Picking Up first Model A tomorrow!!!

[mhsprecher]

Took wife around the block. She asked if we could go around again, so yesterday was a WIN.

All the other information pales in comparison to that. It was funny to read about how the neighbor wives had to come and retrieve their husbands. Great story.

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by braol

, steam coming out of lower radiator hose area when hot

Are you sure that's not just steam from the radiator overflow pipe? Mine emits steam from there as that's where the pipe exits.

[holdover]

Best of luck, but beware one may not be enough.
as to this " the neighbor wives had to come and retrieve their husbands" They are afraid that their husbands will get the itch and have to have one also!

[Pilotdave]

braol, welcome indeed to this hobby! FordBarn is a great source of information and entertainment, btw.

x2 what holdover said. While a friend (who owns several A's) was helping me unload our Tudor, he turned to my spouse and told her "You need a spare!" "Spare tire?" she said. "Nope, a spare car." We now have three.

[braol]

Latest photo:

[Jim/GA]

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Originally Posted by dumb person

Are you sure that's not just steam from the radiator overflow pipe? Mine emits steam from there as that's where the pipe exits.

This is what I expect.

Overheating is very common on a car that has not been driven for a while. I can help your sort out the cause.

[henry's 31]

Very nice "A". Now have a lot of fun with it. "They must be Driven!

[dpson]

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

[jordanka16]

Originally Posted by dpson

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

For me not having any of those modern conveniences is what makes it more fun, it's like a time warp, in town its kind of annoying, but on the back road with no traffic, it's like I'm back in the 1930s

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by dpson

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

if you don't like it I'll have it.

[Karl]

Welcome from 12000 miles away !

Nice looking car . Sounds like far less bugs than I have had in all five I have owned when I got them.

One useful piece of advice I got was to resist the urge to modernise it . People will wax lyrical about modern points , Hydraulic brakes , electronic ignition , modern shocks , later steering boxes ' modern gearboxes etc . Actually (having ignored this advice initially) I have found that a properly sorted A is a pleasure to drive and everything original (in good condition) works very well. The so called upgrades are normally no better, more troublesome and more difficult to fix than the original parts

Karl

[ironandsteele]

That's a great looking sedan.

[vickidcasey]

congrats, It's my dream!

[FrankWest]

That's a very beautiful Car!
Having a model A is like stepping back into history...A great experience.

[rfitzpatrick]

Like driving my Pickup and using Hand Signals

[braol]

Originally Posted by Karl

Nice looking car . Sounds like far less bugs than I have had in all five I have owned when I got them.

One useful piece of advice I got was to resist the urge to modernize it...The so called upgrades are normally no better, more troublesome and more difficult to fix than the original parts.

I plan on mostly original. It has turn signals w/dual tail lamps, vinyl seat covers (gross), non-Schrader tire valves, wrong headliner fabric, 5-blade fan, modern spark plugs, and fiberglass rear fenders. There is also a smattering of non OEM nuts/bolts. I just ordered the shortened pitman arm (old balls are out-of-round) and a starter fuse. I want to get it as much back to original as I can but I don't mind some safety and performance items...especially if you can't see 'em.

Funny story: I upgraded my '69 F100 pickup to modern electronic ignition last fall and it died on me a week later. I had to send the 'igniter' back under warranty for replacement!

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by dpson

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

Are you sure that it’s in good condition? In particular front end related, shocks, and even tires can make driving no fun. Although, maybe old cars aren’t your thing. I remember hearing several years ago of a man who spent $40,000 on restoring a late 50’s ford. When he took his first drive, he said” this thing drives like an old car”. If your near a club or can find someone close by to help evaluate, or even let you drive a good running car, that would help you figure out your next move.

[aford193031]

Nice looking car, enjoy it

[dpson]

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

Are you sure that it’s in good condition? In particular front end related, shocks, and even tires can make driving no fun. Although, maybe old cars aren’t your thing. I remember hearing several years ago of a man who spent $40,000 on restoring a late 50’s ford. When he took his first drive, he said” this thing drives like an old car”. If your near a club or can find someone close by to help evaluate, or even let you drive a good running car, that would help you figure out your next move.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I'm taking the Model A out again in a couple days to a car show about 15 miles away. I've swapped the engine and refurbished a Tillotson and a Marvel carb and it seems to run much better (running the Tillotson, with the Marvel for backup), so we'll see how it goes.