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Old 08-24-2015, 10:21 AM   #1
Steve Plucker
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Default Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Les Andrews Books have been out for a few LONG years now. There have been reported of a few to many mistakes within each of the three volumns.

There have been reports to "throw the book away"...NO WAY...These books are to valuable of an asset to the Model A community...This is not my intention...My intention is that there is a lot of complaining about them because of mistakes...OK THEN...lets list them and get Les's opinion on them and settle this once and for all so the newbies coming into the hobby won't, for a better word, screw up on their intitial restoration.

If this is the case, then I will start a thread concerning these mistakes and let's see just how many of us respond and let's see if Les can comment on them and issue out an eratta sheet correcting the errors.

Some of you have made lists of them...let's see them.

You are right, nothing will get done about this issue if we as a group don't step up to the plate and do something about it...complaining is not going to get us anywhere.

So with that, let's step up to the plate, quit complaining, and post your found error or errors if any at all and quit complaining.

Anybody?????

I will run this for a week...you know..."bttt" (back to the top)...and see just where it get's us.


Pluck

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Old 08-24-2015, 10:35 AM   #2
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

The Oil Pan Torque says 20 Ft LBS!
20 inch pounds maybe at best is more realistic.
I prefer to tighten just snug. One handed with short ratchet.
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Old 08-24-2015, 10:37 AM   #3
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Good idea. I hope this thread gets a lot of responses.
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Old 08-24-2015, 10:40 AM   #4
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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Originally Posted by bunnyc View Post
Good idea. I hope this thread gets a lot of responses.
We will see...A lot of guys are really afarid to say anything at all and will not comment for fear that someone else will rag on them. That is not what this thread, I hope, is about...It is about the bonified errors within his books that some have complained about over the past few years.

One down...How many more?

Pluck

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Old 08-24-2015, 10:41 AM   #5
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Don' have the book handy, it's out in the shop, but there's the oft quoted one about the wrong torque on the oil pan bolts. IIRC Les says 20 ft-lbs and I understand that it should be 20 in-lbs.
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Old 08-24-2015, 10:49 AM   #6
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Thanks for starting this thread Steve. It will really help the New guys (ME) and the Old (ME again, but not to Model A's). I am going to make notations in my book as members post the errors.

There are a couple of things in the book that I questioned, I just can't remember what they are right now...
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Old 08-24-2015, 11:34 AM   #7
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Cutting off the motor mount at the angle and only using the section for the frame. I know that some of the repops are/were too thick in that area, but they can still be used without cutting them off. Better choice would be to buy the repop that is made close to the correct thickness. Rod
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Old 08-24-2015, 11:43 AM   #8
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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Cutting off the motor mount at the angle and only using the section for the frame. I know that some of the repops are/were too thick in that area, but they can still be used without cutting them off. Better choice would be to buy the repop that is made close to the correct thickness. Rod
And I believe that is the one from Snyders...It is somewhat softer and slightly thinner than that of Brattons.

Two down...

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Old 08-24-2015, 12:07 PM   #9
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

i dont have the book in front of me right now but wasnt there a discrepancy about the lengths of the brake rods?
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:08 PM   #10
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Would it help to mention the page the error is on also?
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:09 PM   #11
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Steering sector shaft size is wrong.

The number has moved over in to the Bratton's catalog.

I think the biggest weakness of his book is a lack of dimensions. For example, determining the fit of a tranny gear to the spline shaft. As I recall he states put some oil on the shaft and let it slide down. If it goes down fast then it is worn too much. I had a shaft and a gear where it went down fast but it only had about .001 or .002" of wear total when measured.

I know there were some other things. I started writing details as I found them at one point. The problem is I do not need to reference the book much these days. I have other sources.

His illustrations are wonderful and it is absolutely a must have for your library, but as with all the books you need to check the numbers.
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:38 PM   #12
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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Originally Posted by Kevin in NJ View Post
Steering sector shaft size is wrong.

The number has moved over in to the Bratton's catalog.

I think the biggest weakness of his book is a lack of dimensions. For example, determining the fit of a tranny gear to the spline shaft. As I recall he states put some oil on the shaft and let it slide down. If it goes down fast then it is worn too much. I had a shaft and a gear where it went down fast but it only had about .001 or .002" of wear total when measured.

I know there were some other things. I started writing details as I found them at one point. The problem is I do not need to reference the book much these days. I have other sources.

His illustrations are wonderful and it is absolutely a must have for your library, but as with all the books you need to check the numbers.
So point them out Kevin...That is what this is all about...Heck, we do not know what "details" you are talking about!

Pluck
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Old 08-24-2015, 12:39 PM   #13
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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i dont have the book in front of me right now but wasnt there a discrepancy about the lengths of the brake rods?
I do not know Mitch...Was there? Point it out to us.

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Old 08-24-2015, 12:40 PM   #14
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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Thanks for starting this thread Steve. It will really help the New guys (ME) and the Old (ME again, but not to Model A's). I am going to make notations in my book as members post the errors.

There are a couple of things in the book that I questioned, I just can't remember what they are right now...
Can you post them for us?

Pluck
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Old 08-24-2015, 01:45 PM   #15
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Steve,
Les's book has really helped me in working on my Model A and others in our club as has this forum. I have tried to follow the cotter pin usage chart in Appendix A-3 and I think the Front Brake Plate Assembly should take 8 cotter pins(4 each side) even though my copy of the book says 3.

I am so glad Les took the time to make this manual for guys like me.

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Old 08-24-2015, 01:54 PM   #16
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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Can you post them for us?

Pluck
I will... when I recall WHAT they were...

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Old 08-24-2015, 02:39 PM   #17
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

This thread can be very useful, but if you post an error include the Title of the Manual, and which printing the error is in and the page.

Les Andrews has published the following manuals:

Model A Ford Mechanics Manual Volume 1

Model A Ford Mechanics Manual Volume 2

Model A Ford Trouble Shooting and Diagnostics



The Service Bulletin for April 1928 page 239 notes the toe in should be set at 3/16" to 1/4" and was changed in the Service Bulletin for Sept 1928 page 282 to 1/16" + or - 1/32".

I have a First printing Model A Ford Mechanics Manual Volume 1 and on page 2-19 the toe in is noted at 3/16 + or - 1/16.

I also have a 2nd printing Model A Ford Mechanics Manual Volume 1 and on page 2-19 the toe in is noted 1/16 + or - 1/32 which is correct per the Service bulletins for Sept 1928 page 282.
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Old 08-24-2015, 03:10 PM   #18
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Jerry, I do not take this as a chance to beat up on the book or Les personally. Almost every technical book has an error or two, most way more than two. Even the Crown and Barrett books I use every day there are errors and as they are found by someone and reported to the companies we get updates to our manuals. Even I have found errors and reported them and they went up the chain and were corrected. Info is forever changing that is one thing that is constant. We received a shipment of 15 new forklifts last week and although they are the same as the 5 we received last year we have encountered new problems over the weekend. I am sure new info will be generated from whatever we find the problem to be. So far it is eluding us. Rod
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Old 08-24-2015, 04:17 PM   #19
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Les Andrews has written the most comprehensive and definitive book ever written about the Model A Ford. His mechanics handbook has aided many Model A enthusiasts. The few errors in the book that I have noticed are so minor that they will not lead anyone down the wrong path. There are some areas where he could have provided more detail. This is where others can contribute, rather than detract. Rather than pick Les’ work apart, time could be better spent writing technical articles that compliment and add more information to his articles.

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Old 08-24-2015, 04:32 PM   #20
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Well said, Tom.

I think it's a bad idea to critique Les' books. There are sections that are purposely left a little ambiguous because there are things that are just common sense.

I find many areas in the book that are well detailed.

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Old 08-24-2015, 04:35 PM   #21
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Tom Endy pretty much sum this up for me.

To supplement Les' work I have cross referenced any and all articles from "the Restorer" onto the index of Les' publications. This gave me not only the technical application, but also the hands on work, detailed colored photos and an approach from another knowledgeable source.

But, darn I still bang my knuckles.
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Old 08-24-2015, 04:58 PM   #22
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

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The few errors in the book that I have noticed are so minor that they will not lead anyone down the wrong path.

Tom Endy
Just the other day there was a thread on the Barn from a fella that broke a pan bolt by torquing it to 20 ft/lbs...
Personally I don't see this thread as "picking apart Les' work" but preventing someone from making a mistake.
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Old 08-24-2015, 04:58 PM   #23
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

His Vol 1 got me started in model A's in 2008. Valuable information. I think if you use the book and gain experience you will recognize small discrepancies.

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Old 08-24-2015, 05:26 PM   #24
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

We all agree that the Andrews book is by far the best book available for Model A owners regardless of how experienced they are as a motor mechanic. I'm sure that Steve Plucker did not start this thread in order to "pick apart Les Andrews Book"
I encourage all to contribute to this thread in the spirit in which it was started.
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Old 08-24-2015, 05:45 PM   #25
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Quote:
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Les Andrews has written the most comprehensive and definitive book ever written about the Model A Ford. His mechanics handbook has aided many Model A enthusiasts. The few errors in the book that I have noticed are so minor that they will not lead anyone down the wrong path. There are some areas where he could have provided more detail. This is where others can contribute, rather than detract. Rather than pick Les’ work apart, time could be better spent writing technical articles that compliment and add more information to his articles.

Tom Endy
Why not make a list of errors in the book for the next revision and a list of suggestions as to how to make it better or what parts were confusing or which parts need more detail? I am sure that would be helpful to make the book better. The author doesn't have to agree with any suggestions.
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Old 08-24-2015, 06:40 PM   #26
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Just the other day there was a thread on the Barn from a fella that broke a pan bolt by torquing it to 20 ft/lbs...
Personally I don't see this thread as "picking apart Les' work" but preventing someone from making a mistake.
Common sense should prevent anyone from torquing a 5/16 pan bolt to 20 ft/lbs.
Bill
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Old 08-24-2015, 06:52 PM   #27
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Common sense should prevent anyone from torquing a 5/16 pan bolt to 20 ft/lbs.
Bill








I seem to remember an old saying that goes, If sense was common everyone would have some.
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Old 08-24-2015, 06:52 PM   #28
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Common sense should prevent anyone from torquing a 5/16 pan bolt to 20 ft/lbs.
Bill
Ya think? But I believe the point was it happened because an inexperienced person read it in "The Book".
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Old 08-24-2015, 06:54 PM   #29
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

The oil pan torque is in vol 1 page 1-146 paragraph 5 on left side of page.
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Old 08-24-2015, 07:06 PM   #30
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Common sense should prevent anyone from torquing a 5/16 pan bolt to 20 ft/lbs.
Bill
As the old saying goes, the trouble with common sense is that it's not all that common! This forum caters for all levels of experience, which is probably painful to the experts but hopefully they are here also to further the hobby by helping those of us who aren't.

Pluck's concept is most helpful to newer owners like me who have bought these manuals and rely on them for instruction. Let's all contribute in the spirit with which he initiated the thread, i.e. With respect for Les and each other, and by making Steve's job as easy as possible (be specific about the issue when you decide to post, provide page numbers, confine it to issues that CAN be resolved, don't dilute the discussion with unrelated anecdotes!).

Good luck, Pluck. I'm looking forward to the outcome and if you'd like someone to help collate and present the results in a form that can be made available to download, I'm happy to assist. I generally only "take" from this forum because of my limited experience.
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Old 08-24-2015, 07:28 PM   #31
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Listing errors in Les' books: where do I start???
many diagrams are back to front like anything to do with the steering. Levers shown on diagrams are nothing like what is fitted. (only one has a ball on the end)
Pictures of the 2 tooth steering box show the Steering shaft end play adjusting bolt on top of the steering box. It is on the side.
Clockwise and anticlockwise are confused in his instructions on adjusting the worm backlash.
He does not mention checking that the oil rings are the right way up (Yes, there is a top and a bottom side to them)
One thing he does get right is to have the oil scoop on the con rods facing the cam shaft. Parts suppliers tell you to have it face the passenger's side of the car WRONG
I could go on and on and on. Many of the errors are to with the fact that he knows diddley squat about RHD Model As, thus rendering his books of limited value unless the user is really on his toes and makes allowances.
I'll stop now but there are plenty of other instances, besides, my spleen is feeling better already.
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Old 08-25-2015, 09:43 AM   #32
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Working on my brakes the other day, I found the brake adjuster wedge to be 3/4 socket, not the 5/8" indicated twice in the book. YET, I question whether there really ARE 5/8" nuts on some of them... we know things were changed along the way in production and we know there are tons of aftermarket items.

As a newbie of only 8 years, I for one, would not have known NOT to torque the pan bolts to 20 ft lbs. So that is an obvious change that should be made.

However, there could also be cross reference pages that indicate the obvious or needed changes (as in a separate list somewhere), whether Les revises his books or not. Just because he might publish a new version with updates doesn't mean I will go out and buy it.

To me, the books are invaluable, AS IS THIS FORUM. We are all the mechanic in charge so we have to take all the information as we find it.

Thanks Pluck.

JackD
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Old 08-25-2015, 09:50 AM   #33
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In "Model A Ford Mechanics Manual Volume 1" on page 1-17, and in the specifications at the back, it says 2 1/4 pints of gear oil for the rear axle. correct me if'n I'm wrong, but methinks it should be 1 1/2 pints.
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Old 08-25-2015, 09:56 AM   #34
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

katy I just fill the gear case and the rear end until it starts running back out of the filler opening. I don't pay much attention to the amount your supposed to use, maybe I should! But in 40 years of Model A's never have.
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Old 08-25-2015, 10:11 AM   #35
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katy I just fill the gear case and the rear end until it starts running back out of the filler opening.
That's how I 'Top Off' my trans and rear end but when changing the oil it is nice to know how much they hold so the proper amount can be ordered, since I can't seem to find the proper oil locally. Just sayin'.
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Old 08-25-2015, 10:12 AM   #36
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So far there are 14 concerns, issues.

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Old 08-25-2015, 10:16 AM   #37
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So far there are 14 concerns, issues.

Pluck
To make it easy to find the 14 issues would you consider revising your post #1 and include them in a list?
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Old 08-25-2015, 10:23 AM   #38
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Default Re: Les Andrews books concerning errors within...

Nothing wrong with per review, there is not an author out there who is unhappy about folks helpling to make their books even better
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Old 08-25-2015, 10:26 AM   #39
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To make it easy to find the 14 issues would you consider revising your post #1 and include them in a list?
Or make a sticky!
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Old 08-25-2015, 10:58 AM   #40
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In "Model A Ford Mechanics Manual Volume 1" on page 1-17, and in the specifications at the back, it says 2 1/4 pints of gear oil for the rear axle. correct me if'n I'm wrong, but methinks it should be 1 1/2 pints.
per the service bulletins page 227

transmission ::: 1 pint
differential ::::: 1 1/2 pints
steering gear ::::7 3/4 ounces 7 tooth 4 1/2 ounce 2 tooth
2 quarts total will do the diff , trans and steering box

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Old 08-25-2015, 11:19 AM   #41
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IF, there's ANYBODY out there that' "PERFECT", just try writin' a BOOK!
EVERYONE needs help of some kind. I had to PAY to have my ROOF & KNEE repaired!!! & my ROCKET LAUNCHER, recalibrated!
Bill W.
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Old 08-25-2015, 11:19 AM   #42
Mitch//pa
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the red book says to adjust all 4 brake rods to 51-7/16" to 51-1/2" in length from eye to eye centers.....

service bulletins page 202

says to adjust the brake rods by setting all the cross shaft and pedal adjustments first. then adjust the rods by removing the slack from each actuating lever until the clevice holes line up...
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Old 08-25-2015, 11:37 AM   #43
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I would think that inaccuracies involving steering and brakes are rather significant...much emphatic comment is made here about how critical brake adjustment is to safety.

I get professional books at my job that occasionally contain typos or errors and a sticky erratum page subsequently gets mailed to me that one places over the offending page.
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Old 08-25-2015, 06:53 PM   #44
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Me thinks that even if there are 50 faults found, given the HUGE amount of data in these books, Les's strike rate is pretty good.
There was a song here in Oz back in the 70's, I think that pointed out that you shouldn't believe everything you read. One line went: The things that your preacher is liable to teach ya aint necessarily so.
It caused a stink at the time but it carries a worthwhile message.
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Old 08-25-2015, 07:08 PM   #45
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From George and Ira Gershwin:

It ain't necessarily so
It ain't necessarily so
The things that you're liable
To read in the Bible,
It ain't necessarily so

Released as a single, the song was a major Australian hit in 1965 for singer Normie Rowe,reaching number 5 on the Australian singles charts at that time. Also in 1965 The Moody Blues covered the song for their album, The Magnificent Moodies.
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Old 08-25-2015, 08:31 PM   #46
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael M View Post
From George and Ira Gershwin:

It ain't necessarily so
It ain't necessarily so
The things that you're liable
To read in the Bible,
It ain't necessarily so

Released as a single, the song was a major Australian hit in 1965 for singer Normie Rowe,reaching number 5 on the Australian singles charts at that time. Also in 1965 The Moody Blues covered the song for their album, The Magnificent Moodies.
Yup. that is another passage from the same song - same message.
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Old 02-02-2016, 06:24 PM   #47
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Steve, Thanks for your input and information regarding the Model A and it's history. I have Les Andrews' 3 books for service, maintenance and repairs. own a 31RPU that was fully restored when I purchased it. I read everything about them I can get. The information acquired from The Ford Barn site has been a very helpful source of comments and hints. Everyday experience along with a extensive background owning these A's cannot be substituted with a manual. Les Andrews is one of these sources. I highly respect his expertise. I've also watched Les's videos on repairs. You all are a credit to the hobby. Please post a "list of corrections " deemed necessary corrections...if you can get enough people that will provide them to you. Again THANK YOU ALL.
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Old 02-02-2016, 10:12 PM   #48
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Well said, Tom.

I think it's a bad idea to critique Les' books. There are sections that are purposely left a little ambiguous because there are things that are just common sense.

I find many areas in the book that are well detailed.

Larry
Seems that was kinda the drift of this thread!??
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Old 02-02-2016, 10:18 PM   #49
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Jerry, I do not take this as a chance to beat up on the book or Les personally. Almost every technical book has an error or two, most way more than two. Even the Crown and Barrett books I use every day there are errors and as they are found by someone and reported to the companies we get updates to our manuals. Even I have found errors and reported them and they went up the chain and were corrected. Info is forever changing that is one thing that is constant. We received a shipment of 15 new forklifts last week and although they are the same as the 5 we received last year we have encountered new problems over the weekend. I am sure new info will be generated from whatever we find the problem to be. So far it is eluding us. Rod
Quote this one, not my previous one. The idea is to take a really good publication and make it a really really great publication. Evolution is a matter of continual improvement. Is it not?
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Old 02-02-2016, 11:11 PM   #50
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Just the other day there was a thread on the Barn from a fella that broke a pan bolt by torquing it to 20 ft/lbs...
Personally I don't see this thread as "picking apart Les' work" but preventing someone from making a mistake.
I totaly agree. While I also think everyone that works on their own Model A should have a copy of Les Andrews books, all errors should be made known.. I also agree that if a person thinks there should be more detailed instructions, tney could write them and share them on this forum so we can add this knowledge to our copy of the books. Great job Les! And thanks to Pluck for staring this thread. Don/WI
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Old 02-03-2016, 06:20 AM   #51
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I just read the 5 page Thread/Post and agree with all. Pluck did us a service with the thread and Don/WI summed it up. Funny that the 20ft/lbs oil pan gasket was mentioned right away. I remember using that torque value and stopped while on the first bolt -as I thought to myself- this seems a little much. So I used the old torque dial in my elbow and snugged the the rest of the bolts. Thanks Les - all is good. And a big THANKS to the Forum
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Old 02-03-2016, 06:43 AM   #52
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There have been those that have tried to gather and post the corrections that appear in the book. The problem is that there are more then one reader here that think he has god like status and anyone that would say there is a problem with the book is a trouble maker. And other tht know of the problems and are afraid to post them here. Some that tried to help the beginner with the book have been even been threatened with banning by the moderator for causing drama on this subject.
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Old 02-03-2016, 07:04 AM   #53
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It's a great book and all this talk is just busy work.
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Old 02-03-2016, 07:14 AM   #54
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It's a great book and all this talk is just busy work.
Huh?
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Old 02-03-2016, 07:25 AM   #55
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Not necessarily an error, but better described as an omission. There is a right and left king pin. As a newbie 15 years ago, I didn't know this and it wasn't mentioned in the assembly procedures for the front axle. Of course I switched them.
My red book is so tattered from use, that I may have to purchase another one. Still the best reference material I own.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:12 PM   #56
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Huh?
Like I said some, think he is a god and incapable of making errors.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:25 PM   #57
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As a newbie I also appreciate this thread. The biggest area lacking from my perspective is to determine when a part is too warn out. If I were an expert maybe it would be obvious but not to the novice.
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Old 02-03-2016, 12:32 PM   #58
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Let us not expect perfection from anyone. We are not perfect and we should not expect that standard from another human being. As deficiencies are identified we should make notations.
The man has done a tremendous amount of good for our hobby and he should be commended. Wayne

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Old 02-03-2016, 09:15 PM   #59
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A great many "How To .. ." books have a page up-front that asks for submissions regarding errors or perceived errors in the text. Most authors appreciate the opportunity to correct errors and improve the next edition. I am sure that Les Andrews feels the same way. Has anyone asked him?

Has anyone compiled a list of suggested revisions? Has anyone heard from Les Andrews on how he feels about possible corrections on the next edition of his great mechanics manuals ?
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Old 02-03-2016, 10:10 PM   #60
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Res731 has a good point.......example I measured the wear on the steering arms, turns out the balls are a about a 30 second out of round. Do I need to replace them or do I just use them. I'm lucky if I put 5 or 6 hundred miles a year on the car
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:19 AM   #61
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Res731 has a good point.......example I measured the wear on the steering arms, turns out the balls are a about a 30 second out of round. Do I need to replace them or do I just use them. I'm lucky if I put 5 or 6 hundred miles a year on the car
If it steers OK I'd grease them up and use them. That's about .030".
Mine were worn at least .250" when I bought the car. I spent a lot of time welding them up and filing them round again.
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Old 02-04-2016, 10:36 AM   #62
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Hello Les Andrews- I hope you're looking in on this thread and not put off by some of the negativity. I have greatly benefited from your books and from meeting you at the MAFCA nat's in 2000. I am also entertained by your illustrations and style.
I am not an author or compositor, but I have written some magazine articles and have been in some magazines and newspapers. Editors have changed my wording resulting in the meaning or message in my articles being changed or made confusing, and embarrassing me. That's in addition to my own errors. Just posting on Fordbarn, I have made spelling and grammar errors, omissions and technical errors. Getting one paragraph understandable and unambiguous is a chore for me. I think anyone who has been in the media would say that it is unusual to be quoted correctly or have their real intent accurately represented. Composing a technical volume with illustrations and getting it flawless AND past the editors and illustrators and printers, re-editing it yourself again and again... well it would be a huge and difficult project requiring months or more of dedicated work. Thanks again for your dedication to the fun and success of our hobby.
Now, I've got a couple of questions for you: Are you planning to make a list of corrections and/or revisions available? Do you have any more books or technical works in the making? (put me in line for any new books or info you produce).
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Old 02-04-2016, 10:51 AM   #63
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In fairness to the man there should be a post with a positive slant. Any fool can tear down a pyramid but it takes a genius to build one. Wayne
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:06 PM   #64
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Jim, check your private messages..
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:36 PM   #65
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Thanks Tom.....that's what I needed to know. Great thing we have guys like you on the barn.
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Old 02-04-2016, 02:39 PM   #66
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I fully agree with Ted & Larry. Think for a moment. Without these 3 books what do we have? Having these 3 books has made me realize that I want to only have Model A's. I have TR6, Jaguar, Mercedes, Volvos, and it is hard to find books like the ones Les published to work on those other vehicles. This site compliments Les books nicely. I am greatful to Les and to ALL of you for helping me keep my A's on the road. Les Andrews books are worth every penny. This is my humble opinion.
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Old 03-07-2016, 12:58 PM   #67
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It would be great to have a section on the early Model A's. I was following les's book (showing the newer shift tower) on assembling my multiple clutch shift tower but it was opposite to the newer tower. i.e. the detent plunger goes in the opposite side of the multiple disc tower since there's no emergency lever near the transmission on the early A's. The plunger was used as a reference point for the fork shafts. I installed my multiple disc tower according to the book but found the fork shafts were reversed when I installed the tower in the car. This caused me to go looking for more tubular rivets for securing the shifting forks onto the shafts. I managed to find some old stock pins locally so I'm good.
I'm using the multiple disc tower on my single clutch transmission assembly as I want to use the tower which doesn't have a place for the E-lever. I also wanted to use the straighter shift lever .

Re Les's book there's no info on the first two early braking systems or either one of the powerhouse generators. I know of three vehicles in our small area here which are early (two are still not restored) so there must be an appreciable amount elsewhere to justify inclusions in the book. Les's book is very helpful in many ways however.

Last edited by moasew; 03-08-2016 at 12:41 PM. Reason: Explain my issues much better
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