The Ford Barn

P.S. · 01-02-2017, 02:19 PM

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!

01-02-2017, 02:19 PM	#11
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Hazzard County Posts: 1,921	Re: Daily driving suggestions. 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!