New 1931 owner and new to working on cars

[dmrzoom]

Hello,
I hope you all don't mind my lazy attempt to consolidate an information-collecting expedition that I'm on with our newly inherited 1931 Model A coupe. I know very little of its history except that it has an award badge on the front grille and my father in law bought it from a guy who restored it.

I cannot get it to start and suspect there is a short somewhere. I'm about ready to embark on tracing it. The starter turns but the engine doesn't. One headlight illumninates and one doesn't. The horn won't sound and the interior dome light and fog lights (I may be using the wrong term, but I am actively caffeinating at the moment) don't light.

First question: The car came with an 8v battery. I have found references to 12v upgrades but nothing about 8v. Could anyone please explain the benefits and risks to me? I replaced with a new (and expensive) 8v battery to get it going (which hasn't happened yet) but am unsure what to think long-term.

Second question: I'll probably need to replace wiring and am curious if there is replica wiring or covers out there? I'm also wondering if specific cloth wire colors were used in 31 A's...please let me know if you know and where might be a good source for this type of information.

Third question: I have very basic knowledge of electricity but am not a complete dummy. However...I know enough to be dangerous and that I could be dangerous (relatively speaking). Is there a method of troubleshooting that I should follow so I don't make a career out of it? I often know what needs to be done, but where to start eludes me.

Fourth question: who are good suppliers for parts and stuff (distributor cap - assembly comes to mind)

Please be kind. I'm new. If I am trashing rules but consolidating all these questions, then I beg you for forgiveness. If it seems that I'm green, whelp I am guilty. I don't mind doing research but have spent a few weeks on and off and really need a "this is where you need to begin" type of direction. I'm already a hard critic of myself...

Hoping this can be a great learning experience for my kids, wife and me! Thanks in advance for your assistance and direction.

Dave
Connecticut