Picking Up first Model A tomorrow!!!

[braol]

For most of my childhood and adult life (now 48) I have wanted my own Model A. After being distracted by old BMWs and motorcycles (both crazy hobbies) I have finally gotten my act together, sold my motorcycle, and will be picking up my '31 Tudor this weekend! (I made sure that the A/C and bed in the doghouse are good...wife is marginally annoyed.)


My grandfather owned a 1929 Tudor (I still have the picture) and a 1930 Sport Coupe (uncle still owns it). My cousins and I used to sit in the coupe and honk the horn and pretend to drive when we were little. I learned to drive stick in the '30 when I was 17. Increasing nostalgia for my grandparents has pushed me firmly into the marketplace and now it's finally going to happen.


I can't say enough about this forum. Other forums I have been on have a large % of semi-rude know-it-alls but this forum ROCKS. I had two trivial questions I posted threads for and got immediate, friendly responses. Thanks to all so far.


Car: 1931 Tudor Standard. straight, runs, drives, STOPS, minimal rust, dull paint, no shocks, fiberglass rear fenders, original engine, no modern mods. Interior is an older restoration and is in good shape but is not period correct color I think. No big puddles under the car and everything works.
I wanted an original car, not a hotrod, so this car might just be the perfect car for me. I used to be an aircraft mechanic and can weld, machine, and blacksmith and would label my auto repair skills as 'advanced'. I want a car I can drive this summer and will crack into any issues this late fall. I see the interior and shocks being the obvious big ticket items in a return to originality...but it was figured into the sale price.
I can't wait to post some good pics and update everyone on my new life as a caretaker of history.

[Tacoma Bob]

Well rock on with your bad self. LOL Congtrats and enjoy the ride.

[1931 flamingo]

Pictures, Pictures, we love pictures. And WELCOME to the Barn.

Paul in CT

[woofa.express]

I'm pleased for you. Hope it gives you and your marginally annoyed wife a lot of pleasure.
It is interesting that it was your grandfathers car. Let me tell you of my situation. I have 3 model A's and a 53 GM Holden. Four cars, one each for my four kids. Well disappointingly they are not very interested in them or other things we believe are valuable in both monitory value and difficulty in acquiring them..
Well I was speaking to an antique dealer and he told me that case was quite usual, however he said it is your grandkids who will want them. Enjoy granddad's Model A. My grandkids love the A.

[Jim/GA]

Welcome to the Model A Hobby!

Drop me a line any time if you have questions. Use email below. Or phone, if urgent (email me and I will send you my home phone number). I help new Model A owners with the questions every day. No question too small.

If you haven't already, try to find a local club. They will be a great resource to you for parts, expertise, local shops and suppliers that can help you with specialized stuff.

And consider joining both national clubs. Lots of activities there, a couple of great magazines, lots of help to the new hobbiest. MAFCA is running a Free Membership program right now. Contact me if you are interested.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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Thanks for the HELP compliments! Just give us time & we'll figger out HOW to get under your SKIN--LOL
Remember, CRITICISM helps get rid of OLD FLAKEY SKIN!!---My Dog approves this message!
Bill Opionatedandblunt

[Corley]

I've found that if you sleep with your head out of the dog house doorway, the night air can be quite exilerating. Also, this gives one more leg room.

It's all about having fun, so I hope this turns out to be a fun car for both you and your wife. Two things you can do right away to help that along, 1) Join a local "active" model A club, and participate, and 2) Join at least one of the national clubs (MAFCA, MARC). DO NOT WORRY! Most wives come around after a few rides, when the young ladies start giving you a thumbs up!

Lastly, only believe about half of the posts you see on these forums. Trust your good mechanicing skills, and you will be fine. Welcome to the asylum.

[DHZIEMAN]

Congrats on your purchase! Now the fun starts, and some of it is actually driving the car! I am 77, and quite honestly, when I was a kid and riding with my family and now a much larger fellow, it amazed me how much the model A I purchased was smaller than I remembered. LOL! Pictures??

[Gary WA]

Congrats!!!! Where's the pictures? Join the fun..

[henry's 31]

CONGRATULATIONS:


I think you will find great enjoyment in your decision. This is a wonderful hobby with many wonderful people. Remember this is a great site to get answer to your questions. For full enjoyment, join the National and local Clubs.


See you on the road

[jimalabam]

PM me your snail mail address and I will send Lots of info for '31 Standard Tudor. AND welcome to our great hobby Jim Langley... Email jimalabam@gmail,com

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

When things go WRONG, working on your car & you get DEPRESSED & TERRIBLY CRANKY, It's time to get yourself a GOOD Dog. They're SUPERIOR to a SHRINK & CHEAPER!
Chief always sed, "Model As are like DOGS, you cain't own jist ONE"!
Chiefs' Sonny Boy

[Floats]

Hey Braol
Thanks for posting.
Congrats and enjoy.

[Chuck Dempsey]

Welcome aboard, and best of luck... And get your ride list updated! I can see it now...


'31 Tudor, '69 F100, '66 Mustang, '91 911, '11 Ford Flex, '17 VW GTI


Looks good!

[braol]

So here's the delivery story: Attended the Pietenpol Airplane Annual Reunion in Brodhead, WI Saturday morning with car trailer in tow. For those who don't know, the Pietenpol is a homebuilt airplane powered by a Model A engine. I discourage everyone from learning more...I mean vintage airplanes with Model A engines?! It's like catnip!!! We split from there around 4pm and head for western Iowa. A million hours later and we're finally back at home in Kenosha, WI Sunday evening. I didn't get to play with my new toy at all because I had to hit the road again for N. Wisconsin for a Monday meeting...


...back to the meat of the story: Trying to back the car down the car trailer and I stall it. Battery dies on restart...recharge...finally get it started. By this time I have a large crowd of old, male neighbors gathered around giving advice and trying to look under the hood. I was politely able to finally get it off the trailer and into the garage...followed by about an hour of answering questions. A smattering of neighbor wives finally came out to summon their husbands home. (My wife started asking questions about the Pietenpol airplane parts in the back of the "A"...I distracted her with cheesecake...)


So here's the overall scoop:
Good: almost zero rust, windows all go up and down, starts right up, all new tires and brakes, new headliner and interior panel material (not sure if it is correct), barely leaks (i'll check levels today), electrics all seem to work.

Cons: Needs a clutch, steam coming out of lower radiator hose area when hot, battery might need replacement, front seats are vinyl and rear has some kind of scratchy black seat cover on it, fuel gauge needs cork float, headlights need new reflectors (very yellow and not sharp beams), top of hood has some shallow dents all over, no door lock keys, door strikers are worn and doors do not seat as tight as they should when closed, floorboard screws missing, paint needs a good polish.

Upgrades done by prior owner: turn signals, newer electric wiper, 2nd taillight, that's it...


Plans: This is to be a driver and to be mostly original. #1 Is my steam out the lower hose issue. I think it's just a bad hose. 4. #2 Clutch. It shudders on launch from stop. #3 Test battery and generator...no sense in getting stranded somewhere. #4 Those seats HAVE to match the rest of the interior...it's galling. #4 Get a flapper outfit for my wife!

[jm29henry]

Nice looking car best of luck to you I'm sure you will love her

[Tony Hillyard]

Welcome to the Model A world! I'm sure you will enjoy it. Nice photograph of your car. Mine is almost the same colour.

[Charlie Stephens]

... headlights need new reflectors (very yellow and not sharp beams), ... BUY THE HEADLIGHT REFLECTORS ONLY FROM BRATTON'S (OR SOMEONE THEY WHOLESALE TO), THEY INVESTED IN NEW TOOLING AND PRODUCE A PRODUCT WORTH HAVING

...turn signals ... CONSIDER USING DRIVING LIGHTS AS YOUR FRONT TURN SIGNALS, SEE PICTURE, THEY ARE PROBABLY EASIER TO SEE THAN COWL LIGHTS (AN ALTERNATIVE) AND LOOK REASONABLY GOOD IF YOU FIND SOME THAT ARE ERA CORRECT...

...newer electric wiper CONSIDER HAVING YOUR ORIGINAL VACUUM WIPER REBUILT AND ADD A VACUUM CANISTER IS YOU WANT, YOU PROBABLY WON'T BE DRIVING A LOT IN THE RAIN,

...2nd taillight, REMEMBER THAT THE MOUNT FOR THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT IS A MIRROR IMAGE ON THE ONE ON THE LEFT, I THINK THEY REPRO BOTH SIDES


... steam out the lower hose issue. I think it's just a bad hose and the fact that there are only 2 hose clamps on it, rather than the required 4. I ASSUME YOU KNOW THERE IS A SECTION OF METAL PIPE WITH PROVISION FOR A RADIATOR DRAIN VALVE BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE ENGINE

...Clutch. It shudders on launch from stop... BEFORE YOU REPLACE THE CLUTCH BE SURE YOUR CLUTCH SHUDDER ISN'T DUE TO SOMETHING ELSE LIKE BAD MOTOR MOUNTS


CHARLIE STEPHENS

[braol]

Update: Solved the steam issue...loose hose clamps...flushed engine and radiator and put in fresh distilled H2O...verified that the Moto-meter works!


Car was running really rich...adjusted carb, now it idles smooth with the throttle lever backed-off all the way (when warm).


Removed and cleaned sediment bowl.


Changed oil and added STP with the zinc in it. I'm using dino oil for now, i'll switch to synthetic at some point (maybe). I have no problem with regular oil due to the frequent oil change intervals.


Removed license plate bracket from right side tail lamp.


Cleaned spark plugs and checked gap, timing, and point gap.


Charged battery. Charger finally got down to 2 amps after a few hours. I will check on the battery condition over the next few weeks...stay tuned. I think the prior owner just let the battery sit and it got under charged.


Took wife around the block. She asked if we could go around again, so yesterday was a WIN.


Clutch still has bad chatter. I'll be checking for bell housing shims and engine mount tightness......


Stay tuned for more!

[Dave in MN]

Welcome to the Model A hobby. (Or "obsession" as my wonderful wife refers to it.)

If you are going to upgrade the existing turn signals check this company out:
http://www.turnswitch.com/Turnsignal.htm


I have an Electro Tech signal kit in both of my cars. They are well engineered and made. Works with 12 volt or 6 volt, neg. or pos. ground. Regular bulbs or LED's are no issue. The kit's function is self cancelling that is adjustable as to duration.
I have one kit installed with a hidden switch under the dash and the other with the column mount switch.

I have no connection to this company but really like their product.

Good Day!

[mhsprecher]

Took wife around the block. She asked if we could go around again, so yesterday was a WIN.

All the other information pales in comparison to that. It was funny to read about how the neighbor wives had to come and retrieve their husbands. Great story.

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by braol

, steam coming out of lower radiator hose area when hot

Are you sure that's not just steam from the radiator overflow pipe? Mine emits steam from there as that's where the pipe exits.

[holdover]

Best of luck, but beware one may not be enough.
as to this " the neighbor wives had to come and retrieve their husbands" They are afraid that their husbands will get the itch and have to have one also!

[Pilotdave]

braol, welcome indeed to this hobby! FordBarn is a great source of information and entertainment, btw.

x2 what holdover said. While a friend (who owns several A's) was helping me unload our Tudor, he turned to my spouse and told her "You need a spare!" "Spare tire?" she said. "Nope, a spare car." We now have three.

[braol]

Latest photo:

[Jim/GA]

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Originally Posted by dumb person

Are you sure that's not just steam from the radiator overflow pipe? Mine emits steam from there as that's where the pipe exits.

This is what I expect.

Overheating is very common on a car that has not been driven for a while. I can help your sort out the cause.

[henry's 31]

Very nice "A". Now have a lot of fun with it. "They must be Driven!

[dpson]

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

[jordanka16]

Originally Posted by dpson

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

For me not having any of those modern conveniences is what makes it more fun, it's like a time warp, in town its kind of annoying, but on the back road with no traffic, it's like I'm back in the 1930s

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by dpson

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

if you don't like it I'll have it.

[Karl]

Welcome from 12000 miles away !

Nice looking car . Sounds like far less bugs than I have had in all five I have owned when I got them.

One useful piece of advice I got was to resist the urge to modernise it . People will wax lyrical about modern points , Hydraulic brakes , electronic ignition , modern shocks , later steering boxes ' modern gearboxes etc . Actually (having ignored this advice initially) I have found that a properly sorted A is a pleasure to drive and everything original (in good condition) works very well. The so called upgrades are normally no better, more troublesome and more difficult to fix than the original parts

Karl

[ironandsteele]

That's a great looking sedan.

[vickidcasey]

congrats, It's my dream!

[FrankWest]

That's a very beautiful Car!
Having a model A is like stepping back into history...A great experience.

[rfitzpatrick]

Like driving my Pickup and using Hand Signals

[braol]

Originally Posted by Karl

Nice looking car . Sounds like far less bugs than I have had in all five I have owned when I got them.

One useful piece of advice I got was to resist the urge to modernize it...The so called upgrades are normally no better, more troublesome and more difficult to fix than the original parts.

I plan on mostly original. It has turn signals w/dual tail lamps, vinyl seat covers (gross), non-Schrader tire valves, wrong headliner fabric, 5-blade fan, modern spark plugs, and fiberglass rear fenders. There is also a smattering of non OEM nuts/bolts. I just ordered the shortened pitman arm (old balls are out-of-round) and a starter fuse. I want to get it as much back to original as I can but I don't mind some safety and performance items...especially if you can't see 'em.

Funny story: I upgraded my '69 F100 pickup to modern electronic ignition last fall and it died on me a week later. I had to send the 'igniter' back under warranty for replacement!

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by dpson

I'm curious what your impressions are of driving a Model A.

I took mine out a few weeks ago for the first time and probably 25 years since I last drove one and have to say I was kind of disappointed. I guess I've become spoiled driving modern vehicles with all their conveniences or even more modern "antique" vehicles from the 1960's and 70's.

Let us know what you think?

Are you sure that it’s in good condition? In particular front end related, shocks, and even tires can make driving no fun. Although, maybe old cars aren’t your thing. I remember hearing several years ago of a man who spent $40,000 on restoring a late 50’s ford. When he took his first drive, he said” this thing drives like an old car”. If your near a club or can find someone close by to help evaluate, or even let you drive a good running car, that would help you figure out your next move.

[aford193031]

Nice looking car, enjoy it

[dpson]

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

Are you sure that it’s in good condition? In particular front end related, shocks, and even tires can make driving no fun. Although, maybe old cars aren’t your thing. I remember hearing several years ago of a man who spent $40,000 on restoring a late 50’s ford. When he took his first drive, he said” this thing drives like an old car”. If your near a club or can find someone close by to help evaluate, or even let you drive a good running car, that would help you figure out your next move.

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I'm taking the Model A out again in a couple days to a car show about 15 miles away. I've swapped the engine and refurbished a Tillotson and a Marvel carb and it seems to run much better (running the Tillotson, with the Marvel for backup), so we'll see how it goes.