Knowledgeable Model A guy needed in Palm Springs

[Marshall V. Daut]

An older gentleman bought a 1929 Model A Roadster here in Davenport a little more than a year ago and had it shipped to his home in Palm Springs, California. He loves the car dearly and is making every effort to maintain it. But he's in his 90's and this is his first Model A, as I understand it. So, everything is a challenge when something goes wrong with the car. It has developed problems with the headlights, taillights, ammeter, non-functioning generator and speedometer. I have replied to his questions a couple times with traditional answers that solve the problems 99% of the time. I'm not sure he understands what I have advised him to check, namely the light switch bail at the bottom of the steering column, condition of the bulbs, generator health and speedometer head.
(1) He installed a new cutout last year, but mistakenly put the rubber insulation grommet on the wrong side of the wire ends and fried the engine wiring harness, which he replaced. I told him I suspect the bulbs blew out when the electrical spike went through the wiring. But even after three emails with this advice, he still doesn't answer directly whether he checked if the headlight and taillight bulbs were blown out. I think they are blown out. I also suggested he check whether the light switch bail is still connected and operable. No reply.
(2) The generator had been serviced at a local generator/starter shop and was charging properly when the car left here. I suspect that the cutout short and wiring fire took out the generator. No direct reply to my advice on how to check the generator.
(3) The car came to the local specialty car shop with a non-functioning speedometer. Upon inspection, a broken cable was discovered. We installed a new one (after lubing it) and the speedometer was working when the car was shipped. Now it doesn't work. I told the owner to check the cable. If it's broken again, then most likely the old grease in the speedometer has hardened and will eat speedometer cables for breakfast until the speedo head is serviced. I gave him the contact information of a good speedometer rebuilder. So far, no reply to my advice or whether he contacted the rebuilder.

See my dilemma? He is in California and I am in Iowa 2000 miles away, trying to help him via emails. I am afraid there is a disconnect between us. He has offered to fly me to Palm Springs to fix his car, but that is not possible for me and would be prohibitively expensive for him. So, is there anyone reading this message who can go to Palm Springs for a day and repair these relatively minor problems with his car? The owner is willing to pay to have this done. He's a nice guy and a Korean War veteran. I'd like to help him get his car working properly again, but I don't think repair advice via emails is going to work. If someone is interested in helping this first-time Model A owner, please contact me and I'll get you two together to discuss arrangements.
Marshall

[ModelA29]

His best bet will be to contact a local club. Unfortunately there is no chapter in Palm Springs. These are the MAFCA chapters nearest him.
https://obamodela.wixsite.com/riverside
http://www.pvmafc.org/
http://www.sandiegomodelaclub.com/
http://temvalas.org/
Everyone will be at least 1 1/2 hours away.


I Don't know if MAFCA of MARC would be willing to share the name of any member they may have close to him.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Thanks for the leads, "ModelA29". That's a start!
M.

[Gary Karr]

Bill Hansen's Model A Ford Service & Repair
Ramona, CA
760-789-8296

[ronn]

sounds like a fresh wiring harness front to back is the answer.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

A great big shout out to "Cast Iron Brake Drum" Randy Gross for calling me with recommendations for a couple seasoned Model A guys who might be able to help out. I also thank those who supplied their recommendations so far. I have forwarded all the sources to the car's owner for follow-up action on his part. Between all these names, SOMEONE should be able to fix the man's Model A!
Marshall

[rivcokid]

Marshall - I'm with the Orange Blossom Model A Club here in Riverside, which is probably the closest club to him, but still about 50 miles away. Have him write to us at [email protected]. We may have someone who can help.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Thanks for the tip, rivcokid. The owner wrote me last week that he did contact the Riverside club and might have someone lined up to look at his car. I haven't heard anything since then, but I will report back once he updates me.
Marshall