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Old 04-05-2020, 09:17 AM   #1
Fairview
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Default Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

If you were to set off on the adventure of traveling leisurely from coast to coast in a Model A, which version would you select?

I think my 29 Sport Coupe is a poor choice for various reasons.

I’ve only owned roadsters and this Sport Coupe before. Could a wagon be a good choice? Any suggestions?

Thanks, Jeff

Last edited by Fairview; 04-13-2020 at 06:15 AM.
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Old 04-05-2020, 09:22 AM   #2
1930artdeco
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

If you have a trunk then the SC would be fine for two people. For more than that I would chose a sedan. Remember people went coast to coast in totally open cars originally. Oh...and pick a good time of year to go-weather wise.


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Old 04-05-2020, 09:36 AM   #3
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

My personal choice would be a delivery.
I could sleep in it at walmart parking lots............
and go antiquing as well!
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Old 04-05-2020, 09:36 AM   #4
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

I am wondering if it is even possible to go coast to coast in my no overdrive Town Sedan completely off the interstates.
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Old 04-05-2020, 09:45 AM   #5
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

I would prefer a coupe or four door sedan because of the bench seat and roll up windows .
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:00 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob/AZ View Post
I am wondering if it is even possible to go coast to coast in my no overdrive Town Sedan completely off the interstates.
It sure is, google map offered me three choices from Fairfield,Virginia to LA if I entered option avoid highways. I'm not going even after I get un-quarantined.
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:03 AM   #7
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

I’m thinking for two people, my wife and me. I just finished Tom Cotter’s book, so it has inspired me. The longest trip I’ve done in a Model A is from Virginia to Hershey and back in a 31 roadster 15 years ago.
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:05 AM   #8
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I'd use a '30-'31 tudor sedan. Roll-up windows, a fair amount of space to carry things, locking doors, etc. Taller people can modify the front seat support brackets for more leg room. And, most important for me would be the weather protection. Twin sidemounts and a trunk rack would be handy too.


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Old 04-05-2020, 10:38 AM   #9
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

Quote:
Twin sidemounts would be handy too
Like this?
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Old 04-05-2020, 10:52 AM   #10
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

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Old 04-05-2020, 10:54 AM   #11
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted Duke View Post
It sure is, google map offered me three choices from Fairfield,Virginia to LA if I entered option avoid highways. I'm not going even after I get un-quarantined.

I've done some of old route 66 in AZ and NM which is mostly frontage road along I 40 but there are stretches where you are forced to get on the interstate. I guess the northern routes might offer more options.
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Old 04-05-2020, 11:03 AM   #12
Ernie Vitucci
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

Good Morning...I've driven from Scottsdale to Sierra Vista and back with a side trip to Tombstone and did not use the freeway. We have a Mitchell Overdrive so we could run 55 on the flat stretches...much of the rest of the way between 35 and 40. A great deal of fun and time to look at nature! Ernie in Arizona
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Old 04-05-2020, 11:36 AM   #13
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

My choice would be a tudor, for the reasons Bob/AZ states. A trunk on it would be handy but not critical.
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Old 04-05-2020, 11:49 AM   #14
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

I know a guy that drove an Open Cap Pickup from Key West Florida to Prudhoe Bay Alaska over 2 summers. The first part was Key West to Montana. The next year was Montana to Prudhoe Bay and back.

This is not the vehicle I would have chosen. The front seat is not very comfortable, not like a Town Sedan.

But he made it!

http://web.archive.org/web/201609121...hoebay.com:80/
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Old 04-05-2020, 12:53 PM   #15
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

I would use a TuDor or a 4 door for the extra space, a delivery would be nice for occasional sleeping in the rear. I have 5, a Coupe a CCPU and two AAs as well as a Tudor. The Tudor is the only one I would consider but I would put in a OD before attempting a trip such as coast to coast.
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Old 04-05-2020, 01:03 PM   #16
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

4 door with rear seat taken out, easy to get to stuff and room.
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Old 04-05-2020, 01:34 PM   #17
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

A few years ago I met a guy that drove a '29 roadster from Oregon to Delaware and back a number of times as a summer trip to visit relatives on the East Coast. He and his wife seemed to take the trip well in stride and regarded it as a adventure. They were about 65-70 years of age and in great shape.
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Old 04-05-2020, 01:51 PM   #18
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

Here ya go (if you can find one ):





31 Traveler's Wagon, an offshoot of the Special Delivery which was an offshoot of the Station Wagon. Fold-down bed and wash basin, 10 gallon water tank (under roof), storage chest, and roll-up curtains on rear windows. Ford built 10 of them - IIRC, they all went to South America. No known survivors but there are a few replicas around.

More realistically, I'd go for an A or AA delivery outfitted with an OD and lower (numerically) rear gears - and maybe some engine mods and camping accessories.
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Old 04-05-2020, 02:01 PM   #19
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

Not model A but an amazing story Re touring in amnestying antique Ford.

https://youtu.be/Qj5ABgjuK2c
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Old 04-05-2020, 02:30 PM   #20
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Default Re: Which Model A for a coast to coast trip?

Don't forget that you can remove the two cushions from the rumble and have a lot of room.
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