Model "A" Cars vs. Their Successors

[ericr]

this is not completely a Model "A" topic but I suspect some of us have wondered about this....


does anyone who has had experiences with the '32 models, be they "B" or V-8, have a reaction as to how improved the new models were in things like riding, braking, etc.


Obviously the frame was vastly different but the new models still had transverse springs and mechanical brakes.


As an aside, it does appear that the major car companies back then were sincerely interested in improving their product for the benefit of the customer. Sure, barefaced competition was a part of it but compare the 1930s attitude with the industry of the '70s.

[30ccpickup]

Good topic, I would like to know more. I am amazed at how reliable my Model A's are (once understood). Are the '32s and early V8s the same? Or did the production of a faster car out Trump dependability. Nice question ericr!

[Synchro909]

I’ve never seen a ‘32 Model, either V8 or 4 cylinder but I regard the 30s as a period of rapid improvement in car design but by about the 70s, car companies had become so full of themselves that they dropped the ball. When was it that the boss at GM said that whatever was good for General Motors was good for America? It was not so long after that GM would have disappeared into oblivion if it weren’t for a bailout from the Government.
It is often said that war drives technological advancement forward at a faster rate. I think the reverse was true during WW2 so far as cars were concerned.

[David R.]

I believe cars hit a peak in development somewhere in mid to late 50’s - early 60’s, then began a decline. Not until the imports began showing how crappy American cars had become did they begin to turn it around some.
I had a ‘52 F1 that was a pleasure to drive, even though it was about worn out. My next truck was a ‘69 F100 that was a chore to drive. Never drove it anywhere I wasn’t glad to get home. It seemed like by ‘69 Ford’s engineers had forgotten everything they knew in ‘52.

[Mike Peters]

I have a 35 Ford, completely stock, and it is night and day better than a Model A. Rides way better, quieter, faster almost to the point of keeping up with modern traffic, and so far, more reliable. I also have a 15 T that is night and day worse than a Model A for the same reasons mentioned above. I still love all three because these three cars represent great advances in automotive technology.

Arnold: I think it was 1953 when the president of GM said that "What was good for GM was good for America".

[mhsprecher]

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It was Charles Wilson, who was the head of GM, that made the statement at his confirmation hearing to become Secretary of Defense. From Wikipedia, " During the hearings, when asked if he could make a decision as Secretary of Defense that would be adverse to the interests of General Motors, Wilson answered affirmatively. But he added that he could not conceive of such a situation "because for years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors, and vice versa.""

As to the other question, it's my opinion that the Model A was one of the best cars every built. My V8 experience is with a 39 and a 45 and they drive me crazy with their quirks. Maybe when I get everything sorted out they will be different, but my A's always go. Maybe not fast, but they go.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Good topic.

Our '36 Ford is easier to get in and out of than the '30 Roadster. You don't bump your head and it's far far easier to get your feet and legs in and out. The doors shut tighter. It is smoother and faster, stock 59 AB Flathead and it purrs at 55MPH w/o ever struggling. Will go much faster.

But the Model A seems easier to start and run (don't have a pesky fuel pump) if the '36 sits more than three weeks or so you have to dribble a little gas into the carb to make it pop off, gravity flow Model A not the case. Model A's have a fantastic parts network in place for repair parts.

We love both Model A's and Ford Flatties for the same and at the same time different reasons. Both a lot of fun. I've never owned a Model T or driven one. But they are neat too.

We had a '67 Ford Galaxie for many years and I loved that car. Galaxies were built to wear like iron, they were great cars. That car never let us down.

I've driven nothing but Ford cars and trucks and actually have always had excellent service out of all of them. But then again, I'm a car guy and take good care of them and service them religiously. THAT goes a long long way. With any car you own. You have to take care of them. Reason I would never ever buy a rental car

[CWPASADENA]

I have owned restored Model A's and also restored '32s, and '34s.


The '32 Ford is a major step forward from the Model A.


The '32 has better brakes, better steering, better engines, better transmissions, better ride, stiffer frame, more comfortable, smoother and faster.


The 33-34 was another major step forward from the '32.


Fords were developing very rapidly in the early 30's. They had to so they could try and keep up with the competition.


However, a well restored Model A is still one of the most fun cars to own.


Chris W.

[al's28/33]

The Model "A" was a stepping stone to more reliable, comfortable and economical automobiles with the new competition of FORD, GM and CHRYSLER. Without significant competitors, the "A" might have been a longer production run like the Lizzie. Imagine all the revolutionary advancements of the components of our cars from safety glass, electric starters, headlights, vulcanized tubeless tires and now seat warmers, self-driving cruise control and backup video cameras...… just think what it will be like in another 100 years.....


Look at all the new electronics out today, every six months things become outdated.

[updraught]

Originally Posted by al's28/33

Look at all the new electronics out today, every six months things become outdated.

I hope they replace the electronics in the Jeep Compass faster than that. Too smart for its own good.

[Tudortomnz]

From the original question , I agree with cwpasadena, the '32 Ford was a major advance from the Model A. I know someone with about 6 '32's, but have only been in his B4 roadster. Superior chassis, longer wheelbase , automatic adjusting shocks etc gave a better ride. The B4 had more pep than an A with automatic spark plus petrol pump & syncro gearbox etc. Although I think the 1930 styling was beautiful for a cheap car, most would agree that styling for 1932 was outstanding ; 75 years of hot rodding would agree. The V8 engine was a great advance for the auto industry, until Henry perfected en bloc casting for mass production, V8's only existed in expensive , mostly hand built cars. This took him ahead of the competition, but other makes, like Chrysler were also very well engineered cars, but better than the cheaper GM cars in my opinion.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Tudortomnz

Chrysler were also very well engineered cars, but better than the cheaper GM cars in my opinion.

I can find no fault in that statement but note Chrysler were well engineered. Their more current vehicles certainly can't claim that.

[1931 flamingo]

Now that I have my 40 I'm not looking back ! ! This is lots better evan than my Olds powered 32 was.

Paul in CT

[katy]

My next truck was a ‘69 F100 that was a chore to drive. Never drove it anywhere I wasn’t glad to get home. It seemed like by ‘69 Ford’s engineers had forgotten everything they knew in ‘52.

I had just the opposite experience, I bought a new plain jane '69 F100 with a 302, standard transmission, no power brakes or steering. Drove it for 11 years w/no complaints before I sold it to my brother and bought a new '80 F150 super cab 4X4 which I drove for 24 years.

[redmodelt]

Never was much impressed with the 32 styling, now the 33's different story.... From what I have read over the years the Model 18 V8 was not all that great, but it did get Ford into the market at their price range with a V8. Until about mid 32, they used the Model A ring and pinion setup rear end but with bigger brakes.

[Flathead]

The 1932 V8 engine had a lot of issues, they got much better as the 30's went by.

[Mad Mac]

Desert explorer Bill Kennedy Shaw (one of Bagnold's men) wrote in 1945 that the Model A was "the best car Ford ever made". He was focused on desert travel of course, where the Model A had definite advantages over the heavy, gas-guzzling V8s.

[Tudortomnz]

Originally Posted by Flathead

The 1932 V8 engine had a lot of issues, they got much better as the 30's went by.

True, & unlike the B, the V8 was unknown territory in 1932 & Ford struggled to get it out ; he held back the Model B until it was ready, but unproven. The first buyers of the V8 were really road testing the car & there were a number of recalls to either do modifications or replace parts. eg. chassis plates were added for strengthening & rings replaced to reduce oil consumption. It appears Ford expected all these minor problems but had the proven ability to quickly resolve any quality problems in the new cars. By 1933 & '34 most problems with the new engine were under control but every year developments with the engine continued.

[rotorwrench]

The model B and 18 cars had a new heavier frame with a heavy center and rear cross member. This alone kept the body in less of a state of movement that the model As experienced. They used radius rods on the engine and a new set up for mounting that better harnessed the vibrations. The B engine cars even had a damper between the engine and the firewall. They have longer wheelbase and wider tires with one less inch in wheel diameter. Not too many folks get the chance to drive the 1932 cars but they were smoother and quieter than the model A and the model As weren't bad when in good condition. The 221 V8 model 18 was a 65 horse power engine so it had a fair bit more power than the model A or B for that matter. Having a sychromesh 2nd to high gear was a lot nicer than the old crunch box of the model A. The Model 40 cars were even smoother and more powerful with the V8 and especially when they got the 85 horse power rating in 1934. Technology was making a better road car for higher speed levels even though the roads were slow to get better in that time frame.

[Corley]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

I've driven nothing but Ford cars and trucks and actually have always had excellent service out of all of them. But then again, I'm a car guy and take good care of them and service them religiously.:

Some might call you an oxymoron. That being, how could you drive only Fords and be a car guy??? Impossible!

(Said with my tung in cheek...)

[updraught]

The V8 wasn't designed for driving down a creek bed with the hand throttle set just off idle.

"the major car companies back then were sincerely interested in improving their product for the benefit of the customer"

These days the car companies get away with what they can. Went to check the oil on the dip stick of the wife's Subaru a few days ago. No oil at all on the dip stick. Seems several manufacturers in the last 10 years are using low tension rings and zero grade oil for fuel saving. They will use oil. If the rings happen to lose enough tension the engine can run out of oil and blow up, especially with the other selling point of 12 month servicing. The car companies will throw everything at anyone who complains to keep them quiet.

[mhsprecher]

Cars these days are pretty bulletproof. My 2013 Focus has over 90K miles and has only needed a brake job and tires. It is a manual transmission. I understand the automatics in those cars have been troublesome. Cars nowadays get over 200k miles without even trying.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by updraught

The V8 wasn't designed for driving down a creek bed with the hand throttle set just off idle.

"the major car companies back then were sincerely interested in improving their product for the benefit of the customer"

These days the car companies get away with what they can. Went to check the oil on the dip stick of the wife's Subaru a few days ago. No oil at all on the dip stick. Seems several manufacturers in the last 10 years are using low tension rings and zero grade oil for fuel saving. They will use oil. If the rings happen to lose enough tension the engine can run out of oil and blow up, especially with the other selling point of 12 month servicing. The car companies will throw everything at anyone who complains to keep them quiet.

"No oil at all on the dip stick."? Did you hear about the highly educated college grad who went to the parts store and requested a longer dipstick? The counterman asked "why?" The college guy said "Because this one doesn't touch the oil anymore!"

[Clem Clement]

To me the Model as is such fun to be in and work on. A day of banging on Ford tin is so stress relieving.

But as the world demand more and requires "A better car," things get complicating. Also rules of the road change. Think pollution, traffic, safety, comfort, weight and size. Then the perfect car is built and nobody likes a Henry J/ Edsel/tucker/Pinto! I love my beater 39 Ford Peecup. I can work on it ad I understand it. Keep on buying Milford!!

[Chris in WNC]

starting in 1986 I had 5 different Model As and drove then 50-60,000 miles total.
still love them and 7 years after selling our 31 Town Sedan we still wish we had not let it go.
have not had any later 30s Fords but did have a 37 Plymouth for many years and currently a 35 Chevy.
the driving experience is a remarkable improvement with the later cars.......

[Jim Brierley]

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As a baby I rode home from the hospital in a Std. B coupe, but honestly I don't remember that drive very well! The folks had that B until '44. sold it for $400, only $100 less than they paid for it! More recently I've had 2 friends with B's, one a stock Std. coupe, the other a fordor with Cragar power. Both rode much better and were quieter than a Model A. The stock coupe would run 55 on the freeway with no problem although I didn't think he should be running it that fast. I was never in the fordor while on the freeway, but it too was quiet and comfortable on rural roads. The 32's not only had a longer wheelbase but the "spring-base" was even longer, thus improving the ride the motor mounted in rubber, one of the things adding to the quietness factor.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Corley

Some might call you an oxymoron. That being, how could you drive only Fords and be a car guy??? Impossible!

(Said with my tung in cheek...)

Yowsa that's funny

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by updraught

These days the car companies get away with what they can. Went to check the oil on the dip stick of the wife's Subaru a few days ago. No oil at all on the dip stick. Seems several manufacturers in the last 10 years are using low tension rings and zero grade oil for fuel saving. They will use oil. If the rings happen to lose enough tension the engine can run out of oil and blow up, especially with the other selling point of 12 month servicing. The car companies will throw everything at anyone who complains to keep them quiet.

updraught check out the Class Action Lawsuit they have going over here against Subaru and their BAD engines. I don't know if it will help you over in N.Z.. but may be worth looking into.

A lady friend of ours bought a new Subaru in 2016 and the motor crapped out at 30,000 miles, due to what you just said. Evidently they really loosened up the tolerances to try to get better fuel mileage out of them. They suck oil like mad and that boxer engine design they run was proven to be junk by German engineers in about 1932 when they developed it and then abandoned it. VW picked it up later for the Beetle, also not known for engine longevity.

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-...on-settlement/

[fried okra]

My wife's Mercedes SUV had the transmission go out at 48,000 miles. Tough luck said Mercedes, you are past the 4 year warranty period. The old 5 speed automatic trans in Mercedes were smooth and never had one fail on me. The new 7 speed trans with lock up torque convertor seem to be designed to get just a tad better mileage, and good luck if they make it thru the warranty.

That's why I bought a Nissan Frontier pickup with 5 speed auto. None of these 7,8,9 speed automatics for me any more.

[updraught]

Don't want to hijack this thread ...
However, Jeff the Subaru took 1.5 litres of oil. It is due for a service and I think this is classed as normal. I've been thru this with a relative with an Audi A4 using heaps of oil. There was a class action in the US and Europe, tho not here. Anyway, I tutored up him up on what to say and Audi payed for %90 of a rebuild. At the time I didn't realize this was a problem across brands. Subaru is very popular here, I think it is one of their best markets.
A friend has a Toyota Prado diesel, the engine blew up. Turns out there was a recall in the US and Europe, but not here. Diesel leaks into the oil turning it to glue. They, not Toyota, had to pay for a new engine, about $15,000.
As for that Mercedes trans, looks like there is a lawsuit on that one too.
This is one for the non delicate viewers on mercs, he is an engineer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAgY...ature=youtu.be

[Pmsqrd]

I had the pleasure of driving a low mileage untouched 32 B Tudor. My what a step up in all regards. It is more than a warmed over A. However I will keep my slant window with the more challenging driving experience and quirky charm.