Acceptable accessories for a touring car?

[Curly]

A lot of it is personal preference, but safety and comfort are also part of the equation.
I'm interested in folks thoughts on the balance between "original" and a well set up touring car.
One taillight or two?
Turn signals?
Tachometor? water temp gauge? Oil pressure?
Stone guard?
Shorter pitman?
Seatbelts?

Every Model A guy has a different threshold. What's yours?

[Mike V. Florida]

Why is it a common belief that a stock A is not a good touring car?

My philosophy is this if it good for ten 10 mile trips then it is good for one 100 mile trip. But with that said if you want those things put them in. If you feel safer and will drive it more and longer then do it. You don't need our permission. Need help then just ask here and we will help you. I will mention one item, shortened pitman arm. IF your steering and front end is rebuilt to ORIGINAL SPECS you don't need it. But if you don't want the expense to rebuild it as original and yes it is expensive, the spend a few dollars and the arm.

[DaWizard]

Curly, I am in the process of experimenting with the flow of water through the radiator to cool the water properly. Since I was young the Model As we owned always had an over heating problem and the one I now have is in the same boat.

I have installed a second tail light
Turn signals
12v neg chassis
Alternator
LEDs everywhere including the brightest headlights I have ever seen on any car.
A backup camera as well as reverse light/"third brake light".
KH 16" wheels and radial tires.

As soon as I think this is road worthy, I am taking a trip, not sure where it will be to, but I really want to stretch this Wheezer out. Now, it may take some time as I would like to install 3:27's and Mitchell 26% OD, but I have time. It might also include a new steering from Randy Gross.

It may also include a HC head, I will know as soon as I pull the pan and get the bottom end straightened out.

I will probably think of something else I have done, but basically, what I have done is for safety reasons in this high speed society.

[CarlG]

Among other things, this is what I have on my pickup: (I class these items as "modified for touring, safety, and creature comforts.")

• Seat Belts, Rear View Mirrors, RH Tail/Stop Light
• Turn Signals, 4-way flashers, Cowl Lights
• Halogen Headlights, LED Tail Lights, 3^rd Brake Light
• Gauges: Tach, Water Temp, Oil Pres, Clock
• GPS and charging outlets for iPhones
• Model A Touring Engine by Ron Kelley, TX
• Ultimate Overdrive Transmission by Dave Delmue, CA
• AC/Heater & modern style shocks by Ken Davis, TX
• 550R19 Radial Tires by Coker Tire, TN
• Full back bumper and trailer hitch

[Curly]

You don't need our permission.

I didn't ask for your permission Mike. I asked for options on what folks feel is acceptable and what's not. This is a discussion forum. Did you read my post or just the post title?

Why is it a common belief that a stock A is not a good touring car?

Is this a common belief? It may be, but since the beginning of automobile history people have been personalizing their automobiles. I dare say I drive my Model A more than 95% of Model A owners. I have over 10k miles this year alone. I'd like a completely stock Model A, but some of the safety options I have give me a certain amount of comfort when I'm out on the road with those modern cars and trucks.

[Mike V. Florida]

I did read it! All those things listed are valid things to add if you want with no detriment to the car. ANYTHING is acceptable if you want it. I don't see what your problem is with my post. I said, " If you feel safer and will drive it more and longer then do it. " again what is wrong with that? I went on to say, "Need help then just ask here and we will help you. " that refers to the installation of those items you listed, so again what is wrong with that statement? and your second paragraph, "...some of the safety options I have give me a certain amount of comfort when I'm out on the road. Once again I refer you to my statement. " If you feel safer and will drive it more and longer then do it. "

[Curly]

Mike it sounded like you were being a smart ass. I mis-read your intentions.

[Mike V. Florida]

OK understood and I apologise for not being more clear.

[Curly]

Among other things, this is what I have on my pickup:

• Seat Belts, Rear View Mirrors, RH Tail/Stop Light
• Turn Signals, 4-way flashers, Cowl Lights
• Halogen Headlights, LED Tail Lights, 3^rd Brake Light
• Gauges: Tach, Water Temp, Oil Pres, Clock
• GPS and charging outlets for iPhones
• Model A Touring Engine by Ron Kelley, TX
• Ultimate Overdrive Transmission by Dave Delmue, CA
• AC/Heater & modern style shocks by Ken Davis, TX
• 550R19 Radial Tires by Coker Tire, TN

Your car is set up very very comfortable Carl. The thing I like best about it is those wheels. They are on my list.

[Mike V. Florida]

I'm going to try and be absolutely clear on where I stand on modifications to YOUR A.

The only time I see red is when someone says they have to do something "modern" to their car. I have to have halogen bulbs to see, I have to have juice brakes to stop, I have to have inserts in my engine, I have to have V8 points. The truth is you don't have to. A properly, the keyword is properly, restored Model A will give many years and many miles of reliable service. Modifications, as I mentioned above, if you feel safer if you feel better if it makes you happy if it gets you out on the road more have at it. If you want halogen bulbs great there are bulbs that fit in the original sockets. If you want 12 volts for whatever reason, I have a list of parts you need and even have information on how to modify a used alternator. You want juice brakes, again I have information. Guages, thermostats have at it!! The difference is HAVE to and WANT to.

I hope this is clear. I will assist anyone as I have been assisted in just about anything you want to do. (Yes there are limits, chopping, channeling, SBC to name a few.

[Jim Mason]

Imo you don't have to have any mods. the best trip ive made in my A was the one with the most problems. if you make the entire journey and don't have a glitch, what is there to talk about?
example in 1974 I purchased a 28 Tudor and drove it 240 Mikes home.
Not much of a story.

True story. I bought the car, and spent 3 days getting brakes to work, and getting it to run. took off for home the next day and a few miles down the road it would not pull up the slightest incline. stopped and listened and it would idle and Rev up just fine. I was thinking that it was going to be a looong day. started out again, and it was getting worse. pulled over raised the hood and one spark plug had backed out of the hole and another was rattling. tightened them both up and all was good. till the exhaust rusted though about six inches from the manifold. pulled the floorboards, rolled down the windows a drove 234miles with my foot on the firewall and clutch housing. 22mpg, no stops except for lunch and breaks.
Better story.
Make the mods you want, enjoy the car the way you want, just don't feel pressured to make changes just cause somebody says you should.

[Grit Kid]

Imo you don't have to have any mods. the best trip ive made in my A was the one with the most problems. if you make the entire journey and don't have a glitch, what is there to talk about?
example in 1974 I purchased a 28 Tudor and drove it 240 Mikes home.
Not much of a story.

.

That's OK if you're a mechanic or don't have to wait hours for a tow. I will enjoy the trip far more than talking about the trip that didn't happen.

[Jim Mason]

I don't agree. Broke down in a modern, walked to get a tow (before cell phones), waited over nite for the garage to get parts, another day for the fix. had to head home for lack of time. Met some really nice people, found a good restaurant, took in a show. never did make it to my original destination. Enjoyed the hell outta that trip too. Depends on the goal. If it's to get somewhere or have an adventure.

[Grit Kid]

A 1930s period picnic basket, blanket and a bottle of wine and a lady passenger without a corset!!!

[Captndan]

The key word here is 'Touring'. That would indicate a fun safe drive. The priorities should be safety, dependability, and comfort. That eliminates a tachometer, oil pressure gauge, and a stone guard. A picnic lunch is a good idea too.

[CarlG]

Modifying your Model A is really nothing new. My Dad use to tell me stories of how these cars were "personalized" back in the day. This was in the late '30s. When he heard about me getting my current rig, his first comment was: "are you going to hot-rod it?" My response was "No, Dad, not going to hot-rod it. For all practical purposes, it will look and drive like an original Model A, no v-8, no chopped top , no 16" wheels, no etc." Although the list in post #4 above might seem to be excessive, it still isn't a complete list of how it has been "modified", but it still retains the "look and feel" of an original.

[Curly]

I like that about your truck Carl. It's built to be used and enjoyed. I also appreciate Lewy's coupe and how strict he is about keeping it original. Id be interested to know how many people who really drive them leave them original to that same degree.

[Ed H]

I intend to keep mine as original as possible. Certainly not a fine point car, but as close to the day she was delivered to the new owner as possible.

[George Miller]

If you want to drive one around here you need the two tail and stop lights and turn signals for sure. No one knows what hand signals are for anymore.

[Mitch]

Hey i'm all bone stock with no add-ons and can tour just fine. Hell i finished the Grand Tour without needing a rope to get over the finish line. There was at least one pulled in by a string some others choked over the line and some of those had special touring packages.. It's all in how well your car is prepared and maintained, heck ill go title for title with anyone.
I do realize this may not have much to do with the original question

My 2.124 cents

[DaWizard]

I would like to know the total cost of your doing it right!

[Mitch]

Well believe it or not it costs more to do it wrong than right.

[tbirdtbird]

"It's all in how well your car is prepared and maintained"

Amen, bro
even for a modern.....

[George Miller]

Yup I had 26,000 trouble free miles with my Sport Coupe. Every thing has to be done right. half ass does not work. On any car

[Jim Mason]

Off question : with 5 million A built, I wonder how many miles were traveled Un modified compared to modified.

[Curly]

If you want to drive one around here you need the two tail and stop lights and turn signals for sure. No one knows what hand signals are for anymore.

When I hand signal people think I'm waving at them. ;)

[Mitch]

put up the middle finger and they will know your actually turning

[Captndan]

The bikers kn ow what hand signals are. And they appreciate it.

[DaWizard]

We have sooo many folk here who are barely able to pass the driving test, and I don't think the hand signals are on the test anymore because so many of them were getting them wrong and cluttering up the offices with license redos they had to dumb the test down to the lowest common denominator. Even with the bright LED tail and turn, there are some who insist on climbing up my ass when I slow or signal to turn I take my life into my hands just backing out of the driveway.

[Captndan]

I put a hay spear on the back of my pickup. The brakes work good too.

[tbirdtbird]

Speaking of touring,
here is a vid of 157 Model As touring in Winnsboro, TX, which is an annual event here. The year is 1975.
Not much of that fancy aftermarket touring stuff was available then and it didn't stop anyone.
Featuring interviews with the legendary Ron Davis and Vernon Boyd

https://m.youtube.com/watch?sns=fb&v=eOlb8963i6U

[plyfor]

Our SW sedan came to us with a backup light, extra era stop lamp, fog lamps, FS ignition, F150 tranny like Carl's, 16 rims, etc. Unfortunately the prior owner spent a lot of energy on "upgrades" but ignored many of the basic operation, maintenance and cosmetic issues.

[BNCHIEF]

My feeling is this it is your car do what you want to do with it, Adding things like tach oil pressure and temp gauge convert to 12 volts all fine, that said I never, never drill holes cut or modify any original parts and can put this car back bone stock a if I wish. New engine me what is it turning? what is the temp? Oil pressure gauge pretty much tells you it is oiling, I run engine pans and a air filter with air balanced carb. That is just me, Mike is of the opinion they are fine as they are and he is right cause there are plenty of Mike's out there but then there are guys like me Carl G da waz different strokes for different folks and I like too see the ideas and ingenuity. Mitch would not do to one of his cars what I have done and i would not build a fine point car but i love to see them none the less.