Skills & Assets of Model A Owner

[Bob Bidonde]

Assume your answer is going to a person new to the Model "A" hobby and who has no prior vintage / antique car experience. What skills and assets do I need to own, operate & maintain a running Model "A"?

[Bob Bidonde]

Experience: Should have a basic knowledge of how a pre-WW2 car's drive-line, engine, ignition & suspension operates.

Assets: A garage, a basic set of hand tools including SAE 3/8 & 1/2 inch socket sets with ratchets & breaker bars, SAE torque wrench, SAE set of combination wrenches, 3/16 1/4 & 5/16 flat blade screw drivers, water pump & slip joint pliers, tire irons, jack, jack stands, air compressor, tire pressure gauge, oil / antifreeze catch basin, vise, wheel chocks, engine hand crank, Model A instruction manual, magnetic base flashlight, membership in local Model A club, national club memberships, discretionary cash ...............


Mind Set: Incorporate modifications for safety & reliability including safety glass, right rear taillight & turn signals, LED taillights & headlights, cast iron brakes, cast aluminum 2-blade or 6-blade plastic engine cooling fan, outside mirrors, max speed is 55 MPH, allow twice as much stopping distance, leave space in front for modern cars & trucks to cut in...............

[alexiskai]

I would reframe the question slightly as what skills and assets do you need access to. You don’t have to own a leakdown test kit, for example, if you can borrow one from a club member or pay a pro to do the test.

[JayJay]

Good list, Bob. In a job description it is common to think of “Skills, Knowledge and Ability”. I think you’ve touched on all three (and I agree with Alexiskai’s sentiment) but I’d add in

• Ability to follow logical steps to diagnose and resolve issues without getting frustrated

• Skill to drive a non-synchromesh manual transmission

I’d also think that a floor jack would be a good addition to the list of tools.

Finally, I’d put “discretionary cash” in bold, italics and underlined!

[ModelA29]

That thing we have lost in recent generations - critical thinking.

[katy]

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One prerequesit would be common sense, another: mechanical aptitude.

[rotorwrench]

Times have changed a lot since I was a kid. I guess the first thing is an interest in machinery and what makes it tick. Older machinery from the simpler times in the early 20th century has a historical ring to it that really caught my eye when I was young. The simplicity makes learning easier for someone with no real experience. It certainly makes a project seem to be one that will not take too much time or money to complete. I learned from several people that were at least a generation ahead of me. I could see how much fun was had by driving the old flivers around. They catch a lot of attention. If it weren't for that, I may not have gravitated toward the aviation career that I chose or the interest in all things old. My interest was in antique machines long before I learned mechanics and built up my tooling assets.

I'm sure that young folks that gravitate toward auto, marine, aircraft, agricultural, or industrial maintenance or design had similar interests that were inspired by folks that owned the older machines. We all learned by watching someone or reading a lot about such subjects. Henry Ford was inspired by the old steam powered equipment of his day.

[ronn]

One prerequesit would be common sense,

totally correct.

[Synchro909]

How about an ability to use an online Forum?

[nkaminar]

A credit card with a high limit.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by ronn

One prerequesit would be common sense,

totally correct.

Right on RONN:

Keep it simple stupid!

Enjoy

[Seth Swoboda]

You also left out the ability to convince your wife that it is money well spent.

[Canton_Model_A's]

Or the skill to convince your wife to let you buy a second or third one.

[montanafordman]

The last two replies for the win!! Yep - an understanding, or at least tolerant spouse is key.

My wife has been kind enough to allow my grandfathers coupe to become a part of the family and a drain on the budget. She has been a good sport coming to club activities and has allowed me to run across the country with my Model A "enablers" (friends) to hershey - TWICE!

To top this all off, last summer she gave the OK to adopt a second model A. I've picked up some tools, always had the mindset, and I'm learning the skills - but most importantly, life and this hobby is more fun with a willing partner.

[TerryO]

Or the skill to convince your wife to let you buy a second or third one.

To top this all off, last summer she gave the OK to adopt a second model A.

My wife just gave me the OK to buy #7 (1928 CCPU) I'll be picking it up Saturday. She's a keeper.
TOB

[ModelA29]

delete

[ursus]

Patience is important. Too little and you will be frustrated to no end. Too much and that project will languish until your heirs are burdened with its disposal.

[Ayers1]

TerryO, you are one lucky man! I am fortunate enough for my wife to let me enjoy 3!

[Wick]

Must be able to Listen......Not limited to just advice but for sounds the model A makes.
Know when to ask for help. Know when to Stop when a bolt is getting ready to strip or break!
This one my buddy Clem would suggest.....BEER!

[springerpete]

Good sense of humor, good patience, mechanical ability, curiosity and good friends, Bill