What are some of the counter intuitive things you have learned about a Model A?

[johnneilson]

Just how many old wives tales exist

[Jack Shaft]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

Just how many old wives tales exist

Ive got to listen to one wife..isnt that enough?

[johnneilson]

Originally Posted by Jack Shaft

Ive got to listen to one wife..isnt that enough?

I have my GPS in the car set up to always navigate for me.
My wife asked why I do that, I told her it is training exercise to ignore female voices.

J

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

I have my GPS in the car set up to always navigate for me.
My wife asked why I do that, I told her it is training exercise to ignore female voices.

J

But don't most GPS units use a female voice?

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

But don't most GPS units use a female voice?

The GPS has saved my marriage many times

[johnbuckley]

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Most counterintuitive thing with A? With the gear lever in the position you expect first to be.... you go backwards.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by johnbuckley

Most counterintuitive thing with A? With the gear lever in the position you expect first to be.... you go backwards.

Yeah, I've done that. I doesn't inspire confidence from your passengers. ;-)

[katy]

Originally Posted by johnbuckley

Most counterintuitive thing with A? With the gear lever in the position you expect first to be.... you go backwards.

Maybe that's true "over there", but on this side of the pond the shift pattern used on the Model A was the norm for many cars for many, many years.

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by katy

Maybe that's true "over there", but on this side of the pond the shift pattern used on the Model A was the norm for many cars for many, many years.

Gosh, how fascinating, I never knew that.

[fried okra]

Thanks, Brent....I am guessing "1/2-way advanced on the quadrant" is with the spark lever at about 9 o'clock.

And fully advanced is with the lever at about 8 o'clock.

fried okra

[jimalabam]

johnneilson: you have not had a lot of fun, unless with the radios off, you and the Navigator in a B52 are playing tricks on the GPS just to hear her sexy but alarmed voice...

[daren007]

Assembled a “T” from parts without help from anyone and a terrible restoration book. I had never heard one run until then. A fun time.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by daren007

Assembled a “T” from parts without help from anyone and a terrible restoration book. I had never heard one run until then. A fun time.

Wow. You ARE brave. :-) So far, I’ve needed all the help I could get.


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[shew01]

I added item 13 about unleaded ethanol in post 1. Does anyone see issues with the content?


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[woofa.express]

1. More lies are told about the size of fish, especially ones that got away.
2. More lies are told about the yields of crops.
3. more lies are told about THE SPEED OF MODEL A's

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by woofa.express

1. More lies are told about the size of fish, especially ones that got away.
2. More lies are told about the yields of crops.
3. more lies are told about THE SPEED OF MODEL A's

Expound on your opinion regarding that, please.


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[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Expound on your opinion regarding that, please.


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I reckon many A owners add 10 mph or more to the max speed their motor cars achieve. Mine won't hold a candle to speeds that are quoted. hope that explanation suffices. cheers, gary

[Jack Shaft]

A four cylinder L head engine of 200 cubic inch displacement is capable of producing the power required for todays driving conditions,gearing will give you the road speed.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Suggestions below.


These are my understandings, would wait for possible corrections/added info from others before making changes to post 1.

Originally Posted by shew01

This post may be helpful to folks that are new to Model AÂ’s.

What are some of the counter intuitive things (and their fixes) you have learned about a Model A? For me, here are some of the things that I didnÂ’t expect and cost me time figuring them out. IÂ’m still fairly new to Model AÂ’s. Please correct me if I get any of the following wrong.

2) The metal linkage rods that connect the steering column spark lever (on the left side of the steering wheel) and throttle lever (on the right side of the steering wheel) to the distributor and carburetor have ends on them that fit over linkage balls. The linkage rod ends are spring loaded and “stretch” so that you can remove the rods from the balls. Up to you, may want to mention how the GAV/Choke Rod disconnects from the carb, also unique.

5) The Model A does not have a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), in terms of what we call a VIN on modern cars. (VINs were federally mandated in 1954, and the newest Model A is a 1931.) Instead, it has an engine number stamped on the driver side of the block. That engine number should be on your car title. That engine number should also match the stamping on the frame, which cannot be seen without at least partially removing the body. (IÂ’ve never seen a stamped body number, but I am told it is on the driver side of the frame, under the cab of the body.) As a side note, I think motors were stamped on the line when installing the motor on the frame, to match the frame #. So the correct # is what is on the frame.

6) If the car has been sitting for years, itÂ’s a good idea to drop the oil pan to clean out the sludge, including the oil pump screen, that is likely to be present. Also recommended is cleaning out the valve galley located behind the valve cover, and additionally cleaning the 3 small oil passages located in the rear bottom of the oil galley. However, the oil pump can fall out as your remove the pan. Model A parts dealers sell a device that screws into the side of the engine to prevent the oil pump from falling out. If you decide to use your own screw, be aware that the thread is not a standard thread that is likely to be found in your toolbox. The hole is easily stripped with an improper screw.

Starting the Engine

A. Release the lock cylinder by turning the switch key to the right as described on Page 6. - Please note a lot of cars do not have the Lock Cylinder ignition switch, I believe the locking style is only on certain year, earlier As.

C. If the engine is cold, turn the carburetor adjusting rod one full turn to the left starting from full CW, to give it a richer mixture for starting.

10) It is recommended to use the Barn Search function as the vast majority of questions/subjects have been previously discussed. Forum members appreciate those who have done some homework before posting.



Note - Have reworded the above to be positive and guide Newbies to the forum.




13) Unleaded ethanol gasoline will burn okay in a Model A. Leaded has was not available when the car was manufactured. However, the alcohol in ethanol tends to collect moisture, which will cause the gas tank to rust. If that rust breaks free from the tank, it tends to clog carburetor parts and possibly score the gas shutoff valve.

FYI - more info on this site, also has been thoroughly discussed on the Barn.
http://www.fuel-testers.com/review_g..._products.html



Note as an FYI - It is my understanding the sediment bowl and sediment bowl screen, and the carburetor filter will keep damaging trash from getting into/damaging the carb.

[daveymc29]

One thing that I found that surprised me was that the only fuel filter that doesn't come back to bite you, other than the screens that were stock, is the little pencil filter that fits into the fuel shut off valve. All others I have tried eventually gave me troubles with the engine starved for fuel when I wanted it most. Busy intersection, winding , very narrow road, steep hill, etc.