Re: Speed and stopping, etc.

Posted by Brian Burkert on March 19, 1998 at 21:29:45

In Reply to: Speed
posted by Brad on March 19, 1998 at 16:32:28

Brad,
45-50 miles per hour is the cruising speed recommended by most "A" experts.When we go on tour, my club cruises around 50 mph all day long.A properly restored Model "A" should easily attain these speeds.In fact, a Model "A" should be able to run 55-65 miles per hour.Sustained speeds over 50, however, may result in accelerated babbit bearing wear.
Mechanical brakes perform well when they are fully and properly restored and maintained.You will find that they provide ample stopping power if you drive at reasonable speeds.When working properly, the brakes should lock all four wheels;you can't do any better than this.
Before you begin your restoration, I recommend you join the two national Model "A" clubs (www.mafca.com and www.modelaford.org) and a local Model "A" club in your area.The clubs have many benefits including technical support, magazines, and excellent activities.
For more information, contact me at my email.
Good luck!
Brian Burkert
Fleetwood, PA

: I am a new model A owner.It will be my first restoration.I
: have wanted a Model A for as longa s I can remember and now I
: have my hands on a '31 Fordor S/W and I have a million and six
: questions.I have a lot of "book knowledge" but not much that
: is hands on.My question now is if I restore it to be a driver what kinds of speeds can you expect to be able to go on average without killing anything.I was curious because I heard reports from 40mph tops all the way to 65mph with the parts that were designed to go with it, some obviously new.Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance.
: Brad

Follow Ups:
Re: Speed and stopping, etc. geo. shebley March 20, 1998 at 10:00:18(0)

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