Doodlebug revival

Dan S (NY)

Well-known Member
I bought this 1931 Ford model A based doodlebug about six weeks ago. It has probably not been run in decades but at least was under a roof. Engine was stuck but after a week of soaking with an ATF/Acetone mix it would turn a little with a pry bar on the flywheel teeth, but not much. Ended up pulling the engine out. One cylinder had been lightly stuck, but most of the problem was the massive mouse next in the flywheel area gumming everything up, plus some starter bendix parts may have been jamming the flywheel. Cleaned all the gunk out of the engine and clutch, freed up a few sticky valves and put it all back together with a few new parts. This past weekend we were able to get it started for the first time. After some initial rough running, it smoothed out pretty good and didn?t make any bad noises! It still needs lots of work but at least it runs. The monster front tires have already been replaced with regular 30-31 style model A wheels which look a lot better.
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Where did you get that ? I know one that looks exactly like it. It even has the rare Model A stainless trim piece. Man that sure looks familiar.
 
It had mismatched front wheels when I got it. One was an 18 inch and one a 16 inch. I'm not sure what years they came from.
 
(quoted from post at 14:44:12 04/23/18) It had mismatched front wheels when I got it. One was an 18 inch and one a 16 inch. I'm not sure what years they came from.
do not believe that you will find that differential to be Model A.
 
Correct, the rear axle is a TT Ruckstell. Yesterday I finally got the high/low shift assembly freed up.
 
Cool unit Don, I like it. Do you remember your dad using it? You'd be well into your 80's now if you remember that. Was the term "Doodlebug" more in reference to so-called conversions to a simple, cheap race car? Perhaps the tractor conversions like your dad's unit had a pet name attached to it?
 
Here's one I rebuilt back in 2006. It was a Worthington kit tractor with the gear reduction between the transmission and the rear end. Sold it in 2008 and wish I hadn't
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What is the rare stainless steel trim piece? Being a Model A Ford owner I never heard of it.
 
In 1965 our family moved from small town to a little 20 acre place in country. Folks bought place on land contract from older gentleman. The place was abandoned. In one of the sheds was a 1932 Chevy doodlebug. The older gentleman told my dad that it must stay with the place. Dad tinkered with it, got it running. I followed that thing behind a one bottom plow for miles I guess. Borrowed a team disc from neighbors. Seeded down some hay and used a team mower behind the doodlebug. Dad cut firewood and he built a skid to haul wood and kids. It only had driver seat, with us kids and cousins hanging on tight. Years passed and motor set up. As a teen, myself and best buddy pulled motor from doodlebug and also his ford falcon which we married in front on truck transmission. 7 forward gears plus options. We drove it one time. That thing would fly. Well, it felt like it when front end came up. Buddy went in service and doodlebug went back to rusting up till it was hauled off for scrap.
 
Nice! I also have a Worthington 'A'. The gear reduction is handy at tractor shows when you just want to creep along looking at things.
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Dan,
I'm not sure where you're at, but there's a bunch of guys in the Otego area that go all over with them. They came to our cider mill on one of their ride's a couple years ago - some of them were pretty interesting
Pete
 
Yeah, no two are alike. That sounds like an interesting group but it would be a four hour drive to Otego.
 
(quoted from post at 09:34:43 04/24/18) I think that bit of trim was common on the 1931 models. My 31 Fordor has it too.
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I think that trim piece,cowl lamps,wind wings and duel fender mounted spares would make it a "delux" model.
 

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