Do You Know What Grinds My Gears?

[John Duden]

Do you know What grinds my gears?
when People come up to your A and say
-is that a model T
-Do you have to crank start it
-Does it still run
-is it a hundred years old
-does it go very fast
-do the brakes work
-does it have air conditioning
-is it new
-did you buy it new
-does it leak oil


How many more can you add on

[Gerard]

Where I live they come up with : why don't you make a hotrod out of it . It's painfull to listen to a question like that. At least for me it is,

[John Duden]

Originally Posted by Gerard

Where I live they come up with : why don't you make a hotrod out of it . It's painfull to listen to a question like that. At least for me it is,

Yes that is a popular one, which is a VEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERy painful one to listen to

[Model A Man]

Originally Posted by John Duden

Do you know What grinds my gears?
when People come up to your A and say
-is that a model T
-Do you have to crank start it
-Does it still run
-is it a hundred years old
-does it go very fast
-do the brakes work
-does it have air conditioning
-is it new
-did you buy it new
-does it leak oil


How many more can you add on

I use all those questions to further our hobby by giving them the correct info and to give them info on our club that I carry in the A. you never know it just might spark their interest in owning and joining a club/hobby
and to add to your list the one I like best was when I was asked if I was the orig owner

[tuneman]

Have you had that long? Yea, I bought it new and only have a few more payments

[John Duden]

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Originally Posted by Model A Man

I use all those questions to further our hobby by giving them the correct info and to give them info on our club that I carry in the A. you never know it just might spark their interest in owning and joining a club/hobby
and to add to your list the one I like best was when I was asked if I was the orig owner

i always tell them all the correct answers but still doesent it still give you something to think about for a while?

[roccaas]

Can you get parts?
Is it real?
Did you renovate (?) it?
Will it run on unleaded?

[John Duden]

Originally Posted by roccaas

can you get parts?
Is it real?
Did you renovate (?) it?
Will it run on unleaded?

nice!!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

The best remark was, "You're a blessed man to have such a fine Model A."
"THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

[pat in Santa Cruz]

I use the questions to promote the hobby. Someone who takes the chance to ask a stranger about his car is looking for a positive experience. People are amazed to hear it gets decent mileage, that I drive it everywhere, that its possible to have good mechanical brakes, that it can cruise at 55 all day and that parts are readily available at reasonable prices. If they ask about rodding I explain I don't mind someone taking a junker no one would restore and doing what they please with their car, but I think its a shame to rod a good car. Reacting to a stranger's friendly questions in a grumpy fashion hurts the hobby by giving the impression we are an unfriendly bunch of old farts. That reputation might even contribute to the desire to hot rod a good A just for revenge against a past bad contact with a grumpy ol car buff.

I remember one time I was approached by a group of local college kids, who finally asked if they could have a ride. We all piled in the woodie and cruised by several local watering holes for kids ahooga-ing and waving to their friends. At the end I was rewarded by hugs and kisses on the cheek from 3 eighteen year old girls. That sure made answering their questions worth it.

[brianthelion02]

You know that pickup is worth more with a v-8 in it!!!

[LukeDahlinger]

Sometimes if I get a stupid question, I give a stupid answer. Such as-"Where do you buy tires?" A- "The tire store."

I can usually tell who has a legitimate interest and the ones who are just out killing time on a Sunday afternoon by asking questions and getting a senior ice cream at the McDonald's.

A few years ago I watched a couple of old guys looking at my Roadster. I stood there inside the grocery store for a good 5 minutes as they talked to each other about the car. Finally I walk out & I put the bags in the rumble seat they ask me if it was my car. I told them I was to which one of them looked at me and said "hell you can't be over 30 years old what do you know about these cars?" I told him what I knew might surprise him. As we talked he mentioned a friend that had a '29 Coupe that he just had painted. I asked him if he was local and he was, I asked him if the car was green with black wheels and it was. Finally he asked "how do you know all this?" I told him "because I painted it" His jaw about dropped. The old man changed his tune in a hurry.

Moral of the story- sometimes us younger folks get a ration of BS from the older folks who think they know it all because they are older.

[Rusty Homestead Fl]

The one I'm begining to hate is "when you gonna finish one of those things" . Ouch !

[Slantwindshield]

My uncle had one exactly like yours, but it was a Plymouth.

[sturgis 39]

Did they have hoods? I do not not use a hood.

[Jack '29 Sport Coupe]

Man! I've heard all of those! My favorite question that always gets asked on a hot Florida day is: "Why don't you put the top down?" It's a Sport Coupe!!!!! Sometimes
I would tell them that the top was too nice to cut off.

Jack

[MrTube]

Originally Posted by Gerard

Where I live they come up with : why don't you make a hotrod out of it . It's painfull to listen to a question like that. At least for me it is,

I have a very good response to this question.

"Because I'm not an (fill in blank)."

Just be warned you won't make any friends this way

[Tom F OHIO]

It seems everyone wants to know what your car is worth today??

Tom....

[gunmetal blue]

Once you get it fixed your not going to drive it are you?

[28RPU]

You have to keep in perspective that these cars are getting close to a hundred years old and they really stand out more than any other kind of automobile in our era.There are very few people still around that have had any experience with these.Just be courteous and answer all the questions..inquiring minds need to know.

[nostalgicford]

how much you want for it???

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

On a 3000 mile trip around the country in the 28 Tudor we were asked all those questions and more. The most common was "you didn't drive that all the way from California, did you"? My usual answer was, "we sure did and we are driving it home too".

Most were amazed and pleased A couple thanked me for keeping it on the road for all to admire.

Only one, in Rapid City SD when I answered Yes we did drive it there, replied "WHY".

I told him it beat watching TV. A better answer would have been "If I told you you wouldn't understand".

Richard
Anaheim CA

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

This is just a funny story.My tudor has stock tail light(s).
I was driving down a 4 lane road with traffic lights, and this guy pulls up on my right, in an old beat up el camino. He motions for me to roll my window down, then he says" Say, every time you come to a stop, your back up lights come on!" I just thanked him and tried not to laugh!
Chuck

[Dusty]

The one I hate is 'how in the world do you fit in such a little car"

Still fat in WV
dusty

[marc hildebrant]

I have heard similar questions from people, and I ALWAYS answer them in a polite manner.

I'm glad to have people interested in the hobby, and I also know that people ask "silly" questions as a way to break the ice and start a conversation with a stranger.


Marc

[raprice]

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I've heard all those questions/comments regarding my Model A. One of my favorites is "do you drive it?"
I don't get upset by the questions, I just answer them respectfully because they just don't know.
Rog

[Mitch//pa]

has anyone guessed what the rear window shade was for other than getting a piece of a**^%^&*. when people see that they get a smile from ear to ear, it cracks me up....

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Richard in Anaheim CA

On a 3000 mile trip around the country in the 28 Tudor we were asked all those questions and more. The most common was "you didn't drive that all the way from California, did you"? My usual answer was, "we sure did and we are driving it home too".

Most were amazed and pleased A couple thanked me for keeping it on the road for all to admire.

Only one, in Rapid City SD when I answered Yes we did drive it there, replied "WHY".

I told him it beat watching TV. A better answer would have been "If I told you you wouldn't understand".

Richard
Anaheim CA

It would have taken to long to push it.

[cars56]

They certainly are head turners. Never be lonely when you own an A.
My front drivers side fender was creased by the privious owners wife in a domestic dispute with the husband (not a nice guy).
Before I repaired it, while driving her a guy yelled from the curb "Hey, fix the fender already"

[Earle]

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, "How much is it worth?" I tell them a modest fugure in the low 20's - but often feel disappointed that people go right to the MONEY subject instead of a sincere interest in the car itself and its history. But I assure them - "She ain't for sale - now or ever - as she's a long-time member of our family."

Most folks are surprised to hear that it isn't in the $100 K+ range - as the uninformed are inclined to assume that all well-restored "old cars" are very rare and worth fortunes. (The must watch too many Barrett Jackson auctions....)

[tiquer]

Just an amusing story. My wife and I were out for a warm summer drive in our 31 tudor and stopped in at a small store beside the road. As we pulled in we noticed a boy maybe 11 or 12 standing outside the door with his bicycle.He watched us pull in and jump out of the car with jaw dropped and wide eyed an asked Are the cops chasing you

[jkcrosson]

Had a guy tell me today that he has a friend who has a car exactly like mine except his has a rumble seat and a completely modern drivetrain. I bet it is nothing like mine. I think something similar has already been said but it just happened to me today.

[raceron1120]

Well mine's a bit newer ('56) but I guess we all get similar questions. I try to be nice about it, after all a lot of those folks come to the shows to see us and our cars.

One I got a kick out of last summer was a guy & his young son came up to my Fairlane, he peeked in the engine compartment & said "Nice Chevy small block".... to his son. "Uh" says me, "actually it's an original Ford Y-block". "Really, it is?", then he muttered something to his son like "... that's a Chevy..." and walked away. I don't think he knew it was my car.

I didn't want to embarass the poor soul in front of his kid so I just smiled and let it go.

[Earle]

Yes! That is one of the most fun parts of a car show for me - Standing casually by my car ('31 roadster) pretending I'm admiring it and checking it out while listening to the comments of other people. You sure hear a lot of "old car experts" express their wisdom to those around them while obviously knowing little of what they're talking about. Sometimes I join in the converstaion while still not letting on that it's my car.

All part of the fun of this great hobby and this great Car!

Earle

[Bill Goddard]

I have not had these experiences yet. My house basement and garage look like a parts dept at local car dealer. When I get it all together and people start to comment on it I will take the advice posted here and try to answer in a positive way for the sake of the hobby. I know when I was building custom flintlock rifles the question I had a lot was "what's that" "can you hit anything with that" "will it go off?" What - they never heard of Davey Crocket? It was sickening. Bill G

[roadster31]

As you put up with these questions, sooner or later someone old enough comes along with some great tales about old cars and related subjects. In 1976 I was standing next to an Ahrens-Fox firetruck the department had restored, A retired farmer told me a lot more than I already knew about old trucks. He also told me about an incident that took place in a small S. E. Minnesota village -- Viola, MN. He was in the general store watching two men playing checkers on a cracker barrel when a neighbor pulled up in front, his team all lathered up. The man burst into the store and said "you'll never guess what the SOB's in Rochester did" --- "they took the D**n hitchin' posts out, there will never be a farmer shopping there again" All agreed. So, just listen to these people, soon or late someone interesting will come along -- some with news about a stash of old car parts. Regards, E LaBrash

[gweilbaker]

Whist reading Street Rodder I came across a little picture of a restored '28 sport coupe with the caption "There was a fair amount of future street rod material in the swap meet. Starting with a restored Model A would make building a street rod fairly straight forward project."

See Street Rodder, April 2011, pg124 top left corner.

GW

[LukeDahlinger]

Granted there will be others who cut up good Model A's for rod material, but there's plenty of cars for everyone. I still stand by my prediction in the next 15-20 years you will see a mass influx of Model A's come on the market, this will drive prices down and oversupply demand. These cars will range from fine point cars to the cobbled together piece of s*** with naugahyde upholstery, no shocks and enough mickey mouse work to make Rube Goldberg look like Einstein.

One good thing about the street rodders is you can get good deals on all the stuff they don't want, like engines, frames, etc. I don't care much for the chainers, but I help pay for their Vitalis & Cialis when I buy the parts they don't want. LOL

[85930tudor]

i get 90% of my parts from street rodders

[Mavawreck]

'What kind of gas mileage does it get?'

Not sure. When it's empty, I fill it back up.

[jimalabam]

When ask how old my '3l is, I reply it was built in Feb 1931. I was built in March 1937. Good for a chuckle...

[SSsssteamer]

I get questions like: How fast does it go? Does it still run? Can you still get tires for it? What is it worth? Did you inherit the car? Where do you find parts to fix it? Do the headlights work? Do you ever drive it? What burns me is when I see kids sliding down my front fenders like it was an amusmsnt park ride, and their folks don't say a word to them. Another one is when I return to my car and people are sitting in it having their pictures taken by their friends. (they are usually all oriental) I usually respond, "Where is your car parked, I would like to sit in it?"

[RockHillWill]

One thing that is certain concerning a persons age. There may be some young folks that are smarter than others, but no one that's 35 has ever seen 65 years old. EVERYONE that is 65 years old has seen 35! There is lots to learn in those years. It might not be prudent to discard an older persons intellect based on how he sounds to you at the present time.

Where can you get those Senior ice creams??????

[John Duden]

Here i got one
when someone asks you for a ride and they get in before you can say yes and the SLAM the door HARD
John

[John Duden]

Can i drive it? Is it an automatic? does it have a radio? Do you work with it? can you still get parts for it?

[CaceyB]

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Don't forget "does it have a radio?"

[CaceyB]

I guess I spoke too soon. I should have noticed the other two pages.

[dumb person]

Slamming doors.... (but why? i repeatedly ask them not to)

[HenryJ]

Very intelligent, I will try to remember that.

[Robert]

My standard answer for the past few years has been-"I don't know why other people drive these cars-I JUST CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY A NEW ONE".

[John Duden]

Originally Posted by dumb person

Slamming doors.... (but why?)

if it like mu truck i am restoring, and our origional t, there is no rubber stops, and the cab corner bends, and it might break the glass

[700rpm]

It never hurts to be polite.

[bdentremont]

I'm 28 years old. If I ever have the least bit of trouble starting the A, I can expect an old man to show up and inform me of the manual choke by about the third stroke of the engine.

I don't mind people asking if it's a T. It's folks that confidently inform me that it was only available in black that really tick me off.

[MrTube]

I'm 30 years old and always welcome an "old man" to show up and start talking to me about cars. Guess I'm just weird.

[Ron Lachniet]

I think most people are just trying to start a conversation and showing an interest. I would much rather answear a seemingly stupid question than have someone intentionally ignore my car rather than pay any type of compliment.

[Rex_A_Lott]

I'm not quite 50, so the daily use of the A was a little before my time...its funny to me that as a youngster, anything with spoked wheels was a " T Model"...along with most of the rest of the non-car people.
I had all of these questions myself at some point...it was a long time before I realized the 35 wires were not stock, that's what we see a lot around here on the "drivers".
You guys just dont give yourselves credit for how much you actually know...about " its not common knowledge, but..."

[bdentremont]

Originally Posted by MrTube

I'm 30 years old and always welcome an "old man" to show up and start talking to me about cars. Guess I'm just weird.

The great majority of the time I agree. I've heard some wonderful stories and learned some great stuff both technical and historical from folks to stopped to talk about the car. It's just when the sound of the starter brings out the "you can't know what you're doing" sort of comments out right at my peak of frustration with the car, that it gets old.

[MrTube]

Originally Posted by bdentremont

The great majority of the time I agree. I've heard some wonderful stories and learned some great stuff both technical and historical from folks to stopped to talk about the car. It's just when the sound of the starter brings out the "you can't know what you're doing" sort of comments out right at my peak of frustration with the car, that it gets old.

All the more reason to make sure your "A" is working at its best all of the time.

99% of the time our "A" starts instantly by doing the typical pull choke out, step on starter, push choke back in right before engine starts. It also likes the GAV a good half turn open until its warmed up.

[Rainmaker Ron]

I like to answer the "how much would you take for it question." I tell them I will take just what grandpa gave for it when he got it from a neighbor. "How much was that?" they say. "He gave 40 acres and a mule!" That usually ends the quiz.
Rainmaker Ron

[Mike in NRN IN]

My dad made a whole series of 'cartoons' centered around the Model A.

Here's one from the archive. . .

How Old? - by Dick Lewis (c) 2005 dclewis graphics

Just Like It! - by Dick Lewis (c) 2005 dclewis graphics

[Seth Swoboda]

Here is one I get, "Is that your grandpa's car?"

Hey, if it's old it has to belong to an "older person" right??

I bought my A when I was a senior in high school (1998) and restored it. As a younger person in the hobby, many people thought that the car couldn't be mine. I enjoy most of these questions. I once had a man that couldn't get over the fact you had to manually advance and retard the timing. The only questions he asked were about the spark advance! LOL!

[roccaas]

"What kind of car is that?". <of course it says FORD on the radiator, and spare>

"It's a Ford"

"No, what kind of Ford?"

"Well, back then they only made one kind at a time...."


"Are you really allowed to drive that old thing?"

"Only when I get tired of pushing it...."

[geo]

An older gentleman approached me not long ago stating that my 1928 roadster was a reproduction.He also stated that the car was supposed to be black (niagra blue dark,dutchess blue belt,french gray pinstripe).I was polite and told him I also had a 1923 t model that is black.There was no way he was going to believe me so I just walked away.I have been stalking this site for several years,but am just now posting.I (fixed up) my first model a when I was 15.I am now 63.I have a 1928 roadster,1929 phaeton,and 1923 t model touring.Greetings to you all from upstate South Carolina.

[John Duden]

I WAS TOLD THIS TODAY!~I HAD A COUSIN WHO HAD ONE EXACTLY LIKE IT,.. BUT IT WAS A PACARD AND IT WAS A COUPE INSTAD OF A TRUCK, AND IT WAS RED!
SORRY STUPID HURTS! but is is funny!

[ford1]

my favorite question is (have you owned it all your life?) my answer is NO not yet

[RichardW]

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At a traffic light:
them, "What year is it?"
me, "2011."

[29RPU]

RichardW....that is funny. I'll have to remember that one!

I think it is always best to treat people how you'd want to be treated.

1. There are some really stupid poeple out there but it isn't their fault, and most aren't trying to be jerks.

2. We aren't dealing with the same people. Each is a NEW question, just as though it was the first time we had ever been asked that.

So, as has been stated already, I think it is important not to become jaded and give labored responses. That is when it is time to pack in in the garage and watch TV.

[Robert]

Of all the posts on this subject (including my previous post). We should all take a lesson from 700rpm's post-"IT NEVER HURTS TO BE POLITE".

[Barry B./ Ma.]

A friend said " I like to ride in your Model A once in awhile to remind me that I never want to own one". Boy, doesn't that make your day! I asked him what's the problem and he said they don't go fast enough. At the time I was doing the speed limit. Oh, what can you do with people that love their 60's cars and want to drive 70.

[400A-64]

The "Chuvvy" guys are the ones that like to dig...I just let them ramble on... the I remind them that FORD DIDNOT TAKE MONEY FROM THE FEDS!!!
End of story... the just walk away...
Bruce Davis [email protected]
Grass Valley CA

[MrTube]

Originally Posted by 400A-64

The "Chuvvy" guys are the ones that like to dig...I just let them ramble on... the I remind them that FORD DIDNOT TAKE MONEY FROM THE FEDS!!!
End of story... the just walk away...
Bruce Davis [email protected]
Grass Valley CA

I'm typically a "chuvvy" guy as you put it and I never bother arguing with people over brands or giving someone a dig. Its pointless and does nothing but make people unhappy.

[Clem Clement]

Golly, they only ask me how many womens I can get in my yellow cabbie? I start counting my toes and they walk off (:>)
clem the wishful

[Dan Baron]

I was in a parade once and some guy chased me 1/2 a block to tell me I had the wrong wheels on my 29 Tudor. He said they were supposed to be wooden spokes. On a side note, I must admit I'm going to use that line by Richard W. I do get that asked all the time. That's the best answer. Of course I'll be laughing when I reply....

[ClassicA]

Most are surprise that the car belongs to a female in her early 20's and they are even more suppried that I've had him since I was 15, Most questions have to do with how long I've had my A and why I have it...most are really nice and I heard a couple of really great stories.

[400A-64]

Years ago we were in a parade(going very slow) in Seattle.As we passed by two ladies were talking about the cars that they were viewing.The VERY large ladiy said to her friend
hey!! see that car(pointing to our Cabriolet)? My Harold courted me in the rumble seat in a car just like that one!! With that our who was in the rumble seat leaned forward and announced IMPOSSIBLE!! Ah teenagers!

[Clem Clement]

I had a little old blu haired lady and her hobby approach my Cabbie. She looked in the rumble seat and went misty- eyed. I asked if she had ever fooled around in a rumble seat and she quietly said "YES, but not with him"!!
clem

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by John Duden

Do you know What grinds my gears?
when People come up to your A and say
-is that a model T
-Do you have to crank start it
-Does it still run
-is it a hundred years old
-does it go very fast
-do the brakes work
-does it have air conditioning
-is it new
-did you buy it new
-does it leak oil


How many more can you add on

WILL YOU SELL IT( '30 roadster) NO!...HOW MUCH...more than you can afford!!

[reverendjim]

Originally Posted by ClassicA

Most are surprise that the car belongs to a female in her early 20's and they are even more suppried that I've had him since I was 15, Most questions have to do with how long I've had my A and why I have it...most are really nice and I heard a couple of really great stories.

I bought a Model T when I was in my late twenties. I had it a a local cruise in one night when an old gentleman came up and walked around it for what seemed like forever. I noticed that he looked at it very closely and began to tear up a little. I asked him if he was ok and he said that he was but the car had brought back alot of memories. He went on to tell me about coming to Cleveland Ohio from California in a Touring Car just like mine in 1930. He said he came with his mother and grandmother. His mother had driven the car the whole way, changed flats, belts, ets..... He said he could remember holding an umbrella over her while she patched a tube in the desert...he was 9 years old and his mother was no doubt, a remarkable woman.

James

[Mendotaman]

A friend asked me if we could take my Tudor to meet his 95-year-old
father-in-law. The old guy had lived on a farm and raised 12 children.
In the 30’s he owned a Tudor just like mine and in fact showed me an model
he had hand-carved… just like mine right down to the paint job.

On our ride together, I commented that the back seat had to be full of kids when he drove his family to town. “Here, too,” and he motioned that at least one little one had to stand between the passenger’s (probably mama’s) knees.

That was a touching moment and somehow made up for all the others’ “dumb questions.”

[Clem Clement]

My first wife loved to slam the door on my 57 Tbird and 58 Impy so I got another wife.

I love folks coming up and chatting with us on the road. yes, some Qs are dumb but many lead to a fun chat. I was showing my Packard and a fellow said he had the manual for it and what would I pay? Not belilving him, I said $25. It showed up a week later and was the correct 1929 633 manual in its leatherette binder!! On the neg side I have had folks remove the "don't touch" signs and get in my Cabbie for photos. One guy was so mad when I spanked him for encouraging his kids to climb all over the old car. He tried to stomp off fussing and managed to lock his keys in his car. He had to wait watching us for several hours before a lock smith could be found. we were courtious to him all the time.

Once a "grandmother" we sitting on my running board. She opoligized but said the heat had got to her. I got her some water and sat next to her for a nice chat. I told her this is what the running board is for!

[FL&WVMIKE]

As someone, earlier, had mentioned, when a person does ask a "stupid" question, they are really interested in the car and are trying to start a conversation about it. Because, being that they do not know the right questions to ask, does not make them "stupid". A little courtesy, never hurt anyone.........
MIKE

[Deluxe Delivery]

After explaining that I did a complete frame-off restoration, replaced all the wood, did the body work, paint, rechrome, stainless resto, glass, and upholstery, I got the comment, " well somebody must have taken good care of it, it still looks new" !

[Michael in Sedona]

After fielding most of the preceding questions many times, I wrote the following and post it on the windshield if I have the car parked in a public place for any length of time.

Here Are The Answers To Your Questions

1. Yes, she’s real. Her name is Brenda.
2. 1929 Ford Model ‘A’ Standard Roadster. There were also Deluxe Roadsters, but not until 1930 and 1931.
3. Bronson Yellow. Yes, this is an authentic Model ‘A’ color, available on Cabriolets in 1929 and on Roadsters, Cabriolets, and Phaetons in1930 and 1931. These are all open type cars (convertible tops). You would not see this color on a Coupe or a Sedan.
4. Not true. Black was available only by special order. For instance, 1929 Roadsters were available in 5 different colors, none of them black. Fenders, however, were always black. No exceptions.
5. Yes, she has the original 1929 engine. Rebuilt, of course.
6. Great! She’s a runner. Smooth and easy to drive.
7. 4 cylinder flathead, 40 hp.
8. About 12 to 14 around Sedona. Maybe18 or so on the open road. Gas was cheap in 1929.
9. 45mph comfortably. Tops would be about 50 to 55, but that puts undue stress on the engine. Remember, in 1929 most roads were dirt, so 45 was fast.
10. Not nearly as much as you think. Nicely restored Model A’s go for around $12,000 to $25,000 depending on body style and condition.
11. Because they’re still very plentiful. If there were fewer cars available, they’d be worth much more. 5 million Model A’s were made from 1928 to1931, and around 250,000 survive.
12. Yes, every part for the car is readily available from a wide variety of Model ‘A’ parts houses. I buy all my parts in Phoenix and have them shipped to Sedona by UPS.
13. No, I don’t have the time or the talent. I bought her just as she is.
14. Not that hard. These are simple cars, and people who have limited mechanical skills can maintain one.
15. Yes, the top folds down. About one minute.
16. Yes, one other Model A. A 1929 Tudor Sedan in similar restored condition. Her name is Bella.

Thanks for looking, and thanks for being gentle with the car.

[dr.j]

Many have stopped to talk to Pam and I regarding our Tudor and if they have a camera I always offer to take a picture of them beside and sitting in the car. Last year in Merrickville a wedding party was taking some shots with the car in the background; I invited them to climb in for some additional pictures. What a sight, groom, bride, puffy dress, tux and tails and some even standing on the running boards. Such fun

[dave in australia]

Originally Posted by Michael in Sedona

4. Not true. Black was available only by special order. For instance, 1929 Roadsters were available in 5 different colors, none of them black. Fenders, however, were always black. No exceptions.

Only for US cars, in Australia, coloured fenders were available, as well as coloured wheels.

[400A-64]

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Many times parents with their little ones look at the car and stand on their toes trying to look inside.I ask the parents if I may put the child inside. The look on the childs face as they look at their parents... PLEEZE DAD..When I put them behind the steering wheel they seem to be thrilled. Then watch their face light up when I tell them to press the big black button on the steering wheel!!!

[Tudor Tooter]

My least favorites to hear are:

"Can you drive it in the rain?"

"How can you legally turn with no signals"

"Can you drive it on the interstate?"

"Does it get above 4MPG"- I guess they assume the older it is, the less fuel efficient...

"Can you wash it?"

"Was this before the Model T?"

"Can you drive it?"

"Does it run on steam?"


On and on and on...

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Tudor Tooter

"Does it get above 4MPG"- I guess they assume the older it is, the less fuel efficient...

I always get this one too. My 53' had a inline6 milemaker in it, but in traffic people would lean out their window and say "what kind of mileage do you get...and snicker to each other". I look around and I'm surrounded by suvs. I just say "just over 20mpg" and drive off. Well, that is if they are still even looking at you for an answer.

Really most don't now the difference between a dressed flathead and a 440 with a 6 pack on it. Some are jerks and the ones that actually want an answer, I talk to them. It's the only way they will learn something about these cars.

Funny, I would literally stun some people when I told them the "plastic" pieces in my old 42 sedan were made from bio materials (bio-plastics). Usually that stopped them from talking and they just stare at the dash.

[late31]

They also want to know what I paid for it and what it's worth.

My reply to the hotrod question is any idiot can put a small block chevy in and ruin the car, BUT it takes a REAL mechanic to keep them stock.

Kevin

[biggergary]

ya gonna chop it?

[gweilbaker]

Do you know What grinds my gears?

Ummm- not double clutching?
- worn pilot bearing?
- gear oil too thin?

Just yanking your chain,
GW

[2935ford]

For the most part, you have to realize there are so many people out there who do not have a clue about old cars and what they do know is what they have heard or been told by someone who doesn't know either.
So, I think most questions are from those that are ignorant which gives us a chance to enlighten them if we so choose to.
I don't mind explaining about the car to someone with a real interest. Those with just passing by comments, I just smile.

[CarlG]

What year is your Model T?

(While they are staring at the license plate frame that says: "1931 Ford Model A")

On the positive side the ones I like the most have both come from women:
"That's a really neat 80 year old truck!"
and another time:
"Does it still have the flathead 4 in it?" (yes) "Way to go!"

[eagle]

The one that I get, as mine is a Briggs Fordor, is: Why do you have ''28/29 wheels on a '30/'31 car? People see the smooth cowl and won't believe its a '29. I had a guy at a parade last summer argue with me about it, wouldn't acept my answer, and as he was walking away he said something like "doesn't know what he's talking about" to his buddy. I think its kind of fun except sometimes it does "grind my gears" a little.

[james hitchcock]

That's why we are here at the Ford Barn, to answer questions. I'm use to ones calling Ol Walter a Model T, many don't know the difference. I never consider any question dumb. If they don't ask, how will they learn. I like talking about A's and I'm still learning. Some not only have questions they have valuable information.

[Theo]

I have only been driving a few days and I already have gotten a ton of questions. Mostly about my age (im only 20, and Im driving a stock '30 tudor) how i got the car, and If i want to sell it. Everyone has been nice to me, except some lady in a TOYOTA PRIUS that told me to "get this piece of **** off the ******* road!!!" i'll let you guys fill in the blanks lol.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

There's no such thing as a DUMB QUESTION! Oh yes there are! Some people do ask DUMB questions, without asking their PEA brain to use some common sense before engaging their tongue to rattle off something really stupid. Colleges should have courses to teach common sense reasoning.

[John Duden]

Originally Posted by Theo

I have only been driving a few days and I already have gotten a ton of questions. Mostly about my age (im only 20, and Im driving a stock '30 tudor) how i got the car, and If i want to sell it. Everyone has been nice to me, except some lady in a TOYOTA PRIUS that told me to "get this piece of **** off the ******* road!!!" i'll let you guys fill in the blanks lol.

AND SHE WAS IN A PRIUS???!!!

[heneste]

I think the funniest question I received was when I filled it up at a gas station and went in to pay. The attendant asked, "Does it work?"

I answered yes but I was thinking to say jokingly that "No, I push it to every gas station!"

It's still nice to hear the people talk about them, no matter what they ask.

[bobpo]

I agree with Mr Hildebrandt, just be polite and thankful folks are interested (even if they really ain't).

[Tom H.]

I'm just amazed that anyone would be interested enough in my rusty relic to ask questions, so I always talk to anyone. As for the kids climbing on it, I just look at the mom and ask if the ruggies are up on their tetanus shots.