How we built a teardrop trailer, matching our 1930 Model A Ford Fordor sedan.

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  • Опубліковано 7 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 47

  • @craigdixon4113
    @craigdixon4113 10 місяців тому +3

    I’m glad you mentioned the weight of the trailer. I have a 1930 Model A Deluxe Coupé. But, my car has a 1932 Model B 4 cylinder, and a ‘32 Transmission. ‘30 Model A rear differential. My 4 cylinder engine has been rebuilt with a higher compression ratio 7:1, and about 50 horsepower. With a Ram Head. I just need a larger capacity Radiator. I’m in the Southwest, at a higher altitude. So, with the drier climate this robs my cooling capabilities. But, 800 pounds sounds manageable. Thanks!

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  10 місяців тому +1

      Slow and steady wins the race. You’re not going to win any speed contests but if you’re patient you’ll get there. Our car is stock with a high compression head. She’ll pull it fine, just stay off the expressways.
      Thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed the video.

    • @craigdixon4113
      @craigdixon4113 10 місяців тому

      @@modelajim1930 Thanks, for the advice. I’ve seen 4 core radiators from a AA fit to a Coupe, but some mods had been done. We have a Radiator Guy here, Lambs Radiator in nearby Belen, NM. And he recommends a “High Efficiency” type radiator. Also, slightly pressurized radiators are available too. But, adding pressure can bring on its own problems too. Also, a overflow tank might help too. Thanks, again.

  • @desparky
    @desparky Рік тому +2

    Magnificent trailer, and perfect match for the Model A. I like the added designs in the kitchen area too, it finishes it off perfectly.
    I have the exact same car here in Australia. Maybe in years to come I will find the time to build a matching teardrop.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому +1

      Hello Desparky,
      Some basic woodworking skills and tools is all it takes, plenty of UA-cam videos to give you ideas. It was a fun project, matching it to the Model A in as many ways possible was kinda the goal. I had wanted to do this for many years before finally getting started.
      I’m actually in the process of building a second one as we speak, won’t be matching a Model A, but a teardrop to give my daughters, so they have one to use. I’ll be posting videos of this build as well eventually.
      My advice…. Don’t wait, just get started.
      Thank you for your comment and for watching the video. Have a great 2024!

  • @stephendurvin7372
    @stephendurvin7372 Рік тому +4

    Nice build, I like the way you incorporated all the model A parts.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Thanks, Stephen, Yes I tried to use Model A parts whenever possible. Fenders, bumpers, door handles, hatch handles, cowl lights, trunk, tail lights. Think think that's everything....
      Appreicate your comment, thanks for watching.

    • @ModelARickLasCruces
      @ModelARickLasCruces Рік тому +1

      @@modelajim1930 Were the fenders from a 1930-31 Coupe?

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      @@ModelARickLasCruces Yes, that's correct. 30-31 Coupe / Roadster fenders. I got them from a guy who had more Model A "stuff" than I've ever seen in one location. Good thing I didn't have lots of money with me, or I have more "stuff" now.

  • @dumpsterchicken6287
    @dumpsterchicken6287 10 місяців тому +2

    Wow! That turned out great.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  10 місяців тому +1

      Hello, thank you for the nice compliment, greatly appreciated it. The project was as much about the challenge of the build as having it to use. Very happy with how it turned out.
      I’m actually building a second one at this very moment for my daughter’s to use. Hope to have it finished by this summer.
      Thank you for watching the video.
      Jim & Lindy.

  • @jeffgrier8488
    @jeffgrier8488 Рік тому +3

    That camper looks fantastic! Great work!

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Thanks Jeff, appreciate the compliment. It was an enjoyable project and was as much about the challenge of the build as it was to have to use.

  • @deanjernstrom3760
    @deanjernstrom3760 Рік тому +3

    Again, it's another great video and topic from your many different talents. It certainly fits right at home behind such a beautiful A. I've often thought about doing a project such as that ,but being at our log home in N.H.is like camping every day. Thanks to you and your wife for another super video. Be safe and enjoy!

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Dean, thank you very much for the very nice compliment. It was a fun project and as much about the challenge of the build as having the trailer to use. Appreciate you watching and your comment.

  • @barrybegley5379
    @barrybegley5379 9 місяців тому +2

    Speaking as some one who has done a fair bit of cabinet building as well as metal fabrication and welding, I would have to say that You, SIR are a fine cabinet maker. The workmanship shows patience and superb attention to detail. Very nice job plus your teardrop trailer compliments your Model A beautifully. Thank you for sharing the project and for providing such details as to supplies and dimensions. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  9 місяців тому

      Greetings Barry,
      The project was as much about the challenge of the build, as having the trailer to use. I’m very happy with how it turned out. I thank you for your kind words of the workmanship, it turnout nice considering what tools / space I had to work with. I’m actually in process of building a second one at this moment, for my daughters to use.
      Thank you for your comment.
      Jim & Lindy.

  • @michaeldavison430
    @michaeldavison430 Рік тому +3

    Absolutely fantastic build! Thoroughly enjoyed the video.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому +1

      Thank you Michael, appreciate the feedback, glad you liked the build. Thank you for your comment.

  • @dawnlangston1222
    @dawnlangston1222 Рік тому +3

    You did an excellant job Jim, I know from experience the detail you take in your projects and this sure shows with this trailer.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Thanks Dawn, we still haven’t gone camping together with it. What’s up with that?

    • @dawnlangston1222
      @dawnlangston1222 Рік тому +1

      @@modelajim1930 you tell me. We're ready anytime

  • @Bbbuddy
    @Bbbuddy Рік тому +2

    There’s a cool original 1930s one in the lobby of the RV Hall of Fame in Indiana.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Would you
      Have any photo by chance? Would love to see it. Indiana’s a bit far, so probably won’t make it there anytime soon.
      Thanks for your comment.

    • @Bbbuddy
      @Bbbuddy Рік тому +1

      @@modelajim1930 yes, but I have no idea how to get a photo to you.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      @@Bbbuddyplease email them to: JimFrey1930@gmail.com

  • @festerhairball6588
    @festerhairball6588 Рік тому +4

    Love your videos & adventures. I don't own a model A (yet) but do own a 4x8 teardrop.
    It weighs 780lbs, I didn't see you add any electric brakes how's the stopping?
    I'm a very diy guy & I'd like to try building a foam teardrop, for weight savings & no dry rot issues.
    LOVED the Colorado trip!! Your videos inspire the next generation 😊

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому +2

      Wow! Thank you for the wonderful compliment. I haven't weighed the trailer but my guess was in the ballpark of 800 lbs, so thank you for telling me your trailer's weight. Don't have electric brakes, as there's no way to active them with a Model A. It stops just fine, as we don't go very fast pulling the trailer. The Car has a brand new (stock) brake system, so the brake are in top shape for a 93 year old car.
      Everything has three coats of marine varnish on it, so that, along with it being garaged in a dessert climate, hopefully will keep the rot away, for as long as I'm around anyway.
      Appreciate you watching our video's thanks for the support!

  • @kensmithgallery4432
    @kensmithgallery4432 10 місяців тому +2

    This is a beautiful build. I do have one question. I may have missed it, but I did not see any information on the axle springs you used. Do you have any info you would be willing to share? Thanks!

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  10 місяців тому +2

      Hello Ken,
      I just used a simple leaf spring (2,000 lb rating) setup I got from Etrailer.com, they have all the mounting hardware as well.
      Thanks for the comment. I’m actually building a second one at this very moment for my daughter.

    • @kensmithgallery4432
      @kensmithgallery4432 10 місяців тому +2

      @@modelajim1930 Thanks for getting back to me! Sounds like you are having fun. I won't be building a teardrop, but I will be building a matching trailer for my huckster project so I appreciate you sharing how you built the frame. I didn't want the weight of a Model A rear axle or the hassle of converting a front axle.

  • @calsurflance5598
    @calsurflance5598 7 місяців тому +1

    Wow! Fantastic.👍
    Beautiful work.👌

  • @jayroper-n7c
    @jayroper-n7c Рік тому +2

    Hey Frey ...this is stan Nowlin... thinking about building the same for my model A ....was wondering if it pulled good, and what about stopping. did you struggle going up hills? or was it a piece of cake. do you have overdrive or just 3 speed?
    I know one thing you sure look good going down the road. very jealous.. so I'm thinking about doing the same anything I need to think about?
    stan

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Stan,
      As I stated in the video you need to keep the weigh as light as possible. I’ve never weighed the trailer, but if I had to guess I’d say it’s about 800 pounds. It pulls fine, uphill is second gear most of the time. I have excellent brakes on my Model A, brand new everything, so stopping is fine too, just use common sense as slow down before hand. I don’t tow it with my Roadster as the car is so much lighter than the Fordor. We don’t tow it too far from the house, usually staying with 50 miles. Any farther we tow it with my pickup. Great to have, fun to use and was a fun build project. I’m actually building a second one for my daughter as we speak.
      Good luck!

  • @beattyinc
    @beattyinc Рік тому +2

    Beautiful! I'm really enjoying your videos Jim. You're doing a great job. I just got my Tudor a few months ago, so I'm a newcomer to the hobby. I'll be in Reno for Hot August Nights. If you happen to get out to any of the events, look for a red and black '28 Closed Cab pickup, which is a friend's, that I've been helping with. I know there aren't many antique car events for HAN, but we've got tons of family up there. I'll probably end up living there in a couple years, myself. Maybe we can start a Reno MAFCA chapter. I don't believe there is one yet.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому +1

      I have entered my Roadster in HAN, so if you see a brown ‘30 deluxe roadster, that will be me. I’m never too far from the car. Look me up.

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому +1

      I’ll keep an eye out for the Pickup. Would love to meet you, and if you end up in Reno we should start that chapter of MAFCA. There is a club in Carson City, but nothing in Reno. I know there are plenty of Model A in Reno to do a club here as well.
      Hope to see you at HAN, and thanks for watch the videos, Greatly appreciated the comment and support!

    • @beattyinc
      @beattyinc Рік тому +1

      @@modelajim1930 We'll be looking for you. Will you be at the GSR?

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому +1

      @@beattyinc I’ll be at GSR, Atlantis, and Peppermill. On Saturday probably downtown.

  • @jayo3865
    @jayo3865 Рік тому +3

    I have a 1929 ford model a roadster pickup truck

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  Рік тому

      Hello, the roadster pick-ups are a fun unit to have.

  • @eutimiochavez415
    @eutimiochavez415 6 місяців тому +1

    Great job thank you ❤❤❤❤❤ cool

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  4 місяці тому

      Thank you too! Glad you enjoyed the video.

  • @Jyock
    @Jyock 4 місяці тому

    Great video. Looking for teardrop for a 1930 coupe. What was your estimate cost?

    • @modelajim1930
      @modelajim1930  4 місяці тому

      @@Jyock Hello, if you’re building it yourself, you have the flexibility to spend as much or as little as you wish. If you’re looking to purchase one, the range is pretty wide depending on size, features, and finish. But just ballpark $6000 on the low end and $12,000-$15000 on the upper end. If you intend to use a model A, weight is your most important consideration. 800 pounds should be your maximum. Stopping it is more of the issue than pulling it.

    • @Jyock
      @Jyock 4 місяці тому

      @@modelajim1930 what do you think about installing trailer breaks. I'm still debating if I'm going to install blinkers. Want to install the Mitchell overdrive I just need to convince my wife it's a good idea. Will help with the hills. In the future I want to do an extended trip. Thanks for the response and enjoy your videos.