Resurrected from the dead

[nkaminar]

Resurrected from the dead

I recently got a 1929 Fordor running and road worthy. The car was stored indoors for 10 years and then moved outdoors to a field when room was needed for other cars. It sat in the field for 5 years, covered by a tarp that extended to the ground. The engine turned over but the car has suffered from rain and moisture from the wet ground. I emptied a full can of penetrating oil on every movable part of the car. The amateur paint job is peeling off.

I pumped up the tires. One exploded in my face. I replaced it with the spare. I towed the car to the asphalt and coasted it to a location where I could work on it.

The engine oil looked OK and the radiator was filled with antifreeze mixture. I installed a new 6 volt battery, positive ground, cleaned out the gas tank, sediment bowl, fuel line, and carburetor and added 5 gallons of fresh gasoline. I cleaned, adjusted, and oiled the points and added a new high tension line from the coil. I set the timing. I inspected and gapped the plugs and added a little MMO to each cylinder. I added one quart of oil down the hole where the distributor mounts. I plugged the fitting in the intake manifold where the vacuum wiper motor connects to after determining that the wiper motor was leaking air. I opened the GAV and used the choke for one revolution and the car started immediately on the first try. I adjusted the idle. The generator is generating.

After the car was running and warmed up for 15 minutes, I did some additional work. I fixed a sticking foot throttle, changed the engine oil (it was dirty), changed the transmission oil (it was filthy), changed the differential oil (it was clean), changed the antifreeze, and tested the steering and brakes. I broke free the clutch by putting the car on jack stands and starting the car in 3rd gear and then applying the clutch and brake at the same time. The steering box is full of grease and stiff. It will have to be taken apart and cleaned. The brakes are 50% so they will need some work. I got the horn working. The lights all work.

I drove the car down the long driveway in all gears and used reverse. It is parked waiting for tires and insurance so that it can be driven to its new home. (Not mine, the owner’s) The engine runs well without any funny noises and does not overheat.

At one point the car was rebuilt (not restored). I plan to grease the chassis and wheel bearings before driving it on the road. I ordered an adapter for my grease gun for the old style fittings. The car is stock.

[Brian SATX]

Thanks for bringing another one back to life.

[petew]

Nice job Neil . It's amazing how simple yet sturdy these little cars are .
Imagine someone trying to bring a 2023 Ford back to life 94 years from now !

[ronn]

well done!

[mhsprecher]

Good work and a good feeling, I am sure.

[Chuck Dempsey]

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Excellent! Thanks for sharing.

[Brokenvette]

Great story. I sure it will be enjoyed at the new home.

[Brentwood Bob]

Good useful information.

[Bob Bidonde]

nkaminar,

What you did to bring that Model "A" back to life should be a standard practice for all such endeavors. Nice job and well stated.

[mcgarrett]

For us old car guys, there is just something exhilarating about doing what you did and bringing an old, discarded vehicle back to life! It's a credit to your skill and the inherent quality and durability Henry built in to the Model A. Way to go!!

[woofa.express]

Good story and great job. I enjoyed reading it.