Now, I know this is sort of an apples an oranges type of discussion, as I'm sure the AA is much more like a modern truck. So, I'll give a bit of background information, and ask some questions. I figured this would be a good place for this, as I know there are those forum readers out there who own, or have owned each. I'll probable ramble on and on, so bear with me folks.

And now, the background.
Those of you that have read anything I've posted, likely haven't escaped hearing about my daily driver, my '50 Chev 1 ton. Scince becoming involved with the Model T hobby, I can't help but notice how much easier it is to work on the T, than on the Chev. It's the work of a few afternoons, to dissasemlble the whole car! The accsess to the engine is much easier, being short, I'm always kneeling on the chev fenders, or standin on a stool to get at the engine. Some time ago, I figured that I'd really like to replace my current truck with a TT. This was a 2 year type plan, where I would be restoring the TT, and then selling the Chev. My Chev isn't restored, and sometimes its a drag, patching the wiring harness, and such. Yesterday though, a fellow offered to buy my truck from me for enough money that I almost rode the bus home. I am thinking seriously of selling it, as he's offered that magic number.

Now..... I need to find something else to drive if I sell. The next job I have coming up, I don't have to drag my tools back and forth, so I can drive my Pontiac to work for a few months, before I need a truck again. So, I have some time to feverishly work on something.

I know they are slow (TT), but living on the island here, I don't have to go over 35mph. I realise that the TT can't go that fast without an aux trans. After thinking about this, adding an aux trans, ruckstell rear end, maybe some truck rockies, and a Z-head, should I just be looking for an AA instead? I have found a couple of AA's fairly local to me, and not a single TT that anybody is willing to part with.

Now, there is an issue of asthetics for me. I plan on building a body like the ones shown in the Martin and Perry catalouge. Like this:





I don't know if a body like that would suit an AA. I have seen a few model A hucksters on the interweb, but not an AA. I don't know if the rounded hood would harmonize with the squarish wooden body.

Now, if I can't find a TT, I've been thinking about building the same style of body for a regular T chassis, if I could find one of those either. All I really need, is a car without a body, or a car with a badly preserved body! If anybody in or near Victoria, BC can help in my search, I sure would be happy to hear from you. As is often the case, when you are looking to buy, you can't find what you want, but when you don't have spending money, everything is for sale!

I do plan on using what ever I end up with as a daily driver, but I don't drive too - far in a year, less than 7,000 miles.


So, does anybody have any comment about the AA verses TT thing? I can see that the AA would have water cabin heat. Comments from those who know their trucks would be greatly appreciated. I could very well be missing something while thinking about this.

See, told you I'd be long winded, and go on and on.


Thanks everybody.

I think I would recommend the T unless you need the capacity of a TT or AA. I know what you mean about the body matching the cab. I'm not sure the AA wouldn't look too modern for that body, but that is just an opinion. There probably were some. Unless you add the auxiliary tranny, the TT is going to be mighty slow. Not sure what you mean about the heater. An AA had no heater from the factory, but I guess you could rig something, as they do have a water pump. Easiest thing to do is a manifold heater.

Southwind gas heaters were plentiful, last I looked.

I would sell the Chevy. I like the T because it's light but strong. The A appears heavy and strong.

rdr

Chris.
I would say you'd be better with a AA if you actually work with it,
if you just drive it , use a T
our TT does 18 mph on average
our AA does 32 mph on average
without straining them
the T roadster pickup cruises at 41 mph

Hi, Christopher. Lots of model A's and AA's were rigged out with huckster bodies such as you have pictured. They look fine. Manifold heaters were used on model A's as well as T's. Friend of mine had a 1930 coupe with one of these. About ten seconds after turning on the heater you had to start cranking windows open.
As a daily driver the TT is going to be pretty slow on the get-a-round unless you have the 5 1/6:l axle ratio and an auxillary transmission with an overdrive.
Then you have to consider the brakes. Even with Rocky Mountains the TT brakes are still only two wheel. The four wheel mechanical brakes on the AA can be made to work very well.
If I was going to rig out a truck for daily driving and mixing it up with rush hour traffic I'd probably consider an AA with the later rear axle (not worm drive).
Just my $.02. Good luck with your project. Bob

I agree with Robert. If this is going to be a commercial vehicle, used for work. Get Model A truck, or depending on just what you have to carry, a Model a pickup. They're just more suited for modern traffic.
I have a pal with a Model A Pickup that he drives every day It has his business advertisements on it.
It's got a 60 HP Flathead in it and it does just fine in traffic.

Early AA's used a Model TT type rear axle and a underdrive auxilliary transmission. Later AA's used a spiral bevel ring and pinion gear with a 4 speed transmission.

My choice would be a late Model AA truck.

I have a Model A Pickup I use almost daily. Aside from a hi-comp head, hotter cam, etc it's pretty much stock. I have no problem keeping up with traffic or anything I want it to do.

Drove a friend's AA for a couple of weeks when I was in the market for one, and aside from the top end being 35mph, it was not much different than driving my A Pickup.

Be sure you fit comfortably in whatever you buy.

Thanks, this is all good information.
The guy interested in my truck is going to see me tomorrow, I would suspect he will get cold feet, but if he has the money, I will ride the bus home.

I had forgot that the AA would have wheel brakes all around, that would be good.

Being short is good with old cars, everything has enough leg room for me!

I am going to look at a later AA truck next week sometime, it has the four speed, it needs restoration, so I'll see how complete the truck is. There is another AA for sale right on the island here, but the guy wants a bit too much for it, but maybe after seeing it, it will make sense. I'll only be hot to trot to buy something workable if this guy brings money, otherwise I will get something for restoration.

I lean towards the bigger trucks, for the volume, and for the weight carrying ability. Sometimes I need to carry lots of junk around in my truck, and long lumber. That was a big advantage of my chev one ton, in that I could carry 24' with ease. I also build house doors, so being able to transport them in an enclosed truck sure is nice, same thing with furniture. I do have a small 6'x12' cargo trailer, though I prefer not to tow it, as parking is a pain in the city.
This weekend my friend Marc is going to let me drive his TT, which will either cure me, or further my madness. Last time I was at his place it wasn't running.

Thanks everybody.

Chris -- Here's my take on all the above. Model T's are special, as we all know. That's why we're all enthralled with them. They were the introduction to most of the world into the realm of motor vehicles. But they have their limits, being what they are. We take them on tours and use them occasionally to fetch groceries or to go to Wally-World, but they are not an all-purpose vehicle in today's traffic. There is a reason why Model A's are so much more popular than Model T's -- they are greatly advanced in terms of their engineering and capabilities. Since you are considering a truck for general daily use, the Model AA would be much more versatile than the TT. I personally have no desire for a Model A, but I think it would suit your purpose much better than a T in this instance.

Chris,
As much as I like T's; for the use you are considering, an AA chassis would serve you much better, with fewer maintenance issues too. 7K isn't a lot of miles nowadays, but it sure was back in the T days. Here's my take on what would do you very good duty:
An AA chassis w/4speed tranny, and the late "high speed" rear axle. A '29 cowl and front fenders, as these would "blend in" with your huckster body better--a lot like the "improved Ford" did. The '29 radiator is a bit smaller, but you can have an extra row type built to keep things cool--besides, I don't think it gets really hot there in the summer.
Since you are driving it everyday, "juice" brakes might work well for you--although I don't know if there are any good conversions for the AA system.
And for a really nice touch, you could look for the early AA wire wheels instead of discs.
T'
David D.

heres the 2 models 29 AA and a TT

Chris, not to rain on your parade, but if you are going to license and insure a TT or an AA as a daily driver, you may have to have it modified to meet certain provincial safety regulations.
That equalls $...just something to consider.
I will ask around to see if anyone knows of a TT or AA for sale in the area.
Bye for now.

Regards,

Steve

Steve, you don't, that's one of the great things about living in BC! Hooray!! In fact, unless it comes from out of province, you don't need an inspection if you have current papers. Even an out of province inspection isn't a big thing. They look for things like, lights, horn, brakes! Hahaha. All things you really need to drive anyway. My t is back together, and she's never run better. Next up are the coil capacitors. If you are free, we should go for a T drive this weekend.