Daily driving suggestions.

[Smooth_One]

I plan to drive my 28 A quite a few days out of the week back-and-forth to work because I only have about 4 miles each way to work and back and I plan to drive it pretty much all weekend every weekend.
My question is I am keeping the car totally stock appearing because it is in good shape and with all the modern parts out now for these cars what suggestions do you guys have to make the car a little more bullet proof to drive every day?
It has four new tires and tubes, modern distributor cap and wires, new front bearings and all new steering bushings plus of course all the fluids have been changed and by the end of this week it will have all new brakes, new shoes, new brake rods, clevis's etc.

[JDupuis]

Hi smooth, if driving in everyday traffic; consider turn signals. I've also added alternators to all four of my A's. Less worry about over or under charging the battery. Sounds like you're planning a great 2017. Jeff

[Mitch//pa]

Remember that the word MODERN does not always mean its better....thats as far as i will go with that.....

What kind of fan is on it?? Many have upgraded to the two blade aluminum since the original metal style fatigues, cracks and blows apart...usually through the radiator, hood, or beheads ya

The good part is being only 4 miles from home you can just push it down fruitville rd..you can rest at Robarts sports arena then continue on. I remember when it was just one lane in each direction.

[Bob Bidonde]

Does your auto insurance policy allow the use of your Model A as a daily use vehicle? If you do use your Model A as daily transportation, I suggest the following attributes are must haves:
> Spare set of keys;
> Turn signals;
> LED tail lights;
> Halogen headlights;
> Alternator & 30-amp ammeter;
> Battery cutoff switch;
> Serviceable spare tire;
> Excellent service brakes;
> Outside mirror on each side of the car;
> Set of modern tools aboard including a safe jack & wheel chock;
> Spare ignition points, condenser, coil and rotor;
> Spare fan belt;
> RainX;
> Gallon of coolant;
> Duct tape;
> Bottle of coolant stop leak such as Barr's;
> Roll of paper towels;
> Proof of insurance & state vehicle registration.

[handlebar99]

The guys only talking about a four mile trip! He doesn't need a trailer load of spares! (credit card, AAA membership, and walking shoes works for me.)

Ray Rice, prepared for most eventualities, in Rifton

[H. L. Chauvin]

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BARE MINIMUM ????? Just repeating some of the above, and in answering:

"what suggestions do you guys have to make the car a little more bullet proof to drive every day?"

my "BARE" minimum would be:

1. Insurance covering everyday driving to & from work; proof of insurance & registration.
2. Minimum ..... at least lap type seat belts.
3. Turn signals & rear window stop light.
4. Re-silvered or top of the line headlight reflectors coupled with a 6V generator Voltage Regulator (6V) in lieu of adjusting a cut-out if night driving is often anticipated.
5. Rain-X windshield treatment; (accompanied by a at least a non-working windshield wiper, in case of an accident in a rain, to show the jury you at least had a windshield wiper that maybe broke upon impact, as opposed to carelessly driving with "no" windshield wiper and "sharing" in the cost of the lawsuit & cost of court even though you were "not" at fault).
6. Wheel jack, good spare, & engine crank with lug wrench.
7. Functional keyed door lock and functional keyed spare tire lock if parked where you think public "may" or "may not" have access to your car ..... 2017 is not 1930.
8. Rear window shade to avoid in cab glare if night driving is anticipated.
9. Paper towels to wipe interior fogged up glass; small flashlight.
10. Small folding female umbrella; but just for your wife or girlfriend.

Others will have good additional items ..... based on former Model A experiences.

FWIW: For a common sense education on highway driving safety, just call several insurance companies to statistically find out that "most" accidents occur only a few miles from home, (like 4 miles), where we feel 100% safe and think absolutely nothing can happen.

[C26Pinelake]

Make sure your insurance company is aware that you are driving it to work and every weekend. To not seek their approval would be very foolish. Wayne.

[3.6rs]

Seatbelts

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Does your auto insurance policy allow the use of your Model A as a daily use vehicle? If you do use your Model A as daily transportation, I suggest the following attributes are must haves:
> Spare set of keys;
> Turn signals;
> LED tail lights;
> Halogen headlights;
> Alternator & 30-amp ammeter;
> Battery cutoff switch;
> Serviceable spare tire;
> Excellent service brakes;
> Outside mirror on each side of the car;
> Set of modern tools aboard including a safe jack & wheel chock;
> Spare ignition points, condenser, coil and rotor;
> Spare fan belt;
> RainX;
> Gallon of coolant;
> Duct tape;
> Bottle of coolant stop leak such as Barr's;
> Roll of paper towels;
> Proof of insurance & state vehicle registration.

Remember he is four miles away not 400. Let's not go overboard. Wayne

[1930-fordor]

I have shared this before, but it is worth repeating.
A gentleman with over 100k on his model A,
advised me that most all break downs will be associated with the distributor. For the sake of time have a spare distributor. Install it and have points set and make sure it works well. Then keep it with car. If you break down on the side of the road, and you suspect it could be timming related. You can change the distributor in about 4 min. Don't spend a lot of time on the side of the road trying to change points or condenser. You can figure out what went bad back at home when it is more convenient. It is a little pricey, but if you are broken down on the side of the road in unfavorable or unsafe conditions, it is worth the insurance.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by 1930-fordor

I have shared this before, but it is worth repeating.
A gentleman with over 100k on his model A,
advised me that most all break downs will be associated with the distributor. For the sake of time have a spare distributor. Install it and have points set and make sure it works well. Then keep it with car. If you break down on the side of the road, and you suspect it could be timming related. You can change the distributor in about 4 min. Don't spend a lot of time on the side of the road trying to change points or condenser. You can figure out what went bad back at home when it is more convenient. It is a little pricey, but if you are broken down on the side of the road in unfavorable or unsafe conditions, it is worth the insurance.

But i put on the armored cable bracket for authenticity . Guess im screwed

[1930-fordor]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

But i put on the armored cable bracket for authenticity . Guess im screwed

yep, my car is not a points car, so I did not install the cable clamp

[TerryH]

The driving to work insurance can be a big deal, as a lot of "antique car" policy's do not allow it. My personal recommendation, besides adding LED tail lights, is to also have the right side second tail light, along with working turn signals. I also have quartz halogen headlights and really like them.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Remember that the word MODERN does not always mean its better....thats as far as i will go with that.....

What kind of fan is on it?? Many have upgraded to the two blade aluminum since the original metal style fatigues, cracks and blows apart...usually through the radiator, hood, or beheads ya

The good part is being only 4 miles from home you can just push it down fruitville rd..you can rest at Robarts sports arena then continue on. I remember when it was just one lane in each direction.

I have the four blade fan on it. Just the stock of hearing but with four blades

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Does your auto insurance policy allow the use of your Model A as a daily use vehicle? If you do use your Model A as daily transportation, I suggest the following attributes are must haves:
> Spare set of keys;
> Turn signals;
> LED tail lights;
> Halogen headlights;
> Alternator & 30-amp ammeter;
> Battery cutoff switch;
> Serviceable spare tire;
> Excellent service brakes;
> Outside mirror on each side of the car;
> Set of modern tools aboard including a safe jack & wheel chock;
> Spare ignition points, condenser, coil and rotor;
> Spare fan belt;
> RainX;
> Gallon of coolant;
> Duct tape;
> Bottle of coolant stop leak such as Barr's;
> Roll of paper towels;
> Proof of insurance & state vehicle registration.

I will be carrying plenty of spare tools, some water, a new spare tire and tube, and I do have mirrors to go on the hinges of each side of the car but I have not installed them yet. Other than that I will throw in a spare belt and of course a spare cut off switch.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

BARE MINIMUM ????? Just repeating some of the above, and in answering:

"what suggestions do you guys have to make the car a little more bullet proof to drive every day?"

my "BARE" minimum would be:

1. Insurance covering everyday driving to & from work; proof of insurance & registration.
2. Minimum ..... at least lap type seat belts.
3. Turn signals & rear window stop light.
4. Re-silvered or top of the line headlight reflectors coupled with a 6V generator Voltage Regulator (6V) in lieu of adjusting a cut-out if night driving is often anticipated.
5. Rain-X windshield treatment; (accompanied by a at least a non-working windshield wiper, in case of an accident in a rain, to show the jury you at least had a windshield wiper that maybe broke upon impact, as opposed to carelessly driving with "no" windshield wiper and "sharing" in the cost of the lawsuit & cost of court even though you were "not" at fault).
6. Wheel jack, good spare, & engine crank with lug wrench.
7. Functional keyed door lock and functional keyed spare tire lock if parked where you think public "may" or "may not" have access to your car ..... 2017 is not 1930.
8. Rear window shade to avoid in cab glare if night driving is anticipated.
9. Paper towels to wipe interior fogged up glass; small flashlight.
10. Small folding female umbrella; but just for your wife or girlfriend.

Others will have good additional items ..... based on former Model A experiences.

FWIW: For a common sense education on highway driving safety, just call several insurance companies to statistically find out that "most" accidents occur only a few miles from home, (like 4 miles), where we feel 100% safe and think absolutely nothing can happen.

I always use rain X glass cleaner on all my vehicles so I got that covered. I don't plan to do much to the lights because I want to keep the old appearance of the car safety or not just my decision. It will have full coverage insurance on it for whatever it is estimated to be worth.

[C26Pinelake]

Are you doing this to strictly save money or possibly you can't afford a regular driver? A friend in Florida was quoted over $5000 to drive his 31 Chevrolet and that did not include collision or comprehensive on his car. It also required a yearly mechanical fitness test. Wayne

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by 1930-fordor

I have shared this before, but it is worth repeating.
A gentleman with over 100k on his model A,
advised me that most all break downs will be associated with the distributor. For the sake of time have a spare distributor. Install it and have points set and make sure it works well. Then keep it with car. If you break down on the side of the road, and you suspect it could be timming related. You can change the distributor in about 4 min. Don't spend a lot of time on the side of the road trying to change points or condenser. You can figure out what went bad back at home when it is more convenient. It is a little pricey, but if you are broken down on the side of the road in unfavorable or unsafe conditions, it is worth the insurance.

This is a good idea not thought about by many.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

But i put on the armored cable bracket for authenticity . Guess im screwed

Don't ask me why but I am still trying to figure out how to get the old armored cable out of the clamp without destroying the cable because I would like to hang onto it because it is still in good condition ha ha.
I've kept all the old parts I replaced on the car with new ones for some reason… I think it's kind of cool I guess to have old parts hanging around.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by TerryH

The driving to work insurance can be a big deal, as a lot of "antique car" policy's do not allow it. My personal recommendation, besides adding LED tail lights, is to also have the right side second tail light, along with working turn signals. I also have quartz halogen headlights and really like them.

My car has the original glass lenses in the headlights and I am planning on just taking them apart and cleaning them up and replacing the bulbs and contacts.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Smooth_One

I always use rain X glass cleaner on all my vehicles so I got that covered. I don't plan to do much to the lights because I want to keep the old appearance of the car safety or not just my decision. It will have full coverage insurance on it for whatever it is estimated to be worth.

Full coverage for estimated value, check this out because I doubt that statement! Wayne

[P.S.]

Smooth One-

First of all, congratulations to you for choosing to use your Model A as a 'car' instead of a 'toy'. You will find the Model A is more than capable of being a reliable daily driver.

I used my 31 as a daily driver for quite a while a few years ago and had no breakdowns. My commute is 40 miles each way.

Here are the things I personally suggest (some will almost certainly disagree):

* Switch from stock generator to an alternator. Having bright lights at night, even at a stop, are very important! You can switch back to the generator easily and quickly if needed for show or whatever.
* Carry a small oiler so you can lube the distributor frequently.
* Install one of the oil filter kits. It's a world of difference.
* Install seatbelts. My adopt-a-dad never installed in his Model A, saying "If we get in a wreck, I want to be the first one out". However, wife and I were nearly in a wreck when some douche ran a stop sign and I had to swerve like a stunt driver to avoid the wreck. The lap belt kept me in my seat so that I had full control of the Model A the whole time. Kept wife in her seat so she didn't end up falling into me and causing loss of control. Because of the lap belts, there was no collision and no damage or injury. Just some scared douche who dropped his cellphone.
* Make sure your windshield wiper works. Rain-X is nice, but not a complete solution. Have a rebuilt vacuum wiper on the 31 and it works fine. No need to switch to some aftermarket thing.
* Passenger side tail light AND turn signals. Oh my gosh, I cannot tell you how important it is driving in today's traffic to have 2 tail lights and turn signals!!

The good news is, in its stock form, the Model A is a very reliable car. When you start modifying things, that is when it goes sideways.

Very best regards, and please be sure to keep us updated!

[H. L. Chauvin]

FWIW:

Because of most travels over 200 miles, I carry an extra completely rebuilt and timed A distributor in my rear trunk, just in case there is a problem with my completely rebuilt and installed B distributor; hence, because of this interchangeable set up, I have no original A cable clamp provided for my original A pop-out switch's cable.

Also, I custom designed and made a threaded PVC pipe receptor with PVC end plug, (painted black), clamped to a piece of neatly cut engine green sheet metal to receive the threaded cylindrical end of the original A pop-out switch.

This securely clamped PVC pipe connector has an interior brass threaded contact stud penetrating the PVC plug, with an electrical switch wire extending from this stud nut electrical connection to the original metal distributor tab located on the rear of this original B distributor.

I can change from an all original B distributor to an all original A distributor in about 5 minutes, that is, without the original A cable's clamp secured and mounted on the head stud.

Also carry an original Zenith spare A carburetor to instantly change out with my installed Zenith B carburetor.

Can get "close" to original in a few minutes, except for my (2) blade "aluminum" fan, Police Head, lightened flywheel, and counterbalanced crank, look alike 6 V voltage regulator, whitewalls, etc., etc.

[modelAtony]

You really need to purchase the LED tail lights and have a turn signal kit added to your car.I was using 30 cp bulbs in one of my cars for tail lights, about 3 years ago bought the UNITED PACIFIC brand from Berts in Denver, CO and that is the best money I ever spent. I have the logo turn signal kit on 1 car since 2001 they are real simple to mount and they are LED THEY ARE GREAT AT NIGHT BUT YOU DON'T NOTICE THEM IN DAYLIGHT. tHIS CAR ALSO HAS THE UNITED PACIFIC TAIL LIGHTS NOW. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA Enjoy your car, I was avg 1500 miles per moth before I retired.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Does your auto insurance policy allow the use of your Model A as a daily use vehicle? If you do use your Model A as daily transportation, I suggest the following attributes are must haves:
> Spare set of keys;
> Turn signals;
> LED tail lights;
> Halogen headlights;
> Alternator & 30-amp ammeter;
> Battery cutoff switch;
> Serviceable spare tire;
> Excellent service brakes;
> Outside mirror on each side of the car;
> Set of modern tools aboard including a safe jack & wheel chock;
> Spare ignition points, condenser, coil and rotor;
> Spare fan belt;
> RainX;
> Gallon of coolant;
> Duct tape;
> Bottle of coolant stop leak such as Barr's;
> Roll of paper towels;
> Proof of insurance & state vehicle registration.

Wow! That's more than the Okies carried on their journey to California!

[Chippy Minton]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I'd worry more about the weekends than the commute. Has anybody mentioned a mobile phone and a credit card?

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

No one mentioned an extra box of depends... i think Vince will agree
Lol

Depends are a medical necessity and not a joke. To make a joke out of this is an embarrassment to many. Hopefully the monitors will remove the previous post as it is in very poor taste. Wayne

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by forever4

I think you should seek professional help for your obsession with Depends!

You and I and many others. To joke about someone's medical condition is pathetic Wayne

[Karl]

I've driven my model A to work probably an average of 2 days per week the last 10 years. On the days I don't drive that I often take my 1913 Model T or the 1910 Hupmobile or in the last year the 1934 Ford V8. In fact I use my work car so infrequently my accountant has advised my business to sell the car out of my business as there is no tax advantage in the business owning it.

My cars are all stock and well serviced. The only tools I carry is the original tool kit . I carry no spares at all (but have them at home) . My commute is about 4 miles as well. If I took only half of what some people here consider essential I would have to fit a tow bar and buy a trailer !!

In the ten years I have had one flat battery (left the light switch on) and I crank started it and one ammeter failure (bypassed it by attaching its wires to one terminal) . In the Hupmobile I sheared off the magneto drive and all the spares in the world would not have got me going that day ! I rang my wife and she towed me home I hopped in the Model A and drove to work and was still on time.

Model A's and in fact all early fords are well built and reliable if serviced and looked after. With a four mile daily commute what spares would they have carried in 1930 ? -Your car should be at least as good as it was in 1930 and probably more reliable with modern oils and gas.

Stop worrying drive it and enjoy!

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by modelAtony

You really need to purchase the LED tail lights and have a turn signal kit added to your car.I was using 30 cp bulbs in one of my cars for tail lights, about 3 years ago bought the UNITED PACIFIC brand from Berts in Denver, CO and that is the best money I ever spent. I have the logo turn signal kit on 1 car since 2001 they are real simple to mount and they are LED THEY ARE GREAT AT NIGHT BUT YOU DON'T NOTICE THEM IN DAYLIGHT. tHIS CAR ALSO HAS THE UNITED PACIFIC TAIL LIGHTS NOW. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA Enjoy your car, I was avg 1500 miles per moth before I retired.

Do they make a 6 V LED kit? I guess I have never really looked.

[d.]

Smooth,
don't worry about the cable/ bracket thing, just unbolt the bracket and lay it on the head or tape it to the cable...no need to disassemble anything.

[Synchro909]

[QUOTE=Mitch//pa;1407983]Remember that the word MODERN does not always mean its better....

I couldn't agree more, in fact I've been saying that for years - usually to confused looking modern motorists. Then I ask: "If new were better, why are there so many recalls these days?"

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Smooth One-

First of all, congratulations to you for choosing to use your Model A as a 'car' instead of a 'toy'. You will find the Model A is more than capable of being a reliable daily driver.

I used my 31 as a daily driver for quite a while a few years ago and had no breakdowns. My commute is 40 miles each way.

Here are the things I personally suggest (some will almost certainly disagree):

* Switch from stock generator to an alternator. Having bright lights at night, even at a stop, are very important! You can switch back to the generator easily and quickly if needed for show or whatever.
* Carry a small oiler so you can lube the distributor frequently.
* Install one of the oil filter kits. It's a world of difference.
* Install seatbelts. My adopt-a-dad never installed in his Model A, saying "If we get in a wreck, I want to be the first one out". However, wife and I were nearly in a wreck when some douche ran a stop sign and I had to swerve like a stunt driver to avoid the wreck. The lap belt kept me in my seat so that I had full control of the Model A the whole time. Kept wife in her seat so she didn't end up falling into me and causing loss of control. Because of the lap belts, there was no collision and no damage or injury. Just some scared douche who dropped his cellphone.
* Make sure your windshield wiper works. Rain-X is nice, but not a complete solution. Have a rebuilt vacuum wiper on the 31 and it works fine. No need to switch to some aftermarket thing.
* Passenger side tail light AND turn signals. Oh my gosh, I cannot tell you how important it is driving in today's traffic to have 2 tail lights and turn signals!!

The good news is, in its stock form, the Model A is a very reliable car. When you start modifying things, that is when it goes sideways.

Very best regards, and please be sure to keep us updated!

Thank you very much for the info! I thought about belts in the car and installing a alternator also.

[P.S.]

I only carried a small tool kit, a fan belt, a spare pre-timed distributor, and a spare carb (all under the back seat). Never needed any of it. Car performed for over 10,000 miles, flawlessly.

There are those who believe that if you don't carry the spare stuff, then you will need it but if you do, then you will never need it.

One 20 degree morning, the Tudor didn't want to start. I ran some 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper through the frosty points and she started right up!

Please keep us updated on your daily driving adventure! The Model A is VERY reliable when restored properly and not overly modified.

[iverson]

I might have missed it but did anyone say fire extinguisher? anything other problems are minor

[klawockvet]

Wow, this thread kind of makes me laugh.
Chapter One:
I bought my first model A from a neighbor who drove it to work every day. It was a wired together POS but it kept running. I bought it for parts and used it to play Pan American Road Race in the hills of South Pasadena, CA. I tried hard to kill it and never did. I had to dismantle it and throw the parts away. Even the parts continued to have life.
Chapter Two
I bought a POS Model A on eBay, went through it and drove it around a while before putting in a rebuilt motor. There are times of the year I drive it every day. In 2015 I went with a horse group down the Pony Express Trail. Over 2000 miles mostly on dirt roads. Two days before we left I said to my wife "I think I'll load the Model A on a trailer and drive it around during the trip". By the time we got to St Joe and I had a few beers to think things over I decided it would be really cool to see if I could drive all the way to CA. All I needed was for someone to drive the truck and trailer. I made it into Nevada when the old coil gave out. I picked another off a rusted old junker in the desert and continued the trip.

Chapter Three
When I come back south after 6 plus months in Alaska I go to start my cars. The only one that starts every time, with no excuses is the Model A. These are the closest things to bullet proof you can own. The main spares you need are found in the fences along the way as long as you have a piece of matchbook to work on the points and a Leatherman to fix anything else.

PS Drove it to Alaska and back in 2012. I did take a spare distributer which I didn't need and had an alternator come apart in Canada. I fixed that with wire and a borrowed bolt.

If you don't drive the hell out of your Model A you are missing one of the great experiences of motoring life.

[1crosscut]

Since it is only 4 miles to work you will not be getting the engine up to full temperature. I would suggest at least twice a week go for longer drives to warm the engine thoroughly and/or change the oil a bit more often.

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by handlebar99

The guys only talking about a four mile trip! He doesn't need a trailer load of spares! (credit card, AAA membership, and walking shoes works for me.)

Ray Rice, prepared for most eventualities, in Rifton

X2 except for turn signals, LED rear lights (both sides) and a case of bottled water. (The Florida sun can get hot)

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 1930-fordor

yep, my car is not a points car, so I did not install the cable clamp

Take the clamp and enlarge the hole so it is hex shaped and friction fits over the nut. Looks good at a glance.

[Mike V. Florida]

For four miles - AAA. If the car is good in mechanical respects to start with an maintained in accordance with the instruction manual, you will have many days without a problem.

I don't know about Sarasota, but here in the Ft. Lauderdale area signals are worthless at best and dangerous at worst.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by iverson

I might have missed it but did anyone say fire extinguisher? anything other problems are minor

Oh yes I've had one in my car since I brought it home!

[Special Coupe Frank]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

Since it is only 4 miles to work you will not be getting the engine up to full temperature. I would suggest at least twice a week go for longer drives to warm the engine thoroughly and/or change the oil a bit more often.

Here-here !

You want to get the engine up to full operating temperature, and KEEP IT THERE, for at least 20 minutes once or twice a week. This helps "boil" condensation and unburned fuel blow-by out of the oil. Also the exhaust system.

If you do a mostly short-trip driving, I would also suggest installing a 160* thermostat in the upper radiator hose. This will help get your engine to operating temperature quicker, and make for happier running / longer life.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) defines "short trip driving" ( where the engine never reaches operating temperature, or doesn't stay there for at least ten minutes or more ) as "severe service" when it comes to oil change intervals.

[Special Coupe Frank]

Would also highly recommend an LED strip-light, such as the one from "Logo-lites" (?, "Brakeliter"?), mounted in the rear window. It is an LED array about 1 inch high by about 12 inches long.

It is fairly unobtrusive when not lit, and can be attached in a non-damaging manner to the car ( I made some clips there are secured by the interior garnish moulding.).

This unit can be wired to function as full-width stop, or Left-half / Right-half turn / Full width stop, depending on how your vehicle is set-up.

The advantage is that mounting in the rear window puts the bright LEDs right up in the sight-line of most modern drivers. It's hard to ignore.

Even if you brighten the OEM stop/tail light with LEDs, their small size and low placement may be not noticeable to modern (distracted) drivers.

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Chippy Minton

I'd worry more about the weekends than the commute. Has anybody mentioned a mobile phone and a credit card?

I have both of those. lol

[Smooth_One]

Originally Posted by Karl

I've driven my model A to work probably an average of 2 days per week the last 10 years. On the days I don't drive that I often take my 1913 Model T or the 1910 Hupmobile or in the last year the 1934 Ford V8. In fact I use my work car so infrequently my accountant has advised my business to sell the car out of my business as there is no tax advantage in the business owning it.

My cars are all stock and well serviced. The only tools I carry is the original tool kit . I carry no spares at all (but have them at home) . My commute is about 4 miles as well. If I took only half of what some people here consider essential I would have to fit a tow bar and buy a trailer !!

In the ten years I have had one flat battery (left the light switch on) and I crank started it and one ammeter failure (bypassed it by attaching its wires to one terminal) . In the Hupmobile I sheared off the magneto drive and all the spares in the world would not have got me going that day ! I rang my wife and she towed me home I hopped in the Model A and drove to work and was still on time.

Model A's and in fact all early fords are well built and reliable if serviced and looked after. With a four mile daily commute what spares would they have carried in 1930 ? -Your car should be at least as good as it was in 1930 and probably more reliable with modern oils and gas.

Stop worrying drive it and enjoy!

Thanks! I will enjoy it! You have quite a list of awesome cars sir!
There is what looks like a early 20s model T roadster in my town that has sat in the same exact spot under some guys carport for about 15 or 20 years now and one day I am going to go by when I get my car finished and offer him some money for it.

[ronn]

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The guys only talking about a four mile trip!


I agree- just wing it! and...........
get yourself the basic triple A policy in case you ever need a tow. around 60.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by ronn

The guys only talking about a four mile trip!


I agree- just wing it! and...........
get yourself the basic triple A policy in case you ever need a tow. around 60.

I totally agree. For a four mile trip many of the suggestions are very excessive. I was expecting to see, lease a tow truck and put it on standby. It's four miles, get on with it. Wayne

[Brianfrench65]

Originally Posted by 1930 coupe

It is very dangerous to stop on the side of the road. If I cannot get it going in 15 minutes I call the wife and have her bring the tow bar. After I get it home and it cools down I work on it.
My car is bone stock and I have only had to pull it home one time in 45 years.

That is an interesting tow bar. Did you build it? How does it attach to the A?

Thank You;

[Brianfrench65]

Thank you very much! This sounds easy enough.

Thank You Very Much;

[coupe1942]

The tools you will need will always be the very ones you left on that workbench in your garage.

I drove the wheels off my '30 tudor as a daily driver and work vehicle for years before selling it. I didn't treat it as a trailer queen, nor did I shelter it from the elements. I pretty well drove it just as the originals were sold from the dealerships and meant to be driven. I drove it in Owensboro, KY, Iowa Park, Tx and Arlington, Tx so I pretty well had all seasons covered and found some uniqueness to driving in the 4' snow in Owensboro in the dead of winger vs the hotter 'n hell summer temps in the Wichita Falls area.

I ran out of gas a few times, but there was always some good soul who came by an helped, most often because they spotted the unique auto and really just anted to be around it. No other major break downs to speak of for me, but I did have a fuse blow out a few times on the starter to it. I was lucky I suppose. A funny experience, but a brow shorts moment, was when I had stuffed a shop rag into the hold on the cowl for that manifold heater to be inserted. It was winter and I didn't have the manifold heater, so I stuffed that red rag in the hole to block the air there. Later I was driving to work when I noticed smoke billowing out under the dash and gas tank like a run away
bar-be-que smoker. A corner of that rag had touched the muffler and caught on fire. I was all over the road in trying to stop out that fire with my leg extended across the seat and trying to stop the vehicle at the same time. Stupid human trick #4,501 for me, but I did get it out and only had a brown shorts moment from the experience and not a Darwin award in killing myself.

Any rate, the best thing to worry over in using a Model A for a daily driver is the other guy. Lights or no lights, you really have to do defensive driving at all times to remain safe. Not everyone behind you will respect the idea that it is a vintage car or that it does not do the super slabs at 90 miles per hour. Not everyone is attentive and not everyone is always in a "take it easy" mode as they drive. Give the other fellow room to act the fool and never let someone else rush you into making a turn or a stop any quicker than you really should. Side roads are not always any safer, but look out for the other guy no matter what type of road your traveling on. Speed is not your friend in going to work or just driving it as a daily driver about town.

Me, I ran into problems in using it to go to work as I always had a delay if I stopped. People wanted photos or wanted to ask questions or wanted to make comments. I got called outside by folk to chat about it and sometimes even my staff pulled me out to show the car off to their friends or ask about it. That didn't always make my boss happy and when I became a school nurse in Arlington, I simply couldn't drive it to the elementary school I worked at, as the kids would have been all over it and at all times of the day. I made that mistake in taking my sidecar rig to school a couple of times and it was hectic in just keeping the kids away from it.

I suppose I can lie or stretch the truth when I get my '30 pickup running again and try to drive on my insurance policy and vintage tags which really say I can only take it to shows, parades and ice cream parlors. Not sure I want to do that though, but it is not my main daily driver these days like my ole tudor was.

Oh, well, interesting to see what others can't live without in using their A as a daily driver. I had a 12 mile run to work each day and I learned to never take off fast (and I mean even a slow fast speed) with ice on the road and stopped at a red light. The tail will pass your front end if you speed off like a bat out of hell in ice. Torque is an interesting item. :-)

It was funny in Owensboro, Ky, as I got to work every single day in the dead of winter and in snow as high as a foot in my '30 tudor, but a lot of folk, even with 4 wheel drive vehicles, could not get past their front driveways. Sure wish I had a manifold heater back then though. That little upside down moon shaped area that my 6" windshield wiper always slung the ice from side to side on in clearing was always a challenge to see out of when driving.

Good luck to you in what you decide to do and what all you find necessary to make it a more dependable vehicle as a daily driver. Lots of interesting thoughts and opinions here. I guess I am just a minimalist, but my times in running out of gas were some of the fondest memories of my old '30 tudor I had. Nice folk always came to the rescue.

[katy]

[QUOTEThat is an interesting tow bar. Did you build it? How does it attach to the A?][/QUOTE]

Years ago a friend had a tow bar that clamped onto the front bumper bars. We used it for pulling quite a few cars, including Model As, worked slick.

[1928Pickuppain]

As some one who drove there model A as there daily driver and only car for 4 years though hot summer days and New England blizzards putting about 150 miles a day on it I have some good insite on this topic. The reality is most of you who break down do so because your cars just aren't driven enough the more you drive an A the stronger and more reliable it gets once you dive the bugs out of it (the bugs the ocational trip doesn't shake loose) they really are bullet proof. My biggest break down was I had a water pump seize up on me once on a 3800 mile road trip; and believe me my truck was far from being in mint condition.

I recommend a good set of tires. And extra point plate all set up and an extra condenser.
Rainx is good and don't forget to use your hand signals turning. Adding the second tail light helps incase a cop with no knowledge of older cars stops you. All these modern things like led lights and lap belts just give you a feeling of being better of but really aren't. Cops have both bright blue lights and they still end up road kill during a tragic stop. And in regard to the 6vt system, iv had plenty of alternators let me down dead on side of road. It those old gens go out slowley and tell you there going. You'll I find in our As the 6 by system works just fine if it doesn't it's becouse your car has a problem. My repop aluminum nitrate reflectors with original incandescent bulbs and reflectors work the balls on 6vt much brighter than my 12v salvaina sealed beams in my Jeep Wrangler that are (also relayed)

Drive it and have fun and remember if something on the car is not up to par it's not cuz the system isent good it's because your cars not right. My model A was the most reliable car I've ever had oh btw keep a pair of nilon stockings in your car in case you ever lose a fan belt or water pump tie from crank to gen and go. The water pump realy Isn't needed when driving only sitting at red lights on hot days. And one piece of information that was given to me by Keith True on here) that has never let me down (99% of all carberator problems are electrical) i.e. Always ignition and wireing not carb so as soon as you start thing carb just push carb out of your mind. Have fun good luck don't listen to crazy naysayers saying you need every mod in the book and a trailer of spair parts.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Be sure to carry "SNAKE OIL" with your spares!--It comes in a corked bottle--NEVER know when you'll encounter a SNAKE!!
Bill Prepared

[Floats]

Hi Smoothy,
I used a large screw driver to bend the clamp a little. The armor cable id still in position, but just finger tight. It looks original, but you can pull it clear if need be.
Enjoy your car.

[Redbird]

I added a "slow moving vehicle sign" to the back of mine for a little added protection that stands out visually. Other cars can come up on you real fast.

[Mike V. Florida]

I like hearing about those who plan or use their car often.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by TerryH

The driving to work insurance can be a big deal, as a lot of "antique car" policy's do not allow it. My personal recommendation, besides adding LED tail lights, is to also have the right side second tail light, along with working turn signals. I also have quartz halogen headlights and really like them.

Print out some cards with the local club/national clubs information and if there is a problem you can say you were on a membership drive for the club, a club event!

[29Cabriolet]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

. . . .10. Small folding female umbrella;. . . .

How does one tell a female umbrella from a male umbrella???