Doodlebugs

Brian G. NY · Jan 26, 2021

The Model A doodlebug here is the real thing. My wife's uncle built this in the early 50s. It is a Model A Ford Chassis with ,as I recall, a Ford AA transmission and rear axle. He was a Ford mechanic going back to the Model A days so it "ran like a top".
The Chevy is "sorta" a doodlebug.....it retained the original rear and relied on two 3 speed transmissions in tandem for gear reduction. This one belonged to a buddy of mine and we used it for "general transportation" before we were old enough for a driver's license. After a while, the State Troopers told him he couldn't be doing that. LOL
Both photos were taken in the mid 50s.

johnofnewhaven · Jan 26, 2021

Great pictures. Thanks for
posting them!

37 chief · Jan 26, 2021

That picture sure brings back some memories for me growing up. Stan

Bob N.Y. · Jan 27, 2021

I am in the process of resurrecting a 1930 Model a doodlebug. This one also has a 4 speed transmission and rear axle from a 1 1/2 ton truck with 7.50x20 tires on the rear. Is that a good
combination for gear ratios or is 1st gear the only one suitable for off road use?

Richard G. · Jan 27, 2021

Thanks for posting that.
Richard

Turkeyfoot · Jan 27, 2021

I believe that's Peggy Sue sitting on the Chevy.

Brian G. NY · Jan 27, 2021

(quoted from post at 19:16:26 01/27/21) I believe that's Peggy Sue sitting on the Chevy.

Nope.....that's "Betty Boop" later to become my sister in law.

Brian G. NY · Jan 27, 2021

(quoted from post at 15:19:18 01/27/21) I am in the process of resurrecting a 1930 Model a doodlebug. This one also has a 4 speed transmission and rear axle from a 1 1/2 ton truck with 7.50x20 tires on the rear. Is that a good
combination for gear ratios or is 1st gear the only one suitable for off road use?

The rear he used was from, I believe, a Ford AA which is a worm drive rear axle. Seems like the ratio was something like 7.00:1 Even with that high a ratio, first is the gear most used except for on the road. He later installed larger tires than those shown in the picture but I can't recall the size. He used it mostly to get around in his woods which was really steep. It was balanced very well and got around on the steep log roads without any problems.

Bob N.Y. · Jan 27, 2021

From my research it appears the 1928 and 29 Model AA had a worm drive differential. They changed to bevel gears for 1930 and 31. I found a BB part number in a rear brake drum, so I assume
the tranny and rear axle came from a Model BB. Probably not much different than the late AA.

John in Mich · Jan 27, 2021

A friend has a Model A doodlebug that he was given by his brother-in-law as a 12 year old (63 years ago). He has "restored" it
and still plays with it in his yard. We drag raced that against my dad's 8N with a Sherman about then. I won! He also has a model T doodlebug needing restoration. My last drag race was about 3 years ago against a modern JD with loader(model unknown). He hole shotted me but I won (8N with a Sherman).

Doodlebugs

Brian G. NY

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johnofnewhaven

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37 chief

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Bob N.Y.

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Richard G.

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Turkeyfoot

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Brian G. NY

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Brian G. NY

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Bob N.Y.

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John in Mich

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