Some people should not own a Model A

[slatgrille]

At one time these cars were plentiful so those who could and wanted to, customized them. While I agree mostly with, 'my car, my choice', I think a rarity issue comes into play. As a WWII jeep aficionado, I'm also interested in the cars Willys-Overland produced pre-war. The 'Americar' was built alongside the first prototype MA jeep, so I've longed to see it at shows. Alas, most were later chopped as rods or dragsters. Only original one I've seen is in a museum in Boothbay, ME

[Cool Hand Lurker]

If I could simplify this discussion it would be: "Do it my way, or get off my planet!!"

[AzBob]

Following up with nkaminar's original post, some folks have purchased Model A's that have limited mechanical ability and or troubleshooting skills. They are the ones who struggle to keep it running and properly maintained. Unless they have access to Model A mechanic or help from club members, most eventually become discouraged and sell the "A" after finding out a 91+ plus year old car is not for them.
Have seen recent examples of this on the forums lately.

[hazelhoff]

What I believe to be true: “you will never ever truly OWN anything until you take it apart and rebuild it”. If not, you’ll just be possessing it …

[Raaf]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

hmmmmm...

more division, maybe just appreciate the fact that we can enjoy the hobby, even if someone's car is not to Our liking.

John

Thank you.

[denis4x4]

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Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

If I could simplify this discussion it would be: "Do it my way, or get off my planet!!"

Best post yet!

[CC-Mo]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

This post is not meant to be insulting to anyone, it is just something that I have observed. Some people who buy Model A’s are not qualified to repair or maintain them. I am the same way with my new Toyota Camry hybrid. I have not even opened the hood. I take it to the dealer for regular service and would do the same it I had a problem with it. I am sure most new Model A owners in 1928 were the same way. They took it to the dealer for service or if something was amiss.

The Ford dealer is no longer equipped to work on a Model A. The same with most automotive repair shops (there are exceptions). So the Model A owner becomes his own mechanic. Or, if they are lucky, they have a Model A mechanic in the local area and can afford to have them work on the car. Other lucky new Model A owners are capable of learning how to work on their cars. But I see owners who are not mechanically inclined and who are struggling. Our job is to try and help these people but in some cases it is difficult. In my opinion, there are some people, who because of circumstances, should not buy Model A’s.

How do others feel about this?

Do you own a computer?
If so, do you maintain/rebuild it on your own?
If no, should you be aimed to not buy or own one?

[updraught]

Originally Posted by hazelhoff

What I believe to be true: “you will never ever truly OWN anything until you take it apart and rebuild it”. If not, you’ll just be possessing it …

I don't see how you can expect a 90 year old car to be reliable unless you pull it all apart and check everything or pay someone to do it.

A kid can "restore" one of these without any documention. They are very forgiving and it will get them around for some time.
However, to do it properly takes lots of time and effort.
Most people have no idea how much time and effort and expense it takes to restore any aging vehicle even at 20 years old.

[Oldbluoval]

Do you own a computer?
If so, do you maintain/rebuild it on your own?
If no, should you be aimed to not buy or own one?


But I can take it to a specialist, call Geek Squad and get it fixed or trash it and get another.
Can’t likely do that with a collector car ……but can move it on and get another (becomes problem #2 !)
To me no analogy

[Kurt in NJ]

Some people it doesn't matter what car, one customer at work has a daughter that has done in 5 cars in the last 2 years, one car we put in 2 engines, then it got wrecked, got nearly a year out of that one

[redmodelt]

My OP is anyone that says one group of people should not own one, should not own one either. That, in my OP comes under the same heading as people that say if you can't afford to join a club or have enough money to buy top shelf parts, should not own one. If everyone knew how to fix them, we would not need these forums.

Back then is no different from now, that is why there have been repair shops or blacksmiths for as long as there have been cars or wagons.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

" If everyone knew how to fix them, we would not need these forums."

Right on!For me this is a hobby, not a religion.

[PinoleMike]

See thread #17.
Nothing more, nothing less.
It's their choice not yours!

[mercman from oz]

In support of non mechanical folks owning a Model A.
This is a follow on from my article number16 in this thread. It is in support of others like myself who have no or little mechanical skill. I shan’t repeat my point of view I made in 16 but here is another reason to support my thoughts and position.
I lend my A’s to any person or body who so asks to use it. Mostly wedding parties for the bride to travel to the church and for the newly weds to travel to the reception. For Santa to visit the kids or for the curiosity or pleasure of any individual. Some are concerned they may scratch or damage it. I assure them it was a heap of shit when I purchased it and any damage is repairable. It was also the first motorcar many drove. Crunching gears was a common practise and the motorcar has become quite accustomed to that. It gives many people considerable pleasure to drive it and return it. I am generous and not protective. At motorcar displays many vehicles have a notice which invites onlookers to look at and enjoy but not touch. I invite people to look and handle. Put finger prints all over. Or to lift the bonnet and view the engine.
Now, because I am only a mechanics bootlace should I be deprived from owning this old girl with which I am besotted? Gary

[Chris in WNC]

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

I invite people to look and handle. Put finger prints all over. Or to lift the bonnet and view the engine.
Now, because I am only a mechanics bootlace should I be deprived from owning this old girl with which I am besotted? Gary[/B][/SIZE]

Of course not!
You and all you interact with are having FUN!

The people who probably should not own old cars are the ones who become bitter and grouchy because the experience is more problematic than they expected or desire.....

[Cool Hand Lurker]

"Now, because I am only a mechanics bootlace should I be deprived from owning this old girl with which I am besotted? Gary"

Sorry Gary, you have to give it up. I will come by and pick it up as soon as I can find a road that will get me to Queensland.


Dennis Born of Minnesota, USA

[Brendan]

i am a Backyard Mechanic ,before i bought it i did not know nothing about a Model A. I am no expert but i keep it on the road. if i did not know how how to wrench on old Fords i could not afford them

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by dean from bozeman

If you have the money you should be able to own a Model A. Period.

Now if you take that Model A on a public road you have an obligation to the public, your passengers and yourself to have it in good working order, i.e. good brakes, good steering, etc. How you get it to and maintain it in good working order is your call and your responsibility. Period.

How dare anyone think that they have the right to say who should and who shouldn't own a Model A.

I agree100 %. Well said.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

"Now, because I am only a mechanics bootlace should I be deprived from owning this old girl with which I am besotted? Gary"

Sorry Gary, you have to give it up. I will come by and pick it up as soon as I can find a road that will get me to Queensland.


Dennis Born of Minnesota, USA

You should speak to Caractacus Potts. He, his girl friend and two kids flew the English Channel with ease in their modified motorcar. I’m sure he could modify your A to get you across the Pacific to Queensland.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Nope. No chittychittybangbang. It was scary enough when we were about to cross the Pacific to go to Hawaii and struck an Eagle. I was sitting by the window looking at the engine when the eagle parts flew past, the flame came out of the engine, the engine quit, popped, started, quit and thankfully the pilot turned around. I saw the plane afterwards and the cowling was flattened from the 10 - 2 positions. This engine was big enough to stand in the cowling so the eagle was BIG. No way am I going to hop into some chittychittybangbang just because some other fool did it. And I know that is true because I saw it on a movie and you have to believe what you see. Besides, it would be too cold with the top down. Nope, gonna keep my feet on the ground now!