New Member with a Model A

[ModelAMitch]

Hey guys,
New member here, but I’ve been reading on the site for a couple months now, you guys have already helped me with a few things I’ve encountered since owning my 28 Model A. I’ve always been a Ford fan, mostly foxbody mustangs, but for the last year or so the Model A has been getting all my attention. I’ve been browsing the classifieds for the right one, finally scored a 28 Model A Tudor. I wanted backseats for the kids and my youngest two being 1 and 3 I didn’t want to stick them in a rumble seat.
This 28 appears to be all steel and pretty original. I was told the entire interior is original from 1928 and it looks like it is too, which I thought was pretty cool.
I’ve had it for 2 or so months now, replacing/fixing things here and there, trying to make it a reliable driver so I can enjoy it with the family. I’ve got 35 Ford wire wheels getting blasted and painted at the moment, sourcing tires as well.
Since I’ve bought it I had to remove the fuel tank because it was full of rust, clean the hell outta that (lots of fun). Replaced all wheel bearings, plugs, fan belt, all the regular maintenance stuff I could think of. I believe I have it running good and will be half ass reliable, although once it’s warm and I shut it off it doesn’t like to start again.. I think the engine floods easily.. something else to look into.
I guess my one question now would be to the other Model A guys on here, my cars original and hasn’t been tinkered with much. I’ve done what I think I should do to make it as reliable as possible, but are there any other Model A things I should look out for or tend to before taking the whole family out for a 30+ minute trip?

Thank you guys very much for all the help already, can’t wait to get more involved and share this with the kids!

Mitch

I’m trying to post photos, haven’t figured that out yet.. I’ll get there!

[Lenny Bruce]

Hello friend! I’m a few month proud owner of a ‘30 Tudor. This forum is great! My advice and wisdom isn’t nearly as valuable as others on this forum. I will share that my steering box,wheel bearings,brakes and tranny and rear end fluids have been too of my list and as you mentioned new tires. Sounds like your on the right track. I hope to have mine at its first
Gathering this Saturday if the parts come in time. These fellas on this forum have been great! Be safe and enjoy that A!

[Chuck Dempsey]

Welcome to the 'Barn!

[ModelAMitch]

Thank you guys very much, I’m really looking forward to getting this thing dependable and reliable. In the very few km’s I’ve driven it I’ve already had more thumbs up and photos taken then all my other vehicles combined!
Congrats Lenny Bruce and Goodluck with your A as well!

[katy]

Originally Posted by ModelAMitch

I’m trying to post photos, haven’t figured that out yet.. I’ll get there!

One needs to have 10 or more posts before being allowed to post photos.

[ModelAMitch]

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Originally Posted by katy

One needs to have 10 or more posts before being allowed to post photos.

Ahhh well theres my problem. Thank you very much, I'll get there.

[ETAModel]

Welcome to the barn. I drove my first Model A in 2019. I had no one for guidance other than recollections of my Father and what I had read and seen on the internet.
This place has lots of good info, tons of experience.
Here's a few things I struggled with.

Don't overfill the radiator. Just over the core, or barely visible is fine. Otherwise it'll spew out the cap onto your clean windshield.

I set my GAV about 1/4 turn off bottom. Until I adjusted the points it needed a full turn off bottom to crank, then turn in as it warmed.

Remember to retard the spark before starting, and advance it while driving. I'm still learning the fine points of adjusting the spark on the go.

Carry at least 1 gallon of water, maybe more. It's better to have and not need...

If your tank is rusty (whose isn't), invest in a pencil or fuel tank filter. They attach to your fuel valve and protrude into the tank, stopping trash before it gets in the line.

Dad used to say " model A brakes are fine, you just have to start stopping sooner." I think that's a fair statement.

If your speedometer doesn't work download the Speedbot app, it's really good, gives distance, Ave and Max speed, time, etc.

Join MAFCA, the first year is free and the Magazine is great.

Take your family to Sonic for a Shake... it's a blast.

[ModelAMitch]

Originally Posted by ETAModel

Welcome to the barn. I drove my first Model A in 2019. I had no one for guidance other than recollections of my Father and what I had read and seen on the internet.
This place has lots of good info, tons of experience.
Here's a few things I struggled with.

Don't overfill the radiator. Just over the core, or barely visible is fine. Otherwise it'll spew out the cap onto your clean windshield.

I set my GAV about 1/4 turn off bottom. Until I adjusted the points it needed a full turn off bottom to crank, then turn in as it warmed.

Remember to retard the spark before starting, and advance it while driving. I'm still learning the fine points of adjusting the spark on the go.

Carry at least 1 gallon of water, maybe more. It's better to have and not need...

If your tank is rusty (whose isn't), invest in a pencil or fuel tank filter. They attach to your fuel valve and protrude into the tank, stopping trash before it gets in the line.

Dad used to say " model A brakes are fine, you just have to start stopping sooner." I think that's a fair statement.

If your speedometer doesn't work download the Speedbot app, it's really good, gives distance, Ave and Max speed, time, etc.

Join MAFCA, the first year is free and the Magazine is great.

Take your family to Sonic for a Shake... it's a blast.

Thanks a bunch for the good info ETAModel! Everytime I drive the car I learn something new. I am the computer in a Model A.. haha.
I find my GAV adjustment is very sensitive. In all the way-1/8th turn out it wants to stall as if it’s starving for fuel, so I typically run it a half turn out. I’ve read some people drive them all the way in, some half turn out, full turn and so on and so fourth. So still trying to dial that in.
If we had a Sonic up here in the great white north I would certainly take them for a shake! I’ll have to find another place up here with some good ice cream haha.

Thanks again!

[1930artdeco]

Hello and welcome to the Barn. Safety would be huge concern for me at this point. Check the following:


1) Original 2 blade steel fans have a habit of coming apart and taking out hoods, radiators or heads. Replace with an aluminum fan from a vendor.


2) Glass, if it is original it is all (except for the front glass-thanks Duke forgot about that one) PLATE glass and will need to be replaced.


3) Seatbelts, add them as doors will pop open at the most inopportune time going done there road or in an accident and you go flying out.


4) Brakes get them redone and done right -NO SLACK ANYWHERE in the system!


Enjoy driving her they are a blast even on long 200+ mile drives.


Mike

[duke36]

Original Ford front windshields were safety plate. Get the Model A Service Bulletins book and Judging standards from the Nat'l Model A clubs for technical assistance.
The GAV and spark advance can be sensitive as stated , especially on hills etc. Requires adjustments often based on speed and road conditions. Anticipate other drivers which may not respect vintage cars performance and braking. Take as much slop out of steering as possible and hopefully your shocks are working OK.

[ModelAMitch]

Originally Posted by 1930artdeco

Hello and welcome to the Barn. Safety would be huge concern for me at this point. Check the following:


1) Original 2 blade steel fans have a habit of coming apart and taking out hoods, radiators or heads. Replace with an aluminum fan from a vendor.


2) Glass, if it is original it is all (except for the front glass-thanks Duke forgot about that one) PLATE glass and will need to be replaced.


3) Seatbelts, add them as doors will pop open at the most inopportune time going done there road or in an accident and you go flying out.


4) Brakes get them redone and done right -NO SLACK ANYWHERE in the system!


Enjoy driving her they are a blast even on long 200+ mile drives.


Mike

Thank you very much Artdelco for the wise words, being a first time Model A owner I continue to learn something everyday about the car.
My car does have a 4 blade fan, however I don’t think it’s aluminum.
I’ve tried to do as much research on A’s as possible, but this is the first I’ve heard about replacing the glass.. as far as I know the glass in my car is original, how come it needs to be replaced? And is there a company out there that makes a replacement glass “kit”? Or would I need to get a glass guy to fit new glass in it?
My car still doesn’t have any seat belts, I’ve been looking on eBay and in the local classifieds for old OEM Ford lap belts I can put in it. I would prefer using Ford products when and if possible instead of buying re-pop ones from the internet/catalog.
The brakes so far work well and the car stops great, probably the best part about the vehicle to be honest. But it would never hurt to give it a once over before a long trip.
Thank you again for the wise words!

[ModelAMitch]

Originally Posted by duke36

Original Ford front windshields were safety plate. Get the Model A Service Bulletins book and Judging standards from the Nat'l Model A clubs for technical assistance.
The GAV and spark advance can be sensitive as stated , especially on hills etc. Requires adjustments often based on speed and road conditions. Anticipate other drivers which may not respect vintage cars performance and braking. Take as much slop out of steering as possible and hopefully your shocks are working OK.

Hey Duke, thanks for the input. I just looked into the “Model a service bulletins and judging standards” book you mentioned and it seems like it’s well worth the money.. lots of good information about how the car was manufactured and how things are replaced. Definitely adding it to my list.
I think the GAV adjustment is going to give me some trouble. The few short rides I’ve taken it’s been at about a half turn out, it seemed to run okay like that. But once I stop and the cars shut off for more then 15-20 minutes or so, it’s very hard starting. So I turn the GAV all the way in thinking it’s getting flooded..? Still doesn’t like to start when it’s warm.. not quite sure, it’s going to take some playing with.
I changed all the wheel bearings, but the front end likes to wonder slightly when travelling at speeds of 30mph or so. Could this be kingpin bushings? Front end alignment? Both maybe?

Thank you for your Model A knowledge, I do appreciate it.

Mitch