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Old 05-13-2021, 07:50 PM   #1
Stevie649
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Default New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Hey all, new member here.
I am looking to chat with someone about a few mods that were done on an early 1928 Ford Model A. Mostly electrical stuff. The car was restored in the late 80's by my father so i would think these mods were fairly common. Unfortunately he is no longer with us to ask so any help from someone who would be willing to help would be awesome.
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Old 05-13-2021, 09:05 PM   #2
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Welcome to the Barn. This place is full of experts ( not me )! Ask away and the answers will soon follow! Add photos where possible !
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Old 05-14-2021, 05:30 AM   #3
Chuck Dempsey
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Indeed, welcome....
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Old 05-14-2021, 06:41 PM   #4
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Seek, and ye shall find.
Ask, and the door will be opened.
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Old 05-14-2021, 07:26 PM   #5
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Stevie, I have March 1928. Perhaps I can help. What is on your mind? Does the car even still have the red dished steering wheel on it?
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Old 05-14-2021, 08:12 PM   #6
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Another early '28 good. I have an early '28 Tudor. So any questions just ask. You'll discover many early car differences with time. Believe me I did. They can very a lot from month to month when the car was built.
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Old 05-14-2021, 08:43 PM   #7
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Welcome, we can't answer until we know what the questions are.
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Old 05-14-2021, 09:27 PM   #8
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Welcome

Early 1928 Model A's had a particular name attached to them...but for the life of me I can't remember it now.
It's because more then a few of the early A's got some left over model T parts on them.
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Old 05-15-2021, 05:35 AM   #9
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Welcome Stevie649. I have found this forum to be extremely helpful for one new to Model As. It has also been helpful to find someone local such as a friend or a club to serve as a mentor.
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Old 05-15-2021, 07:16 AM   #10
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Thanks for all the replies. The car is serial number A12XXX and the engine is the same number CA12XXX. Does that make it Canadian?
It was converted to a 12VDC system. I am unsure if it is a negative ground but judging by the red starter wire i am guessing that it is. Anyways here are a few pictures of it.


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Old 05-15-2021, 07:54 AM   #11
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Generator has been replaced with an alternator and external regulator (the blue can on the firewall). Starter also has been replaced and solenoid added. Parts could have come from an early Mustang or Falcon donor car.

The electrical system is undoubtedly now 12V negative ground.

The perpetrator knew what he was doing.
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Old 05-15-2021, 08:26 AM   #12
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Badpuppy is right. In the mind of some people these are enhancements. I'm guessing the car is driveable?
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Old 05-15-2021, 08:39 AM   #13
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Stevie, did anyone explain double clutching the transmission for the 2 -3 upshift, and stopping the car before downshifting?
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Old 05-15-2021, 08:49 AM   #14
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The car was drivable when it was parked where it currently sits around 20 years ago. Im getting new Universal 21" tires put on it, as it requires a safety check to get license plates for it.

I have noticed that there is some wiring unhooked, its the green wire from the regulator and a random yellow wire from the firewall TB. There must have been some electrical issues that were being troubleshot.

Im going to have a look at some early mustang's wiring diagrams to see if i can make up a wiring diagram for this car.

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Old 05-15-2021, 08:59 AM   #15
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Hi Gene,
I have not been able to drive it yet. It does sound like ill have to learn a few things about how to operate it tho...

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Old 05-15-2021, 10:18 AM   #16
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

That's a typical Ford 12V electronic voltage regulator.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...iuqISRTQ%3D%3D
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Old 05-15-2021, 10:27 AM   #17
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That is an early one I see it has the hand brake on the left side and the
single braking system. One odd thing is the seven tooth steering box with
a 1930-31 steering wheel.
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Old 05-15-2021, 11:20 AM   #18
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Thanks for the info Bob,

That brings up another question regarding the single point braking system. I've read that there are certain wheels that were used on the early cars that fit the hubs correctly without having to use a spacer.
Im wondering if these are correct for that earlier design?

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Old 05-15-2021, 01:58 PM   #19
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

I will take on the wheel issue. If you can thread the nuts on more than a few turns then the wheels are probably correct. If newer hubs were put on the car then the older wheels will not sit correctly and there will be a gap where the wheel should contact the drum on the outside diameter of the inner part where the spokes attach. Spacers are only needed when later than 48 wheels are put on a Model A.
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Old 05-15-2021, 02:04 PM   #20
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Default Re: New Member---'28 Model A Mods----help!

Regarding the steering wheel: Later 2 tooth steering boxes were sometimes put on early cars. The later steering boxes have a different attachment for the steering wheel. I think some red steering wheels were made to fit later boxes and it looks like there may be one in a plastic bag.

Regarding the voltage regulator: I am surprised to see it there because alternators usually have internal voltage regulators. That may explain the disconnected wire.

Regarding the wiring: Rip everything out and start over. You can buy old looking wires of different gauges and colors from https://restorationstuff.com/
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Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die.
Forget the brakes, they really don't work.
The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk.
My car grows red hair, and flies through the air.
Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.
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