Poll Re Driving Original Model "A"

[Bob Bidonde]

Is it possible for a purist to safely drive an originally configured Model "A" in modern traffic?
Yes or no? I say no. As a minimum, a safe Model "A" needs to have more visible running and brake lights, and turn signals.

[nkaminar]

Also outside rear view mirrors that were not provided on the original Model A. The assumption is made that the original Model A has restored brakes and steering and suspension parts, etc.

[Seth Swoboda]

I drive V8 Fords weekly to near daily that are completely stock. No issues.

[LeonardS]

I think it depends on where you live. A 10 lane highway vs a rural 2 lane road will create different challenges.

[mhsprecher]

One of my cars is essentially stock, i.e. one tail light. That one light is LED. I also have radial tires and an alternator. I am nervous not having turn signals and will address that soon. I also have seatbelts.

Modern traffic needs some refinement, I think. I do not drive on interstate highways unless there is no alternative. I do not think our cars are safe on interstates due to speed limits, crazy drivers and limitations due to brakes, tires and steering. I do drive in heavy city and suburban traffic, but I am vigilant when I drive.

[WHN]

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“NO”

On any road all alone or with other antique cars, the Model A is safe to drive.

With todays drivers, cars, and traffic. I do not feel save driving. I stopped taking my grandson out because of this.

Njoy.

[rackops]

I drive mine, modified with turn indicators and LED tail and head lights regularly.

However, "modern traffic" for me is quite different than modern traffic for other people. My "around the block" loop is five miles of two-lane country roads, going through about a 50/50 mix of fields and houses on 3+ acre parcels. Generally, cars can be seen from some distance away, so being a defensive driver is relatively easy.

I can drive down to the beach (about 50 miles) on similar roads, with short ventures onto four-lane highways (not interstates). I can maintain an easy 55 mph in my cars, and when the speed limit goes above that, I maintain the same speed and let people around me.

Would I take my car into a large city and drive around? Probably not. But for a more rural area, it's okay and I don't feel any more unsafe than I do in any of my modern cars.

[Banditorama]

I put yes, but it depends on where the purist lives

Could they drive it safely in the heart of NY city? Absolutely not

Could they drive it safely in a small rural town? Yes

I'm in a medium sized area with a population of ~60k. Stock drivetrain, but I added LED turn signals and the car came with a second brake light already installed. I stick to backroads and roads with a speed limit of 45mph or less. There's certain times of the day I won't drive it due to a-hole driver's and increased traffic, but all in all I feel safe on my roads

[johnneilson]

Where I live, no, not safe
No amount of lights, turn indicators can prevent someone from running into you

Just my opinion, I do drive my A’s but not stock and I select where I drive

J

[Rob Doe]

Originally Posted by LeonardS

I think it depends on where you live. A 10 lane highway vs a rural 2 lane road will create different challenges.

x2.

[JayJay]

Yes, it depends upon where you live, but...

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, certainly among the less desirable places to drive. There are two lane rural roads but you have to traverse busy streets populated by idiots in their glamor cars to get there. Before I started disassembling my original '30 Town Sedan for restoration I drove it but never felt really comfortable with only a single tail/brake light and no turn signals. My current driver ('31 Town Sedan) has dual rear lights, third brake light in the rear window, bright LED taillights and turn signals. I feel quite comfortable driving it pretty much anywhere. I worry much more about people hitting me than me hitting them. It's all in how conspicuous you are.

[lrf]

Banditorama: It's probably safer to drive in NYC because when I visited there, it was a big parking lot all day long. L.A. is the worst!!! LRF

[Chris in WNC]

just stay off the Interstates....

[mleder]

if you value your health and the effort you have put to keeping a Model A on the road, at a minimum upgrade to LED tail lights, put in the brake lighter aftermarket 3rd brake light and hopefully install turn signals. There are cheap removable bicycle turn signals requiring no wiring that you can quickly remove when needed.If you want to go all the way install permanent turn signals, two tail lights and add a mirror on the passenger side. People- why spend weeks in the hospital or weeks in the garage when you could avoid an accident by installing some or all of these items.

[DNLs1930]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Is it possible for a purist to safely drive an originally configured Model "A" in modern traffic?
Yes or no? I say no. As a minimum, a safe Model "A" needs to have more visible running and brake lights, and turn signals.

My experience is both YES and NO ...


The term "purist" is the main sticking point. I am not a purist but want to preserve the iconic style of my car but acknowledge the I must adapt or be very selective about the wheres and hows I drive my car.
I HAVE been on the three lane highway and found myself in unsafe conditions because the general public does not drive 60 in a 60 they drive 70-80 which is dangerous to me and my car...


Yes you can safely drive an original Ford Model A BUT route choice is a very important factor as well as daylight hours and weather.


I would also add updated lights are a very wise investment including turn signals/ right side stop light and a high mounted third break light just to make the car more "normal" and put lights in the places people are used to seeing them.

[Jemelton#]

As I live out in the country in rural southwest Iowa I can drive my Model A most days without meeting another vehicle with the exception of the occasional farm tractor.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Is it possible for a purist to safely drive an originally configured Model "A" in modern traffic?
Yes or no?

I noticed a lot of people answer "yes" to Bob's question but then go on to say they added LED lights, a second tail light, outside mirrors, radial tires, etc.

IMO, these are not purists.

Originally Posted by DNLs1930

The term "purist" is the main sticking point. I am not a purist but want to preserve the iconic style of my car but acknowledge the I must adapt or be very selective about the wheres and hows I drive my car.

I think "most" fall into this category.

[Big hammer]

When I get a phone call wanting me partake in a poll I hang up, I feel polls aren’t useful, listen…………click ! LOL ,sorry Bob

[nkaminar]

I used to drive my completely stock Model A coupe all over California in the 1960's. But that was 60 years ago.

I am visiting in the San Francisco Bay area and drive my wife to work on the 101. Traffic is 75 mph and people drive faster than that, much faster, and weave in and out of traffic. I would never drive my old coupe on this road today.

I have a friend who lives here and we are going to do a Toys for Tots tour tomorrow (Saturday) in his Tudor. He knows the roads and which ones to take and how to avoid the crazies out there, but it is not stock and has turn indicators and additional mirrors and other safety things.

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

I used to drive my completely stock Model A coupe all over California in the 1960's. But that was 60 years ago.

I am visiting in the San Francisco Bay area and drive my wife to work on the 101. Traffic is 75 mph and people drive faster than that, much faster, and weave in and out of traffic. I would never drive my old coupe on this road today.

I have a friend who lives here and we are going to do a Toys for Tots tour tomorrow (Saturday) in his Tudor. He knows the roads and which ones to take and how to avoid the crazies out there, but it is not stock and has turn indicators and additional mirrors and other safety things.

Welcome to our little bit of Paradise (not!). The right hand lane is your friend on the 101.