Projects 1929 Model A Roadster

Hey H.A.M.B.ers.

I picked up this roadster back in October. The seller was located northwest of Des Moines and delivered to me at Iron Invasion. I have no history on the vehicle other than the builder passed, and the widow sat on it for a few years before selling to the person I bought it from.

The car is right on as far as a 50s hot rod goes. Model A frame, '32 shell, flathead V8, twin carburetors, three-speed transmission...

The car needs a lot of love, which one doesn't?

If anyone knows anything about this classic ride please let me know.

Thanks!

Here's a photo of my first rip around the hotel parking lot before loading on the trailer and heading to the show.

 

There was a lot of noise coming from the driver's steer brake. It turned out to be both shoes were loose inside the drum. Lucky for me Marty had a box of shoes that he had no use for. After some quick brake service I managed to put about five miles on her.

 

The 97s were in need of rebuild, the wiring in poor shape, and all the shiny parts were looking pretty dull.


I took steel wool to the intake and and chrome. The 97s got a rebuild after soaking overnight in carburetor cleaner.

 

Here's a video from the day I got the thing home. The passenger door is classic.

 

Love it,but finish the paint job with some nice shiny,awesome buy! FUN Fun

 

The body paint is in great condition and is not high on the list. When the time comes it will be done properly.

 

Well, color me jealous. Nice roadster.

 

Thanks, Brady, but if that coupe in your avatar is yours, there's no jealousy to be had.

 

Aluminum, chrome, and stainless has all been cleaned. Carburetors have both been rebuilt and installed.

I plan to eventually clean up the firewall area including fuel pump/regulator and ignition components.

My next step is to procure proper stainless fasteners for the headers as the ones provided aren’t the correct size.

 

I need to shorten the rear header bolts but otherwise it’s coming along nicely. All threads chased before headers went on. Anyone else come across larger diameter bolt holes on the forward exhaust port?

 

Nice looking roadster!

 

Thanks! I've gone through a lot of less-than interesting vehicles to finally get something I'm excited about wrenching on and driving.

 

Awesome little car!!

It was probably a snapped bolt that got drilled out and tapped oversize. Never seen it on a flathead but other engines yes. I know the thermostat housing mounts on my Edelbrock CH4B on my 283 has two different size holes and they didn't come that way.

 

Great looking roadster! I agree that the paint is just fine as is. Have fun with it!

 

The front bolt is larger than the others. It was made that way. Watch your bolt length so they hold but don't bottom out. Headers can take a little longer or shorter bolt than manifolds. If you run into problems just send it to me and I'll store it for you. No charge. Kidding aside, that is a cool car.

 

Yeah, I purchased shorter bolts as the manifold bolts bottomed-out before contacting the header flange. Plus, new stainless just looks better.

Thanks for the bolt diameter information. I didn’t take a real close look but it didn’t appear to be any sort of repair.

 

never had a flat head that did not have the front 2 bolts bigger diameter...

 

The generator bracket looks lonely!

 

Ugh, it houses a hideous GM alternator, for now.

 

My 50 flathead has larger bolts on the front flanges too. I thought they came that way!

 

Its a fact that Ford different size bolts on the exhaust manifolds. I've known that for years but I never knew why. Someone on here must know the answer.

 

Congrats on the new acquisition...have fun with it and it seems you already are....

 

Neat ride! Are you going to keep the deuce shell on it? I always liked the look of the stock shell on 28/9 and the deuce on 30/1. Just my opinion though.

 

I wondered if it had something to do with the fact the exhaust pipe attaches to the manifold up front. Maybe the heavier bolts are for exhaust system support?

 

I really like the original grill as well. If I had it I could run it and the hood top which I really like.

 

I’m looking for ID information on this steering arrangement. What is it, and what has your experience been with it?

Excuse the moisture. It’s oddly 65° in Wisconsin. Last week was slightly below zero.

 

Looks like the fill plug was drilled for a zerk fitting so the box could be filled with corn head grease. But that's jus a guess.

 

Yeah, I purchased shorter bolts as the manifold bolts bottomed-out before contacting the header flange. Plus, new stainless just looks better.

I love the car. Just a suggestion though, if you purchased the “stainless” header bolts from a conventional hardware store or from epay you may run into problems. Most hardware store stainless is grade 2 strength. Snapping a stainless bolt off flush with the head will ruin your day

For that application I would look at the “High Strength Stainless” company for parts

just saying…

 

All of my flatheads have had 7/16 bolts in the front holes and 3/8 in the other holes. If using stainless bolts pay the extra money for the better grade and make sure you use "Never Sieze" so the threads don't gall. Hardware store grade stainless shouldn't be used on anything requiring high strength. They really like to strip or gall threads, then they are a real bitch to remove. Learned that one the hard way.