The Jalopy Journal

ChevyGirlRox · 09-23-2008, 04:53 PM

I can’t have a roadster sitting in the garage and not be working on it! After staring at it for three days (morning, noon and night), gathering tune up parts, and doing a major garage cleaning the time had finally come to see if she’d go or blow!

Monday night after work I hurried home to assemble all the parts I had been gathering up to see if the A would run. I had let a ‘cocktail’ of sorts fester in it since I brought it home Thursday night. By Friday afternoon the motor was turning over by hand nicely, a good sign the banger motor would stay. After reading the comments on the HAMB from my initial post and doing some research I have made some decisions (not an easy thing for me to do for those that don’t know me

): I will leave the fenders on for the rest of this ‘season’ in Ohio. I should have another good month-month and a half of drive time before they salt the roads. I am putting new bias ply Firestone tires from Coker on the car (even though the old ones still hold air

). They are 6.00 X 16s in the front and 7.00 X 16s in the rear. I think it will give me nice proportions with or without fenders. I am going to basically leave everything just the way I found it for a couple weeks until I drive it to a local show. Then once winter sets in I’ll probably look into a drop axle and begin collecting parts to build a nice B motor. And put the battery back where it belongs--if I can stand it in the wrong place that long!

First of all the custom horns had to come off, it was nearly impossible to work on anything with them there!

Much better!

ChevyGirlRox · 09-23-2008, 04:53 PM

Once all of the crap was out of the way it was time for the exciting part. New plugs were in, the gas was flowing freely thru the stock tank (rather clean I might add

), and the battery was hooked up I figured I give her a go. A few friends were over but Matt, Whiskeyrunner, was definitely a huge help to me to make sure I didn’t burn the shop down

. It seemed like it was going to take 5 hands to get this thing going. My nephew wanted to help to. It is unbelievable what a 3 year old sees when you aren’t paying attention. He had watched Matt touch the starter wire to a plate in the car one time and next thing you know he was in the car trying it himself- amazing! The first few times the starter only whirled around. After a few convincing ‘love taps’ the starter got with the program and the motor began to turn over! The next thing I knew it was running! On all four cylinders! I’m not sure why but I was pretty shocked. After I ran it for while it stopped smoking and I wanted to go for a spin. Nevermind I didn’t have any brakes and the shop is on a giant hill. The clutch was stuck but we were able to pop it out once I removed the inspection cover in the top of the tranny.

Once it was free it was time for my cruise. Without further ado, my first ‘drive’ in the A!

In case you hadn’t noticed I was a little excited!

I figured I might as well end the day on a good note so I called it an evening. This morning I got up early and took the front tires off since I already have the 6.00 X 16s to change out. Tonight I plan to tear the drums off and see how the brake situation. I also need to figure out what front end it is because it needs new king pins really bad. I think it is late 30s-ish?

More to come tomorrow…

**48fordnut** · 09-23-2008, 04:57 PM

Girl some one taught you well. If that is not the case, you pick things up real good. good plans ,good luck!

Tman · 09-23-2008, 04:57 PM

Pretty cool! I dig the fenders and I am kinda not a fender guy.

I would lose that scary draglink ASAP!!

Dirty Dug · 09-23-2008, 05:05 PM

The front end looks like a '40 to me. Are the spindles round? That is one great score, looks like a lot of fun. Enjoy!

**cuznbrucie** · 09-23-2008, 05:06 PM

Front end looks like later '40's Megan.......judging by the brake drum style and the way the bones mount to the front spring......definitely not '37......that would be a wide five!

CB

**Dreddybear** · 09-23-2008, 05:06 PM

Very cool! Congrats!!

I agree with TMAn. Draglink looks a little scary...

Old-Soul · 09-23-2008, 05:08 PM

Yup, still jealous...

**Malcolm** · 09-23-2008, 05:09 PM

Great to hear!

You are lucky to have good friends there to help you out. I'm sure you'll have working brakes and good tires in no time at all - keep us updated!

Very cool-
Malcolm

**oldbobsign** · 09-23-2008, 05:14 PM

Now that's what I'm talkin' about... beyond cool, Megan!

Thanks for takin' us on the maiden voyage!!!

**Gotgas** · 09-23-2008, 05:15 PM

That is cool as hell.

You need to wash that thing!!

oldsman71 · 09-23-2008, 05:17 PM

cool glad to see it run that well!!

DeuceDog · 09-23-2008, 05:18 PM

Megan is the drag link cut and welded together?

I think I'd chang that first thing.

DD

**HOTRODPRIMER** · 09-23-2008, 05:21 PM

That is so cool,

,I watch the video 3 times!,,I am so happy for you,,,but please do something about that drag link,,,It scares the crap outta me.

HRP

DeuceDog · 09-23-2008, 05:23 PM

I forgot...Very cool. Good luck with the build.

DD

**Brandi** · 09-23-2008, 05:24 PM

Yay!! I am so stoked for you.

**Cajun Kenny** · 09-23-2008, 05:29 PM

fanfreakintastic! the grin on your face says it all!! congrats..

**Bib Overalls** · 09-23-2008, 05:31 PM

Front end needs some attention. I would look into replacing what you have with a dropped axle and spring over set up. You can split the wishbones you have (whack off the spring perch) and recycle the spindles and brakes if they are serviceable. This should give you a longer (stock A) wheelbase and a better ride. And speaking of "ride" I think you need shocks as well.

HOTRODSURFER · 09-23-2008, 05:31 PM

congrats megan!!!,you dont mess around do ya

**Bruce Lancaster** · 09-23-2008, 05:37 PM

It really needs a '28-34 front of some sort. There's a big 16, probably 7.50-16, that fills an A rear fender perfectly, giving the car a low, solid look...I suspect you would like the look.
My thoughts...B carb, manifolds, intake (maybe the secret 26MM B carb), B distributor, 4.11 gears and high ratio Mitchell OD...fenders, '31 shell, proper front axle...remove spiders and go. Model A's just want to have fun.

09-23-2008, 04:53 PM	#1
ChevyGirlRox Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,046	Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! I can’t have a roadster sitting in the garage and not be working on it! After staring at it for three days (morning, noon and night), gathering tune up parts, and doing a major garage cleaning the time had finally come to see if she’d go or blow! Monday night after work I hurried home to assemble all the parts I had been gathering up to see if the A would run. I had let a ‘cocktail’ of sorts fester in it since I brought it home Thursday night. By Friday afternoon the motor was turning over by hand nicely, a good sign the banger motor would stay. After reading the comments on the HAMB from my initial post and doing some research I have made some decisions (not an easy thing for me to do for those that don’t know me ): I will leave the fenders on for the rest of this ‘season’ in Ohio. I should have another good month-month and a half of drive time before they salt the roads. I am putting new bias ply Firestone tires from Coker on the car (even though the old ones still hold air ). They are 6.00 X 16s in the front and 7.00 X 16s in the rear. I think it will give me nice proportions with or without fenders. I am going to basically leave everything just the way I found it for a couple weeks until I drive it to a local show. Then once winter sets in I’ll probably look into a drop axle and begin collecting parts to build a nice B motor. And put the battery back where it belongs--if I can stand it in the wrong place that long! First of all the custom horns had to come off, it was nearly impossible to work on anything with them there! Much better! __________________ I can fly!

09-23-2008, 04:53 PM	#2
ChevyGirlRox Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,046	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Once all of the crap was out of the way it was time for the exciting part. New plugs were in, the gas was flowing freely thru the stock tank (rather clean I might add ), and the battery was hooked up I figured I give her a go. A few friends were over but Matt, Whiskeyrunner, was definitely a huge help to me to make sure I didn’t burn the shop down . It seemed like it was going to take 5 hands to get this thing going. My nephew wanted to help to. It is unbelievable what a 3 year old sees when you aren’t paying attention. He had watched Matt touch the starter wire to a plate in the car one time and next thing you know he was in the car trying it himself- amazing! The first few times the starter only whirled around. After a few convincing ‘love taps’ the starter got with the program and the motor began to turn over! The next thing I knew it was running! On all four cylinders! I’m not sure why but I was pretty shocked. After I ran it for while it stopped smoking and I wanted to go for a spin. Nevermind I didn’t have any brakes and the shop is on a giant hill. The clutch was stuck but we were able to pop it out once I removed the inspection cover in the top of the tranny. Once it was free it was time for my cruise. Without further ado, my first ‘drive’ in the A! In case you hadn’t noticed I was a little excited! I figured I might as well end the day on a good note so I called it an evening. This morning I got up early and took the front tires off since I already have the 6.00 X 16s to change out. Tonight I plan to tear the drums off and see how the brake situation. I also need to figure out what front end it is because it needs new king pins really bad. I think it is late 30s-ish? More to come tomorrow… __________________ I can fly! Last edited by ChevyGirlRox; 09-23-2008 at 05:28 PM.

09-23-2008, 04:57 PM	#3
48fordnut Alliance Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: mid ga Posts: 1,702	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Girl some one taught you well. If that is not the case, you pick things up real good. good plans ,good luck! __________________ Will Rogers'' Common sense is not as common as you think"" wtb/28/29 model a coupe garnish mouldings Southern Slingshots

09-23-2008, 04:57 PM	#4
Tman Old School HAMBer Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Black Hills Posts: 18,350	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Pretty cool! I dig the fenders and I am kinda not a fender guy. I would lose that scary draglink ASAP!! __________________ www.vagabonds.cc "Don't stop fighting until the blood on your sword is the Kings"

09-23-2008, 05:05 PM	#5
Dirty Dug Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Edmonds,Wa,USA Posts: 2,153	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! The front end looks like a '40 to me. Are the spindles round? That is one great score, looks like a lot of fun. Enjoy!

09-23-2008, 05:06 PM	#6
cuznbrucie Alliance Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: South Jersey Shore Posts: 1,574	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Front end looks like later '40's Megan.......judging by the brake drum style and the way the bones mount to the front spring......definitely not '37......that would be a wide five! CB __________________ Check out The WHEELERS! http://home.comcast.net/~cuznbrucie/WHEELERS.htm I have to grow old, .....but I don't have to grow up!

09-23-2008, 05:06 PM	#7
Dreddybear Alliance Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,230	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Very cool! Congrats!! I agree with TMAn. Draglink looks a little scary... __________________ ^HOLLEY 94 & Multicarb INFO^ My Model A Coupe Build

09-23-2008, 05:08 PM	#8
Old-Soul Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Red Deer, AB, Canada Posts: 1,926	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Yup, still jealous... __________________ Forget your lust for the rich man's gold All that you need is in your soul

09-23-2008, 05:09 PM	#9
Malcolm Alliance Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 3,918	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Great to hear! You are lucky to have good friends there to help you out. I'm sure you'll have working brakes and good tires in no time at all - keep us updated! Very cool- Malcolm __________________ Nick Hoesing (aka Malcolm)

09-23-2008, 05:14 PM	#10
oldbobsign Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mokena, Illannoy Posts: 579	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Now that's what I'm talkin' about... beyond cool, Megan! Thanks for takin' us on the maiden voyage!!! __________________ None of them doing nothin' that your mama wouldn't disapprove. www.chicagobrushmasters.com

09-23-2008, 05:15 PM	#11
Gotgas Alliance Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: DFW USA Posts: 4,639	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! That is cool as hell. You need to wash that thing!! __________________ . Good hands. BAD taste in cars.

09-23-2008, 05:17 PM	#12
oldsman71 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: pittsburg,kansas Posts: 984	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! cool glad to see it run that well!!

09-23-2008, 05:18 PM	#13
DeuceDog Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Breese, IL Posts: 574	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Megan is the drag link cut and welded together? I think I'd chang that first thing. DD Attached Thumbnails

09-23-2008, 05:21 PM	#14
HOTRODPRIMER Alliance Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Anderson,South Carolina Posts: 6,441	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! That is so cool,,I watch the video 3 times!,,I am so happy for you,,,but please do something about that drag link,,,It scares the crap outta me. HRP __________________ Tradition without intelligence is not worth having. T.S. Eliot www.fotki.com/hotrodprimer

09-23-2008, 05:23 PM	#15
DeuceDog Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Breese, IL Posts: 574	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! I forgot...Very cool. Good luck with the build. DD

09-23-2008, 05:24 PM	#16
Brandi Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 776	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Yay!! I am so stoked for you. __________________ WANTED: '28-29 Rumble Seat Curved Inner Panel

09-23-2008, 05:29 PM	#17
Cajun Kenny Alliance Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Just Another Smart Ass White Boy In Mississippi.. Posts: 6,743	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! fanfreakintastic! the grin on your face says it all!! congrats.. __________________ When The Shit hits The Fan It Will Not Be Evenly Distributed!

09-23-2008, 05:31 PM	#18
Bib Overalls Alliance Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jonesboro, Arkansas Posts: 2,385	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! Front end needs some attention. I would look into replacing what you have with a dropped axle and spring over set up. You can split the wishbones you have (whack off the spring perch) and recycle the spindles and brakes if they are serviceable. This should give you a longer (stock A) wheelbase and a better ride. And speaking of "ride" I think you need shocks as well. __________________ An Old California Rodder Hiding Out In The Ozarks http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratpoison/

09-23-2008, 05:31 PM	#19
HOTRODSURFER Old School HAMBer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: HATBORO,PA Posts: 4,306	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! congrats megan!!!,you dont mess around do ya __________________ HOILER AUTO REPAIR est 1918 WANTED MARCH 1970 ROD & CUSTOM MAGAZINE

09-23-2008, 05:37 PM	#20
Bruce Lancaster Alliance Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Madison NJ USA Posts: 14,820	Re: Making progress on the A roadster —she runs! It really needs a '28-34 front of some sort. There's a big 16, probably 7.50-16, that fills an A rear fender perfectly, giving the car a low, solid look...I suspect you would like the look. My thoughts...B carb, manifolds, intake (maybe the secret 26MM B carb), B distributor, 4.11 gears and high ratio Mitchell OD...fenders, '31 shell, proper front axle...remove spiders and go. Model A's just want to have fun. __________________ Bruce

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