Hot Rods Model A modifications

I'm cosidering buying a restored/surviving Model A. My Dad is looking into a Coupe he knows. I'm thinking a (relitively) stock drivable A might be a good option for a rookie like myself. I could use the car as is & modify it on an ongoing basis.

I'm guessing a fairly solid Model A is OK for running around town & some carefull modifications will get it on the highway & look cool.

I'm thinking of stuff like updating it to '40 hydro brakes, '36 wheels & then moving on to a dropped axle & other weekendish mods. I could probably do any weekend's worth of work in a month or so.

Boxing the rails & swapping engines are probaly going to be more than I will ever want to do on this project. I am interested is possibly hopping up the original engine.

I'm not looking to break any new ground. I do need the practical experience & exploring some age old rot-rod tech should be a lot of fun.

Any comments, pitfalls, advice.....?

 

Buy it, and then read the monthy Banger meets.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367062&showall=1


Here is where I lowered my coupe while still keeping the mechanical brakes.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332870&showall=1














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JimA did a couple articles in Rod & Customs a while back where he installed a dropped axle and hydraulic brakes on a stock `29 Ford Tudor. a bolt in master cylinder/mount/pedal was used from MT Products. if you could find the issues i'm sure it would be a big help to you.....covers it well with lot's of pictures

here is MT's website: http://www.mtcarproducts.com/


as for hopping up the original motor , that is something i can't help you with...but others on here can

 

Heres the build for my coupe, sounds a lot like what you want to do:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=247168&highlight=how+do+you+like+my+model+now

 

Cool project....

 

You can do better than this...MT products are not self adjusting.
After brakes, get a high compression head.
Its the BEST way to spend your money.
Then put in a 84-87 F-150 fully synchronised overdrive transmission.

 

Thanks guys! I hate to kill my own thread but my inspiration obviously lies in the threads you have provided. Elrod & Chris...I don't have the words. Wow!

 

You mentioned hopping up the stock engine. This is mine (It's a B engine) and Elrods car also has a hopped up A in it.