Looking for some advice on AA trucks
Posted: February 9th, 2018, 1:11 am
My first post, and I don't have a AA yet but wanting to understand some differences and/or what would be the best way to get a nice truck. I'm not pushed to buy, and while I could pull the trigger on one at the right price, I want to find one that will work out best for me.
I have long lusted for an old dually after seeing a pic about 20 years ago of a flat bed. I saw a pic of a Rock Moss Green AA flatbed which to me was the bee's knees...I never could understand all of the models, although I do better now...but I knew that the larger trucks were the AAs. I would like a truck that I can use, first and foremost. I also realize that having a pickup is more practical.
I am also hoping that you guys will be honest with me, cause I am caught between the AA and the BB. I don't know enough about the reliability of the V8, but it seems like a good thing to have the power. Just that I wasn't sure if the V8 adds a lot of un-needed complication, the 4 cylinder is simple. Also seems that many will come back to life without too much difficulty, but is that so on the V8s also?
My next question is on the actual cab and space inside the cab compared to the standard A truck. It seems that the cab is a tad bigger and possibly a bit more space between the steering wheel and the seat. Is that so or is that just an illusion? Some Model As look pretty cramped and I wasn't sure if that is a roadster vs. pickup, etc...Is the width and height of the cab different on the AA than the A?
Dually vs. single rear wheels. Are the axles and rear ends the same for these and only difference is how the tires are mounted on the axle? It seems that if you have a dually, you can just use one set of wheels and convert over to an Express. I kind of like the idea of having single wheel rears as it's more practical to drive. However, I have a flatbed that has a 12' bed on it, and I've often thought I would drive it more if it had a pickup body on it, so a smaller flatbed would be more practical as well. The Express is just a cool truck, I won't debate anyone on that...but initially I really just need the cab/chassis which seems like there are more of...I can work out the bed later.
Many AAs and BBs don't have beds or have beds that need work. I'm not as concerned about the bed as long as it has a good chassis. I know from experience that it's better to buy a truck that has had most of the restoration done rather than getting one cheap that hasn't. I'm not sure how I will be swayed...it's always easier on the pocket initially to buy cheap, but often wise to buy a full restored one...possibly looking for something in the middle, that I can work on and that is mechanically sound, but that I won't need to have to start replacing all the panels and/or rebuilding the engine right away. I don't necessarily need an Express, since I can make a smaller bed, even a simple flatbed out of wood, but a pickup body could be welded from sheet as well. Seems the cab/engine/frame/suspension are all compatible.
Ok, I've asked a lot of questions. Normally I would just go out and buy a truck and come to you folks after asking much of what I should have asked to begin with. Maybe this will prove fruitful for my venture to get a AA or BB.
Alan
I have long lusted for an old dually after seeing a pic about 20 years ago of a flat bed. I saw a pic of a Rock Moss Green AA flatbed which to me was the bee's knees...I never could understand all of the models, although I do better now...but I knew that the larger trucks were the AAs. I would like a truck that I can use, first and foremost. I also realize that having a pickup is more practical.
I am also hoping that you guys will be honest with me, cause I am caught between the AA and the BB. I don't know enough about the reliability of the V8, but it seems like a good thing to have the power. Just that I wasn't sure if the V8 adds a lot of un-needed complication, the 4 cylinder is simple. Also seems that many will come back to life without too much difficulty, but is that so on the V8s also?
My next question is on the actual cab and space inside the cab compared to the standard A truck. It seems that the cab is a tad bigger and possibly a bit more space between the steering wheel and the seat. Is that so or is that just an illusion? Some Model As look pretty cramped and I wasn't sure if that is a roadster vs. pickup, etc...Is the width and height of the cab different on the AA than the A?
Dually vs. single rear wheels. Are the axles and rear ends the same for these and only difference is how the tires are mounted on the axle? It seems that if you have a dually, you can just use one set of wheels and convert over to an Express. I kind of like the idea of having single wheel rears as it's more practical to drive. However, I have a flatbed that has a 12' bed on it, and I've often thought I would drive it more if it had a pickup body on it, so a smaller flatbed would be more practical as well. The Express is just a cool truck, I won't debate anyone on that...but initially I really just need the cab/chassis which seems like there are more of...I can work out the bed later.
Many AAs and BBs don't have beds or have beds that need work. I'm not as concerned about the bed as long as it has a good chassis. I know from experience that it's better to buy a truck that has had most of the restoration done rather than getting one cheap that hasn't. I'm not sure how I will be swayed...it's always easier on the pocket initially to buy cheap, but often wise to buy a full restored one...possibly looking for something in the middle, that I can work on and that is mechanically sound, but that I won't need to have to start replacing all the panels and/or rebuilding the engine right away. I don't necessarily need an Express, since I can make a smaller bed, even a simple flatbed out of wood, but a pickup body could be welded from sheet as well. Seems the cab/engine/frame/suspension are all compatible.
Ok, I've asked a lot of questions. Normally I would just go out and buy a truck and come to you folks after asking much of what I should have asked to begin with. Maybe this will prove fruitful for my venture to get a AA or BB.
Alan