What did you do today, that was Model A related ?

[sunnyorm]

What did you do today, that was Model A related ?

[Jemelton#]

Cleaned and lubricated the heater in the Model A shed, winter is coming early they say!

[Oldbluoval]

Patched subrails and installed lower patch panels in 68C cowl.

[rfitzpatrick]

Drove by theses guys protesting AT&T -- they enjoyed almost as much as I did

[sunnyorm]

Way to go!

[JayJay]

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Sat in front of my computer generating billable hours worth of work to pay for my Model A habit.

[Chuck Dempsey]

JayJay, can relate....

[sunnyorm]

oh no; you mean, there may be 2 of us ))))

[Gene F]

I sanded the sheen off the hood of my Marquis. Then I reduced the paint, and shot it with color. I told the assistant manager at Sherwin-Williams Automotive that the goal is to learn on this project. I told him this project is so messed up that I think I can at least make it presentable for an old used car. From there we discussed the possibility of him mixing up a pint or a quart of paint down the road (spring 2025?) so I can paint the revels around the windows on my A. The man that painted my A died before I could take it back to him after assembly for that finishing touch.

First time I have ever painted any thing on a car, aside from some suspension parts with a rattle-can. What an experience. We will see what it looks like after it cures a bit, and then gets polished out.

I am sure that applying a wrap the revels on my A is way more cost that what the job is worth.

[Thodge]

Originally Posted by Gene F

I sanded the sheen off the hood of my Marquis. Then I reduced the paint, and shot it with color. I told the assistant manager at Sherwin-Williams Automotive that the goal is to learn on this project. I told him this project is so messed up that I think I can at least make it presentable for an old used car. From there we discussed the possibility of him mixing up a pint or a quart of paint down the road (spring 2025?) so I can paint the revels around the windows on my A. The man that painted my A died before I could take it back to him after assembly for that finishing touch.

First time I have ever painted any thing on a car, aside from some suspension parts with a rattle-can. What an experience. We will see what it looks like after it cures a bit, and then gets polished out.

I am sure that applying a wrap the revels on my A is way more cost that what the job is worth.

Painting the reveals wouldn’t be too difficult of a job for a beginner. Smaller areas are easier to get laid out smooth. If you make a pass and you’re a little short, you can just go back with one more pass and melt it in. The tedious part of that job would be the masking. On detailed mask jobs like that I like to mask the whole job, leaving 1/4” or so gap to where you want your final edge to be. Then you can outline with a quality fine-line tape so it can be carefully pulled off right after spraying. Leaves a nice clean paint edge.

[JoeCB]

Finally got around to installing the cast aluminum two blade fan that I bought about 4 years ago. The photos of pierced hoods and rads , i guess finally motivated me. Easy install, no grinding on the pump body was required.
Joe B

[midgetracer]

I installed a FSI distributor in my coupe with the Miller OHV setup. It took longer than I thought and I was trying to follow all instructions that Shaun told me. It was a bit harder since my battery was in the trunk of the coupe. Sure did make a big difference from the Mallory unit I had before. Customer service from Mallory evaporated when it was bought by a big conglomerate.

[Dave Mellor NJ]

went with a few other guys to a dinner cruise with my 31 pickup

[Wick]

Unloaded my truck from a second pick at Brattons.
Packed a few things up for Hershey.

[Mike1291]

I cleaned out my wok area so I can fit more Model A stuff in it

In doing so I found about three sets of vintage VW hubcaps and a set of new VW Golf Mk 1 deluxe wheel covers. Never know what you're going to find in an old garage!

[TomInCologne]

in this case, more precisely, as the purists will say: "what have you done to your Model A today..."


I am unhappy with the tail and brake lights in my 160A, so i bought these extra-third-LED-brakelights to put into your rear window. But these are not made for european regulations, meaning the can be used as a brakelight including an indicator (right and left LEDs seperated). This is not what i wanted, i wanted the european version, dim when used as a taillight and bright when braking.


So, i connected two of my hobbies, the Model A and microprocessor programming.


I made a little pcb with a voltage regulator, an ATTiny85 microprocessor, some optocoupler and a transistor to drive the LEDs. All goes into a 3d-printed case and will live behind the back seatrest. When the lights are on, the LEDs will go into dim (PWM 50%), when the brakes are on, the LED will be on full (PWM 100%).


Not for the faint hearted, i know...


P.S. Brakelighter https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...d=976548&cat=0

[Mike1291]

Ah, if you put the question in the English Tom used, then I'm beginning to solder every connection to the terminals that connect to the light switch connectors. The harness I got had poorly fitted connectors and I think soldering them will do them some good and not come out, as they already have...

On another note, I like Tom's idea. I was thinking of going to LED bulbs but want a soft on and off for the brake lights. Using PWM this could be accomplished.

[tony1940]

Originally Posted by sunnyorm

What did you do today, that was Model A related ?

Final steps completed to remove engine. Just 6 bolts now and out it will come. Then taking it to provide core to the builder of my new engine. Found a few items during the process that I will replace/repair including boiling out the radiator.

[TomInCologne]

Originally Posted by Mike1291

<snip>

On another note, I like Tom's idea. I was thinking of going to LED bulbs but want a soft on and off for the brake lights. Using PWM this could be accomplished.

That‘s actually on the to-do-list, i will keep you informed…

[ronn]

buying parts on epay..............

[32Ford13]

Got my work list for the weekend set to go. Checking work items off the list so I can get to the BMV and get an official license plate!

[lrf]

Helped a Model A widow by buying around 100 headlight and horn conduits of different lengths and diameters. Now separating the correct, original Model A conduit (7"-8") from the longer stuff, to sell at the SFVMAC swap meet on November 3rd, 2024.

[Lawrie]

Polished my pickup, first time,
Fixed the windscreen seals so it will be way quiter inside with the wind noise.
Lawrie

[Andgott]

Sandblasted wheels... Three down, one to go. That's a lot of (messy) fun!

[Y-Blockhead]

I took my Town Sedan to the beach today to put some "Smilage" on my new Mitchell Synchro Transmission. Love the 15% higher 1st and 2nd.



Then I cam home and installed a "Transmission Seal Kit" https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...8999&cat=41756

It seems even Mitchell Transmissions are prone to leak oil out the lower shafts.

[JayJay]

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Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I took my Town Sedan to the beach today to put some "Smilage" on my new Mitchell Synchro Transmission. Love the 15% higher 1st and 2nd.



Then I cam home and installed a "Transmission Seal Kit" https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...8999&cat=41756

It seems even Mitchell Transmissions are prone to leak oil out the lower shafts.

I just installed one of those Mitchell tranny seals. It locked up the shift lever at first until I figured it out. I had to put the tranny in third to extend the left (2/3) shift rail forward, then tease the gizmo around the rail. Went in just like butter after that. It was definitely easier with the engine out.

[Gene F]

Before and after. I think if I had a coach, I could do this. Not bad for $285 spent, but I still think I can do better.

I need to learn how to cut-n-buff. I guess that would add a lot of shine to it.

[Clem Clement]

trying to figure out how to help a friend whose work keeps him away from his Model A.

[rackops]

I spent the morning unloading my truck from my visit to Bratton's and picking up my freshly rebuilt engine from Schwalm's.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I just installed one of those Mitchell tranny seals. It locked up the shift lever at first until I figured it out. I had to put the tranny in third to extend the left (2/3) shift rail forward, then tease the gizmo around the rail. Went in just like butter after that. It was definitely easier with the engine out.

Jay-Jay, I think you are referring to the Mitchell "Real Deal Oil Seal" for the shift shafts (which now is included with the transmission). I was referring to the seal for the lower shafts, the one that covers the reverse idler shaft and the cluster gear shaft.

[Ayers1]

Sanded some on my 31 Town Sedan. I have about a week's worth of work before it's ready for paint but those days have been hard to find lately,.

[German guy]

After months of one damned thing after another needing to be repaired/changed I drove it peacefully and without incident down the Deutsche Weinstrasse (German wine street) through the vineyards and a few wine festivals and got more attention, waves, cheers, and smiles than any of the Wine Princesses handing out free wine. These cars are happiness makers. They bring out unabashed joy in people. This must be what it is like being a rock star. I stopped for gas and when I came back from paying I had a crowd of at least twenty people from the next door hardware store standing around it wanting to ask questions.

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Jay-Jay, I think you are referring to the Mitchell "Real Deal Oil Seal" for the shift shafts (which now is included with the transmission). I was referring to the seal for the lower shafts, the one that covers the reverse idler shaft and the cluster gear shaft.

Yup, I was. Sorry for the confusion. I have one of the others, also. Both seem to work well.

[David in San Antonio]

German Guy - This is what I enjoy the most from having a Model A. It attracts happy people and curious people but never an angry person so far.

[David in San Antonio]

I’m visiting New York and wore my Alamo A’s polo shirt when I visited Autosport Designs in Huntington Station on Long Island. They had a beautiful Dual Ghia, a Jaguar XKSS, lots of Ferraris and old Aston-Martins, but no Model A’s.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by David in San Antonio

I’m visiting New York and wore my Alamo A’s polo shirt when I visited Autosport Designs in Huntington Station on Long Island. They had a beautiful Dual Ghia, a Jaguar XKSS, lots of Ferraris and old Aston-Martins, but no Model A’s.

Our Club visited the Lion's Drag Strip Museum a couple of weeks ago. And I'll be danged if the didn't have a '31 Roaster on display, with a chrome plated frame!!

Our club was the featured club of the month also!

[German guy]

Dave in San Antonio:


People also seem to respect the cars. I have parked next to super expensive cars such as 911 Turbo S, Ferrari SF 90, etc. People have their hands all over the windows and paint looking inside and standing far too close. With the Model A they stand a decent distance away and never touch it.

[Bob Bidonde]

My wife & I took our Victoria to a club hosted pizza feast at Linda's in San Remo. The pizza & drinks were gratis from my club, the Model "A" Ford Club of Long Island. Six Model A's and a some modern cars also made the run. It was fantastic watching the sun set over the head waters of the Nisequoge River.

[Bob Bidonde]

I looked at my Victoria and wondered what do I need to do to get her ready for travel to the upcoming New England Meet in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Grease the suspension, oil the distributor, clean the ignition points, install a luggage rack, check the tire pressures, clean the windows, put the ferry tickets in the door pocket, and fix some annoying rattles.
Then I thought about how I am going to load all of our stuff into the Victoria for the trip to Rocky Hill. I mentioned to Kathy that I can fit 2 of her suitcases and her duffel bag in the Victoria. I also need to take 2 folding chairs and my suitcase. We will go to Rocky Hill on Wednesday & return home on the following Sunday. Its an easy ride to the meet this year, it's only about 80 miles from Long Island to Rocky Hill via the Cross Sound Port Jefferson to Bridgeport Ferry.

I see yellow ooze on the sidewalls of the new tires on the back of my Victoria. There is also brake dust on the Tacoma Cream wheels. It's time to give them a dose of 303 Protectant.

[Sport King Eric]

Made a brake stetting block

[The Master Cylinder]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

I see yellow ooze on the sidewalls of the new tires on the back of my Victoria. There is also brake dust on the Tacoma Cream wheels. It's time to give them a dose of 303 Protectant.

That's exactly why I stopped putting anything on my tires.

[ndnchf]

Finished restoring another generator. This one a '29 -'30 style. Trying to get stocked up for Hershey.

[Rob Doe]

Great stuff, Steve.

[32Ford13]

Installed my windshield in the newly painted frame

[Thodge]

We took my dad’s coupe to the Gathering of the Marques at the Lime Rock Park Historic Festival, its first show since he got it. As a vintage racing event, there are a far greater number of sports type cars in the show but we did our best to represent the Model A world. I’m sure it’s the closest this car has ever gotten to a racetrack.

[Mike1291]

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After driving two blocks from my house, my coupe died on me! Lost power to everything. Fuse was not blown but I suspect that there's something up with the terminal box. Somehow after taking things apart and putting them back together my car started.

A guy in a nice C2 Corvette convertible came by and complimented on my car, though. I don't think he was aware that I was stranded at the time

[burner31]

Actually I worked on my Harley, but I did use a lot of the same cuss words that I use when working on my Modal A...if that counts?

[headonz]

Started engine on my 1930 Model A sport for the first time since 1988.No pipe or muffler from the manifold so very loud !! Had 2 stuck valves and loose distributor and rotten hoses and that was about it . Will connect radiator hoses tomorrow and contemplate my next move.

[Bob-A]

Finally took my "Virginia" ('31 roadster) for a drive yesterday. We haven't been out together in more than a few months. She ran great and I even cruised her at 55 for a while. Life is good!


Bob-A

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Bob-A

Finally took my "Virginia" ('31 roadster) for a drive yesterday. We haven't been out together in more than a few months. She ran great and I even cruised her at 55 for a while. Life is good!


Bob-A

Good to hear Bob-A. Let us remember that International Model A Ford Day is coming up in a couple of weeks. Let's all get our Model As out and exercise them on September 14th, 2024.

[Mike1291]

I figured out why my car died - there weren't any nuts on the terminals, so everything was loose. Got some washers, lock washers, and tightened the nuts to the studs. Everything should be happy there for a while now.

[rer_239]

Took 120 mile tour with 5 othrt club members

[JayJay]

Well, yesterday. I tried to install the front passenger glass window of my ‘31 into its new channel but realized I had ordered the rubber bedding for the windshield channel instead of the proper bedding for the window channel. The windshield bedding is too thin and doesn’t hold the glass. Also installed a muffler shield to help with summer passenger hot foot syndrome (one of our cars recorded 130F on the way to New Mexico in June!).

[David in San Antonio]

Today The Texas Transportation Museum (San Antonio) held its annual Early Ford Festival. Several Alamo A cars were there, and an even greater number of Model Ts and TTs. Also a 1950’s Mercury and 1960’s Mustang convertible.

[Mike1291]

Today I did some analysis and found that the cutout on my generator went. It's a semiconductor type and I possibly damaged it after the positive terminal was removed from the battery. I just bypassed the cutout by connecting all three wires to the generator output terminal of the cutout.

[Russell Reay]

Took another shake-down trip to the dump with my daughter. Still very much into working out the kinks--see multiple posts about little details. After three years of deconstruction and reconstruction, it is good to be driving it

[German guy]

End of Summer festivals in Germany and lots of classic car events. Yesterday was sunny and about 82F so I drove my 1930 Tudor, 'Henry', about 125 km through the wine growing region (Suedliche Weinstrasse Pfalz) and down to the French border city of Wissembourg. Hundreds of classic cars on the road but I only met one other Model A....and it had been butchered and equipped with a 350 Chevy engine and fat tires. Pedestrians and bikers were cheering and giving thumbs up to the cars. ADAC (the German version of AAA), TuV/HU (the German national vehicle inspection and certification folks) experts were on hand at places to give the official answers to modification questions (it is a lot stricter here than in the USA). Lots of parts suppliers and dealers had stands set up as well. Pre-WW2 racing BMWs, Porsches, Bentleys, Bugattis were everywhere and blew past me every few minutes along the winding Weinstrasse (wine street). No ride would be complete without repairs...in my case the passenger side window seal (the rubber squeegy blade attached to an aluminum panel) dropped down behind the door panel and started rattling. I lived with the rattle until I got home. I pulled over for a break and chatted with a guy driving a vintage Maseratti. He loved his car but was not quite as happy about having paid 700 Euro for a rubber cooling system hose and having to wait three months to get it. Of all the classic cars I have owned Henry is the least fun to drive...but the most fun to own. Park him between a Ferrari SF90 and a Bugatti Chiron and most people will be looking him. They may be smearing the windows and paint of the Chiron and SF90 trying to look inside but they tend to stand a polite distance from the Model A and more people take their pictures in front of 'Henry' than the far more exotic and expensive cars. A great car to own...not quite as great to drive.

[Robert/Texas]

I fixed the carburetor on my ’28 roadster which hadn’t been running for at least 3 months and my wife and I took it for a short drive.

German Guy, I was stationed in Pirmasens/Pfalz from January 1957 through June 1958 and had a well worn 1950 Mercedes 170S. I drove it all over that area and even made it to Paris. I made some lifelong German friends and visited them often and some of them visited me in Texas. I’ll be 90 next month but I can still speak some German with that local dialect. Three months before my discharge I sold the Mercedes and bought a new VW from the dealer in Strasbourg which I drove to the Rotterdam port to be shipped to Hoboken NJ. I was discharged in Fort Hamilton NY and drove it to Texas.

[Dave in MN]

I mocked up the seat and roll bar/top for a speedster I am building. The photos show the progress made in the last three days. I am shortening the wheelbase by 13.5” to provide for better traction and get the look I envision. The rear wishbone will be cantilevered to pick up the support of the rear spring. A good day of fun!

[shew01]

I took the car out on the Blue Ridge Parkway for a nice Sunday drive. It was a gorgeous day.

[headonz]

Drove '30 Model A sport around our 5 acres today.Longest drive since 1988.Big after-fire out pipe after shut off .Freaked out the dog
Second gear sounds real nasty !

[daveymc29]

Turned the fuel off under the hood of my 31 coupe, after yesterdays drive. this morning I went out, closed the hood and latched it, got in the drivers seat and tried to start it to go have my Sunday Morning Coffee at Pete's. So it didn't start. Guess what I did next, looked at my Lincoln, then told myself no, I can fix this. Got out, raise the hood again, this time turned the gas on and guess what, fired right off and went to Pete's. 88 years old and sometimes I do things out of sequence, but usually not too bad.

[David in San Antonio]

German Guy - Question: With the strict TuV requirements how does a V8 Hot rod A get approved?

[bigmegina]

tightened the water pump nut alittle,it was leaking.

[German guy]

Midgtracer, Did you buy the FSI 12V kit? If so did it contain all that you needed?

[Lawrie]

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Drove my 28ccpu 335 klms with a friends 28 phaeton,
No drama used no water or oil,
Easy day tomorrow then more miles out west.
Pics from today and the other day at the A national rally
Lawrie

[Mike1291]

I'm at the point where I am going to replace the engine in my 31 Coupe. It has the original engine in it but has a head gasket leak. Based on the service history of the car it's been doing that for a while and overheated badly once. It was agreed upon that the engine should be rebuilt. But with how much trouble there was in the past with it I'm thinking of going with a Burtz block.

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Mike1291

I'm at the point where I am going to replace the engine in my 31 Coupe. It has the original engine in it but has a head gasket leak. Based on the service history of the car it's been doing that for a while and overheated badly once. It was agreed upon that the engine should be rebuilt. But with how much trouble there was in the past with it I'm thinking of going with a Burtz block.

By the time you bore, refit with inserts, grind and balance the crank, grind the cam, new rods (because of the inserts) and otherwise do a good job rebuilding an old engine, you have approached the cost of a Burtz. And not all original blocks are good candidates for rebuilding. Back when re-babbeting was common, people didn't balance cranks, and blocks were not approaching 100 years old then rebuilding was the only way to go. It might still make sense your case. Terry's new block opens up a whole new alternative. Only you can decide, and it might depend on what you want to do with the car.

In my case, I did both. I got a Burtz that will go into the 1930 sedan I'm doing a ground-up resto on. The engine from that car got a "refurbishment" of rings, valves, cam, timing gear, flywheel surface, clutch and head decking and is now in my 1930 sedan driver and performing well. The engine that was in the 1931 (not original to the car) is now candidate for either a cylinder sleeve and rebuild (which I'm not going to do) or boat anchor.

[Klattu1929]

Set my Zenith float level, couldn't get it correct until I jacked up the front of my car to level the carb. I have the body off so was a bit high in the backend. Or maybe I just held my mouth different, but it came in at 5/8". Also removed my rusty hood hold downs to rustmort, and repaint the hoodshelves, then install some new hold downs. Good times.

[GMCPASO]

Lubed and checked levels preping for start Oct 30 tour to Pacific Grove for week days.

[rackops]

I mailed off a very early 1928 (or 1927) radiator shell, very early fan shroud and a set of numbered shock arms. Super happy to be able to help out their new owner with his restoration!

[JayJay]

Finally got the front passenger door back together on my '31 (see #53 above, also here for my tale of woe). What started out to be a simple investigation into why the door handle was loose turned out to be a major project. I ended up replacing the glass channel, replacing the felts, thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the regulator, cleaning and lubricating the lock assembly, banging the lock assembly around until it worked properly, straightening out a drooping door handle, and grunting and cussing a whole lot. Works great now.

Tomorrow is the "Antique Autos in the Park" show in San Jose. Our club typically has between 20 and 30 Model As to show. Time to check the tires and fill with fuel.

UPDATE: 43 club member families showed up for the car show, and all but a couple drove their Model As. In addition, there were maybe a half a dozen As that weren’t in our club. Plus Model Ts, Dodges, Packards, five WWII jeeps (one with a 50-cal machine gun mounted on the back!), some fire trucks and a bunch of odds and ends like a Stutz speedster. All pre-1946. A great time.

[Ayers1]

My car is 1 good wet sanding away from being painted after today! Excited to be this close for color!

[Y-Blockhead]

Today 20 members of our club in 5 Model As and one Modern took a small tour along the Southern California Coast to Point Vicente Interpretive Center and Lighthouse for a picnic lunch to celebrate International Model A Ford Day.

[1928 Sport Coupe]

Worked on my brothers 1931 Victoria he recently purchased. The car had not been run for at least 10 years, and was stored in a barn. The car had been restored 20 plus years ago according to the previous owner. We had went through the engine cleaned out the oil pan, valve chamber, rebuilt the carb, distributor, water pump, starter, generator, painted the engine, etc. We replaced the damaged brake rods, brake switch, packed the wheel bearings, changed the gear lube in the trans and rear axle, flushed the radiator.
Today was start up day. It cranked a few revolutions and hit on 1 cylinder then another. It then started and ran quiet no knocks or rattles. The carb was a little rich but we ran it around the 1-1/2 acre yard for quite awhile with out it overheating.
Not a bad day for National Model A day.

[Lefthander1930]

Installed a kill switch

[james1savage]

Figured out my 28 wouldn't start because the timing was WAY out. Not sure how it adjusted itself so far out of whack. Pulled the plugs, inserted the timing pin, found the dimple, used the Nu-Rex wrench and reset the timing. Runs like a champ now.

[Mike1291]

Today (or rather this weekend) I started to pull the head off my engine. I didn't have luck with the compression method but the rope trick worked. Made sure not to damage anything by using the hand crank. To remove the head I will probably unscrew the studs if possible or use shims under the head and get a good grip on it to hoist it out

[Thodge]

Today I was reflecting on the local car show that we took my dad’s coupe to yesterday. It suddenly hit me that out of probably 60 or 70 cars, we were the only prewar car there that wasn’t hot rodded. The last show we went to was more of the same. We felt like the keepers of the flame. Not that I have anything against hot rods or muscle cars, but if I have to look at one more store-bought high boy chassis, or one more tri-five Chevy, or one more identical Mustang, I’m gonna scream. Rant over, now for the good news. A few passersby stopped to look at the car and said that they have an A at home that they’re working on getting back on the road. So there’s still hope.

[rackops]

I altered a spark plug tester so it could fit older spark plugs. Pretty neat to see them light up.

[Lefthander1930]

Installed a Kill switch.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Lefthander1930

Installed a Kill switch.

So you said in Post #76.

[Klattu1929]

Just got my glass sediment bowl delivered out of the blue, been backordered for months. From Mikes. Then my Burtz head arrived the same day, life is good. Now I should be ready when the replacement fan arrives, whenever that is. Fitting my rebuilt water pump to the new head, had to turn down the impeller end of shaft in the lathe as it was about 1/2" to long, and to large in diameter to fit in the dimple in the head. Going to work on sheet metal for now until a fan arrives, the do a final fit on the water pump. Never a dull moment, aaahhhh

[Fullraceflathead]

I find the arrival of long awaited parts is very reminiscent of my childhood on Christmas morning opening gifts!!!