New Guy Intro

[mcorrell]

Hi, my name is Mark and I am new to the Ford Barn and Model A ownership, but have been a car guy all of my life. I recently inherited my late grandfather's early 1929 Model A Special Coupe. It was restored when he purchased it in 1991 (likely a late 1970s restoration) and then repainted and a new top installed in 2001.

My dad has had the car in his possession since my grandfather passed in 2004 and has finally given the car to me as he had little interest in it. The only times it has been driven since 2004 have been on July 4 when I travelled to his home to put water and gas in her and fire it up. My first act as owner was to drive to Coker tire and replace the 40 year old Goodyears. I have a lot of other tasks to do in order to get the car reliable and safe including installing new wiring, a tune up and fluid changes all around, and adjust the brakes and steering.

Like a lot of Model A's it has a nasty shimmy at low speeds (10-15 mph) after you hit a small hole or rock. Since there is about 3 inches of play at the steering wheel I am afraid that the box will need rebuilt.

Right now she is a good stablemate to my 1964 Buick Wildcat convertible. I really like the older cars that require a lot of driver input. Past cars that are gone but not forgotten include a 57 Chevy hardtop and 37 Buick Special 4-door fastback.

I am looking forward to many years on Model A ownership.

[C26Pinelake]

Welcome to the Fordbarn family. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge available to you from the many experts ( I am not one of them ) ! I have several Model A's and these guys have helped me with every one of them and they are glad to do it. So enjoy your A and get ready for a whole new adventure in life !
Wayne

[tbirdtbird]

Welcome and enjoy the car!

Do a search on here for front end shimmy, there is a list of causes.
Box may need rebuilding but before you leap to that check things like
- tightness of pitman arm pinch bolt
- tightness of ball adjusters on each end of tie rod and relay rod
- toe in
- loose kingpins: either worn or lock pin is loose
-tightness of steering box -to-frame bolts

etc etc

there is a list on here somewhere

it helps to have a second person gently move the wheel back and forth while you are underneath looking for lost motion. trust me, you'll find it

[Mike V. Florida]

Welcome to the hobby and to Ford Barn.

And yes there are a lot of connection in the front end. A little looseness will produce what you are feeling.

Look up a local club and join. Many many years of experience in local clubs.

[mcorrell]

Originally Posted by tbirdtbird

it helps to have a second person gently move the wheel back and forth while you are underneath looking for lost motion. trust me, you'll find it

My wife has a trained foot to assist with bleeding brakes (not necessary on the Model A) so I will have to train her for the steering "assist". Thanks.

[mshmodela]

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Welcome to the Ford Barn and Model A's --you'll learn a lot from both.

[JohnLaVoy]

Welcome to the hobby. I think you will find this a fun place to be. Hope to see you on the road some time soon.

[1931 flamingo]

WELCOME ! !

Paul in CT

[Gunmetal blue2]

Welcome and it is something that grows on you the older you get the more you enjoy them.

[1930artdeco]

Welcome and please post some pictures-we love pictures of the kids. Also don't forget to get Les Andrews books, they will help immensely.

Mike

[Bill in Al]

Welcome! Bill

[Barber31]

Welcome to the site, buddy.

[Jim/GA]

Welcome, Mark!

We summer west of you near Hayesville. I'd love to stop by and see your car one day.

[nickair]

Hi Mark.

This is a wonderful site. Great info on most everything. Great people.

Your steering:
First you may want to try tightening your Pittman arm at the steering box shaft. Easy and free to do. Also the steering frame mounting bolts. Tightening just one castle nut position and re-cotter pining these nuts can take up to two inches of steering play out. Been there, done that. Not saying it will help with your shimmy. I am not an expert, although many on this site are very knowledgeable and helpful.

[mcorrell]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I am looking forward to getting the Model A out for a nice long drive before the end of summer. I am wokring out a few issues that my dad had let go for years and hope to be taking short drives very soon. I'll work on posting some pics of the car.

Jim Cannon: a visit or meeting would be most welcome if you're up my way. I get to Franklin, NC 3 or 4 times a month as my in-laws live there. I doubt I'll ever have the Model A that far from home but you never know. I do take my Wildcat down there often, though.