The Ford Barn

1929 · 12-30-2018, 12:23 PM

I disconnected my fuel pump for my Stromberg 97, because 60mph is just fine, find no need to go 70 mph with an Antique vehicle, Ill keep that speed for the modern car, also one less thing to worry about, the pump breaking down, gravity feed works fine at 60mph. Iam going back to common sense.

Step-down · 12-30-2018, 04:15 PM

The only time I had issue is when the cowl tank is low climbing hills

Bill G · 12-30-2018, 09:55 PM

I don't think I would want to try 70 mph in my Tudor, even if it were possible. Biggest reason, I suppose, is because I just don't have an easy feeling about the wire spoke wheels, skinny tires and the brakes. The most I have gotten out of mine is 60. (Standard compression head, and no over drive) At 60, I was white-knuckled.

Simonpie · 12-30-2018, 10:07 PM

Hmmmm, I'd think twice. If it won't go 70, then any situation where it is slightly loaded means it will be slightly fuel starved. This could be 60 with a head wind, climbing a hill, full passenger load, etc. Could be a tank of alcohol gas, which is a tad leaner than straight gas. Some cars detonate an seize when lean, some don't. I'd rather have my carburettor controlling fuel flow, not my tank and line.

Kurt in NJ · 12-31-2018, 09:42 AM

I would think a "modified" car should go more than 70, I have done that with stock system, I am going for 75 with stock zenith, figured if Ford put the numbers there it should be able to get there if it's restored to the best it can be

katy · 12-31-2018, 11:44 AM

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Speed is one thing, stopping is another.

Steve Plucker · 12-31-2018, 12:16 PM

I will stick to my 45-50 MPH...If I am late getting to where we are going on a tour...then so be it. Just enjoy the ride!

Pluck

Jim Brierley · 12-31-2018, 12:27 PM

Gravity works better on '30-'31 cars because the tank is higher.

Brad in Germany · 12-31-2018, 03:57 PM

Here is a video of some folks in Finland (Mäkelä Auto-Tuning Oy(Ltd)) who got their "stock" 1929 Model A Tudor to go 200kph (124mph) with only "slight" modifications (click on the photo or the link below)

https://player.vimeo.com/video/97916836

Brad in Maryland

30 Closed Cab PU · 12-31-2018, 04:47 PM

I would worry about being able to stop, or what would happen if you hit squirrel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad in Germany

Here is a video of some folks in Finland (Mäkelä Auto-Tuning Oy(Ltd)) who got their "stock" 1929 Model A Tudor to go 200kph (124mph) with only "slight" modifications (click on the photo or the link below)

https://player.vimeo.com/video/97916836

Brad in Maryland

1929 · 12-31-2018, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

I would think a "modified" car should go more than 70, I have done that with stock system, I am going for 75 with stock zenith, figured if Ford put the numbers there it should be able to get there if it's restored to the best it can be

I think I was at 3000 RPMs at 70mph

updraught · 12-31-2018, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

I would worry about being able to stop, or what would happen if you hit squirrel.

What does a squirrel do at 124 mph, does it climb the radiator and hang on to the quail?

larrys40 · 12-31-2018, 07:47 PM

Honestly gentlemen the stock A with a well rebuilt engine, front end, steering and brakes should be able to do 55-60 easy. I remember back in 91 when we were lapping the Indy track for the meet and I had 4 people in my tudor and we did 73 lapping around the track with astock engine and 354 rear. I cruise in the freeway all the time with my tudor and it does 60-65 just fine . I do run a 23percent Ryan overdrive and 3:54 rear with a Snyder head. My brakes stop on a dime and the car tracks wonderfully.

Larry Shepard

30 Closed Cab PU · 12-31-2018, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by updraught

What does a squirrel do at 124 mph, does it climb the radiator and hang on to the quail?

LOL, that would be something to see. Should have said it differently. 1st instinct may be to swerve to avoid.

stillwater · 12-31-2018, 09:55 PM

Is that the Cosworth that was used in a few of the 70s Vega?
Zephyr gears, maybe? It wound up fairly high in low for an A.

daveymc29 · 12-31-2018, 11:39 PM

Sounded like a four speed box with syncros in all four. to this untrained ear. My worry would be the wood spoke wheels, though they do appear well made.

29vintage · 01-01-2019, 03:57 AM

There was a story that went with the video to tell you all what they did with the car. I can’t remember it all, but the wheels were specially made sand cast aluminium made to look like old wooden wheels.

Photo's of the wheels start round photo #111

http://www.mat.fi/projects/68

Bruce of MN · 01-01-2019, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

if you hit squirrel.

Squirrel? Boris worry if he hits Moose!

JBill · 01-01-2019, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

I would think a "modified" car should go more than 70, I have done that with stock system, I am going for 75 with stock zenith, figured if Ford put the numbers there it should be able to get there if it's restored to the best it can be

The speedometer on my "modern" car goes to 160 mph, but I don't think I'll be trying it out any time soon.

burner31 · 01-01-2019, 01:53 PM

67mph, most I've ever done in my stock town sedan...never again.
45-55 is plenty for me.

stillwater · 01-02-2019, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN

Squirrel? Boris worry if he hits Moose!

Moose! OMG I need to order my seat belts..

Won't save the "A" but might save my A$$

Bill G · 01-03-2019, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillwater

Moose! OMG I need to order my seat belts..

Won't save the "A" but might save my A$$

I think that if you hit a moose in a Model A, at almost any speed, the seat belts might not save your A$$ either. The moose just might win.

stillwater · 01-04-2019, 04:39 AM

Yeah most likely Lol

NZ28ModelA · 01-07-2019, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

I would worry about being able to stop, or what would happen if you hit squirrel.

Theres not a lot left original in this car.. I have seen it on youtube. Its a twin can engine disguised as a flathead, fuel tank and battery in the trunk, box chassis with coilover shocks and 4 wheel discs etc.
Very well made though.

DHZIEMAN · 01-14-2019, 10:15 AM

70MPH is interesting but so is ability to stop! My mechanical brakes are excellent, yet not much tire on the pavement! I think 45 MPH, maybe 50MPH down hill is sufficient!

The Master Cylinder · 01-14-2019, 11:27 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DHZIEMAN

70MPH is interesting but so is ability to stop! My mechanical brakes are excellent, yet not much tire on the pavement! I think 45 MPH, maybe 50MPH down hill is sufficient!

Smart Man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrys40

Honestly gentlemen the stock A with a well rebuilt engine, front end, steering and brakes should be able to do 55-60 easy. I remember back in 91 when we were lapping the Indy track for the meet and I had 4 people in my tudor and we did 73 lapping around the track with astock engine and 354 rear. I cruise in the freeway all the time with my tudor and it does 60-65 just fine . I do run a 23 percent Ryan overdrive and 3:54 rear with a Snyder head. My brakes stop on a dime and the car tracks wonderfully.
Larry Shepard

I wouldn't call that exactly "stock".

denis4x4 · 01-14-2019, 12:07 PM

Nobody has yet to touch on the subject of traffic and distracted driving. I have two A's capable of 70MPH with hydraulic brakes and live on a two lane rural road. Over the years, my county road has turned into an alternate route to the ski area and back country activities. There are confusing traffic lights and new round abouts that make matters worse. Throw in the tourists along with distracted drivers and driving my A into town is no longer fun. I now spend winters in Southern California and there's no way I would drive an A in the area where I live!

woofa.express · 01-14-2019, 05:58 PM

Just remember more lies are told about-

1. the size of fish especially ones that got away.
2. the yield of crops
3. the speed of Model A's.

denis4x4 · 01-14-2019, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woofa.express

Just remember more lies are told about-

1. the size of fish especially ones that got away.
2. the yield of crops
3. the speed of Model A's.

Glad I got the dyno run sheets showing one A with a T-5 putting out 59 HP at the rear wheel and the other one with a ‘39 transmission with Zephyr gears at 60HP

woofa.express · 01-14-2019, 06:47 PM

good on you Denis.
Just love your signature.
Question. are you a greenie or just having a go at their stupidity?
Yeh, I reckon I know. cheers, gary

NZ28ModelA · 01-14-2019, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denis4x4

Glad I got the dyno run sheets showing one A with a T-5 putting out 59 HP at the rear wheel and the other one with a ‘39 transmission with Zephyr gears at 60HP

Are you sure no restorable Model A's were harmed trying to achieve those numbers!!

12-30-2018, 04:15 PM	#2
Step-down Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Hat City (Danbury CT) Posts: 647	Re: No need to go 70mph The only time I had issue is when the cowl tank is low climbing hills __________________ "I can't cry as long as I know the Lord has risen "

12-30-2018, 09:55 PM	#3
Bill G Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Walla Walla, WA Posts: 1,045	Re: No need to go 70mph I don't think I would want to try 70 mph in my Tudor, even if it were possible. Biggest reason, I suppose, is because I just don't have an easy feeling about the wire spoke wheels, skinny tires and the brakes. The most I have gotten out of mine is 60. (Standard compression head, and no over drive) At 60, I was white-knuckled.

12-30-2018, 10:07 PM	#4
Simonpie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portland Or Posts: 137	Re: No need to go 70mph Hmmmm, I'd think twice. If it won't go 70, then any situation where it is slightly loaded means it will be slightly fuel starved. This could be 60 with a head wind, climbing a hill, full passenger load, etc. Could be a tank of alcohol gas, which is a tad leaner than straight gas. Some cars detonate an seize when lean, some don't. I'd rather have my carburettor controlling fuel flow, not my tank and line.

12-31-2018, 09:42 AM	#5
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,157	Re: No need to go 70mph I would think a "modified" car should go more than 70, I have done that with stock system, I am going for 75 with stock zenith, figured if Ford put the numbers there it should be able to get there if it's restored to the best it can be

12-31-2018, 11:44 AM	#6
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,043	Re: No need to go 70mph Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Speed is one thing, stopping is another. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

12-30-2018, 12:23 PM	#1
1929 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York Posts: 943	No need to go 70mph I disconnected my fuel pump for my Stromberg 97, because 60mph is just fine, find no need to go 70 mph with an Antique vehicle, Ill keep that speed for the modern car, also one less thing to worry about, the pump breaking down, gravity feed works fine at 60mph. Iam going back to common sense.

12-31-2018, 12:16 PM	#7
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: No need to go 70mph I will stick to my 45-50 MPH...If I am late getting to where we are going on a tour...then so be it. Just enjoy the ride! Pluck

12-31-2018, 12:27 PM	#8
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,087	Re: No need to go 70mph Gravity works better on '30-'31 cars because the tank is higher.

12-31-2018, 03:57 PM	#9
Brad in Germany Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Potomac, Maryland Posts: 911	Re: No need to go 70mph Here is a video of some folks in Finland (Mäkelä Auto-Tuning Oy(Ltd)) who got their "stock" 1929 Model A Tudor to go 200kph (124mph) with only "slight" modifications (click on the photo or the link below) https://player.vimeo.com/video/97916836 Brad in Maryland

12-31-2018, 07:47 PM	#13
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: No need to go 70mph Honestly gentlemen the stock A with a well rebuilt engine, front end, steering and brakes should be able to do 55-60 easy. I remember back in 91 when we were lapping the Indy track for the meet and I had 4 people in my tudor and we did 73 lapping around the track with astock engine and 354 rear. I cruise in the freeway all the time with my tudor and it does 60-65 just fine . I do run a 23percent Ryan overdrive and 3:54 rear with a Snyder head. My brakes stop on a dime and the car tracks wonderfully. Larry Shepard

12-31-2018, 09:55 PM	#15
stillwater Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 114	Re: No need to go 70mph Is that the Cosworth that was used in a few of the 70s Vega? Zephyr gears, maybe? It wound up fairly high in low for an A. Last edited by stillwater; 01-04-2019 at 04:37 AM.

12-31-2018, 11:39 PM	#16
daveymc29 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,554	Re: No need to go 70mph Sounded like a four speed box with syncros in all four. to this untrained ear. My worry would be the wood spoke wheels, though they do appear well made.

01-01-2019, 03:57 AM	#17
29vintage Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 12	Re: No need to go 70mph There was a story that went with the video to tell you all what they did with the car. I can’t remember it all, but the wheels were specially made sand cast aluminium made to look like old wooden wheels. Photo's of the wheels start round photo #111 http://www.mat.fi/projects/68 Last edited by 29vintage; 01-01-2019 at 05:33 AM.

01-01-2019, 01:53 PM	#20
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: No need to go 70mph 67mph, most I've ever done in my stock town sedan...never again. 45-55 is plenty for me. __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

01-04-2019, 04:39 AM	#23
stillwater Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 114	Re: No need to go 70mph Yeah most likely Lol

01-14-2019, 10:15 AM	#25
DHZIEMAN Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Sunrise Beach, Mo Posts: 439	Re: No need to go 70mph 70MPH is interesting but so is ability to stop! My mechanical brakes are excellent, yet not much tire on the pavement! I think 45 MPH, maybe 50MPH down hill is sufficient!

01-14-2019, 12:07 PM	#27
denis4x4 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Durango CO Posts: 1,309	Re: No need to go 70mph Nobody has yet to touch on the subject of traffic and distracted driving. I have two A's capable of 70MPH with hydraulic brakes and live on a two lane rural road. Over the years, my county road has turned into an alternate route to the ski area and back country activities. There are confusing traffic lights and new round abouts that make matters worse. Throw in the tourists along with distracted drivers and driving my A into town is no longer fun. I now spend winters in Southern California and there's no way I would drive an A in the area where I live! __________________ No restorable Model A's were harmed in the building of this truck!

01-14-2019, 05:58 PM	#28
woofa.express Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Tocumwal, NSW, Australia Posts: 1,748	Re: No need to go 70mph Just remember more lies are told about- 1. the size of fish especially ones that got away. 2. the yield of crops 3. the speed of Model A's. __________________ I know many things, But I don't know everything, Sometimes I forget things. And there are times when I have a long memory.

01-14-2019, 06:47 PM	#30
woofa.express Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Tocumwal, NSW, Australia Posts: 1,748	Re: No need to go 70mph good on you Denis. Just love your signature. Question. are you a greenie or just having a go at their stupidity? Yeh, I reckon I know. cheers, gary __________________ I know many things, But I don't know everything, Sometimes I forget things. And there are times when I have a long memory.