1929 Ford Model A

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4 - Cyl.

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

While many of us dream of building a "time machine" to return to the care-free days of our youth, a few of us actually attempt such a build. With my selection of tools and limited talent,this is the best I can do. This roadster is not an over-restored "show car" nor is it a showcase of early speed equipment. It is a somewhat accurate representation of a typical Southern California hot rod just prior to WWII. When I get behind the wheel, I sometimes imagine myself as a teenager flying across a dry lakebed in a machine I've modified myself to run nearly double it's original top speed. Enough of that; here's the details.The engine is an A block bored .125 over. It has a stock crank and is still "splash & babbit". The 7 to 1 aluminum head is of unknown manufacture. The cam was ground by Harvey Crane and has a nice lope at idle while making good power throughout the rpm range.The valves are stainless and the entire valve train (with adjustable lifters) was brand new when I overhauled the engine approx. 5K miles ago.The intake manifold is a Thomas with a pair of 97's. This engine has proven to be very reliable and driveability is great (after a short warm-up) even with the 20 lb. V8 flywheel.The only problem I've had is that it fouls plugs if it idles too long or if I make a lot of short trips. Like any real hot rod, it just doesn't like going slow. The transmission and rear end are stock model A. With the 3.78 rear end and tall rear tires,55 MPH = 2200 rpm. This seems to be where the engine is "happy". I've driven the car on several long trips at this speed with no problems. Double clutching is no problem with the light flywheel once you get used to it.The car may have been easier to drive if I'd installed a later sycromesh trans. but I wanted a car that not only looked vintage but sounded, felt, smelled, and drove like a vintage hot rod.This is that car. It's so authentic, everything from the radiator to the differential leaks a little. The chassis actually came out of an old hot rod so you can see how they did it "back in the day". the front is lowered by using a '32 axle with a reverse-eye spring. This pre-dates the "dropped" axle.The rear has also been lowered by raising the crossmember and removing a few spring leaves. The rear wishbone then had to be "dropped" to clear the frame rails. No "store- bought" parts here! The brakes are '40 hydraulics and the only "modern" part on the whole car is a dual chamber master cylinder hidden under the wooden floorboard.The front 16" wheels are 36 spoke Motorwheels and the rears are 40 spoke Kelsey Hayes. The steering box is a '32 rebuilt with '34 gears and a '36 column and banjo wheel. the inst.cluster is from a '27 Studebaker. The body came from South Dakota and was nearly rust free. I replaced the wheel wells (they had been "clearanced" with a torch ) but otherwise left it pretty much as found. When these cars were hot rodded in the early 40's the primary goal was to go fast, not to look good. With this in mind,I left a lot of small dings in the body in an attempt to be authentic for the time period. The trunk lid was missing and since I couldn't locate a good original I used a Brookville reproduction. The '32 grill shell and insert are originals. Since i like to play with my toys,the tires are nearly bald. While this may add to the authenticity, the car will need new tires soon if you plan to drive it. I'll leave this to the new owner since you may want something other than what's on the car now. The engine in the car is a replacement block with no serial number. I will include with the sale the original engine and transmission with numbers matching the title. This is a rebuildable core that turns over freely. There are a lot of details I've left out but hopefully I've taken enough pictures to show you what's there. I can answer any questions you may have since I built the car and I'm familiar with every nut and bolt. This isn't a car for everybody; model A's are high-maintainance machines. If you don't enjoy "tinkering" maybe you would be happier with a "street rod" with modern mechanicals. But if you really want to "go back in time" and have as much fun as i have with this car, place your bid today. I will require a $500 non-refundable deposit (Paypal) within 24 hours of the end of sale. The car must be paid for in full within 10 days. The buyer is responsable for shipping but I can help load. Remember, a spare engine and trans. are included with the sale. Thank you for looking.