Coal burning Model A

[Ghoste]

I've seen photos of these but this is the first time I have actually seen one of those retro fitted coal  (or wood or whatever??) burning rigs.  From what I can see, it appears as though you load the tank in the rear and get a smoldering fire going.

[Ghoste]

The vapors then travel forward to this large condenser on the front of the car.

[Ghoste]

Then, the liquid goes back underhood where it enters the mixer on top of the engine and from there it is sent to the carb.

[Ghoste]

I think this add on chrome lever on the dash is to allow you to choose between regular gasoline and your alternative fuel burner.

[Ghoste]

The car itself is a 1930 Model A Ford with an otherwise normal flathead V8 in it.  I could be completely wrong about the way the thing works as I didn't research I only guessed based on how things looked.  It was kind fo fascinating to examine and think about the trouble we will go to in order to get to work on time. 

[b5blue]

Amazing stuff!  So it would run for almost free in coal country back then. 

[Indygenerallee]

Wow! never ever have seen anything like that before!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[Ghoste]

I think they more commonly popped up in Europe during WWII, but again that is just a guess.

[PocketThunder]

help me understand what is actually burning in the engine.  the coal is turned into a vapor which is condensed into a liquid and then burned like gasoline in the engine?  How does that work?  got a link to the rest of the story?   

[Ghoste]

I don't know and don't have a link.  I am guessing based on the plumbing.

[Ghoste]

Found this.

http://www.robertsarmory.com/gas.htm

and this;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_burning_car

[tan top]

 interesting stuff !! thanks for posting 

[PocketThunder]

Found this.

http://www.robertsarmory.com/gas.htm

and this;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_burning_car

Well i'll be damned.  thanks for the links.   

[Indygenerallee]

Actually Stuart could use the Birdable for this conversion! 

[moparstuart]

Actually Stuart could use the Birdable for this conversion!  

  i'll try most anything once 

[Fred]

A very different take on Duel Fuel?   It may yet make a come back.

[Ghoste]

It doesn't sound like it was the most efficient way to convert energy from what I've been able to determine.  It would be nice to talk to some oldtimer that has first hand experience with it.

[Bob T]

I seem to remember the concept or cars that had it installed had a bit more following here back in the WWII years as there was a lot of petrol rationing, will try and find and old article on it, had a few pics, pretty sure they were Model A's too

[Ghoste]

I've seen pics of Volkswagens with them, this was the first one I have seen in person.

[Tilar]

That almost looks like it would create some hydrogen if water was involved.