When is a "Model A" no longer a "Model A"

[Licensed to kill]

Read a comment in another thread that raises a question for me. The comment was " I get really peeved when I see a chopped and lowered Model A with a V8 engine and automatic transmission listed as a Model A. IT IS NOT!". So, when did they cease to be a Model A??. Is a car converted to 12volt still a Model A?. How is that any different than putting in a SBC and TH350? Does an Alternator make it cease to be a Model A?, juice brakes?. Is the installation of a flathead V8 any better (more acceptable) than a SBC?. If so, why?. How about my fordor. It's all stock but I added a second tail light and signals. Is it no longer a Model A?.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

They may not be a Henry Model A anymore, but imagine they are titled and registered as a Model A. So a point can be made for advertising they are a Model A?

[Brad in Germany]

In the US, the First Amendment of the US Constitution allows any person to call their vehicle whatever they would like. So the person calling his chopped hotrod/rat-rod a "Model A" is totally fine. If you would like to call it a "Rust Bucket" or "A Piece of S#%t" you are totally fine too. Everyone is good in that situation.....just don't go and try to cause harm to the other person or to the other person's vehicle just because you do not like what they call their vehicle. (there are laws forbidding/protecting you/them from that.)

So no worries......just live with it.....and be thankful for the right to call your vehicle whatever you would like.

Brad in Maryland

[PotvinV8]

Is a '55 Chevy with a big block not still a '55 Chevy? What about a '68 C10 with an LS?

A Model A with a Flathead or a Hemi or a Pinto engine is still a Model A. Is it stock or original? No. Is it still a Model A? Yup.

Now you must ask yourself, "Is my Model A that's had myriad modifications over the past 90 years still a Model A?"

How many Model A's are out there that are honestly "unmolested"? Leakless water pump? Ooops, not a Model A! LOL

[ronn]

opinions may vary.......................

[bavArian]

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Difficult question, I'd guess that most people have their own definition about what is a "Model A". (applicable to just about ANY other car)



For me, a "Model A" is a "Model A" as long as it looks and drives mostly like back in the 20s/30s. If you switch the R4 for a V8, that's not a classic "Model A" anymore. Sure, the rest of it is still a Model A, but the character of the car changes. It's the same with chopped cars or cars running around without runningboards. That's just not right in my book. If you look at a 90 year old car, you should see a 90 year old car, not something that started to be popular 20 or 30 years later.



The only thing that's fine (if the owner appreciates it) are safety-related upgrades that don't alter the look of the car. Let's face it, the traffic has grown exponentially compared to the early 20th century, so if you want to run juice-brakes because it makes you feel better, do it.

[Chris in WNC]

this subject is not new to the Barn.

ronn up above has the correct response.....

[kenparker]

The car or truck will be a "Model A" as long as the state issued title says it is a "Model A." Anything else is opinion. he-he.

[77Birdman]

If the car was built as a Model A, then it is a Model A. Regardless of changes over the years. Now the debate over what is 'original', 'unrestored', 'factory correct', 'like new', can go on and on and on and...............

[Jack Shaft]

Ford the industrialist massed produced units that he immediately turned into cash,when the unit lost its ability to be turned into cash he retooled and produced a unit that did.

Clubs created a standard to build to,which allowed a pecking order,a hill to be climbed.Those who attempt to climb that hill hold the standards dear,its the basis for their achievement.

Those who choose to reject the standards and build as they desire are shunned by those who draw their strength from the standard.

It becomes a religion,believers cant tolerate those who don't believe.

Whats amusing is the car endures,the unit the industrialist produced far exceeded its expected life and defies tradition and rigid beliefs..one is being restored today,another is being customized..

[Big hammer]

It's no longer a model A when the serial numbers are removed !

[hop up]

For me if you use a Henry Ford body and frame it would be a model a. Just because ones freedom of expression was to change it to his or her taste doesn’t take away its a model A ford. It maybe a hotrod streetrod RATROD kustom or just a piece of crap. It’s still ford and the shell can be brought back to the way it was when Henry built it. Call me old but as a hotrodder for 40 years I am really appreciate a stock Model A or V8 ford more . So I will bring my 32 ford back to stock and would love to find a bone stock 1932 truck. .

[Lona]

I was at a show where one of the trophy categories was "oldest car". My '31 stock roadster lost to a '27 T bucket full rod. The only thing Model T about that car was the bucket. Even that could have been fiberglass....should have checked. While I agree that opinions vary regarding authenticity, sometimes they get ridiculous. And you cannot believe what the DMV registration says because I know of several local cars mis-registered. I have a '36 Auburn boattail replica registered as a 1936 car because it was registered as such in the state where it came from. I never represent it as an original car.

Glen

[Purdy Swoft]

It is always a model A , whether it be original or modified .

[Licensed to kill]

I suspected that the opinions would be all over the map. That's OK. Personally, while i don't always understand (or like) what some people do to their cars, I support whatever it is if it makes them happy. However, I find it hard not to feel more than a bit sad when someone buys a nice restored stock car than proceeds to chop it and hot rod it. If you are going to do that I would like to see it be a car that was just pulled from the bush. Be that as it may, it IS their car and they are fee to do what they want with it. I have a variety. I have a '28 tudor that is chopped, on a TCI chassis, 327 Tri-power, TH350, ford 8", my truck (avatar), '31, 350/350, 8" ford rear, a '31 deluxe delivery still under construction that will be a "restomod" with a boxed frame, GM rear with triangulated 4 link, Mercedes 4cyl diesel/mercedes 4 spd with a 4" drop axle, split wish bone, 16" wire wheels, stock fuel tank and dash/gauges. Other than the lower stance and the wider wheels, it will LOOK stock inside and out. Then, of course, my '31 fordor that I am doing the engine in right now. Other than the added tail light and signals I want it left as stock as possible. When driving it (and I LOVE driving it), I want as much of the "model A" experience as i can get, warts and all right down to the bias ply tires. I call them all "model A's". I've had people give me grief for having a "chevy motor in a ford". When I ask to see THEIR Model A, of course, they don't have one. Besides, if your Model A has overhead valves, then Henry had no hand in it's design of manufacture so it's "ford" in name only and is no more appropriate than a SBC, Hemi or nailhead. I guess what prompted the question is that if a car has a modification that was NOT available at the time of manufacture, IE 12V electrical, it is modified and as such is in the same category as my chopped '28. JMO. People are fee to disagree and i will still respect their opinion no matter HOW different it is from mine.

[Grumpy Rick]

My Model A story.

In the 1980's, I bought a very nicely redone '31 coupe, which looked all original except for the 16" wire wheels. It had a Pinto 4 cyl. conversion with a 4 speed.

My 10 year old son and I joined the local Model A club, and the car was well received. After about a year, many club members took their cars to a regional Model A meet, where I entered my car in the 'modified class'. There were half a dozen others in the class, and mine was probably the nicest, but when the judging was over and awards given, I found out mine had not even been judged.

When I asked why, I was told it was not eligible for judging, and it was 'too modified'. The 'modified class' was for cars with upgraded wheels, and perhaps a 'B' motor.

We kept the car for 25 years, but never went to another meet.

Rick P

PS: I now have a '30 Tudor with a monster 105 HP Chevy V6. I can drive it anywhere. Looks pretty original too.

[gary678*]

I like the "opinions may vary" comment by ronn in #5. I believe that beauty lies in the beholder... if in your eyes it's a Model "A"' then very simply it's a Model "A". Gary D.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by gary678*

I like the "opinions may vary" comment by ronn in #5. I believe that beauty lies in the beholder... if in your eyes it's a Model "A"' then very simply it's a Model "A". Gary D.

Actually, posting "opinions may vary" isn't very helpful. That can be said of every single thread/topic on any forum. The whole point of asking a question is to hear the varied opinions out there. If everyone always had the same opinion, there wouldn't be much to talk about. JMO

[Jack Shaft]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Rick

My Model A story.

In the 1980's, I bought a very nicely redone '31 coupe, which looked all original except for the 16" wire wheels. It had a Pinto 4 cyl. conversion with a 4 speed.

My 10 year old son and I joined the local Model A club, and the car was well received. After about a year, many club members took their cars to a regional Model A meet, where I entered my car in the 'modified class'. There were half a dozen others in the class, and mine was probably the nicest, but when the judging was over and awards given, I found out mine had not even been judged.

When I asked why, I was told it was not eligible for judging, and it was 'too modified'. The 'modified class' was for cars with upgraded wheels, and perhaps a 'B' motor.

We kept the car for 25 years, but never went to another meet.

Rick P

PS: I now have a '30 Tudor with a monster 105 HP Chevy V6. I can drive it anywhere. Looks pretty original too.

All model a main components,can drive it just like a stock a,or pull hard and split second gear,shame a Kia..the purists all look at it and like it on Saturday night but deny my existence in Sunday church..

[Will N]

I don't profess that my opinion is the only true belief, as variety is the spice of life. If more people felt that way, we'd have less strife in this country now. But here goes: I got into Model A's because of the simplicity and purity of the design. While driving it, you can feel the mechanisms working and you become part of the machine, unlike the total isolation from the machine in modern cars. Anything that changes that driving experience makes a Model A less of a Model A. High compression head, B engine, fancy carburetors, etc. for more power? Why not just get a car that has more power to begin with? Buicks or Chryslers of the Model A era have plenty of power. Overdrive for higher speed? You're missing the point of driving an antique car! You're trying to duplicate a modern car's performance. Just go modern then if speed is what you need. Juice brakes for better stopping power? Why not just repair your mechanical brakes correctly? I can skid all four wheels on both my A's with the standard mechanical set up. I understand people who like the conveniences of a modern car wrapped in the look of an antique. But in my opinion, these good folks are poseurs.

[Jim Brierley]

grumpy rick, The modified class rules clearly state it has to be an A or B block, read the rules and you won't be disappointed. I have modified Model A's, and can easily keep up with freeway traffic, and hydraulic brakes so I can stop as they do to. I was involved whith MAFCA whe the modified rules were first set, they are reasonable and fair.
Licensed to kill, so what do you call that pickup that is your icon? Doesn't look stock to me!

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by Will N

I don't profess that my opinion is the only true belief, as variety is the spice of life. If more people felt that way, we'd have less strife in this country now. But here goes: I got into Model A's because of the simplicity and purity of the design. While driving it, you can feel the mechanisms working and you become part of the machine, unlike the total isolation from the machine in modern cars. Anything that changes that driving experience makes a Model A less of a Model A. High compression head, B engine, fancy carburetors, etc. for more power? Why not just get a car that has more power to begin with? Buicks or Chryslers of the Model A era have plenty of power. Overdrive for higher speed? You're missing the point of driving an antique car! You're trying to duplicate a modern car's performance. Just go modern then if speed is what you need. Juice brakes for better stopping power? Why not just repair your mechanical brakes correctly? I can skid all four wheels on both my A's with the standard mechanical set up. I understand people who like the conveniences of a modern car wrapped in the look of an antique. But in my opinion, these good folks are poseurs.

While there are cars that I just do not care for, I have to respect that someones individuality is their decision.
What I feel really causes the "strife" in current times is the labeling of people, when you don't agree with their decisions. We are all here for different reasons, some to judge, some to just enjoy the distraction away from what are current events.

Be safe, John

[Ruth]

I was in a small local car show last year. Cars of all vintage, a lot of nice Model As. The guy parked next to me, actually a friend of mine, entered his car as a '28 Model A.

He won both "Oldest Car in Show" and "Best Vintage Auto". Good on him. The thing is THE only part on the car that was Model A was the chopped coupe body. Nothing else was Model A OR more than a couple of years old. BTW it is registered as a 1928 Model A.

So where DO you draw the line? I surely can't answer that.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

Licensed to kill, so what do you call that pickup that is your icon? Doesn't look stock to me!

That's great question, more so than you might think. Here is why. I call it a "1931 Model A pick-up" and that is what it is registered as. However, the only part of that truck that is genuine "1931 model a pick-up" is the back of the cab. The cowl, doors and hood are from another model A, the roof is filled, the box is a short version repop, the front fenders and splash pans are new steel, rear fenders 'glass and the grill is an original '30 grill. It's on a TCI chassis with a 4" drop axle, disc brakes up front, 8" ford rear with drums in back. SBC 350/350. While it LOOKS more stock than Jack Shafts roadster, I'm pretty sure his roadster is more original "model A roadster" than my truck is "original model A pick-up". However, IMO, once you add something that was NOT available at the time of manufacture, IE 12V electrical, it is no longer stock and is no different than my pick-up in that regard. Like being pregnant, there is "pregnant" since last night, and then there is third trimester pregnant. On his more obvious than the other but both are just as pregnant. Again, JMO

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by PotvinV8

Is a '55 Chevy with a big block not still a '55 Chevy? What about a '68 C10 with an LS?

A Model A with a Flathead or a Hemi or a Pinto engine is still a Model A. Is it stock or original? No. Is it still a Model A? Yup.

Now you must ask yourself, "Is my Model A that's had myriad modifications over the past 90 years still a Model A?"

How many Model A's are out there that are honestly "unmolested"? Leakless water pump? Ooops, not a Model A! LOL

Agree 100%

[Jack Shaft]

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Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

That's great question, more so than you might think. Here is why. I call it a "1931 Model A pick-up" and that is what it is registered as. However, the only part of that truck that is genuine "1931 model a pick-up" is the back of the cab. The cowl, doors and hood are from another model A, the roof is filled, the box is a short version repop, the front fenders and splash pans are new steel, rear fenders 'glass and the grill is an original '30 grill. It's on a TCI chassis with a 4" drop axle, disc brakes up front, 8" ford rear with drums in back. SBC 350/350. While it LOOKS more stock than Jack Shafts roadster, I'm pretty sure his roadster is more original "model A roadster" than my truck is "original model A pick-up". However, IMO, once you add something that was NOT available at the time of manufacture, IE 12V electrical, it is no longer stock and is no different than my pick-up in that regard. Like being pregnant, there is "pregnant" since last night, and then there is third trimester pregnant. On his more obvious than the other but both are just as pregnant. Again, JMO

My sport coupe has model a components, chassis front axld engine transmisson,rear axle and mechanical brakes are all model a design..modified? Yep

[jb-ob]

Has white walls ?? No longer a Model A.

[Kevin in NJ]

I talked to the title person in NJ DMV at one point and asked that question. I did not get a solid answer, but when the chassis parts are mostly not original.

This is important because people cheat the rules by doing a rod and keeping the title. Which can cause you problems. Legally if the car is not properly titled then it is not legally registered so it is not insured. I played the game asking these questions to various law enforcement and they were not sure what to say. Needless to say they do not want to try and defend this in court so they they will not do that to you.

In NJ they have been asking for pictures of cars with QQ tag (historic license plates). If the car does not look close enough to factory they have been pulling the title and forcing you to show the car meets the requirements of a home built car. Emissions must meet year of manufacture for the engine. I have personally talked to 2 people that had their titles pulled (they let them continue driving in the mean time). They needed to prove they paid all the taxes on the parts in the car and submit them for a safety inspection.

[Chris Haynes]

I would say if it still has an original Model A Frame that it is an A. If it has an aftermarket frame it is a custom vehicle that simply has some part of an A body on it.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by Chris Haynes

I would say if it still has an original Model A Frame that it is an A. If it has an aftermarket frame it is a custom vehicle that simply has some part of an A body on it.

So a car built with an original model A frame with a 'glass dune buggy body and a Nissan driveline would be a Model A but a model A body on an aftermarket frame is not?.

[Pete]

Over the years I have had more fun than a barrel of monkeys with my A by taking it to small car shows. I wouldn’t try it now though because I have added a couple things to the interior like a digital speedometer, high back seats, a stereo and a bolt in roll cage.

Back then though it looked completely stock on the inside and out down to the original wheels. Granted they had adapters to mount on aluminum race hubs with disc brakes but from 6 feet away it looked stock. I ran aluminum wheels normally.
It has had various engines from a B to a flathead V8 and then to a 406 SBC. Always had side panels with baffles on the hood so you couldn’t see in.

It was always interesting to get in a conversation with an old timer and invariably they would ask how fast I had driven it. When I would say over 150 many times they would either call me a liar or keel over in a faint. When I showed them the SCTA dash plaque verifying my statement, usually they would just shake their head and walk away…..Like I said about the monkeys.

[Jack Shaft]

Being a posseur or in English a poser,one who imitates to gain standing is the realm of restoration in my opinion. Modification by definition is the antithesis of posing, your personal skill is displayed not in imitation but in the expression of yourself

[Synchro909]

Here, there is a rule in car judging that says that for a car to be considered a particular make or model, 5 of the 7 major components must be from that model and the others must be period. The 7 components are:

1. Chassis
2. Engine
3. Gearbox
4. Front end
5. Rear end
6. Radiator
7. Steering column

It is interesting to note that no part of the body is considered.
In my book, a hot rod usually has a V8 engine, different transmission, steering, front and rear ends at least so too many of he components are "foreign" to that model.
Also, under our system, a modified car cannot be registered as a (say) 1929 Model A if it is modified outside rather stringent constraints. We do not have title for cars so that consideration is irrelevant.

[daren007]

Once again. What’s the lure of keeping up with freeway traffic.

[Jack Shaft]

Maybe not in St Cloud,but in Sacramento driving a stock model a is dicey,if you can't keep up with the flow of traffic either on the arterials or the freeways your experience will be unpleasant.

[PotvinV8]

Originally Posted by daren007

Once again. What’s the lure of keeping up with freeway traffic.

It beats being rearended?

[dave in australia]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Here, there is a rule in car judging that says that for a car to be considered a particular make or model, 5 of the 7 major components must be from that model and the others must be period. The 7 components are:

1. Chassis
2. Engine
3. Gearbox
4. Front end
5. Rear end
6. Radiator
7. Steering column

It is interesting to note that no part of the body is considered.
In my book, a hot rod usually has a V8 engine, different transmission, steering, front and rear ends at least so too many of he components are "foreign" to that model.
Also, under our system, a modified car cannot be registered as a (say) 1929 Model A if it is modified outside rather stringent constraints. We do not have title for cars so that consideration is irrelevant.

If I remember correctly, the emissions requirement went on the year of the engine or body, whichever was the latest. Glad we have street rod, modified rego as well as historic rego, save people trying to pass rods off as vintage.

[Hotrodfil]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Here, there is a rule in car judging that says that for a car to be considered a particular make or model, 5 of the 7 major components must be from that model and the others must be period. The 7 components are:

1. Chassis
2. Engine
3. Gearbox
4. Front end
5. Rear end
6. Radiator
7. Steering column

Ah - 6 out of 7, mine are both stock then...

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Here, there is a rule in car judging that says that for a car to be considered a particular make or model, 5 of the 7 major components must be from that model and the others must be period. The 7 components are:

1. Chassis
2. Engine
3. Gearbox
4. Front end
5. Rear end
6. Radiator
7. Steering column

It is interesting to note that no part of the body is considered.

Yes that IS odd that the body is not on that list. Then again, to me it's odd that people would let others "judge" their car for them. I don't understand that.

In my book, a hot rod usually has a V8 engine, different transmission, steering, front and rear ends at least so too many of he components are "foreign" to that model.

Technically, a "hot rod" is any car that has been modified to go faster or be more powerful therefore, an otherwise stock Model A with a high compression head or mitchell overdrive is a "hot rod". Just like "modified" there are different levels of "hot rod" but still technically a hot rod.

Also, under our system, a modified car cannot be registered as a (say) 1929 Model A if it is modified outside rather stringent constraints. We do not have title for cars so that consideration is irrelevant.

I get that to a point. Example would be the opening scene in Cheech and Chongs "up in smoke" where Tommy pulls out in his VW bug with a Rolls Royce grill straped to it. Doesn't make the car a Rolls.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Hotrodfil - Thanks for the pics. I like your cars. I like all types. But appreciate cars that look like they would in their day, not flashy, look cared for, and look like they are driven every day.


What kind of paint? Has that duller deeper looking finish like lacquer (which personally I like).



What name brand tires are you using? The top car looks like bias ply, bottom car radials?

[30 Closed Cab PU]

[QUOTE=


I get that to a point. Example would be the opening scene in Cheech and Chongs "up in smoke" where Tommy pulls out in his VW bug with a Rolls Royce grill straped to it. Doesn't make the car a Rolls.[/QUOTE]




If I remember correctly there was an aftermarket kit at one time to put that on a VW. I remember seeing a few of them back in in the day.

[bobscogin]

If you have a hip replaced, are "you" still "you", then a knee replaced, or cataract surgery? Since the question has to do more with the metaphysics of identity than with the Model A, this example may help explain it.
https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshe...hip_of_Theseus

Bob

[johnneilson]

To which this brings up the "shade tree mechanic" or even worst "the local repair shop"

We have all witnessed some sort of "repairs" that were performed back when supplies and parts were non-existent. Some had to adapt from whatever they could find, is it still a Model"A"?

Not to mention, back in the late 20's people and companies were making and selling improvement components from bodies to OHV cyl heads. This is not new.

While I like to look at all the cars, some don't interest me, I just keep walking.
What I like to see is something driven, doesn't have to be perfect and if it has marks, dings etc. It tells a story.

Enjoy the hobby for now, it may not be here in the future. John

[Hotrodfil]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

What kind of paint? Has that duller deeper looking finish like lacquer (which personally I like).

What name brand tires are you using? The top car looks like bias ply, bottom car radials?

The paint is a tractor enamel - and the lower picture has a fair smattering of sand and sea salt on it...

The Tourer is currently running 475/500 Firestones on the front and 600 Michelen Engleberts on the rear.

The Coupe has 450 front and 500 rear Blockleys. They're a soft compound 85% section crossply.

https://www.blockleytyre.com/

[Jim Brierley]

I call my cars "Vintage Hot Rods", My body has had a hip, Eye lenses, and a few other things reoplaced, so guess I am vintage too, and I'm only 83 years of age!

[LeroyM]

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The body is what makes it a "Model A" to me. Everything else can be changed and it's still a "Model A". If you took the body off the frame and made it a "Hay Wagon" I would say it's no longer a "Model A".

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

I call my cars "Vintage Hot Rods", My body has had a hip, Eye lenses, and a few other things reoplaced, so guess I am vintage too, and I'm only 83 years of age!

Jim,

wasn't there a story about being conceived in a Model "A"??

maybe not you..........J

[MALAK]

I'll just leave this here.
Is it a Model A?

[Purdy Swoft]

From what I read , that use to be a fairly common thing . I feel that sort of thing pretty much ruined a model A coupe body . It could probably be patched up but would never be the same again .

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by MALAK

I'll just leave this here.
Is it a Model A?

That's cool, during gas rationing commercial vehicles got more gas! No I wasn't born yet.

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by MALAK

I'll just leave this here.
Is it a Model A?

By all definition, yes.
It is a part of the history of this country where people improvised and overcame.


J

[denis4x4]

Originally Posted by Will N

I don't profess that my opinion is the only true belief, as variety is the spice of life. If more people felt that way, we'd have less strife in this country now. But here goes: I got into Model A's because of the simplicity and purity of the design. While driving it, you can feel the mechanisms working and you become part of the machine, unlike the total isolation from the machine in modern cars. Anything that changes that driving experience makes a Model A less of a Model A. High compression head, B engine, fancy carburetors, etc. for more power? Why not just get a car that has more power to begin with? Buicks or Chryslers of the Model A era have plenty of power. Overdrive for higher speed? You're missing the point of driving an antique car! You're trying to duplicate a modern car's performance. Just go modern then if speed is what you need. Juice brakes for better stopping power? Why not just repair your mechanical brakes correctly? I can skid all four wheels on both my A's with the standard mechanical set up. I understand people who like the conveniences of a modern car wrapped in the look of an antique. But in my opinion, these good folks are poseurs.

Then there is the "era correct" school of modifications. For instance, Ford dealers sold a down draft made by Stromberg-Bendix in 1931. There were a host of aftermarket heads, including OHV's available during the production era of the Model A. If you include aftermarket accessories available between late 1927 and 1931, then it's a different story. Personally, I find it satisfying to wring out 60 HP at the rear wheels from an engine that puts out 40 HP at the flywheel. I think you have the word poseurs mixed up with with hot rodders.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by denis4x4

Then there is the "era correct" school of modifications. For instance, Ford dealers sold a down draft made by Stromberg-Bendix in 1931. There were a host of aftermarket heads, including OHV's available during the production era of the Model A. If you include aftermarket accessories available between late 1927 and 1931, then it's a different story. Personally, I find it satisfying to wring out 60 HP at the rear wheels from an engine that puts out 40 HP at the flywheel. I think you have the word poseurs mixed up with with hot rodders.

IMO, people that want to increase creature comforts are "street rodders", people focus on increasing performance are "hot rodders". I don't like the term "posers" because it is meant as a derogatory term to describe someone that has different tastes/goals than the one saying it in an attempt to make themselves feel superior and/or perhaps more "righteous" in their own pursuits than those with a differing aspirations for their car.

[Jack Shaft]

Alot of people like the car as it came off the line,others as it was used and modified as time went on.It seems those who prefer the car as it came off the line in reality have a modified car,but since the modifications are 'accepted' then they can fly the flag of purist and call folks who disagree 'posers'..childish actions of those who seek to be exclusive..funny,we all like the same car,and there are enough of them to go around..

[Jack Shaft]

What many don't realize that by increasing the model A engines horsepower you raise its efficiency,it run cooler and gets better fuel economy than stock..many issues people have with their stock engines can be cured through raising effciency ..

[Russ B]

Originally Posted by MALAK

I'll just leave this here.
Is it a Model A?

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

From what I read , that use to be a fairly common thing . I feel that sort of thing pretty much ruined a model A coupe body . It could probably be patched up but would never be the same again .

In the fifties and sixties, Model A “pickup coupes” were still being regularly driven in rural area. They are reflective of our WWII history. My 29 cabriolet still has the headlight that were most common from the fifties on. Just the car’s history.

[Brad in Germany]

Original vintage Model A (ran when parked) with original 6V charging system, complete with correct 1931 Ford Model A radiator shell:




Brad in Maryland

[Jack Shaft]

Sport coupe with a pickup box...like a bum in a tuxedo



say no to drugs

[shew01]

Originally Posted by Jack Shaft

Sport coupe with a pickup box...like a bum in a tuxedo



say no to drugs

Lol. That’s hilarious. That car has “dual citizenship,” Ford and VW.


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[77Birdman]

I like how they put the Ford emblem right above the VW motor! I have to admit, one of the more unique Model A's I have seen.

I saw one at the Rennigers show a few years ago that had the motor removed and the owner install a bank of batteries to create a fully electric A. That was creative as well.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by Jack Shaft

Sport coupe with a pickup box...like a bum in a tuxedo



say no to drugs

Might be able to do wheelies with all that weight on the back? That would be something to see, a Model A equipped with wheelie bars, doing wheelies.