What did you do today, that was Model A related ?

[Klattu1929]

I apologise for not responding, got busy and just forgot to respond. I should check this more often. Here are pictures, one w/dash installed, dash removed showing spacer around gas gage, and with spacer on front seat. I guess shim might be a better term. Once again, sorry for not getting back to ya.

[The Master Cylinder]

Thank you, I understand now.

[rfitzpatrick]

Originally Posted by sunnyorm

What did you do today, that was Model A related ?

I drove it 10 miles

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by Klattu1929

Went to start my A and no start. No spark. Found aftermarket ignition switch grounding out ignition behind dash. Fabbed a 1/8" aluminum spacer to put behind dash, starts at screw left of gas gage, around gage to screw on right hand side of gage. Re-installed dash, she starts right up, back on the road. Also worked on seat springs, and yesterday installed a windshield wiper motor.

I was lost about your last post , went back and found this post , I have found my way !

[J Franklin]

I found an older photo of my A lost in an unused drawer. This was taken not too long after it was painted 40+ years ago.

[grumpy dude]

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replaced pass side outside door handle with new locking one with keys. that was fun!!!

[Trapdoor2]

Went for my longest drive yet. ~10mi

Of course, I had to fix a fuel leak first. I have been fighting a leak in the fuel line between the shutoff valve and the fuel sediment bowl. I installed a new shutoff valve a few weeks ago and noticed the sediment bowl's sealing surface was chewed up a bit. I ordered a new fuel line and a new sediment bowl assembly...and installed them. The new one leaked like a sieve...no matter what I did. It would seemingly stop...but after a test drive, the firewall (inside) would be wet.

I worked on it last night and it seemed dry. A tour around the block...nope, still leaking. Dammit! I pulled her into the garage and stripped everything out. Fuel line and sediment bowl. I took both to the workbench and discovered...I'd cross-threaded the sediment bowl threads horribly. Total mess, completely ruined. I could hear my Dad laughing (RIP since 1982).

I was so mad at myself that it took me another hour to find the original. Of course, it was in the very first box I looked...but it was hiding in plain sight (in the box the new one came in). I tore the garage apart...before it chose to reveal itself.

I cleaned up the sealing surface with a little 600g sandpaper, installed it correctly, listening to my Dad admonish me to "fingers only, no wrench until the seal is made. If you can't do it with your fingers there's something wrong..." Yes, Dad. You're right, Dad.

Leak be gone! Let's go for a ride!

I'm running on the Zenith at the moment. It runs well...but I think I've got the idle set a tad on the low side, so I tweak the idle screw a bit. I made a loop around the neighborhood, checked the fuel fittings with my flashlight (no leaks) and took her out onto the highway. She appears to like 45-50mph quite well (still a rattler). Traffic is light and I somehow beat most of the red lights on my way to the softball fields, about 5mi away.

The Softball complex is part of a large local park complex. It has miles of walking trails, a dog park, water-ski loop, swim park (guaranteed alligator free!) and dozens of softball fields. Lots of new, smooth pavement and 15mph speed limit. I wandered around in 2nd gear the whole time. Everybody waves at the Model A and everybody smiles at the Ahoogah!

I headed for the exit and made the return trip with no trouble at all. I did have two red lights...and one with traffic. I made sure I was on the binders early...but I must have had them warmed up as they were, um, mostly ineffective coming from 50 down to 35. These are not cast iron rims...downshifting is much better than braking. Yah, I'm still on the steep end of the learning curve.

Yes, I've sent email to Randy Gross. I'll order a full set of cast iron stoppers. New everything from the spindle out on all four. No doubt I'll find other issues. That is the way of the Model A.

So, back home in the garage. Check the engine temps...perfect. Check oil, no big leaks. Check Zenith...its dripping. A check with a mirror reveals that it is leaking out of the drain plug. 1/2" wrench does not stop the leak. I think the gasket is toast. Thankfully, I ordered a full Zenith kit last week from Mike's. I pulled it off the car and yup, the gasket is split.

So, I installed the rebuilt Tillotson X that came with the car when I bought it. I rebuilt it a month ago. All new guts, everything blown out clean, float adjusted exactly, etc.

It won't idle smoothly. It "lopes". I suspect it probably is losing vacuum somewhere. Just another thing to tinker with! The Zenith gasket set should be here in a couple of days.

Having fun!

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Trapdoor2

Went for my longest drive yet. ~10mi

I have been fighting a leak in the fuel line between the shutoff valve and the fuel sediment bowl. I installed a new shutoff valve a few weeks ago and noticed the sediment bowl's sealing surface was chewed up a bit. I ordered a new fuel line and a new sediment bowl assembly...and installed them. The new one leaked like a sieve...no matter what I did. It would seemingly stop...but after a test drive, the firewall (inside) would be wet.

I once had a leak where the fuel line connected to the sediment bowl. I even lapped in the fuel line to the sediment bowl. No joy.

I finally used a copper flare fitting gasket. Worked like a charm.

[Trapdoor2]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I once had a leak where the fuel line connected to the sediment bowl. I even lapped in the fuel line to the sediment bowl. No joy.

I finally used a copper flare fitting gasket. Worked like a charm.

I have a baggie of those in dead-soft aluminum buried around here somewhere. I maintained a 6000psi Helium test set for a few yrs. I think they were AN-3 though. Too small.

Actually, I have a WWII vintage USN flaring tool set too. I could make my own!

[David in San Antonio]

The mystery of the cool radiator
After having the new-to-me Slant Windshield Fordor’s radiator rodded out, and running vinegar through the system and flushing it several times, I tested the radiator with my Horrible Fright infrared thermometer. The lower hose and areas of the radiator were about 110F, the top sections around 140F, and no hot or cold spots anywhere. Only 140F after running hard and in stop and go traffic for a good 40 minutes?
I was concerned that the relatively low temperature would be insufficient to purge the oil of condensation. After reviewing my steps, talking to Alamo A friends, and reading FordBarn, I began writing up the dilemma to ask for the hive mind’s help here. Reading it back before submitting the post I began to wonder why, if the radiator was so cool, did I feel waves of heat radiating into the cabin?
I boiled a mug of water put a kitchen thermometer in it - 212F. The infrared thermometer read around 180F. The darn thing was wildly inaccurate, with a digital readout lying with great precision.
I hope the bag of 100 zip ties I bought there work out better.

[Big hammer]

IF thermometers aren’t accurate when you use them from a distance, they work better when held a few inches away, the beam of light is cone shaped.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Finally took 'Darla' out for her spring drive. needed to put some gas in her, so I had a couple of 50:1 TruFuel cans (They weren't full) so I could get her over to the gas station and 'fill 'er up'. She still has a small 'Death Wobble' that I think I have narrowed down to the steering gear. I have already done the king pins and everything. That is all that is left. Plus she has new shoes from a couple of years ago Good Year Balloon 21".

She was happy to get out and about again

[FFOG]

I finally received my gas tank back from the radiator shop after a thorough cleaning, soldering and sealing. It took 2 months but the wait was worth it. The paint on the top of the tank looks as good as the day I dropped it off. I only had to repaint the bottom and the back. I got it reinstalled and she fired right up! No leaks!

[Trapdoor2]

Spoke with Randy Gross (cast-iron brake drums, etc.) yesterday. Very nice guy, very informative. Led me thru the process of inspecting everything, repairs to my backing plates, etc. Sort of like drinking from a fire hose...but I didn't really understand the "core" process. Now I understand more fully. I was worried about down time but his turn around time is pretty short. Now I need a rear-hub puller...

So, I got a call from Steve Mitchell (overdrives, transmission, etc.) this morning after I submitted a query yesterday. Great conversation with lots of pointers, etc. One of his hub pullers is on its way...along with their EZ oil check, Real Deal oil seal and front seal. I will probably get in line for a synchro transmission eventually. They're still a full year behind on those.

These Model A people...it's like they live to help!

[Osage Orange]

I ordered a top kit, some window seals and windshield pivot parts to move forward with the '29AA I've been working on for 52 years. I got glass this week and hope to re-assemble and test out the transmission next week, after the school year ends (I'm a substitute teacher). Lots left to do but the finish line is within sight. Got an upholstery guy lined up and still need to finish plumbing the exhaust, build an express bed and install seatbelts.

[Y-Blockhead]

Yesterday I was honored to escort Brigadier General Antoinette Mulholland and Sergeant Major Christy Hawkins in the Torrance Armed Forces Parade. She must have been someone important, look how closely the Black UAV is hanging on my butt!!

[ndnchf]

Made a set of 12 volt generator field coils

[Trapdoor2]

Xmas in May!

[Taint]

I moved my '26 coupe body to my stock '31 chassis

[FFOG]

Rotated my tires, did a front end alignment and adjusted my steering box.