Re: Real vs. Reproduction

Posted by Paul Byers on November 12, 1997 at 14:36:34

In Reply to: Re: Real vs. Reproduction
posted by Bob Carabbio on November 11, 1997 at 12:05:05

Thank you for the insights.I have further searched the archives and found comments by Mr Icenhower and Mr. Watson.But what I really want to know is:How reliable are the Shay Reproductions?If I conceed that they are not the real thing and aren't going to give me much experience with the real thing,
are they going to be dependable seeing that they are nearly 20 years old?What kinds of maintenance am I looking at?etc.Since I have very little practical knowledge of automobiles and even fewer tools to work on them, I am looking for simplicity along with the reliability.I agree with Mr. Icenhower
that the real thing is going to give me the experience I need, but I'm not equipped at this time.I'd like to get started, but...Any further advise about buying the real thing or the repro would be appreciated.Thanks.Paul

: What I am in the process of building for the same purpose is a '31 S/W fordor. With
: Hydraulic brakes - since I don't want to adjust every week (your life depends on it!!)
: 650-16" rubber ('35 Ford wheels) They ride better, and have better traction in wet conditions and for braking.
: Motor inserted, counterbalanced, balanced, flywheel reduced, V8 clutch pressure plate.Stainless valves with hard seats on Exhaust.I want to run at least 55 reliably and am not fond of the standard vibration an "A" sets up, and I don't want to rebuild every two years.
: Full flow oil filtration. SO I can go more than 500-1000 miles between changes.
: Sealed cooling system with fluid recovery.
: Speed is an issue -
: If 45 max is O.K. then a stock "A" does nicely, but LOSE the mechanical brakes unless you love to fiddle with things.Mechanical brakes out of adjustments WON'T be there for you when the time comes.
: A Pinto conversion gets you a good driving car for 60-65 MPH running, and isn't too different feeling than stock if you use the "A" flywheel (lightened) and tranny.It can be done without cutting up anything so you're not destroying history.
:

Follow Ups:
Re: Real vs. Reproduction John Icenhower November 12, 1997 at 20:42:45(1)
Re: Real vs. Reproduction Rick Black November 13, 1997 at 21:05:37(0)

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