New guy with 1931 Model A Sport Coupe

[1931amnypt]

Update...finished the brakes, rods and bearings. The fronts threw me for a loop though. After getting everything set up I noticed that the brakes would grab when the lever was pushed forward. This did not make sense to me because the rods would be compressing. Also, when actuating the cross shaft, the rod would be pulled backwards. Long story short...the brake shaft assembly was installed on the wrong sides, which meant the spindle bolts were on the wrong sides as well.

I am having the wheels bead blasted and probably powder coated the straw yellow color. Would like to put some nice new white walls on...

Thanks BlueSunoco for the oil tip...I put a splash of ATF in and turned the motor over a few times. (the new motor has sat for five years)

My wife and my daughter Lauren are really getting involved in this project...its really cool they are taking an interest in it.


Best regards,
Richard

[1930artdeco]

Richard, another welcome and great to get the family involved. It may be your daughter's car eventually and it is best for her to have the connection now. Otherwise it will become a 'how much is it worth' story.

Mike

[40 Deluxe]

Take the time to learn as much as you can about the car's entire history if possible. If you can contact prior owners while they're still around, you may have some interesting stories to share.

[1931amnypt]

A little update...

My father-in-law is not doing well...each day his strength grows weaker.

Wiring done...that headlamp/horn wiring harness wasn't as bad as I though. Bumper, spare tire holder & luggage rack mounted along with rear taillights. I've fitted the front fenders and will pull them off soon for painting. Rear fender welt and running boards done as well. I tested the horn on the bench and its belts out loud and clear!

I need to get a battery, set the timing, paint the fuel cell, some oil & I am ready to fire this flathead!

Best regards,
Richard

[Skibb]

Welcome Richard, you have a handsome car there. As you can see this Barn offers lots of help. Enjoy!

[Mike V. Florida]

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Are there any fordbarners/clubs that live near Richard that could help in an all out attack on the car to see it's completion ASAP it seems like he is so close.

I wish I was closer to help. What a shame it would be if your father in law could not at least see it drive.

[Brentwood Bob]

He is in the middle of capitol A's neighborhood. He will be getting all the help he wants I would bet. Great club.
Bob

[1931amnypt]

Originally Posted by Brentwood Bob

He is in the middle of capitol A's neighborhood. He will be getting all the help he wants I would bet. Great club.
Bob

I plan on visiting them at their next meeting...

[I]We have a general meeting on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 in the Veteran's Hall at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael, CA. Guests are always welcom[/I]

[50B]

1931AMNYAT
I do not live to far from you & I own a 1930 Sport Coupe for 53 years and still own it.
Email me = J[email protected] I did a ground up restoration
50B

[1931amnypt]

Originally Posted by 50B

1931AMNYAT
I do not live to far from you & I own a 1930 Sport Coupe for 53 years and still own it.
Email me = J[email protected] I did a ground up restoration
50B

Email sent...

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 1931amnypt

I plan on visiting them at their next meeting...

[I]We have a general meeting on the first Friday of each month at 7:30 in the Veteran's Hall at Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael, CA. Guests are always welcom[/I]

I don't know if you have been around cars at all but let me tell you the real old car guys (the cars, not necessarily the guys) are a different type of car guy. Most live to help others and love a challenge. Do not be afraid to tell your story and ask for help.

I can only imagine the wife points you will get when you put a smile on her Dad's face by completing that car in time.

[cp5491r]

Good luck with the project. I acquired mine in a similar way. You'll find great support here.

[mjm1972]

I hope you get the help you need.. Good Luck.

[1931amnypt]

Thought I would update my progress...Painting is done except for the front fenders. Hood, tank, dash and trim pieces are done. I realized that I am a horrible painter!!! I layed the paint down to dry (many coats) and did not paint "wet"...Lots of sanding and buffing to bring out a little shine.

The windshield is giving me a little trouble...can't figure out where some of the rubber modeling goes...

It seems like the more I work on this project...the further I am from finishing.

I visited 50B a couple of weeks ago to take a peek at his A...wow, what a beautiful car! It was great to see the finished product and get valuable insight!

Best regards,
Richard

[jax55]

Don't despair Richard. I think that is the way most of us feel. I am also working on a 31 Sport Coupe and finding it an ongoing priject. Just take one thing at a time. although I know you are working against a time line due to the health issues.
I can tell you it does not work well to hurry and push... do the best you can and things will work out.
What you have done so far is great and I am sure your time and efforts are appreciated!
Jack

[Brentwood Bob]

Hope you can get your father-in-law a peak, or a you tube of what you have accomplished.
There should be some help from the Capitol A's guys with your assembly and the windshield procedure.
Bob

[1931amnypt]

I got a little boost of motivation and installed the windshield, dash, trim pieces and gauge cluster. It was pretty cool to have the wife and my two daughters help place the windshield. I think the windshield is too narrow height wise. Once I trim the rubber bedding away I can see the top of the glass just at the edge of the frame (top of windshield frame). I may put a fine bead of black window caulking on the top of the frame once everything drys and sets up.

[1931amnypt]

Update...got the wheels powder coated in the straw color and new coker tires on! My hands & fingers still ache after mounting those tires and I am just about out of my 800 mg Motrin! All but the front fenders are done & painted. Its a 10 footer, however it put a smile on my Father-in-laws face. I still need to do some pounding, sanding & bondo on the front fenders...then paint for a 15 footer look.

My daughter hopped in the drivers seat and we pushed her out of the garage. After some tinkering with the distributor, carburetor and wiring...she fired up! The old "A" smoked like a freight train on steroids due to the ATF fluid I poured in each of the cylinders...but she ran fantastic for a few minutes till I ran out of gas

Hearing that putter has renewed my motivation and spirits. It was really cool to have Frank sit there and witness the firing of his A...he may have black lung disease now from the smoke though.

We are getting there little by little...when done she will be a fantastic 17 footer!

[DJ S]

It's coming along nicely! Keep up the good work!!

[Brentwood Bob]

Wow! Good to hear your father in law has seen the car coming along.
That is priceless.
Bob