Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-13-2021, 11:10 PM   #1
Model A Ron
Senior Member
 
Model A Ron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Troutman, NC
Posts: 717
Default Longest trip you took in a Model A

I am thinking about taking a 250 mile trip from Troutman NC to Patriots Point naval park in Charleston SC. This is the home of the USS York Town.

The trip may not be very far but it would be a good test drive for my new to me 29 Phaeton. So that said how far have you driven your Model A. Tell us about your trip and be sure to give pointers on what to expect.

Thanks
Ron

Last edited by Model A Ron; 04-13-2021 at 11:15 PM.
Model A Ron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2021, 11:32 PM   #2
700rpm
Senior Member
 
700rpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 5,892
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

My first long one was a 1200 mile RT from Portland, OR to Eureke, CA, in 1965 when I was 18 with my cousin in an unrestored 1929 pickup.
Next was a 1400 mile RT from Portland, OR to San Luis Obispo in an unrestored ‘28 RPU in 1972. I wouldn’t do that trip today. Too much traffic!
My third longest was 1000 miles right after I restored my ‘29 Tudor in 1980. Went from Portlland, OR to Victoria BC. Broke in the the new engine; it took us two weeks. A life changing trip in many ways.
Alas, for me, the days of long trips are over. I’m too old and creaky and the traffic is too intense, fast, and dangerous. I always thought I’d do a four corners tour of the US in my A, but it just ain’t gonna happen.

TIPS: Ron, do it. You will gain a lot of experience and have a great time. Take back roads whenever you can. You have some beautiful country to travel through. Take your time. Stop to see stuff. Avoid large cities. Whatever Google says for travel time, double that, at least.
Take an extra condensor, a gallon of water, a tow rope, some 16 ga wire, a fire extinguisher, a cell phone, a MAFCA or MARC directory, and a small tool kit.
Others will make suggestions, but those are the essentials I take on any long and lonesome tour. Yours will be relatively short and your car is restored; you will likely have no troubles.
__________________
Ray Horton, Portland, OR


As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

Last edited by 700rpm; 04-13-2021 at 11:59 PM.
700rpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 04-13-2021, 11:36 PM   #3
Model A Ron
Senior Member
 
Model A Ron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Troutman, NC
Posts: 717
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by 700rpm View Post
1000 miles right after I restored my 29 ‘Tudor in 1980. Went from Portlland, OR to Victoria BC. Broke in the the new engine; it took us two weeks. A life changing trip in many ways.
Now that a good way to test out a new engine. Do you still have the same car today and if so how many miles do you have on that engine?
Model A Ron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-13-2021, 11:51 PM   #4
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Coincidently, my longest single trip was also in a 1929 Phaeton when we did a lap of most of the continent. 12,000 miles with a camper trailer behind. That was 2014.
In a few weeks we set off on yet another trip, this time only about 8 or 9 thousand miles in the same car, again with camper in tow. All up, we have done about 40,000 miles like that now.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 07:02 AM   #5
jw hash
Senior Member
 
jw hash's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Auburn Washington
Posts: 2,550
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

four of our club members went to the Reno meet. and from there we took a road trip through 7 states a total of 3800 miles. all in our Model A`s and in one place it was 112 degrees. the air coming through the windows was like a blast furnace. thank god for the hand held conditioner. you know the little bolt of water with a fan.
jw hash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 08:30 AM   #6
western77
Senior Member
 
western77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Grand Rapids Mi
Posts: 168
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Two years ago we took a trip to the west coast. By the time we arrived home it was a 8700 mile trip. Tightened a screw on the door handle and changed the oil that was it. Very fun time.
western77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 08:34 AM   #7
hop up
Senior Member
 
hop up's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 411
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Amazing to hear such great road trips
__________________
Wanted flathead speed equipment Thanks
hop up is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 08:42 AM   #8
Jacksonlll
Senior Member
 
Jacksonlll's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC
Posts: 1,686
Send a message via ICQ to Jacksonlll
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Our club went from Detroit area to Williamsburg, Va for that National meet.
Go ahead and make that trip. That’s nothing to your car, but you will gain a ton of confidence. After that trip, you will take your car anywhere without even thinking about it. Have fun and let us know how you make out.
Jacksonlll is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 08:52 AM   #9
Bob Bidonde
Senior Member
 
Bob Bidonde's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 3,432
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

My longest one day Model A runs were:
Doswell, Virginia to East Northport, NY 365 miles;
Virginia Beach, Virginia to East Northport, NY 417 miles;
Glen Burnie, Maryland to East Northport, NY 247 miles;
Northport, Maine to South Setauket, NY 368;
Hyannis, Cape Cod to South Setauket, NY 206;
Lake George, NY to South Setauket, NY 258 miles;
Lancaster, Pennsylvania to East Northport, NY 205 miles;
Pittsfield, Mass to East Northport, NY 187 miles;
Stow, Mass to South Setauket, NY 238 miles;
Sturbridge, Mass to South Setauket, NY 120 miles;
Alton Lake, New Hampshire to East Northport, NY 336 miles;
Hancock, Mass to South Setauket, NY 195 miles.


This year's (2021) run to the New England Meet in Newry, Maine will be my longest trip this year, about 366 miles each way. Because of my youth (78), the trip to Newry will be done in 2 days each way.

I do not trailer my Model A's. To me, driving a Model A is adventurous, and when with good friends in other Model A's, it's a lot of fun.
__________________
Bob Bidonde

Last edited by Bob Bidonde; 04-17-2021 at 08:44 AM.
Bob Bidonde is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 08:58 AM   #10
Ray in La Mesa
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: La Mesa Ca
Posts: 1,157
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

1973, San Diego to New Hampshire & back via Dearborn A meet, 9027 miles in 7 weeks pulling a trailer. Replaced valves @ Dearborn meet & water pump in N. Dakota.
Ray in La Mesa is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 09:56 AM   #11
Steve Plucker
BANNED
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA
Posts: 6,066
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

1982....Walla Walla, WA to Bakersfield, CA.

1984....Bakersfield, CA to Portland, Oregon and back.

Pluck
Steve Plucker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 11:45 AM   #12
CarlG
Senior Member
 
CarlG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,109
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

We really don't have that many roads in Alaska. However, we manage to take in about 1,000 miles or more on our longer tours around the state.
__________________
Alaskan A's
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Model A Ford Club of America
Model A Restorers Club
Antique Automobile Club of America
Mullins Owner's Club
CarlG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 01:17 PM   #13
700rpm
Senior Member
 
700rpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 5,892
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Model A Ron View Post
Now that a good way to test out a new engine. Do you still have the same car today and if so how many miles do you have on that engine?
I still have the car. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep mileage records for that first engine rebuild, and I was given incorrect instructions about the spark advance and subsequently prematurely blew out the rear main. After repairing that I have put about 9000 miles on the engine, with new valve grind about 5000 miles ago. I don’t drive it as much as I used to. Current Tudor mileage on the last rebuild is 5543. I expect this last engine rebuild will out last me. In the last four years I have mostly driven my coupe, and only about 1800 miles total.
__________________
Ray Horton, Portland, OR


As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.
700rpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 01:26 PM   #14
jg61hawk
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Central New Jersey
Posts: 395
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

My Dad was on the Yorktown, the one that is the museum.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf NAVYYorktown[1].pdf (241.2 KB, 37 views)
File Type: pdf NAVYFlyerClass[1].pdf (167.1 KB, 23 views)
jg61hawk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 02:37 PM   #15
Model A Ron
Senior Member
 
Model A Ron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Troutman, NC
Posts: 717
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by jg61hawk View Post
My Dad was on the Yorktown, the one that is the museum.
Have you been yo Patriots Point in Charleston, SC? If not you need to go see your Dad's old ship. I have been on it 4 times and it never gets old to me. Like our Model A's the York Town is a piece of American History.

Ron
Model A Ron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 02:54 PM   #16
Ed in Maine
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL
Posts: 1,106
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

My longest trip was from Marshalltown, Iowa to Detroit, Michigan for the 1978 National Meet. Like others I also was driving a car with a newly rebuilt engine. I spend a couple of weeks driving around town and had just over 500 miles on the engine. My whole family went, wife and three kids in the back seat. That car ran perfectly. The two things I really remember was arriving into Detroit during the rush hour (it was terrifying) and the tour that went through and under the River Rouge Plant. I figure my car was within hundreds of feet from where it all began. I will never forget all those Ford employees standing on the side lines cheering us on as we drove through the plant. Oh, to be young again and be foolish!! Ed
Ed in Maine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 03:09 PM   #17
Jordan
Senior Member
 
Jordan's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ft. Worth
Posts: 1,006
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

I took my sedan in 2013 up to the Model A museum grand opening. We left Fort Worth and drove the 1,100 miles in 2 days (750 the first). It was a lot of hard driving but the car performed flawlessly. Went up into Canada for a bit. Came back down to head to Hickery Corners from Detroit. Coming home we also made it in 2 days I believe. The whole trip was about 3,200 miles if I remember correctly. The only issue was the muffler clamp broke on the way up, and the alternator mount broke on the way home. Both had us on our way in less than an hour.

3,200 miles in 8 days. Like others, it was a fresh rebuild. Had about 700 miles on it when I left home. I've driven that engine at least another 20,000 since that time. But that was my longest trip.
__________________
Cowtown A's
Jordan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 03:50 PM   #18
160B
Senior Member
 
160B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 1,498
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Two of our longest trips are below, and the mileage below is just the to and back mileage not including any local driving at the venue or side trips.

Port Orchard WA to Calgary, BC 747 one way, 1494 miles round trip. Three days going and two days return, 506 miles on the last day from Cranbrook BC to Port Orchard.

https://www.bing.com/maps?q=map+from...fcb5be00c10c75

Port Orchard WA to Reno Nevada 828 one way, 1656 miles round trip.

https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=36de2...=2&form=S00027
__________________
1931 160B & 1931 68B

If you don't have time to do it right the 1st time, how do you have time to do it the 2nd time?

Last edited by 160B; 04-14-2021 at 05:03 PM. Reason: problems with the links
160B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-14-2021, 06:51 PM   #19
51504bat
Senior Member
 
51504bat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SoCal-Redlands
Posts: 2,997
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

About 12 years ago or so ago a guy who worked in our Sacramento Office drive his Model A sedan from Sacramento to the east coast and back. IIRC he had to have the engine rebuilt before he got to the coast and somewhere on the return trip he lost the B/W overdrive that was adapted to the torque tube. I followed his blog about the trip and it sounded like he had a great time in spite of the mechanical issues.
__________________
Making the simple complicated for over 30 years.
51504bat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-15-2021, 05:04 AM   #20
PalAl
Senior Member
 
PalAl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Orangeville Illinois
Posts: 461
Default Re: Longest trip you took in a Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Synchro909 View Post
Coincidently, my longest single trip was also in a 1929 Phaeton when we did a lap of most of the continent. 12,000 miles with a camper trailer behind. That was 2014.
In a few weeks we set off on yet another trip, this time only about 8 or 9 thousand miles in the same car, again with camper in tow. All up, we have done about 40,000 miles like that now.
Syncro, I salute you Sir, that is incredible!
PalAl is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:44 PM.