I did a quick search, but didn't get anything related to the AA. I have a chance to pick up a 1930 model that runs and is very restorable. My questions are: Should I even consider a truck like this for regular duty, i.e. back and forth to work on the highway a couple days a week? I know nothing about gearing and cruise speeds on these things, will they maintain 55 - 60mph on a regular basis? How is parts availability? I suspect good, but haven't had much chance to do a lot of digging yet. I am a very capable experienced mechanic (30 years) and am looking for something different to drive on a regular basis. I am not afraid to take on a big job, as long as it's a job that can be finished without too much digging and hunting (not enough time, it would end up sitting.) What do y'all think?

 

Highway use on a big A could turn out to be an adventure. They have mechanical brakes, which will require more effort and longer stopping times than newer hydraulics. The big trucks generally did not have highway friendly gearing, they were good for making their power on the low end. For safe highway use an upgrade to hydraulic brakes should be a high priority, and then a set of more highway friendly gears, or a whole new rear end. Could be a very neat ride, but with a couple of upgrades to make it safe for use on todays roads.

 

A daily driver.. Stock the truck wouldn't be that great of a daily driver with that drive system and gearing. The engine lacks the power and the top speed may be 50 going down a steep hill. Plus the big jobs seem to be difficult for finding replacement parts as far as bearings and brakes go. Which reminds me, the stock brakes are definitely not what you would want in traffic.

Of course you could upgrade the brakes and hop up or replace the engine and tranny and still keep the classic looks on the outside. There were overhead valve conversions for keeping the truck period perfect, but replacing the engine with a modern v6 or v8 can in some ways be easier and will give you enough power to navigate traffic. The rear axle can be swaped fairly easily to gain hydraulic brakes and a higher gear. The front brakes may be a problem getting up to par as it may require a new car style front axle to get the brakes you want for stopping.

Don't let me steer you away, but you can make the model AA a good daily driver it just may take a while and a bit of work before it'll make it there. And trust me, it would be well worth it. Good luck and feel free to ask questions, we'll be glad to try and answer them!

Clayton

 

Good info, thanks!

I figured a modern engine/tranny swap would be the way to go. Sounds like it would turn into pretty much a total drivetrain upgrade, which would still be fun

What's the collector status on these? I'd hate to cut up a significant vehicle just for driving convenience.

 

The AA trucks are indeed collectible as there are less of them than the Model A cars.
Stock engine would be O.K. - machine the rods and crankshaft for insert bearings instead of the babbet. An overdrive unit on back of the standard transmission would help considerably.

With regard to the brakes - it is possible to have the original mechanical brakes work very well. It takes time/effort/knowhow. If you have the original equipment brake shoes, new linings can be riveted back onto them. As far as adjustment, the basic premise is to adjust the shoes to the drum, on the front brake rods adjust them as far forward as possible - way over center so that when one steps on the brake pedal the brake rod is pulling toward center (twelve o'clock). Small spacers (pills) are available to adjust for any wear on the shoe spreading device which is attached to the brake rod and goes through the backing plate. These pills, and adjusting the clevis on the brake rods will assist in providing a good brake action. Note: If the brake rod is pulling "over center" you will not get a good brake at all - leverage. Likewise on the rear of the truck, the rods should be as far to the rear as possible again so stepping on the brake pedal will pull the lever toward center and not over.

Model B or C crankshaft is always nice if you can find a good one as they are counterbalanced.

Either way, sounds like a fun project. At least it is running and presumably all in tact.

Russ

 

Years ago I had a 1930 AA, the stock engine puts out 40 horses and top cruising speed is in the 35 - 40 mph range. If you're over 5'10", the cab will be tight. I'm 6'1" and the legroom was seriously lacking. Neat weekend truck, but not something I would use as a daily driver.

The sheet metal is the same as the Model A pickups, asis the engine. The tranny is a 4 speed where the A's got a 3. The frame, front and rear ends and wheels were much beefier than the smaller Model A.

 

I currently own a 1928 AA which gets driven quite a bit.It is all original with the exception of a counterbalanced crank and adjustable lifters.It also has directionals,which I like.Being the first series, it has the worm gear rear end and fortunately mine has the optional higher ratio.I have driven it around 45 mph fairly regularly,but I live on an island of about 75 sq miles and 4000 people with no stop lights and a speed limit of 45.I would have a hard time imagining driving it on the mainland around a city.To answer your question,I think it could work well in a more rural driving situation in stock form,but think about the drivetrain swap for traffic and serious driving.Im putting the finishing touches on a 40 ford 1 1/2 ton with power brakes from a 77 E350 and a 302 and t-18.When I have to haul to the mainland,I will always choose the 40..... my .02 GB

 

Back in the '60's, my grandfather drove a Model AA dump truck to work for a number of years. Just in town, they are not geared for highway, though.
A friend of mine used a semi-restored 1930 Model A pickup as his daily driver for a few years; the brakes in it were adequate for most situations, and the only time I ever got nervous driving it was when the tires would lock up- I doubt hydraulic brakes would help with that. Again, not geared for highway- comfortable cruising speed around 45 or so.