This project has been in my head for decades, long enough for it to have become my semi-retirement project. For as long as I have been building wood cars/boats for other people I have been trying (failing) to set aside enough time to build something for my self, it's now or never. I have always liked Model A pickups so I thought I could turn one into a wood project. Other than the wood parts the rest of the vision is pretty foggy at this point. I want it to look such that someone who didn't know any better could look at it from across the partking lot and think it were a restoration of a factory original, steel hood, cowl, front and rear fenders, and wood everything else. I also want to be able to drive it. Mechanically it might end up all Model A, or no Model A. I have never driven one so I wanted a running driving car to start with so I could decide which way I want to go.
I bought it, got it home and drove it round the yard some and everything seemed good. It ran, stopped, shifted, started easy hot or cold, so I parked it. Ten minutes later there was a puddle, I don't mean a few drops, I mean a puddle it would take both hands to cover, underneath it.
It has a newly rebuilt engine in it. I know that because I had the oil pan off. Squeaky clean in there, aluminum pistons and bearings that look brand new. To make a long story short, whoever reinstalled the engine neglected to install the gasket that goes between the engine block and the front half of the bell housing, which seals the back of the cam tunnel. The missing gasket came in a box of parts with the car, so that saved me a dollar and a half.......Not how I wanted t learn it but I knoe a lot more about the mechanicals of a Model A than I did a couple weeks ago. Still a fe things to button up but should be back on the road soon.
Sorry about the typos, the flashing thing wont go where I put it so cant go back and correct.
What do they call this body style? 2 door sedan? The Model A is a great collector car and very popular. Good luck with your project.
Actually, Ford called it a “Tudor” sedan.
It looks like an extended version of the 2 door Victoria so I get the "sedan" designation.
Cool project! Keep us posted.
Will you be using this Tudor as the basis for your wood body build or are you just trying it out to see if you like the platform?
This is the car, it's now a matter of deciding how much of it I keep. It will have a wood cab and bed, the only steel behind the windshield will be the rear fenders, like the woodie wagons. I do plan on driving it, rural Alabama, no interstates or big city traffic.I'm not trying to build a hot rod, I want to keep the original look, even if I don't keep the original engine, whatever ends up in there will be under a full hood. I want the same ride height and at least similar type wheels. The styling of the original 1930 wood bodied As was a little crude for me so will probably be something more similar to late 30s. The doors will have to match the cowl sheetmetal, everything else will be my design.
Something like this?
More like this, but with a couple major differences. The non wood parts on mine will not be Riddler contender quality, and while the cab and bed will be wood, that is where the similarities will end. I know the guy that built this truck and he does very nice work, the workmanship on this is excellent. It made the "Great Eight" at the Detroit autorama, which is considered an accomplishment in the custom car world. In my world though, the wood on this truck is simple. There's a lot going on but it's all straight lines and square corners. Mine will differ significantly in that regard.
I can't remember the furniture maker's name but he was quoted in an issue of Fine Woodworking as saying "A straight line in a piece of furniture is a wasted opportunity".
True. Sometimes they're necessary, but when they are not they should be avoided. Even a subtle shape can make a huge difference.
Very cool, looking forward to seeing this come together.
Guy would bring a custom Tudor like this to our local cruise night. Running a flathead. Have not seen him in a while. Nice car though.
You can recover some cost with the tudor body - very popular with hot rodders. If I can help with any A related questions give a yell.
This is going to be a great car!!! Congrats man. I have loved my Model As!!