The Ford Barn

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 10:26 AM

I did it!! Now the proud owner of a "brand new" '31 Vicky Leatherback! Purchased in Tucson now residing in Albuquerque, NM.

PO owned it for 25 years. A few items stick out. The ignition switch does not function. Turn on (off?) the battery kill switch and depress the starter and away she goes. (Ignition switch in 'off' position.)

A curiosity, PO replaced generator with alternator but kept it 6 volt, positive ground. I can foresee changing to 12 volt in the near future.

In a separate, by related topic, most EVERYONE around me questions my sanity about purchasing an "A!" The negativity has had me questioning my decision. Turns out -- who CARES what they think?! I'm having a blast driving this thing around!!

More to come!!

Bill

ModelAMike1930 · 11-15-2017, 10:36 AM

Congratulations on your purchase.! I have 2 1930 model a's and enjoy driving them. My kids and g-kids love them. All the neighborhood kids stop in their tracks and wave with thumbs up when I drive through my neighborhood.

glenn in camino · 11-15-2017, 10:44 AM

Good purchase. The most fun car you'll ever have. Join a model A club. They will help you with any problems or questions you have about model As. This forum will also be helpful. Also, get Les Andrew's books to learn about how to work on your car. Good luck. Enjoy.

Tony Hillyard · 11-15-2017, 10:46 AM

The negative comments are usually based on jealousy and envy.

Anteek29 · 11-15-2017, 11:58 AM

Congrats - You must be grinning ear to ear - even in your sleep!

Jim/GA · 11-15-2017, 12:19 PM

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Great to hear!

The negative comments are because people do not really understand how reliable the Model A is, how many new, high quality parts are available for them, and that this car will cruise all day at 45 mph or more. They all think it is the slower cousin, the Model T.

They have never experienced the joy of driving a car that YOU actually have to drive, it is not a bunch of computers on wheels.

I am very excited for you. Do not be in a big rush to change out anything. Just drive it and get to know the car and it's peculiar issues. They each have their own personality.

Swap out the bad ignition switch, because that will work fine with any voltage or polarity. Go slow beyond that.

Feel free to contact me at [email protected] for answers to your questions. I help new Model A owners out every day. I can recommend books and other resources.

And if you have never been a member of MAFCA before, you are eligible for your first year of membership for free. Email Jay McCord at [email protected]

1930artdeco · 11-15-2017, 12:51 PM

WooHooo! Congratulations! Of course this purchase did not happen without pictures

.

Mike

tiretrx · 11-15-2017, 01:05 PM

Congrats! Now.........where's the pics, lol?????

davidlee1313 · 11-15-2017, 01:27 PM

X2, I agree.

Bob-A · 11-15-2017, 01:28 PM

Good for you!

I agree with Tony Hillyard and want to add "stupidity" to it.

Bob-!

jhowes · 11-15-2017, 01:32 PM

Listen to what Jim said, Swap out nothing (except a bad ign. switch) and drive it for awhile. The 6 volt system is fine, no need to swap it out for 12 volts. Many threads here on that issue. Have fun, Jack

slammin · 11-15-2017, 01:37 PM

Bill,
Welcome to the club. The Victoria is an excellent choice. Six weeks ago I bought my first A, a 29 Tudor. I wish I hadn't waited so long. Get to know the car before you make any changes. And where are those pictures?

Jacksonlll · 11-15-2017, 01:40 PM

You got the most interesting car out there. More history and fun with the A than any other car. Very unique. You will have a ball.

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 02:19 PM

Okay, okay everbody!! Here is my first attempt at uploading photos! (There HAS to be an easier way, anybody know of the easier way?)

All: I joined the "Pocos Quatros Model A Club" of Albuquerque, NM a couple months prior to pulling the trigger. I "tried on" various members' cars to learn what would work, and more importantly, what wouldn't!

I purchased both volumes of Les Andrews books long before buying the car. (Wanted to know what I was getting in to.)

No, no IMMEDIATE major changes -- just the ignition switch and the horn. Luckily Les Andrews goes into how to repair the horn.

Okay, here goes > > >

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 02:21 PM

Will SOON be changing my Avatar!!!!

tiretrx · 11-15-2017, 02:49 PM

Pics came out great. It's a beauty, all the best with it!

ronn · 11-15-2017, 03:27 PM

Congrats! Vickis are one of my favorites, esp the leatherback.

Live Large.....................

Mike V. Florida · 11-15-2017, 04:32 PM

Now you only need to join the International Model A Victoria Association.

I hope you only have fun times with the car and drive it often.

c. sefton · 11-15-2017, 04:50 PM

Could you possibly have a pop out ignition switch that you need to push in to turn it off?

Big hammer · 11-15-2017, 04:56 PM

Congrats! Nice car! Good job with the pictures! Enjoy :-)

V8COOPMAN · 11-15-2017, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillEbob

Okay, okay everbody!! Here is my first attempt at uploading photos! (There HAS to be an easier way, anybody know of the easier way?)

Pictures ain't hard. You can even make 'em big if you like. I LIKE Vickies! DD

davehc · 11-15-2017, 06:25 PM

Wow , BillEbob , that Vicky is SWEETER than the Vicky I knew in high school . Nice !

mhsprecher · 11-15-2017, 06:33 PM

Everything has been said, but not everyone has said it, so congrats from me. You are stylin' in your Vicky!

Tinbasher · 11-15-2017, 06:40 PM

Nice Car. Welcome to a great place for Model A info. With great people.

John Poole

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 08:25 PM

avatar now changed!!!!

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 08:26 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Pictures ain't hard. You can even make 'em big if you like. I LIKE Vickies! DD

OKAY, smart guy just HOW did you do that?! LOL

aford193031 · 11-15-2017, 08:34 PM

Looks good, love the pictures

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 08:45 PM

Thanks one and all! You fellas make a guy feel accepted!

Bill

KGBnut · 11-15-2017, 09:09 PM

Bill,

She looks terrific. Your life will not be the same. It will be much fuller.

I would recommend that you hold off on changes, like switching to 12 volt, until you have gotten used to her. She is likely fine with 6 volt. Personally, I don't see the need unless you want a modern radio or other 12 volt accessories. I'm sure others will disagree with me, but give it a try for a while before you change it.

Most importantly, just enjoy it. Oh...and those naysayers will likely be the first ones asking for a ride.

Ken

Mike Peters · 11-15-2017, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c. sefton

Could you possibly have a pop out ignition switch that you need to push in to turn it off?

X2. This is how original pop out switches work: When the key is in the vertical position and pushed in, your ignition is off. When you turn the key to the right, it "pops out". Then the ignition is on. In the "on" position, the key will turn freely to the "off" position without turning off the ignition. To turn the ignition switch off, you need to turn your key back to the vertical position and also push the key in until it clicks and remains in the pushed in position.
In conclusion, are you operating your ignition with your battery disconnect switch while leaving an original pop out switch in the on position? Yo might call the person you bought the car from and ask about how to operate the ignition switch. It may be more complicated than you think. Just sayin.
BTW, lovely car! Happy trails to you.

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c. sefton

Could you possibly have a pop out ignition switch that you need to push in to turn it off?

Nope, no pop out. 😖

henry's 31 · 11-15-2017, 09:26 PM

It sure sounds like you did your homework! You have the right tools (Andrews Books) and membership in a local Club and an offer from the great MAFCA technical director. You are set, now enjoy!

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Peters

X2. You might call the person you bought the car from and ask about how to operate the ignition switch. It may be more complicated than you think. Just sayin.
BTW, lovely car! Happy trails to you.

Mike, I did call him. No help. A wonderfully, kind, elderly gentlemen but could not elicit any help from him.

1955cj5 · 11-15-2017, 09:56 PM

Just a thought but if the ignition switch has no effect either way perhaps it has been by-passed and the stud on the coil has been connected directly to the distributor...

Maybe using something along these lines..

https://www.brattons.com/emergency-i...per-cable.html

.

BillEbob · 11-15-2017, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

Just a thought but if the ignition switch has no effect either way perhaps it has been by-passed and the stud on the coil has been connected directly to the distributor...

Maybe using something along these lines..

https://www.brattons.com/emergency-i...per-cable.html

.

I'll check on that soon! Thanks!

Mike Peters · 11-15-2017, 11:20 PM

OK, so you have the repro ON/OFF switch. Recently, I repaired a car with a repro switch where the entire switch body was turning in the instrument panel when the key was turned, rather than the locking/switching internal mechanism. The fix was to pull the instrument panel and tighten the 7/8" lock nut that secures the switch to the instrument panel. Disconnect the two wires and use a deep socket and tighten it good. It won't come loose if you do that. Barring this, you apparently have a bad switch stuck in the on position, or, as the above post states, the switch has been bypassed in some way. If so, replace the switch. Your local club members can help you with this. Good luck. mike

donh · 11-16-2017, 08:09 AM

Fantastic Vicky. Your lucky it came all together and drive able. My Vicky was all apart and had to re-assemble it. Took me awhile. When I had the time to work on it, I didn't have the money and vice versa. Finally got it together and have been to all but 11 of the lower 48 states. Lots of fun.
Don

11-15-2017, 10:26 AM	#1
BillEbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 162	Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! I did it!! Now the proud owner of a "brand new" '31 Vicky Leatherback! Purchased in Tucson now residing in Albuquerque, NM. PO owned it for 25 years. A few items stick out. The ignition switch does not function. Turn on (off?) the battery kill switch and depress the starter and away she goes. (Ignition switch in 'off' position.) A curiosity, PO replaced generator with alternator but kept it 6 volt, positive ground. I can foresee changing to 12 volt in the near future. In a separate, by related topic, most EVERYONE around me questions my sanity about purchasing an "A!" The negativity has had me questioning my decision. Turns out -- who CARES what they think?! I'm having a blast driving this thing around!! More to come!! Bill

11-15-2017, 10:36 AM	#2
ModelAMike1930 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Illinois Posts: 382	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Congratulations on your purchase.! I have 2 1930 model a's and enjoy driving them. My kids and g-kids love them. All the neighborhood kids stop in their tracks and wave with thumbs up when I drive through my neighborhood.

11-15-2017, 10:44 AM	#3
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Good purchase. The most fun car you'll ever have. Join a model A club. They will help you with any problems or questions you have about model As. This forum will also be helpful. Also, get Les Andrew's books to learn about how to work on your car. Good luck. Enjoy.

11-15-2017, 10:46 AM	#4
Tony Hillyard Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pleines Oeuvres, Normandy, France Posts: 194	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! The negative comments are usually based on jealousy and envy.

11-15-2017, 11:58 AM	#5
Anteek29 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Santa Maria, CA Posts: 985	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Congrats - You must be grinning ear to ear - even in your sleep! __________________ Alan 1929 Special Coupe 1941 Pick-Up 1955 Victoria

11-15-2017, 12:19 PM	#6
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,815	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Great to hear! The negative comments are because people do not really understand how reliable the Model A is, how many new, high quality parts are available for them, and that this car will cruise all day at 45 mph or more. They all think it is the slower cousin, the Model T. They have never experienced the joy of driving a car that YOU actually have to drive, it is not a bunch of computers on wheels. I am very excited for you. Do not be in a big rush to change out anything. Just drive it and get to know the car and it's peculiar issues. They each have their own personality. Swap out the bad ignition switch, because that will work fine with any voltage or polarity. Go slow beyond that. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] for answers to your questions. I help new Model A owners out every day. I can recommend books and other resources. And if you have never been a member of MAFCA before, you are eligible for your first year of membership for free. Email Jay McCord at [email protected] __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!"

11-15-2017, 12:51 PM	#7
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,550	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! WooHooo! Congratulations! Of course this purchase did not happen without pictures. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

11-15-2017, 01:05 PM	#8
tiretrx Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: East End of Long Island Posts: 14	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Congrats! Now.........where's the pics, lol?????

11-15-2017, 01:27 PM	#9
davidlee1313 Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Iowa Posts: 22	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! X2, I agree.

11-15-2017, 01:28 PM	#10
Bob-A Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central FL, USA Posts: 1,137	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Good for you! I agree with Tony Hillyard and want to add "stupidity" to it. Bob-!

11-15-2017, 01:32 PM	#11
jhowes Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: upstate NY near Mass border Posts: 789	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Listen to what Jim said, Swap out nothing (except a bad ign. switch) and drive it for awhile. The 6 volt system is fine, no need to swap it out for 12 volts. Many threads here on that issue. Have fun, Jack

11-15-2017, 01:37 PM	#12
slammin Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Fruita, CO Posts: 281	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Bill, Welcome to the club. The Victoria is an excellent choice. Six weeks ago I bought my first A, a 29 Tudor. I wish I hadn't waited so long. Get to know the car before you make any changes. And where are those pictures?

11-15-2017, 01:40 PM	#13
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! You got the most interesting car out there. More history and fun with the A than any other car. Very unique. You will have a ball.

11-15-2017, 02:21 PM	#15
BillEbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 162	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Will SOON be changing my Avatar!!!!

11-15-2017, 02:49 PM	#16
tiretrx Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: East End of Long Island Posts: 14	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Pics came out great. It's a beauty, all the best with it!

11-15-2017, 03:27 PM	#17
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,784	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Congrats! Vickis are one of my favorites, esp the leatherback. Live Large.....................

11-15-2017, 04:32 PM	#18
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Now you only need to join the International Model A Victoria Association. I hope you only have fun times with the car and drive it often. __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

11-15-2017, 04:50 PM	#19
c. sefton Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: N.W. Hoosierland Posts: 45	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Could you possibly have a pop out ignition switch that you need to push in to turn it off? __________________ C1-C2

11-15-2017, 04:56 PM	#20
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,127	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Congrats! Nice car! Good job with the pictures! Enjoy :-) __________________ Don't force it with a little hammer tap, tap, tap get a bigger hammer tap done

11-15-2017, 06:25 PM	#22
davehc Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Adrian , Mich. Posts: 386	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Wow , BillEbob , that Vicky is SWEETER than the Vicky I knew in high school . Nice !

11-15-2017, 06:33 PM	#23
mhsprecher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 2,817	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Everything has been said, but not everyone has said it, so congrats from me. You are stylin' in your Vicky!

11-15-2017, 06:40 PM	#24
Tinbasher Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Innisfil, Ontario Canada Posts: 1,174	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Nice Car. Welcome to a great place for Model A info. With great people. John Poole

11-15-2017, 08:25 PM	#25
BillEbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 162	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! avatar now changed!!!!

11-15-2017, 08:34 PM	#27
aford193031 Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pearland, Texas Posts: 85	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Looks good, love the pictures

11-15-2017, 08:45 PM	#28
BillEbob Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 162	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Thanks one and all! You fellas make a guy feel accepted! Bill

11-15-2017, 09:09 PM	#29
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Bill, She looks terrific. Your life will not be the same. It will be much fuller. I would recommend that you hold off on changes, like switching to 12 volt, until you have gotten used to her. She is likely fine with 6 volt. Personally, I don't see the need unless you want a modern radio or other 12 volt accessories. I'm sure others will disagree with me, but give it a try for a while before you change it. Most importantly, just enjoy it. Oh...and those naysayers will likely be the first ones asking for a ride. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

11-15-2017, 09:26 PM	#32
henry's 31 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Columbus(Cataula) Georgia Posts: 849	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! It sure sounds like you did your homework! You have the right tools (Andrews Books) and membership in a local Club and an offer from the great MAFCA technical director. You are set, now enjoy! __________________ Henry' s 31

11-15-2017, 09:56 PM	#34
1955cj5 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,578	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Just a thought but if the ignition switch has no effect either way perhaps it has been by-passed and the stud on the coil has been connected directly to the distributor... Maybe using something along these lines.. https://www.brattons.com/emergency-i...per-cable.html . __________________ Early '29 CCPU that had a 4-speed, but not any more.......in the family since '62

11-15-2017, 11:20 PM	#36
Mike Peters Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: South East Wisconsin Posts: 1,279	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! OK, so you have the repro ON/OFF switch. Recently, I repaired a car with a repro switch where the entire switch body was turning in the instrument panel when the key was turned, rather than the locking/switching internal mechanism. The fix was to pull the instrument panel and tighten the 7/8" lock nut that secures the switch to the instrument panel. Disconnect the two wires and use a deep socket and tighten it good. It won't come loose if you do that. Barring this, you apparently have a bad switch stuck in the on position, or, as the above post states, the switch has been bypassed in some way. If so, replace the switch. Your local club members can help you with this. Good luck. mike

11-16-2017, 08:09 AM	#37
donh Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario,NY Posts: 83	Re: Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway! Fantastic Vicky. Your lucky it came all together and drive able. My Vicky was all apart and had to re-assemble it. Took me awhile. When I had the time to work on it, I didn't have the money and vice versa. Finally got it together and have been to all but 11 of the lower 48 states. Lots of fun. Don