Dumb Unnecessary modifications

[1967 Ford]

There was a thread on here about dumb reproduction parts.

The dumbest most unnecessary thing I have seen in the current MAC's "A"
catalog is the $89.75 oil drain kit. You screw in a special fitting instead of the oil pan drain plug and when you want to change oil you remove the cap on this special plug and insert a drain hose. Now maybe I am off base here but how is that any better than removing the old fashion drain plug, draining the oil into a pan and putting the drain plug back???

[Tom Wesenberg]

Too bad the same effort wasn't put into a needed product.

It certainly sounds like a NOT NEEDED part.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by 1967 Ford

There was a thread on here about dumb reproduction parts.

The dumbest most unnecessary thing I have seen in the current MAC's "A"
catalog is the $89.75 oil drain kit. You screw in a special fitting instead of the oil pan drain plug and when you want to change oil you remove the cap on this special plug and insert a drain hose. Now maybe I am off base here but how is that any better than removing the old fashion drain plug, draining the oil into a pan and putting the drain plug back???

You could drain directly into the container for recycling but at that price I will stick with the pan and use a funnel to get it into the container.

Charlie Stephens

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

I have one of those on my GMC work van,I certainly didn't pay $90 for it. The reason I got it was two fold. 1) saves on drain plug thread wear.
2) it easier to control the side angle drain spills.

[DougVieyra]

How about $33.50, plus $11 Shipping ($44, unless there is an additional sales tax) - for a cute little gadget that lets you wipe your oily dip-stick. For 50 years I have used a shop towel, paper towel, etc., which seems to work fine. I doubt the APCO company sold enough of these in the 1930's to recover their design and manufacturing costs - and that was at $1.25 !

And after installing a set, I find that ($32 +$11 Shipping = $43) Hood Prop Support Spring sets are a waste. Again, for 50 years, I was quite happy just propping the hood up on the cowl - just like everyone else.

And how about that little 'Oil Drip Catcher' for XXX $$$ that is now being sold by some Model A parts houses ? When I actually cared about my engine's rear main oil leak, I used some bailing wire to hold a tuna-fish can in place to catch the dripping.

Sometimes we get carried away with "NEW" gismos and gadgets. Some are O.K. - others are just expensive 'clutter'.

[Roadster62]

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Doug, Many years ago I sold a NOS accessory made by APCO to a fellow that if memory is right was a grandson of the founder of APCO. He was collecting whatever accessories the company made in years past. Somehow the conversation got around to the fact that the family was still living off the profits on the needed and unneeded Model T and A accessories the made way back then. Bob

[MikeK]

I consider the 'modern' dizzy upper plate a dumb mod.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Ummmm, how about hydraulic brakes or F100 steering boxes for safety???

[JBill]

What about non-stock fans, alternators, turn signals, seat belts? Who decides what's dumb or unnecessary

[oliverguy]

I installed one of those drain fittings on a 96 olds cutlass I had. The car was too low to turn a wrench or ratchet underneath without running the car up on ramps. A whole bunch of pastic shields made it difficult and dangerous to be under there. Once I installed that gizmo, all I did was snap the fitting on and ran the drain hose through the wheel into a drain pan. I paid like $6 for it at walmart.

I like period accessories, even stupid or unnessisary ones. It's another aspect of collecting which is interesting. One guy I know collects different kinds of model t water pumps. He's got tons of them. Talk about something that is unneeded..

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by MikeK

I consider the 'modern' dizzy upper plate a dumb mod.

I've got to agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AL in NY]

If you'd like to cause yourself or your car physical harm, then go ahead and keep your stock two-blade fan. It was never designed to last this long!!!

[TDO]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I've got to agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also agree, and I did fall for it.

[Ken Ehrenhofer]

There are some great improvements to the Model A and you can decide for your self which are good and which are not so good........I think Henry made a pretty good car and I like to keep it that way. I had a two blade fan go flying past my head when I was working on a carb and recently found another cracked two blade just before starting it up (Thank you Lord) So all Model A's should not have original two blades unless you are showing and then only during the show period (we have lost to many radiators and hoods) I really like the Aluminum replacement as it looks correct under the hood (haven't lost one yet). As we get older maybe not getting down to drain the oil may be a help to some of us......Just my thoughts.......

[CarlG]

When I worked in an aircraft maintenance facility, it was not uncommon at all to see "remote" oil drain valves. Of course they had to be safety wired each time, don't want them coming open while in flight.

[George Miller]

I consider the 'modern' dizzy upper plate a dumb mod.


Yes we have help a few dead on the road with that so called modern upper plate.

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by TDO

I also agree, and I did fall for it.

Peer pressure was and still is high to use the make shift V8 setup. Use too., the first question was did I want to sell it. The second question was if I was using the modern points.

[Drive Shaft Dave]

While off topic, when changing the oil in my neibor lady's late model cub cadet lawn mower I couldn't believe the drain oil contraption it had on it, a plastic turn knob to let the oil drain out then when you are done , push and turn in, I shure wouldn't trust it. Plastic Piece of crap.

[28ACoupe]

juice brakes and the 12v conversions to be at the top of my list.

Oh, and the bulky, ugly turn signal contraption that a lot of people add to their cars on the steering column. Bleagh!