Riding my Ford Model A across USA

[Slotblog]

Originally Posted by Ken Ehrenhofer

We drove the Northern route in a 30 roadster in 1965 and had a great time and the southern route back to Chicago....Back roads will eat up your time so be careful

So true, which is one reason we didn't completely avoid the interstates on our 2,700 Oregon to Georgia trip last fall.

And out west, depending on the route, there were places we essentially have no choice, as only interstates would take us where we were headed.

[daveymc29]

If you end up in the San Francisco area, I will give free meals and lodging and can provide access to some knowledgeable Model A folks to handle any problems you may face. We can also probably sell your car for you, I'm not a dealer. Mark and mafca rosters would be a must have for me. I have three Model A's and know some things, but am no expert, but I know people that I trust with most things Model A, so come on by. I speak fair English, some Spanish and German. Know a few Gaelic swear words and "yes" in French. [email protected] is my email. Grandmother was from Copenhagen.

[bikemaniac]

plind from this forum had a look at the 4 speed gear box I discussed in an earlier posting. It is a nice gear box and the asking price is the equivalent of 80 USD. But there are some required modifications. Coupled with the depressing information from CarlG (the 3 necessary parts virtually unavailable in the US but MAYBE more plentiful in Europe) I decided to skip that installation. I simple don't have time for another project only hunting down special parts all over Europe. Thus, I will go with the normal 3 speed gear box.

Lucas

[Terry, NJ]

Personally, I'd stay off rt 66. It's too broken up in places. In places, it's just an old roadbed with the interstate (I 40) running next to it. It is not passable. In some places it's been kept up OK. Probably the old Lincoln highway and rt 1 are better. Rt 1 parallels it (rt 27) through NJ. I would drive rt 1 to Trenton and pick up the Lincoln Highway at the Calhoun st bridge over the Delaware River or just continue on rt 1.
Terry

[buddyboy]

Your trip sounds like a great way to have a great adventure! I am in North West Montana (Bigfork), and if you happen to head up this way, would love to show you Glacier National Park on Going To The Sun Highway, fill your tank and supply meals for the day. We have seen many antique cars on this road. I am a retired auto and truck repair shop owner and mechanic, with tools and Model A experience if you need help. Bud

[ODFever]

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I'm curious about a couple things, bike maniac. How much will it cost you to finish the restoration on your car? How much will it cost you to ship the car to the US? Have you thought about putting your money towards a car that is already in the US? You plan on selling it after you complete the journey. Why not buy a car that is already restored and road worthy, and making the necessary improvements for a safe trip?

[bikemaniac]

Originally Posted by ODFever

I'm curious about a couple things, bike maniac. How much will it cost you to finish the restoration on your car? How much will it cost you to ship the car to the US? Have you thought about putting your money towards a car that is already in the US? You plan on selling it after you complete the journey. Why not buy a car that is already restored and road worthy, and making the necessary improvements for a safe trip?

1. The car (barnfind sitting for 42 years) cost me the equivalent of 3500 USD.
2. I guess my restoration costs will be 1500 USD. This amount is solely used to make it roadworthy and legal on the streets.
3. Shipping one way is approx 1500 USD.
4. I plan on selling it after the journey in the US and will not ship it back.
5. You are correct that I could have bought a roadworthy car in the US. But looking back I believe I made the right decision: I know all parts of the car - if I have a breakdown I know how to fix all of it - probably even without any Workshop book. If I had bought a roadworthy car on day 1, I would not know how to adjust the points, adjust the carb etc etc in the event of a problem. Now I know exactly what to look for.

I think, if you need a roadworthy, restored Model A in the US, you need to pay at least 10000 USD. So far I have spent 5000 USD on the car.

Lucas

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

What will it cost to ship it ? Have you inquired about the legality of selling it in the USA ?
Wayne

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

...
3. Shipping one way is approx 1500 USD.
4. I plan on selling it after the journey in the US and will not ship it back.
...

If it was originally mfg in USA, there is no problem re-importing. Just need to say so on the customs paperwork.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by CarlG

If it was originally mfg in USA, there is no problem re-importing. Just need to say so on the customs paperwork.

Sorry but not quite that easy or simple if the sale will take place in the United States to an as of yet unidentified buyer it is far different than importing a vehicle that was purchased outside the country. Please be safe and check with United States Customs and Border Protection Services first ( USCBPS ) !
Wayne.

[curtisldean]

I'm curious what body style you will be using for the trip and what other members think would be the best car or truck for the trip.
I have been talking about this same trip for the past couple of years.
Washington state to the Carolinas to visit my son.

[roblesterjr04]

I'm looking forward to following the journey, because I want to be able to do the same thing when my car is finished!

[C26Pinelake]

What will it cost to ship it ? Have you inquired about the legality of selling it in the USA ?
Wayne

[C26Pinelake]

No need to be sorry. It is a very complicated regulation / law.
Wayne

[Terry, NJ]

It's pretty tough to find a mono linguistic American, whose language is other than English. Although, I knew some Russians who were mono linguistic and I suspect that many Mexicans and Syrians are. Your greatest chances to find "Landsmen" will be in Wisconsin , Minnesota, and the Dakotas. If you have a chance, Go see the "Kensington Rune stone" museum in Minnesota. This is a viking artifact that was dug up in the 1890s and it's very controversial, but opinions are starting to shift in it's favor as being a legitimate. Also, what the "De bunkers" never mention are all the other artifacts that were found in the same general area.
Terry

[jfreddie]

Make sure your rear axle hub nuts are tightened properly to 100 ft/lbs. If they're loose at all, going through rocky terrain can snap the axle and you're done.
I wouldn't mess around with the radiator. If you have any doubts, rebuild or replace before you start. One of those things that has to be solid. You won't regret.
Great adventure...you picked the right rig.

[wmws]

Most of these posts are from a year ago. So did bikemaniac go on his trip. I have not heard how he made out.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by wmws

Most of these posts are from a year ago. So did bikemaniac go on his trip. I have not heard how he made out.

I wondered that as well.

[updraught]

Originally Posted by wmws

Most of these posts are from a year ago. So did bikemaniac go on his trip. I have not heard how he made out.

I think he is still working on getting the smell out of his car.

[bikemaniac]

Originally Posted by updraught

I think he is still working on getting the smell out of his car.

Yes and I am about to quit if I cant solve that smell problem very fast.

Lucas

[C26Pinelake]

Time for bikemaniac to give us an update! Trip or no trip? Wayne