Checked something off the bucket list today when I bought a 1929 Model A Ford Pickup. =)
This is the Q&A I prepared for people at work:
Kingsford Smith is a 1929 Ford Model A closed cab pickup in Rock Moss Green. There are two reasons for this name – bonus points for figuring them out. Ford manufactured Model A’s from 1928-1931, producing more than 4 million. The “A” is really the earliest practical car for a driver today. While you can’t drive on the highway, you can keep up with traffic most other places. The Model A was the successor to the Model T. A Model T is often scary above 30 mph, only has brakes on 2 wheels, and has 2 forward speeds along with a ridiculous planetary gearbox. Driving a T requires 3 pedals and 3 levers!
Q & A
Is it original?
Reasonably. The car has been disassembled at least once in its life, but it is reasonably correct. It is the original engine (haven’t checked to see if its matching #s). It does have an aftermarket heater, an aftermarket Ahooga horn, and an aftermarket windshield wiper. These are all period correct though. I didn’t buy it from the original owner – if you bought a Model A new you are at least 100 years old, and the previous owner is a spry 76. =)
How fast does it go?
You can comfortably cruise at 45 with the stock transmission, and maybe up to 50 depending on the car. Ford advertised the top speed as 60 mph. There is an aftermarket overdrive that will get you cruising at 50-55 mph.
How efficient is it?
Nobody cared about fuel mileage in 1929, so there are no EPA approved numbers. Some people say 30mpg, but consensus seems to be in the 15-25 range.
Other features?
The aforementioned heater, awesome horn, and windshield wiper. It also has a rear view mirror and brake lights. There is no radio, tachometer, or no cup holders, but it does have “A/C”. The front windshield folds out for air cooling those balmy summer days. There is also a driver’s side mirror, but not a passenger’s side. Plus, a sweet visor.
What kind of gas/oil/fluids does it take?
Regular 87 octane unleaded fuel. This car is so old, they hadn’t started putting lead in the gas yet (actually, the octane scale wasn’t even published)! Most people put a stabilizer in their gas to prevent the ethanol from clogging up the works over time. Some people also do put lead additives in their fuel (there is no catalytic converter). The stock compression ratio is a 4.22:1, but in 1932 Ford began offering “high” compression heads at a blazing 5.5:1. Oil is non detergent 30W, and if it isn’t leaking a little it’s probably empty! Oil change is recommended every 500 miles, and there is recommended lubrication intervals as well. Coolant is green antifreeze, or just regular water.
Can it stop?
Yes! The Model A has mechanical drum brakes on all four wheels. They require occasional adjustment, and they don’t work quite as well as a modern car, but they are certainly respectable. Some people assume these brakes are really awful, when correctly adjusted they are quite good.
Why?
This is a good question…
