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01-16-2014, 08:02 AM | #1 |
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Location: Peak District, UK
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Model A Taxi Cab
We live in the Peak District in the UK. I am currently getting the '29 Phaeton licensed as a taxi (cab) to do tours in the area for holiday visitors. It will be the first pre 1930 (vintage) car licensed for private hire in the UK. What recommendations do you have to prep the car? It has cast brake drums, I've bought the Flat Head Ted floaters. It has two rear lights but is on 6 volts.
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01-16-2014, 08:57 AM | #2 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I'm sure the authorities in the UK already have a list of requirements. I'd start there first.
As far as others, IMHO an experienced professional Model-A mechanic should inspect all things mechanical and "sign-off" that everything is safe mechanically as this is not something you want to extend your liability to if you are not knowledgeable about Model-A mechanicals. |
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01-16-2014, 09:03 AM | #3 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
Will you use the car year round, or will you park it during road salt season? |
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01-16-2014, 09:06 AM | #4 |
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Location: Herefordshire UK
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
As a fellow UK Phaeton owner I can say the floater kit works very well giving good braking performance. I have stuck to the 6 volt system again without problems and I don't suppose you will be doing after dark excursions anyway which may show up any short comings. I have installed a water temperature gauge for peace of mind and a cut out switch as a safety precaution but apart from that have kept things standard with no obvious
problems arising. I think Henry got is basically right in the first place . Best of luck. John |
01-16-2014, 09:21 AM | #5 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Oil filter and air filter to get max use out of your engine since you are using it for business.
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01-16-2014, 09:24 AM | #6 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
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01-16-2014, 09:27 AM | #7 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I bought an air filter but they don't fit a right hand drive car - steering column in the way. Is the oil filter really worth while?
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01-16-2014, 09:57 AM | #8 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
As far as the oil filter goes I am not sure you need it. If you have a full pressure system then yes. But if you have a stock engine then probably not. Remember if they can have taxis back in 28-31 w/o filters and they lasted on those dirty roads then on our clean roads it should be fine. The difference is you will have to change oil much more frequently w/o a filter.
That is my opinion. Mike
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01-16-2014, 11:32 AM | #9 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
It is good to hear they are making exceptions for you regarding necessary requirements to be a Taxi. Best of luck to you in your new business venture! Sounds exciting!! |
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01-16-2014, 11:50 AM | #10 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I'm thinking seat belts, not so much for the front impact crash protection, but just to keep customers seated where they belong. Model A door latches can and do pop open if banged hard enough on the inside by an oversized, overenthusiastic tourist bum. There is no interlocking capture pin like modern latches.
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01-16-2014, 12:12 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
Sounds like a fun way to tour on old roads to see the sights. Are you near Buxton?
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01-16-2014, 12:49 PM | #12 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I hope your in the British Model A Club mafcgb.org.uk
Might be worth Contacting John Buckley for advice . He's on the Barn and does a lot of miles all over Europe |
01-16-2014, 04:51 PM | #13 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I would get the grease point poster and have that done per schedule. Also read the owners manual for your year A.
http://www.motormayhem.net/model-a-f...owners-manual/
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01-16-2014, 07:45 PM | #14 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
[QUOTE= "How best to connect a cigar lighter to the electrics for the gps?"
Not sure what you have availible in the UK, but several of the Model A supply houses here list an inverter for 6V Positive Ground to 12V Negetive Ground, 2.5 Amps. That should be more than enough power for a GPS unit. Or Google [COLOR=#006621]www.radiosforoldcars.com/power.htm You may also find a supplier in the UK.[/COLOR] On a safety note, I would consider installing the LED Stop/Tail lights. They show up much better that the incandescent bulbs. Good luck on your journey. Ed |
01-16-2014, 08:10 PM | #15 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I insulated the socket and hose clamped it to the steering column. This way you can run the center contact to + ground and run the outside to the starter switch or terminal box. 6 volts works my GPS just fine.
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01-16-2014, 09:08 PM | #16 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Research the outer rear wheel bearings. Do not try to lube from the zerks. Probably best to annually pull the rear hubs and repack the bearings.
Seat belts for all occupants. Do you need a backup driver? Bob |
01-16-2014, 09:41 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
http://www.earlyfordparts.co.nz/right_hand_drive.htm |
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01-16-2014, 10:16 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
2000 miles a month. change oil every 500 miles: 5 bucks per quart. 20 bucks per oil change. 80 bucks in oil a month. Oil change every week= your time($) Change oil every 3000 miles with oil filter change: 5 bucks per quart etc etc. There are some synthetic oils that claim 15000 mile oil changes. As for the air cleaner, the roads are cleaner. So why does everyone still have a air cleaner on their modern car? We even added air cleaners to our turbine engined Blackhawk helicopters when I was in Iraq. The engines lasted MUCH longer. Even those flying from hard-stand to hard-stand. My two cents..... Pot is now stirred. .... Please continue the thread... |
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01-16-2014, 10:31 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
There was a post here not too long ago with a wonderful little power outlet to use on these cars. It is a fully insulated plastic shell (so not shorting out) with 2 wires coming out that you can connect however you need. Where you would connect the black wire to earth on a modern car, you can connect the red wire on the Model A. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116118 I bought one for my Dad to put in his car.
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01-17-2014, 10:19 PM | #20 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
This has been very useful. The argument for an oil filter is fairly convincing. Think I'll see how popular it is first before fitting. Like the idea of the led rear lights - will definitely fit. I won't be fitting the seat belts as it implies a level of safety that I can't prove and possible don't offer. The blurb will say no belts. Doors opening is not such a problem as you can't fall out. My gps also runs on 6v so a simple socket fixed to the steering column sounds good. The turn indicators are already fitted.
Anybody got any ideas on a suitable clock for the dash to keep me on time? The R&D air filters look like a nightmare. I'll just stay off the dusty roads;-) I am a member of the MAFCGB - John used to own my car. We are close to Buxton. I have five routes planned. The website should be up and running in the next couple of days - www.vintageadventuretours.co.uk It will be a great way to spend an afternoon, for that is. Paid to drive a Model A in the countryside. Can it get better? Might need some help on the driving though if it gets popular. Keep it coming |
01-17-2014, 10:46 PM | #21 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
for a clock for your dash ,how about some Velcro and a wrist watch? also I think I've seen shifting knobs with a built in watch. you might try looking at mac's antique car parts catalog or "Google" it.
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01-17-2014, 11:14 PM | #22 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I have one of these in my pickup.
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01-18-2014, 04:29 AM | #23 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
That's the sort of thing I was looking for CarlG but about 1/2" thick to fit on Dash/gas tank. I wanted something bigger than a watch so that I can see it.
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01-18-2014, 06:23 AM | #24 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Check out the second hand stores. That's where I bought mine and mounted it to the steering column. Most of the time you can find them for $3 or less. Mine came in a wood block and I threw the wood away and used brass strap to make a holder for the clock.
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01-18-2014, 09:13 AM | #25 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
Great idea on the tours. I'm not sure about shipping to the UK, but here is a link to reasonably priced clock inserts. http://www.klockit.com/depts/ClockInserts/dept-3.html |
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01-18-2014, 12:10 PM | #26 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
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Shows it's a good car to do that sort of Trip!!! I bet our Aussie friends know the car as well Small World eh!! There are still many Model A taxis working in South America . I think there was a few pictures on here last year of some . Some one smarter than me will find the link. I wonder how many Model A's are still working for a living around the world? Good Luck With it John Cochran |
01-18-2014, 12:34 PM | #27 | |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Quote:
Bratton's sells a piece of glass with a clock in it that I assume you can insert into the phaeton mirror bracket. I have one like that in my Town Sedan (I don't know where it came from, I did not buy it) and I can read the time while driving, no problem. It turns out to be a very handy place for a clock.
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01-18-2014, 04:12 PM | #28 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
A nice railroad watch would work well as a clock and wouldn't be so conspicuous to your customers.
you want folks to enjoy the ride, not keep time. |
01-19-2014, 03:49 AM | #29 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I did buy one of the Klockit 3-5/32" magnetic backed clocks. Unfortunately the magnets aren't very strong and it stopped after two days. May just be a flat battery. I've ordered some magnetic sheet to see if that is strong enough. It is slightly more attractive than the ones shown on their site. I don't think this is the car that John used for his venture. I would be interested to see pics of working A's.
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01-19-2014, 03:56 AM | #30 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
You're exactly right Ronn. I want something clear for me to read but not for the passengers to see. A thin magnetic clock of about 3" would be perfect with no permanent fixing. I was very disappointed with the Klockit but still hopeful.
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01-19-2014, 04:27 AM | #31 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Here's a picture of the first one I made and installed in my 28 Phaeton.
The link shows the second one I made, which also has a small flashlight holder. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...odel+clock+tom |
01-29-2014, 11:17 AM | #32 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
Just saw this one on Amazon: It has a 4-year battery, so no electrical connection.
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01-30-2014, 08:08 PM | #33 |
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Re: Model A Taxi Cab
I have one of those Formotions in my A. I have it mounted right above the rear view mirror. It looks great and is highly vibration resistant.
I also have one on my motorcycle. You can find their full line at: http://www.formotionproducts.com/
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