put a 12 volt battery on and towed it around the block and it fired up straight away etc etc" A while back on You Tube a 29 roadster had been sitting for 50 odd years and it suffered the same fate ,when it first started it sounded OK but after a protracted run around the back 40 it sounded like a Cummins diesel . I know this is my hobby horse so when I see "first start up in many years " on You Tube I cant bear to watch . Shouts of joy when it fires up ,forgive them for they know not what they do !!!
Your rear end worm and crown wheel are for sure the most worn I have ever seen .I am amazed it still transmits drive . Many AA trucks have been killed to get the cab for a pickup a bit like shooting an elephant to get its tusks so if your rear end fails it should be fairly easy to get an AA bevel drive rear axle ,it will have the same style rear drums as your fronts . They come in 6.6 and 5.14 to 1 ratios but in your case either will do .

John in same place and no change in the weather Suffolk County England

[JRShaw]

None of the pictures are showing up on my computer. This sounds like a very interesting and fun topic. Thank You in Advance. Joel R. Shaw, Fairport, N.Y.

[BoysToys1928A]

Great story Josh ! I love antiques and being able to drive is even better ! Thanks for taking the time to share this thread !!!