Tips For Model A's

[Bob Bidonde]

The purpose of this post is to collect tips for Model "A's." Post your tips to keep this thread going.

o Gear Shift Rust Protection: Slip a piece of clear PVC tubing over the gear shift to keep it from corroding where it comes into contact with the driver's leg.

o Loose Hub Cap: Wrap waxed string between the cap and the wheel to snug a loose hub cap so both ends of the string protrude. Secure the string by tieing a square not, and clip the protruding ends.

o Pull the back window shade down to prevent reflections on the windshield while driving at night.

o Dome Light Ground: Dome lights mounted in wood are poorly grounded. Add a ground wire from the metal light body to a body bolt to assure the light will work.

[Brentwood Bob]

When you park the car shut the gas off and run the car dry. This avoids gas loss, and keeps the float valve from sticking on startup.

[Gooseloony]

Install a "pencil filter" in the fuel tank.

[Mitch//pa]

don't just become a parts replacer.. learn how to diagnose, and determine the cause of your problem..

[Mikeinnj]

If it ain't broken, don't fix it !

[tbirdtbird]

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"When you park the car shut the gas off and run the car dry. This avoids gas loss, and keeps the float valve from sticking on startup."

Bob, if you never put any gas in the tank it can never leak out!

Merry Christmas!

[Big hammer]

Ask here before doing work if your not sure And then post a reply when fixed
It helps us all :-)

[Brentwood Bob]

Confusion rules me these days,
So I need to have a good shutdown procedure.
gas was up to $4/gal and stayed along time, so I hate it when the float valve decides to stick. usually I notice an empty tank.

[Marshall57]

Read, read, and read.
It’s cheap and easy, and also gives you a great insight into what others have done or tried, no use reinventing the wheel.
I have lots of Model A books, some gifts and some I purchased and when I have some time I go through them. Some like “Tiny Tips” and “Model A Miseries and cures” are full of nuggets of knowledge.
When you finally get to the work most practical knowledge can be gleaned here, folks here can sure fill in the blanks and help you out.
Best tip is when you change heads, engines, radiators, water pumps, hoses, or anything else to do with the cooling system, put a nylon stocking around the top radiator hose and let it filter the water coming from the head into the radiator.
The amount of stuff you get away from the radiator will be amazing and will diminish after a while. Change or clean the stocking every little while and when it no longer is catching gunk you can discard it altogether.
Small ideas can make a huge difference,

[Marshall57]

Next tip.
When changing out an oil Pan or an engine, you will put a quart down the distributor hole and then use the rest of the five quarts to fill it up.
The tip is measure the five quarts carefully (if using bulk oil) and after running the car for just a bit and letting it cool, check and note where the oil level is on your particular dip stick.
When changing the oil later this mark will be important, and with so many aftermarket dipsticks out there the full mark could be off.
Trying to keep a Model A over full is an everlasting headache.

[Not George]

Learn from other people's mistakes, learning from your own is expensive.

[Terry, NJ]

Some tips,
-List your location! You may have a member across town who'll be glad to help you.
-Many problems are not that solvable until everyone's on the same page, try to be clear about where the knock is from or whatever.
- Don't use "patchatini" repair methods for longer than it takes to get home. these "Farmer fix" methods went out with the fifties. Very few of us can't afford most repairs
today. Bubble gum, bailing wire and oatmeal in the radiator are thankfully gone for good.
-To many of us go the other way sometimes too! "My engine costs $12,000 from XYZ Power Plants! " "Yeah well, Mine costs $15,000 from Bazooka Mottor". Hell! you should have done it yourself for $2-3000!
"Get out of your comfort zone!" There are jobs that we'd never try on our own because we don't have any experience with that skill. Welding, Carpentry, engine mechanics, body work, upholestry and painting, etc. But think how much pride it will give you when you do take them on and they turn out pretty darn good. Some of them won't turn out good the first time and you may have have to scrap them and start again. Think it didn't happen at the Ford co. in 1930? Every one makes some scrap.
Terry

[1930artdeco]

Here is a tip for the first timer: When you buy your Model A, drop the pan and check the bearings. Then check the valves. This will keep your engine alive a lot longer than pouring in new oil and starting her up. Never take the previous owners word for it unless proven on paper.

Mike

[Brentwood Bob]

Make one change at a time, and save the old parts.

[MAG]

When parking for extended time or storing the Model A, pull the fuse out. If not equipped with a fuse, install one.

[pooch]

Do not park too close to Chevs, rust is contagious.

[Dan Partain]

For those who haven't seen this before - To chase dirty or rusty threads, grind bolts with the same thread and run them into the holes that need cleaning. The sharp leading edge of the threads will do a pretty good job, and not ruin a good tap from grease/dirt combo. Regular hardware bolts work good for this and are cheap to replace when the threads get worn. I try to not use good A bolts if I can help it.

[al's28/33]

Check all your wiring connections every few months or so and tighten up all those nuts and bolts along with oil and lube every 500 miles. Keep up with maintenance ALWAYS!

[Tim Armstrong]

Old gas is your enemy. Never cook bacon with out a shirt on.

[msmaron]

Learn to diagnose your problems and DONT DIVE BOMB....90% of the time it is NOT THE COIL!!!!

[JBill]

Originally Posted by msmaron

Learn to diagnose your problems and DONT DIVE BOMB....90% of the time it is NOT THE COIL!!!!

Yes, 90% of the time it's the condensor!

[rusted]

ALWAYS remember to turn on the gas. Then when it still will not start, turn on the ignition!!

[Charlie Stephens]

Remember to read and use the lubrication chart. Don't miss the throttle shaft as it runs behind the engine, the generator and the distributor. Remember that the lube fittings on the rear end are not intended to be filled with a pressure gun until the grease comes out somewhere.

Charlie Stephens

[Purdy Swoft]

When you park the model A don't park with the front end up hill or it will probably leak oil at the rear main.

[31 Model A]

If you're a new to A's, read and re-read all that has been posted and all that will be posted.

[Purdy Swoft]

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When taking off down hill don't linger long between gear shifts or gears will clash. Don't try coasting with the gearshift lever in neutral or you may have to coast to the bottom of the hill and start over .

[Purdy Swoft]

Don't take the mechanics handbook for gospel !!!!!!!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Preventative maintenance beats roadside repairs.

[Gooseloony]

Read closely all of Tom Wesenberg's tips, pointers, advice and suggestions!

[fredski]

Originally Posted by pooch

Do not park too close to Chevs, rust is contagious.

My model a is parked beside ,my 63 corvette should I be worried??

Fredsk

[Purdy Swoft]

If the model A has sit up for a while and won't start, first sand the points gap. Points usually oxidize after sitting for extended periods and the engine won't start .

[Afordman31]

If you have a fuse in the circuit and your Model A won't start don't keep cranking thinking it will start. Check the fuse as it may have blown.

Henry put a oil cup on the distributor to oil the bushings. Once in a while put a drop or two in it to keep the shaft from freezing up. My buddy found out about the oil cup after his gear that drives off the camshaft (the one that drives the distributor and the oil pump) went out. The teeth were paper thin on gear, these wore because the distributor shaft turned to hard from not oiling. Afordman31

[700rpm]

Take pictures before, after, and during disassembly. Even stuff you think you know, because your memory can trick you. Also keep a notebook of what you've done and when you did it, including the mileage, and any little tricks you've learned.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Take pictures before, after, and during disassembly. Even stuff you think you know, because your memory can trick you. Also keep a notebook of what you've done and when you did it, including the mileage, and any little tricks you've learned.

X2, and during restoration bag everything and put a note in the bag to ID the part and location where it fits. Store parts in plastic tubs with lids. Mice love cardboard boxes and parts wrapped in newspaper.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

X2, and during restoration bag everything and put a note in the bag to ID the part and location where it fits. Store parts in plastic tubs with lids. Mice love cardboard boxes and parts wrapped in newspaper.

This is especially important if a significant amount of time passes between disassembly and reassembly, and/or if the car is sold while still disassembled, or if your heirs have to figure what's what in the garage.

[caboose]

Don’t be too embarrassed to ask questions: at this forum, at the part store, at your local club, at the swap meet, . . . .
But, know your limitations; if you really don’t know what you’re supposed to do, or don’t have the proper tools, don’t start the project.What you think will only take 30 minutes; likely will take the whole weekend (or more!).

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by fredski

My model a is parked beside ,my 63 corvette should I be worried??

Fredsk

You only have to worry about who transports your Corvette.

[Marshall57]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

X2, and during restoration bag everything and put a note in the bag to ID the part and location where it fits. Store parts in plastic tubs with lids. Mice love cardboard boxes and parts wrapped in newspaper.

Even when buying new parts (small bolts and rivets etc,) put a note in or on the bag to tell you just what the heck it was to be used for and what it is.
I can't help but take stuff out and handle it and later parts numbers are not enough to remind me.

[Dave N.]

If you are using your Hand crank to rotate the motor to set points or reposition the motor always slide the hand crank out of the crank ratchet nut because you will forget and use the starter to start up the motor and the Hand Crank will damage sheet metal as it spins wildly.

[Sixseven]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

You only have to worry about who transports your Corvette.

It is said in some Ford circles that a corvette makes an ideal platform to keep the Model A tires off the floor so they don't get dirty.

[rob63mess]

Don't get rid of your spare parts...I've given away a ton of parts (and probably will continue to do so) only to find out later that I could use them on the next project that comes along. Trading parts is a great way to keep the cost of restoration down while meeting the guys on the forum.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by fredski

My model a is parked beside ,my 63 corvette should I be worried??

Fredsk

Nah, the corvette is made out of plastic

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

Old gas is your enemy. Never cook bacon with out a shirt on.

I agree with both!
Wayne

[colin1928]

Buy and read books about your car (do not forget repair manuals )

[JBill]

After timing, don't forget to replace the timing pin correctly.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by forever4

Then order a new muffler.

..............

[caboose]

Be very thankful if your mate shares your love of old cars and is willing to crawl under them to help you.

[ronn]

always sell your A for a few dollars more then you paid........... brag to the wife as to how smart
you are and she will love you for it!

better then being told no, when you go to buy your next A......................

[Mitch//pa]

keep your issued box of depends under the seat in the storage compartment so nobody see's them

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Dan Partain

For those who haven't seen this before - To chase dirty or rusty threads, grind bolts with the same thread and run them into the holes that need cleaning. The sharp leading edge of the threads will do a pretty good job, and not ruin a good tap from grease/dirt combo. Regular hardware bolts work good for this and are cheap to replace when the threads get worn. I try to not use good A bolts if I can help it.

I've been doing this for years. Nowadays, I spend a little time getting the best edge on the treads as I can, then heat the bolt to bright red hot, almost yellow. Then drop it into a METAL container of oil.
This case hardens the bolt so long as it is a reasonable quality one in the first place and not one of those muck metal Chinese ones. You'll get much longer life out of it but makes sharpening it with a file pretty hard on the file (grind only).

[kevinwalshe]

Originally Posted by Marshall57

Next tip.
When changing out an oil Pan or an engine, you will put a quart down the distributor hole and then use the rest of the five quarts to fill it up.

I know this is old but I am changing my head to a Snyders high compression head and have mine all apart right now. So what you are saying is that after I put the head on, (drained all oil and new pan gasket) to put a QUART of oil down the dizzy hole, then the 4 quarts in the filler spout? Like most of you said:
"read, read, read, ask questions, read some more." So that's the plan!
Thanks,
Kevin

[Bill in SoCal]

Take lots of pictures with your digital camera. Pictures, the way everything is now - everything. Pictures, when you take things apart. Pictures, when you put it back together. You can't take enough pictures. When your mind gets foggy - you will be so glad you took those pictures. My mind get foggy a lot and pictures have saved me time and time again. Have fun, Bill

[kevinmac/toledo]

Originally Posted by fredski

My model a is parked beside ,my 63 corvette should I be worried??

Fredsk

my 31 coupe is resting beside my 71 convertable big block

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by kevinwalshe

I know this is old but I am changing my head to a Snyders high compression head and have mine all apart right now. So what you are saying is that after I put the head on, (drained all oil and new pan gasket) to put a QUART of oil down the dizzy hole, then the 4 quarts in the filler spout? Like most of you said:
"read, read, read, ask questions, read some more." So that's the plan!
Thanks,
Kevin

This is for when the engine has NO oil period. The quart down the distributor fills the oil galley and dipper trays, to prevent a "dry" start.
Sorry missed the all apart oil pan off.

[Charlville]

Locate your local Barner, I'm lucky here in the UK to have Juke Joint Johnny nearby

[willobs]

My best tip, always move spark lever up when turning off engine!

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by kevinmac/toledo

my 31 coupe is resting beside my 71 convertable big block

My 1928 Sport coupe is parked next to my 1966 Corvette. They get a long because the Corvette has 40 years seniority.

[mshmodela]

Think before you dive into a problem, you may make things worse.

[Skeezixx]

I always install slide terminals in the headlamp and horn wires. In the event you need to replace the radiator you won't have to discombobulate the headlights and horn.

Crimp them on the wires with about 1 inch between them so you can still fish them through the conduits.

[johnbuckley]

When visiting the pub try to park facing down hill, or if it's flat reverse into parking bay and make sure you have a clear exit path. That way it makes bump starting easier when after a few drinks you realise you've got a flat battery because you left the lights on.
Oh and fit a battery master switch.

[rocket1]

when you are taking your hood apart for paint tap the hinge rods out far enough to be able to chuck them into an electric drill,start the drill and you will be able to spin the rods out.

[brum1]

Heat is your friend, don't bang on items to remove, damage will more than likely result

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

don't just become a parts replacer.. learn how to diagnose, and determine the cause of your problem..

This is by far the best tip in this thread. Learning this can prevent so many problems.

[armchair67]

If you are like me and drive your Model A when it is less than warm out, and have a manifold heater but are still cold, the fresh air hose that fits the fan shroud on a '62-up Volkswagen will fit nearly perfectly into the firewall duct on the Model A, allowing you to aim the heat directly at you or your passenger. When it is single digits, the heater in my '31 made me decide I really ought to install hot water heat, but it is a cheap, quick and easily removable improvement in the meantime.

[Hoogah]

Originally Posted by armchair67

If you are like me and drive your Model A when it is less than warm out, and have a manifold heater but are still cold, the fresh air hose that fits the fan shroud on a '62-up Volkswagen will fit nearly perfectly into the firewall duct on the Model A, allowing you to aim the heat directly at you or your passenger. When it is single digits, the heater in my '31 made me decide I really ought to install hot water heat, but it is a cheap, quick and easily removable improvement in the meantime.

Any chance of a photo here, Armchair? I've got the same need as you!

[in2deep]

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Always keep your eyes on the road when the fans honk and wave!!!

I park my '34 chevy in a different shop so the termites don't jump on the model A.

[BN]

Never, never splice an aftermarket fuel filter into the fuel line with rubber connections !! Seems obvious, but I've seen this too many times. Also, don't replace the steel line with a copper one. Copper will fatigue and break from the vibration. Once a fire starts, all the gas in the tank will burn - unless you are fast enough to shut off the fuel valve before you bail out.

[dansluck]

Set goals. Is the car a driver, touring or a show car?

[bikejunk]

Read every thing you can .. the Judging standards is not just for judging/ show cars, it is good solid info.

This forum is the best resource for all your model A questions

[burner31]

I'm hoping if I park my new Model A close to my Chevy I"ll get a Harley

[armchair67]

Here you go. Nothing fancy. The vent is available from Espar heaters or Webasto heaters (we use gas heaters in our restored VW Bus service vans), but it is not needed-I had one lying around but ran the winter with just the fresh air hose as mentioned earlier.