Daily driving suggestions.

[1930-fordor]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

But i put on the armored cable bracket for authenticity . Guess im screwed

yep, my car is not a points car, so I did not install the cable clamp

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 1930-fordor

yep, my car is not a points car, so I did not install the cable clamp

Take the clamp and enlarge the hole so it is hex shaped and friction fits over the nut. Looks good at a glance.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

But i put on the armored cable bracket for authenticity . Guess im screwed

Don't ask me why but I am still trying to figure out how to get the old armored cable out of the clamp without destroying the cable because I would like to hang onto it because it is still in good condition ha ha.
I've kept all the old parts I replaced on the car with new ones for some reason… I think it's kind of cool I guess to have old parts hanging around.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by 1930-fordor

I have shared this before, but it is worth repeating.
A gentleman with over 100k on his model A,
advised me that most all break downs will be associated with the distributor. For the sake of time have a spare distributor. Install it and have points set and make sure it works well. Then keep it with car. If you break down on the side of the road, and you suspect it could be timming related. You can change the distributor in about 4 min. Don't spend a lot of time on the side of the road trying to change points or condenser. You can figure out what went bad back at home when it is more convenient. It is a little pricey, but if you are broken down on the side of the road in unfavorable or unsafe conditions, it is worth the insurance.

This is a good idea not thought about by many.

[TerryH]

The driving to work insurance can be a big deal, as a lot of "antique car" policy's do not allow it. My personal recommendation, besides adding LED tail lights, is to also have the right side second tail light, along with working turn signals. I also have quartz halogen headlights and really like them.

[Smooth_One]

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Originally Posted by TerryH

The driving to work insurance can be a big deal, as a lot of "antique car" policy's do not allow it. My personal recommendation, besides adding LED tail lights, is to also have the right side second tail light, along with working turn signals. I also have quartz halogen headlights and really like them.

My car has the original glass lenses in the headlights and I am planning on just taking them apart and cleaning them up and replacing the bulbs and contacts.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by TerryH

The driving to work insurance can be a big deal, as a lot of "antique car" policy's do not allow it. My personal recommendation, besides adding LED tail lights, is to also have the right side second tail light, along with working turn signals. I also have quartz halogen headlights and really like them.

Print out some cards with the local club/national clubs information and if there is a problem you can say you were on a membership drive for the club, a club event!

[C26Pinelake]

Are you doing this to strictly save money or possibly you can't afford a regular driver? A friend in Florida was quoted over $5000 to drive his 31 Chevrolet and that did not include collision or comprehensive on his car. It also required a yearly mechanical fitness test. Wayne

[P.S.]

Smooth One-

First of all, congratulations to you for choosing to use your Model A as a 'car' instead of a 'toy'. You will find the Model A is more than capable of being a reliable daily driver.

I used my 31 as a daily driver for quite a while a few years ago and had no breakdowns. My commute is 40 miles each way.

Here are the things I personally suggest (some will almost certainly disagree):

* Switch from stock generator to an alternator. Having bright lights at night, even at a stop, are very important! You can switch back to the generator easily and quickly if needed for show or whatever.
* Carry a small oiler so you can lube the distributor frequently.
* Install one of the oil filter kits. It's a world of difference.
* Install seatbelts. My adopt-a-dad never installed in his Model A, saying "If we get in a wreck, I want to be the first one out". However, wife and I were nearly in a wreck when some douche ran a stop sign and I had to swerve like a stunt driver to avoid the wreck. The lap belt kept me in my seat so that I had full control of the Model A the whole time. Kept wife in her seat so she didn't end up falling into me and causing loss of control. Because of the lap belts, there was no collision and no damage or injury. Just some scared douche who dropped his cellphone.
* Make sure your windshield wiper works. Rain-X is nice, but not a complete solution. Have a rebuilt vacuum wiper on the 31 and it works fine. No need to switch to some aftermarket thing.
* Passenger side tail light AND turn signals. Oh my gosh, I cannot tell you how important it is driving in today's traffic to have 2 tail lights and turn signals!!

The good news is, in its stock form, the Model A is a very reliable car. When you start modifying things, that is when it goes sideways.

Very best regards, and please be sure to keep us updated!

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Smooth One-

First of all, congratulations to you for choosing to use your Model A as a 'car' instead of a 'toy'. You will find the Model A is more than capable of being a reliable daily driver.

I used my 31 as a daily driver for quite a while a few years ago and had no breakdowns. My commute is 40 miles each way.

Here are the things I personally suggest (some will almost certainly disagree):

* Switch from stock generator to an alternator. Having bright lights at night, even at a stop, are very important! You can switch back to the generator easily and quickly if needed for show or whatever.
* Carry a small oiler so you can lube the distributor frequently.
* Install one of the oil filter kits. It's a world of difference.
* Install seatbelts. My adopt-a-dad never installed in his Model A, saying "If we get in a wreck, I want to be the first one out". However, wife and I were nearly in a wreck when some douche ran a stop sign and I had to swerve like a stunt driver to avoid the wreck. The lap belt kept me in my seat so that I had full control of the Model A the whole time. Kept wife in her seat so she didn't end up falling into me and causing loss of control. Because of the lap belts, there was no collision and no damage or injury. Just some scared douche who dropped his cellphone.
* Make sure your windshield wiper works. Rain-X is nice, but not a complete solution. Have a rebuilt vacuum wiper on the 31 and it works fine. No need to switch to some aftermarket thing.
* Passenger side tail light AND turn signals. Oh my gosh, I cannot tell you how important it is driving in today's traffic to have 2 tail lights and turn signals!!

The good news is, in its stock form, the Model A is a very reliable car. When you start modifying things, that is when it goes sideways.

Very best regards, and please be sure to keep us updated!

Thank you very much for the info! I thought about belts in the car and installing a alternator also.

[H. L. Chauvin]

FWIW:

Because of most travels over 200 miles, I carry an extra completely rebuilt and timed A distributor in my rear trunk, just in case there is a problem with my completely rebuilt and installed B distributor; hence, because of this interchangeable set up, I have no original A cable clamp provided for my original A pop-out switch's cable.

Also, I custom designed and made a threaded PVC pipe receptor with PVC end plug, (painted black), clamped to a piece of neatly cut engine green sheet metal to receive the threaded cylindrical end of the original A pop-out switch.

This securely clamped PVC pipe connector has an interior brass threaded contact stud penetrating the PVC plug, with an electrical switch wire extending from this stud nut electrical connection to the original metal distributor tab located on the rear of this original B distributor.

I can change from an all original B distributor to an all original A distributor in about 5 minutes, that is, without the original A cable's clamp secured and mounted on the head stud.

Also carry an original Zenith spare A carburetor to instantly change out with my installed Zenith B carburetor.

Can get "close" to original in a few minutes, except for my (2) blade "aluminum" fan, Police Head, lightened flywheel, and counterbalanced crank, look alike 6 V voltage regulator, whitewalls, etc., etc.

[modelAtony]

You really need to purchase the LED tail lights and have a turn signal kit added to your car.I was using 30 cp bulbs in one of my cars for tail lights, about 3 years ago bought the UNITED PACIFIC brand from Berts in Denver, CO and that is the best money I ever spent. I have the logo turn signal kit on 1 car since 2001 they are real simple to mount and they are LED THEY ARE GREAT AT NIGHT BUT YOU DON'T NOTICE THEM IN DAYLIGHT. tHIS CAR ALSO HAS THE UNITED PACIFIC TAIL LIGHTS NOW. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA Enjoy your car, I was avg 1500 miles per moth before I retired.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by modelAtony

You really need to purchase the LED tail lights and have a turn signal kit added to your car.I was using 30 cp bulbs in one of my cars for tail lights, about 3 years ago bought the UNITED PACIFIC brand from Berts in Denver, CO and that is the best money I ever spent. I have the logo turn signal kit on 1 car since 2001 they are real simple to mount and they are LED THEY ARE GREAT AT NIGHT BUT YOU DON'T NOTICE THEM IN DAYLIGHT. tHIS CAR ALSO HAS THE UNITED PACIFIC TAIL LIGHTS NOW. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA Enjoy your car, I was avg 1500 miles per moth before I retired.

Do they make a 6 V LED kit? I guess I have never really looked.

[d.]

Smooth,
don't worry about the cable/ bracket thing, just unbolt the bracket and lay it on the head or tape it to the cable...no need to disassemble anything.

[Chippy Minton]

I'd worry more about the weekends than the commute. Has anybody mentioned a mobile phone and a credit card?

[Karl]

I've driven my model A to work probably an average of 2 days per week the last 10 years. On the days I don't drive that I often take my 1913 Model T or the 1910 Hupmobile or in the last year the 1934 Ford V8. In fact I use my work car so infrequently my accountant has advised my business to sell the car out of my business as there is no tax advantage in the business owning it.

My cars are all stock and well serviced. The only tools I carry is the original tool kit . I carry no spares at all (but have them at home) . My commute is about 4 miles as well. If I took only half of what some people here consider essential I would have to fit a tow bar and buy a trailer !!

In the ten years I have had one flat battery (left the light switch on) and I crank started it and one ammeter failure (bypassed it by attaching its wires to one terminal) . In the Hupmobile I sheared off the magneto drive and all the spares in the world would not have got me going that day ! I rang my wife and she towed me home I hopped in the Model A and drove to work and was still on time.

Model A's and in fact all early fords are well built and reliable if serviced and looked after. With a four mile daily commute what spares would they have carried in 1930 ? -Your car should be at least as good as it was in 1930 and probably more reliable with modern oils and gas.

Stop worrying drive it and enjoy!

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Karl

I've driven my model A to work probably an average of 2 days per week the last 10 years. On the days I don't drive that I often take my 1913 Model T or the 1910 Hupmobile or in the last year the 1934 Ford V8. In fact I use my work car so infrequently my accountant has advised my business to sell the car out of my business as there is no tax advantage in the business owning it.

My cars are all stock and well serviced. The only tools I carry is the original tool kit . I carry no spares at all (but have them at home) . My commute is about 4 miles as well. If I took only half of what some people here consider essential I would have to fit a tow bar and buy a trailer !!

In the ten years I have had one flat battery (left the light switch on) and I crank started it and one ammeter failure (bypassed it by attaching its wires to one terminal) . In the Hupmobile I sheared off the magneto drive and all the spares in the world would not have got me going that day ! I rang my wife and she towed me home I hopped in the Model A and drove to work and was still on time.

Model A's and in fact all early fords are well built and reliable if serviced and looked after. With a four mile daily commute what spares would they have carried in 1930 ? -Your car should be at least as good as it was in 1930 and probably more reliable with modern oils and gas.

Stop worrying drive it and enjoy!

Thanks! I will enjoy it! You have quite a list of awesome cars sir!
There is what looks like a early 20s model T roadster in my town that has sat in the same exact spot under some guys carport for about 15 or 20 years now and one day I am going to go by when I get my car finished and offer him some money for it.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Chippy Minton

I'd worry more about the weekends than the commute. Has anybody mentioned a mobile phone and a credit card?

I have both of those. lol

[P.S.]

I only carried a small tool kit, a fan belt, a spare pre-timed distributor, and a spare carb (all under the back seat). Never needed any of it. Car performed for over 10,000 miles, flawlessly.

There are those who believe that if you don't carry the spare stuff, then you will need it but if you do, then you will never need it.

One 20 degree morning, the Tudor didn't want to start. I ran some 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper through the frosty points and she started right up!

Please keep us updated on your daily driving adventure! The Model A is VERY reliable when restored properly and not overly modified.

[1crosscut]

Since it is only 4 miles to work you will not be getting the engine up to full temperature. I would suggest at least twice a week go for longer drives to warm the engine thoroughly and/or change the oil a bit more often.