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05-15-2020, 11:47 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Southwest Michigan
Posts: 113
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Hidden Safety Features
I am so happy to be part of this forum...so many people have come up with great ideas to help me keep my Model A running like a champ!!!
I am trying to keep my 1930 Tudor looking like it did from the factory, but I am also trying to make it safer and drive better. I am quite happy with the LED lights, tubed radial tires and other improvements and I would like to do more. The LED headlights and taillights make driving at night more like driving a modern car, but when I have to back down a driveway it can become quite challenging. I am thinking about adding some hidden LED backup lights and replacing the standard small round mirrors with some slightly bigger round mirrors so I can see behind the car better. Has anyone tried this? I am also looking for any other ideas that people have that will keep the car looking original, but make it safer and drive better. Thank you.... |
05-16-2020, 12:19 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 9,115
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
On my '31 pickup, in addition to LED headlights and LED tail/stop/turn lights, I have 5" round mirrors on both sides, and backup lights that come on automatically when I put it in reverse. Serves me well.
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Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club |
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05-16-2020, 12:45 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
Posts: 5,849
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
Like Carl, I have 5" mirrors. They really don't look that different but that extra 1" really helps.
I also have a sport lite and the 50w bulb really lights the way. I can turn it backwards so it somewhat works as a backup light and it looks 'vintage'. Cowl lights can be used for turn indicators. I have mine in the headlights. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 05-16-2020 at 11:49 AM. Reason: Added verbage... |
05-16-2020, 05:35 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
Carl, how did you do the switching when you put the car in reverse? I have not figured out how to do that.
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05-16-2020, 08:37 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northwest CT
Posts: 1,092
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
I’ll be following this one closely. Adding reverse lights is much higher on the list now that I drive more at night. Riding the brakes while backing up doesn’t quite cut it.
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05-16-2020, 09:47 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 3,131
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
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05-16-2020, 11:19 AM | #7 | |
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Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 5,043
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
Quote:
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05-16-2020, 12:03 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
Install a fuse if you do not have one. Most convert to a starter mounted fuse, which fuses everything except the starter. Vendors carry the kit.
Add the grounding mod. Add a Ground cable from where the braided woven ground cable attaches to the frame to a transmission/bell housing bolt. Improves grounding throughout the A. Install a new 1 piece aluminum 2 blade fan. Other types crack and throw the blades., very dangerous. Fuel Shutoff pencil filter - screen/filters gas from getting into the shutoff valve and rest of fuel system. Grit/rust can score the internals of the valve, wrecking it. Optional -Not safety related - install a leakless water pump, keeps things tidy in the engine bay, and if no coolant leaks you have the option of using antifreeze if desired. Optional - Upper coolant hose/neck temp gauge. Helps monitor coolant temp, lets you know issues before the motor overheats. Not original looking. Optional - Thermostat - keeps motor running optimally, helps prevent sludge/contamination from forming when motor does not run hot enough to burn off the condensation and contamination in the oil. Optional - Upper hose coolant filter - keeps crud/rust out of the radiator, preventing plugging up your radiator. Optional - Pleated gas filter in sediment bowl. Additional gas filtering. Optional - LED 3rd brake light strip. I have one on my truck tailgate and have noticed quite a difference with people noticing to slow down and keep their distance when I am stopping and turning corners. Not original looking, but definitely a safety item. Optional - Conversion to Cast Iron Brake Drums and Woven Brake Shoes/Linings - expensive. If Brake system is adjusted and restored the A can almost stop on a dime and the brakes will lock up/skid tires even at low speeds. Safety |
05-16-2020, 03:40 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Florham Park, NJ
Posts: 396
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
I got two pair of high power LEDs in a "bolt type " housing. They really light up whats behind the car. As I have an F150 trans it has a backup light switch built in. I used the threaded end to hold on the license plate. I then ran the wires behind the plate holder and glued them in place. I think these are only 12v, not sure.
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1965 Lotus Elan S2 1930 Model A Sport Coupe |
05-16-2020, 06:29 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Pinckney, Mich.
Posts: 174
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
I put a backup camera with a switch and when I backup I just flip the switch and the LED
tail lights give enough light. The viewing screen is on a bracket mounted just below the left side of the windshield |
05-16-2020, 06:33 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 880
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
I think Tom Endy had an article on backup cameras.
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The Master Cylinder Enjoying life at the beach in SoCal... |
05-16-2020, 07:19 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,496
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
I'm watching this one. I have a reversing camera in a box that I have never installed because the instructions are written in "Chinglish". I'd like to instal it but the screen, small as it is wouldn't look right in a Model A. The connection between camera and screen is wireless so installation shouldn't be difficult if the instructions were in some readable form on English.
Visibility out of the back of these cars is very poor except for pickups.
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05-17-2020, 09:47 AM | #13 |
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Shawnee, Ok
Posts: 3,471
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
I'd like to know the answer to that one too.
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Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B |
05-17-2020, 10:06 AM | #14 | |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 880
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
Quote:
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The Master Cylinder Enjoying life at the beach in SoCal... |
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05-17-2020, 11:34 AM | #15 |
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,196
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Re: Hidden Safety Features
Put a spring center toggle switch on your shifter,control it that way
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