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01-17-2015, 09:46 PM | #1 |
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Clyde did not like Model As
Am reading a biography of Bonnie and Clyde (Go Down Together, by Jeff Guinn). The author notes that Clyde would not steal Model As because
Model As were notoriously difficult to start--besides turning the ignition key, it was necessary to pull out the choke while simultaneously pressing down with both feet on the clutch and accelerator pedals. Clyde himself would never have stooped to stealing one. Of course anyone in Clyde's line of work absolutely needed a car that would start quickly and reliably. Maybe he did not set the spark lever properly. The experts on this forum could have quickly instructed him on the correct starting procedure. And Jim Brierely could have advised him on how to make the A as fast as the V8s that Clyde preferred. Could have changed history. A well written and interesting book. |
01-17-2015, 10:04 PM | #2 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
For what it's worth:
My 1st cousin, three times removed, was in charge of the prison farm (Eastham) where Clyde was incarcerated, and where Clyde and others shot up the place (A guard was killed) and freed Raymond Hamilton, Joe Palmer, and others. |
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01-17-2015, 10:55 PM | #3 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
I'm sure ole Clyde would have chosen an A any day if it had been bullet proof!!!!
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01-17-2015, 11:04 PM | #4 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Dillinger didn't have those reservations. But he was smarter than Clyde.
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01-18-2015, 08:39 AM | #5 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
I agree that the A could have been upgraded in those days to equal or exceed the 60HP V8 but not when you are stealing it. I also don't understand why anyone would say the A is harder to start than a V8 flathead. The A will usually start in 3 revs but a V8 even in perfect condition sounds like you are winding up a clock spring to get it started.
Writer's perception, I think.
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01-18-2015, 10:48 AM | #6 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
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01-18-2015, 02:00 PM | #7 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
My "A" will always turn over no matter how cold she is or how long sitting, the V8 takes a lot of choke and teasing to get her going.....
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01-18-2015, 02:19 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Quote:
PC/Sr,,,,read that same book a year ago excellent!! Recommend reading it to anyone who hasn't. |
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01-18-2015, 05:05 PM | #9 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
No trouble here either. Mine starts right up. Mine is parked outside (no garage) and even at ten below zero this winter it has started up without issue (I do let it warm up when it's like that out but I'm sure any carbureted car would need a few mins to bring up to temp!)
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01-18-2015, 05:35 PM | #10 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
[QUOTE=PC/SR;1017279]Am reading a biography of Bonnie and Clyde (Go Down Together, by Jeff Guinn). The author notes that Clyde would not steal Model As because
Model As were notoriously difficult to start--besides turning the ignition key, it was necessary to pull out the choke while simultaneously pressing down with both feet on the clutch and accelerator pedals. Clyde himself would never have stooped to stealing one. Why press the clutch? I was taught NEVER start a car in gear. If it is on a hill, use the hand brake.
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01-18-2015, 08:55 PM | #11 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
I read that book twice. It's the most factual book re. Bonnie & Clyde. Too bad the movies are so fake.
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01-18-2015, 10:31 PM | #12 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Running with Bonnie and Clyde (Ralph Fults) and My life with Bonnie and Clyde (Blanche Barrow) by John Neal Phillips, and Over the Wall by Patrick Mc Conal are also excellently written books about Texas outlaws. Guinn's book is definitive. Of course, there are many more, including Ted Hinton's Ambush (Ted Hinton was one of the six who ambushed (B & C).
Last edited by caboose; 01-18-2015 at 10:34 PM. Reason: Typo correction |
01-18-2015, 11:03 PM | #13 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
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01-18-2015, 11:22 PM | #14 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Agree, pushing in the clutch is not needed. Other than semimodern cars with the clutch switch I never bother to push the clutch in. Rod
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01-19-2015, 01:24 AM | #15 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
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01-19-2015, 01:36 AM | #16 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Someone mentioned to me one time, that pushing the clutch on start up is hard on the rear thrust, until it starts and oil starts moving.
I do know sitting at a light with the clutch in is extra wear on the thrust. What do you think? |
01-19-2015, 02:17 AM | #17 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
During the start I wouldn't worry about thrust wear, but at a light I wouldn't ride the clutch. I try to be in a position where I can see the light turn yellow, then I push in the clutch.
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01-19-2015, 04:20 AM | #18 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
I suppose you can't check the service history whilst being chased by the Feds?
Thanks for the tip on the book, just bought on ABE books.
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01-19-2015, 05:51 AM | #19 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
I am wondering if the author has his facts mixed up and meant the Model T. I find it advisable to push the brake pedal when starting them and some I have dealt with are very finicky with the carb adjustment. Rod
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01-19-2015, 07:43 PM | #20 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
I will bet the same thing, as most cars from that period had about the same step starting .
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01-19-2015, 11:06 PM | #21 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
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01-20-2015, 08:23 AM | #22 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Buick had it with the gas pedal also. Some Nash cars had it under the clutch.
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01-20-2015, 11:06 AM | #23 | |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Quote:
Last edited by johnbuckley; 01-20-2015 at 12:14 PM. |
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01-20-2015, 12:08 PM | #24 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
For one thing it would be hard to start an A with out the key. That is why the armor cable and the wire from the switch goes to the points. You would have to cut the cable and splice in.
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01-20-2015, 04:14 PM | #25 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Of course Bonnie and Clyde preferred Ford V-8's for the OBVIOUS reason
Our '36 Ford will run circles around the Model A no comparison there! By the time you get an A into third gear those flatheads are LONG gone. American Heroes Channel had a segment about Frank Hamer Monday nite, very interesting man. He did in 90 days what the FBI couldn't do in almost three years running down B&C. J. Edgar once again the fool. |
01-20-2015, 05:14 PM | #26 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
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01-20-2015, 07:15 PM | #27 |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
If I was in the bank robbing business I don't think I'd choose a Model A as a getaway car either.
A Hummer maybe. And BTW: If he had one foot on the clutch and the other on the accelerator what did he depress the starter with? |
01-22-2015, 03:55 PM | #28 | |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Quote:
the 1933 model B was 50HP Model A was 40hp |
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01-22-2015, 04:14 PM | #29 | |
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Re: Clyde did not like Model As
Quote:
Dillinger like the 38 super ammo because it could penetrate the steel auto bodies. Clyde loved the Browning Automatic Rifle that shot 30-06 ammo which would penetrate almost anything where a thompson's 45 low velocity could not. But the BAR was too damn heavy to carry around and really should be on a stand. |
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