First Post! What can you tell me about 1931 Fords?!?

[chstitans42]

Because my neighbor is getting one shipped to her house and wants me to bring it back to life for her! Long story short, is the car was her fathers, and her grandfathers before that. I got a new engine sometime in the 50s, go rebuilt , run for a short time (like one hour) and then parked until now. Literally 55+ years. So things I would like to know seeing the oldest car I have worked on is my 1956 Cadillac:


1. Where is the best place to get parts for this car?
2. Where is the best place to get info on the car?
3. Does anyone know a website that is specifically dedicated to this era Ford?
4. And for fun, what would you do with this car?


I plan to take the "bringing back to life" slow and methodically. First engine, then trans, then brakes, then body, then interior etc etc. Below is the only pic I have, so let me know what you think!~

[daveymc29]

I'd start with the tires and work up through brakes and into changing all the fluids and do some tests to find out what I am working with. Get it running first, drive it some and do compression testing,then decide how much time and money is comfortable to put into it. This is a good site, as are mafca.com and many more that you will find guys list here. Cehck them all and get all the major catalogs, Brattons, Snyder, Berts, Mikes-A-Fordable, and more. Don't buy the latest shiny things and ask before you buy. Throw nothing away for a while, then very judiciously.

[mshmodela]

Nice car project. I like the customer serivce I receive from Snyders. I've only worked on Ford 8N tractor and my Model A... cannot comment on anything newer...

[TinCup]

All of your questions can be answered here. Take some time and use the search feature. You will find years of questions and answers about almost every subject about this car. Take the time to learn from this great collection of Model A fans.

[chstitans42]

Originally Posted by daveymc29

I'd start with the tires and work up through brakes and into changing all the fluids and do some tests to find out what I am working with. Get it running first, drive it some and do compression testing,then decide how much time and money is comfortable to put into it. This is a good site, as are mafca.com and many more that you will find guys list here. Cehck them all and get all the major catalogs, Brattons, Snyder, Berts, Mikes-A-Fordable, and more. Don't buy the latest shiny things and ask before you buy. Throw nothing away for a while, then very judiciously.

Awesome! Got all those catalogs ordered!

[Mike V. Florida]

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Originally Posted by chstitans42

Because my neighbor is getting one shipped to her house and wants me to bring it back to life for her! Long story short, is the car was her fathers, and her grandfathers before that. I got a new engine sometime in the 50s, go rebuilt , run for a short time (like one hour) and then parked until now. Literally 55+ years. So things I would like to know seeing the oldest car I have worked on is my 1956 Cadillac:


1. Where is the best place to get parts for this car?

Original parts Berts in denver, otherwise the closest vendor to you to save on shipping and to get it the fastest.

2. Where is the best place to get info on the car?

Here

3. Does anyone know a website that is specifically dedicated to this era Ford?

Various sites for various details

4. And for fun, what would you do with this car?

Drive it


I plan to take the "bringing back to life" slow and methodically. First engine, then trans, then brakes, then body, then interior etc etc. Below is the only pic I have, so let me know what you think!~

Dual wipers? The headlight buckets don't seem right or is it just the picyure.

[Scott NY]

Find Model A people that are near you, most would be glad to help you out

[NCDave]

Hello,
That looks like a great car. I have been messing around with my 1930 Model A since the seventies and I can say that some research on the car you have there is really the first order of business. Stating the obvious here but there is plenty of reference material on this website and others linked here, and the vendors sell all the how-to-do-it guides. When I purchased my car, there was no internet, only a few vendors, and no local club to ask, so you have a great advantage today. I have dealt mostly with Snyder's in Ohio in recent years and they are great. Bert's appears to have those original parts. One thing about these Model A vendors is that they will specify what is the best part for certain purposes, as in a show car, or just a daily driver.
If you are going to buy tires for the wheels you have now, go ahead and get good ones, such as the Goodyears sold by many of the vendors.
From my standpoint, I'd restore that car as a nice driver or showcar that can be driven; that is entirely an owner's decision, and will dictate what you have to do, but keeping it as original as practical would be my choice. There are still plenty of parts to do that.
I have to say I hope that that car does not end up like a similar 31 coupe on that TV show "Fast & Loud", where an apparently original Model A was chopped up and turned into a hot rod and painted some putrid green color. If one was going to create a hot rod, it is sad to see an original body and car destroyed in that manner, when there are plenty of reproduction bodies, frames, and parts to build a so-called Model A hot rod from scratch. Just my opinion. Have fun in any case.

[Purdy Swoft]

After having A rebuilt engine installed and only being run for one hour, then sitting for many years there is a good chance that some valves or the engine itself may be stuck. I say this because a tight fresh rebuild will stick way quicker than a well worn engine. I would first remove all of the spark plugs and see if the engine would make a complete turn with the hand crank. If this checks out my next move would be to turn the engine with the starter with all of the spark plugs still removed to give the engine the thumb compression check. With your thumb placed tightly over a spark plug hole, when the engine is on the compression stroke it will blow your thumb off the hole with a pop unless a valve is stuck in the open position. If all four check out, you will have compression and no stuck open valves. Usually I would recommend removing the distributor and pouring at least a quart of oil down the distributor hole to fill the valve chamber so that oil could run down through the passages to the bearings. Chances of the distributor being stuck to the head and breaking the distributor is pretty high on an engine that has sit for years. To avoid investing in a special distributor puller, turning the engine with the starter with the spark plugs removed will remove a lot of strain and the oil pump should pump plenty oil up to the valve chamber while doing the thumb tests. If all checksout my next move would be to sand the points contacts and check and adjust gap. Factory specs are anywhere from .018 to .022 Most opt for a happy medium of .020. If the carburetor isn't stopped up or the needle valve stuck and you've got good fuel flow to the carburetor , this should get it cranked. Of course before attempting to start the engine, fully retart the spark lever (all the way up) Turn the switch, pull the choke and hit the starter. The choke usualle only needs to be pulled for a short time or the engine will flood and fail to start. When it starts quickly advance the spark or the engine will likely go dead. After the engine starts and runs for a while, change the oil. There is no need to pour fresh oil in an engine before first finding out whether it is stuck and may require further dissassembly. This shoukld get you started. Remember, I'm not telling you what to do, this is just what I would do. Other things can be addressed later , as this could go on and on. Good luck .

[Purdy Swoft]

Oh yes, Nice looking A for a start !!!

[chstitans42]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

After having A rebuilt engine installed and only being run for one hour, then sitting for many years there is a good chance that some valves or the engine itself may be stuck. I say this because a tight fresh rebuild will stick way quicker than a well worn engine. I would first remove all of the spark plugs and see if the engine would make a complete turn with the hand crank. If this checks out my next move would be to turn the engine with the starter with all of the spark plugs still removed to give the engine the thumb compression check. With your thumb placed tightly over a spark plug hole, when the engine is on the compression stroke it will blow your thumb off the hole with a pop unless a valve is stuck in the open position. If all four check out, you will have compression and no stuck open valves. Usually I would recommend removing the distributor and pouring at least a quart of oil down the distributor hole to fill the valve chamber so that oil could run down through the passages to the bearings. Chances of the distributor being stuck to the head and breaking the distributor is pretty high on an engine that has sit for years. To avoid investing in a special distributor puller, turning the engine with the starter with the spark plugs removed will remove a lot of strain and the oil pump should pump plenty oil up to the valve chamber while doing the thumb tests. If all checksout my next move would be to sand the points contacts and check and adjust gap. Factory specs are anywhere from .018 to .022 Most opt for a happy medium of .020. If the carburetor isn't stopped up or the needle valve stuck and you've got good fuel flow to the carburetor , this should get it cranked. Of course before attempting to start the engine, fully retart the spark lever (all the way up) Turn the switch, pull the choke and hit the starter. The choke usualle only needs to be pulled for a short time or the engine will flood and fail to start. When it starts quickly advance the spark or the engine will likely go dead. After the engine starts and runs for a while, change the oil. There is no need to pour fresh oil in an engine before first finding out whether it is stuck and may require further dissassembly. This shoukld get you started. Remember, I'm not telling you what to do, this is just what I would do. Other things can be addressed later , as this could go on and on. Good luck .

This is the type of reply I was looking for! Thank you so much for taking the time to type all of this! Im sure I will have plenty of questions for months to come!

[NCDave]

Originally Posted by chstitans42

This is the type of reply I was looking for! Thank you so much for taking the time to type all of this! Im sure I will have plenty of questions for months to come!

All well and good to check if stuck, but I would bet that gas tank has rust and the carb is going to have to be degummed first before it will start after 55 years.

I stick by my original advice, although it is tempting to jump right in.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Studying the exploded views in the parts catalogs helps take the "mystery" out of stuff. Also, find the specification pages, lots of good info there.
Claude found an old "A" that had been stored MANY years & the owner had drained all the fluids & pumped oil into the cylinders & put steel wool in the exhaust pipe & in the carb inlet. Guess what? They drove it out of the garage in just over AN HOUR!!!
Bill W.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by chstitans42

Because my neighbor is getting one shipped to her house and wants me to bring it back to life for her! Long story short, is the car was her fathers, and her grandfathers before that. I got a new engine sometime in the 50s, go rebuilt , run for a short time (like one hour) and then parked until now. Literally 55+ years. So things I would like to know seeing the oldest car I have worked on is my 1956 Cadillac:


1. Where is the best place to get parts for this car?
2. Where is the best place to get info on the car?
3. Does anyone know a website that is specifically dedicated to this era Ford?
4. And for fun, what would you do with this car?


I plan to take the "bringing back to life" slow and methodically. First engine, then trans, then brakes, then body, then interior etc etc. Below is the only pic I have, so let me know what you think!~

1. Previous posts have listed the best places around the country to get parts but it is also good to know about nearby sources where you can drop in and buy a spark plug when you need one in a hurry. You should post your general location and see what is suggested as local sources. Having your general location also lets people tell you about upcoming local swap meets and car shows. Also remember that some vendors are better for certain parts, for example at this point I would only buy headlight reflectors from Bratton's (at least until they start wholesaling their reflectors to others suppliers).
2. Probably the best single source of info is the combined judging standards for the two national clubs, they are at mafca.com and modelaford.org. You can buy directly from the clubs or many of the suppliers carry them.
3. The only site I know dedicated to specifically the Model A is AHOOGA.COM. Fordbarn covers most years but has breakout for the Model A. I prefer the fordbarn as it has much more activity than AHOOGA. You should be looking at both.
4. I would do exactly what you stated. Be sure to finish one project before you start another. If you try and do everything at once you will become overwhelmed and loose interest.

and finally, find a local Model A club and attend a few meetings.

Charlie Stephens

[Purdy Swoft]

Bill is right on!!!!!!! Of course you've got to check the common sense stuff. I said above if the carburetor wasn't stopped up and you have gas flow. By all means check and blow through the fuel lines and check for flow . If it has the original carburetor, it is very simple and has one bolt that holds the two halves together. I would always do a quick dissassembly and check the common sense stuff with the carb and fuel system with anything that has sit up for a long period of time. As Bill says the parts catalogs have great exploded views of all of the parts. Brattons catalog has some of the best diagrams and in most cases better how to details than some of the expensive how to books . By all means get both Snyders and Brattons catalogs, they are both free. Brattons toll free number is 800-255-1929 . Snyders toll free number is 888-262-5712 Both of these places sell the best reproduction parts that are available. Berts in Denver has probably the largest collection of good used and new old stock parts in the world, they also have the new reproduction parts. Berts toll free number is 800-321-1931 .

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by chstitans42

This is the type of reply I was looking for! Thank you so much for taking the time to type all of this! Im sure I will have plenty of questions for months to come!

Ok if this is really what you are looking for;

REMOVING A MODEL A FORD FROM MOTHBALLS
GETTING IT READY FOR SHOW, OR TOURING
by Milton J. Webb

It takes more than a can of gas and a new battery to prepare a Model A Ford to go on the road, or to get it ready for sale.

This article provides some remedies to get your Model A going on the road. If you're mechanically restoring your Model A, or you need technical detail on "How To", get your Model A on the road, be sure to review the reference material at the end of this article.

You always hear, "It ran OK 10 years ago!" In my experience, it takes all the checks, cleaning, repairs, and adjustments outlined below to get through the first mile!

Here's how!

STARTING SYSTEM

Install a new 6V battery, using the positive post as ground polarity. Remove and clean the ground strap bolt on the frame. Install a second ground strap from the frame to a transmission bolt. Use a heavy woven-style cable or a #1 gauge cable with flat ends. Loosen one mounting bolt on the starter and re-tighten. This breaks corrosion, if any.

Remove the starter switch button on top of the starter. Sand the starter button and starter switch contacts to shiny clean.

Install a new #1 gauge cable, from the battery to the starter switch. Old cables are usually corroded even when you cannot see the green corrosion.

Caution: Do not use 12-volt cables on a six volt system. Twelve-volt cables are too small and will get warm or hot during cranking, plus the cranking speed may be very slow. I have experienced Model A 6-volt starters cranking at 4.8 volts with a 12-volt [small] battery cable. With a heavy duty ground cable [one gauge], the cranking voltage increased to 5.2 volts!

It is best to test the starting system with a digital voltmeter. For best results, acceptable six-volt system voltage drops during cranking readings are:
Cable, batt. to starter switch0.2 volt max
Cable, batt. Pos.[+] to engine 0.2 volt max
Battery, pos. to neg.5.0 volts min
Starter draw [6-volt]300 amps max
If the current draw is over 300 amps on a 6-volt system, have the starter re-built.
The cranking rhythm should be smooth and energetic sounding.

IGNITION SYSTEM

Test the ignition system by holding the coil [out of the distributor cap] wire ¼ inch from ground. Crank the engine with the key on. The spark is very good if it is blue and will jump at least ¼ inch. It's better if it jumps 3/8 inch. If it's orange, it will be a weak spark. Test and service the ignition system as follows:
Make sure the spark plug wiring straps are intact.

Loosen the distributor lock nut and set screw; remove the distributor. Note the offset blade on the end of the distributor shaft. Rotor location will be re-established after replacement using the timing bolt on the front timing case cover.

In some cases, the distributor housing will be rusted into the head. Using two large screw- drivers, gently pry distributor body up. Have helper gently tap the distributor with a light hammer as you lift it with the two screwdrivers.

Remove the distributor cap, points, condenser, the upper distributor plate, and the lower distributor plate.

Check the primary insulation washers on the lower plate using an ohmmeter. The ohmmeter should read infinity ['1' or 'OL' on the highest resistance scale] between the lower distributor plate and ground on the plate. If resistance or continuity exists in the pigtail insulation washers, replace the lower plate.

Also check the upper plate insulation on the point pivot. The resistance must be infinity between the upper plate and the point contact spring, with the points open. This ensures there is no short to ground.

Both the upper and lower plate must pass these tests. If resistance exists, on these tests, a weak or no spark will prevent startup!

Install new points on the upper distributor plate. Make sure the point screws and nuts are tightened during installation. Test for shorts again as described above. Test with points closed. The ohmmeter reading should be aero or less than 0.3 ohms [digital ohmmeter]. This ensures good point contact.
Distributor plates for modern points and condenser are available from Model A parts houses.

Install the lower plate and the condenser [original style]. If using modern points and new condenser on the upper plate, leave the original style condenser out.

If you are using the original style ground point contact, make sure the distributor point block clamp is not cracked. Tighten the 'fillister' screw to just jam the ground point contact screw.

The Model A point gap spec is 0.018-0.022 inches. Adjust to wider spec [0.022 inches]. This allows for rubbing block 'wear-in'. Also note, as the rubbing block wears in, point cap closes up [dwell increases], resulting in a slight timing retard.

Temporarily tighten the distributor cam screw. Screw in ignition cable by rotating the distributor three to four complete turns or until the threads are hand tight. Re-install distributor aligning the offset slot on the distributor shaft. With aligned slots, the distributor locking pin should drop in. Re-install the distributor locking screw [tight] and then lock the jam nut.

The cylinder head hole, the distributor body, and the set screw must be shiny clean prior to installation to maintain a good ignition electrical ground back to the battery (+).

Rub a small amount of 'cam lube' or 'dielectric grease' on the cam leaving a small blob behind the point arm rubbing block.

Check the coil polarity. In a Model A, the wiring from the starter switch is connected to the coil (-). The coil (+) is routed to the ignition switch. From the switch, the primary wire goes to the distributor.

If this is not wired correctly, coil maximum and reserve voltage may be low resulting in ignition misfire under load.

With the engine off, retard the spark lever [up]. Remove the timing pin and re-install with the round point facing inward to camshaft. Watch out for the fan while cranking to locate the timing notch.

With key off, crank engine by 'bumping' starter switch. Note, the rotor turns counter-clockwise. Crank engine with starter until you feel the timing pin drop into the notch; it may jump on past as you bump the starter. Stop at this point and put transmission into high gear. Have your helper push the car backwards, just a little, to turn the engine. As you push it backwards you will again feel the timing pin drop in and slip by just a little. Then push car forward very easily until the pin just drops in. This forward motion also removes all gear lash for timing accuracy. Put transmission in neutral, so the engine won't turn during your adjustment of the distributor cam. Also, don't crank with starter at this time.
Now, the distributor is set up to fire number one cylinder.

Loosen the cam screw. Install rotor and rotate cam until it points to number one in the distributor cap. This is about the 'four o'clock' position in the distributor cap as you look towards the right side of the engine.

Remove rotor. Turn cam [screw loose] until points just start to open on number one cylinder. Remember, the cam will be turning in the counter-clockwise direction. Tighten cam screw gently trying not to turn the cam on the distributor shaft. The shaft will turn in the clockwise direction as you tighten the screw. For now, this is good enough to start the engine. If the timing is too slow or too fast, minor adjustments can be made later during final tune-up adjustments.
ENGINE CHECKS

Remove the spark plugs and measure the compression. Continually crank the engine until the compression pressure has built up four times. Record the compression pressure of each cylinder. A good engine should crank up to 90% of the specified pressure. If the variation from cylinder to cylinder is over 10%, consider a valve job. Most early Model A engines should crank up to at least 65 psi. Check the reference specifications for acceptable compression pressures.

Insert a couple of oil squirts into each cylinder. Crank for 30 seconds. Then check compression again.
If compression is still uneven, valves are burnt or sticking open.

If all cylinders increase far above the 'dry' check, the rings may be weak. After running the engine, test compression again.

When sitting in mothballs for years, the rings may 'glaze', and there may be lots of soft carbon in the combustion chambers. After running, the compression may improve.

Drain the oil. Install pan plug using a small amount of RTV gasket maker on the washer. If previous engine history is unknown, install five quarts of 30-wt non-detergent oil. If the engine is newly re-built, install five quarts of 20-50 weight oil.

If the old oil is 'jelly' or 'syrup' let it drain overnight. I do not recommend a flush. Clean new oil will provide a good flush.

You may want to review other references for the pros and cons on 20-50 wt oil. I have never experienced any engine problems using 20-50 wt oil on newly rebuilt old car engines or in engines sitting for 10 years. Clean oil is the key!

After running car 100 miles, change oil again. If the engine exhaust emits white oily-smelling smoke, change oil again. If white oily smoke continues, it's time for an overhaul with new rings.
After start up, let engine warm up for one minute at around 1000 RPM.

Increase the RPM to 1500 and hold it steady. Then, short each cylinder, one at a time, to detect rod bearing knock. Rev the engine to a steady 1500 RPM [the exact RPM doesn't matter, just hold it steady with the hand throttle. Then short each spark plug wire with a screwdriver to the cylinder head. The RPM will drop on the shorted cylinder. If the knock diminishes, it's loose. It should be adjusted (remove shims)]. If the rod knock(s) continue with a warm engine, the rods are loose. Refer to engine re-build manuals for adjustment procedures and correct bearing clearance.
COOLING SYSTEM

Drain coolant water and re-fill. Add a cup of Sta-Lube 'soluble oil' [order from NAPA stores]
.
If the radiator tubes are rusted on the top end, remove radiator and have it professionally flow-checked, rodded-out, or flushed at a radiator shop.

If the engine loses water and emits white steam like smoke, try a 'block sealer'. If it doesn't stop smoking, check head gasket and/or for cracked head. Surface the head and install a new head gasket. Clean studs thoroughly right down to the block. Clean the head bolt holes using a 15/32 drill bit in a drill.

Check the fan blade for fatigue-type cracks near the center hub and in the flat surfaces. If in doubt, replace fan blade with a two-blade aluminum fan blade.

Beware, if it breaks, you won't believe the noise it can make, and it may go through the hood! It may also break the water pump!
FUEL SYSTEM

In the fuel system, checks should include the fuel tank, fuel lines, filter, carburetor, and intake manifold leaks.

Start at the fuel tank. If it's full of flaky rust inside, or there is 'algae' and/or it has rust holes in the tank bottom, have it restored professionally or replace the tank.

Use aviation, gas-resistant sealant on the threads. Do not get sealant inside gas passages.

Do not use 'Teflon' tape. Gasoline will dissolve the tape, and it may cause flooding problems.
Pour in one gallon of gas and test for leaks.
Disassemble carburetor and clean in carburetor cleaner.
Replace the needle valve and seat with a new needle and seat.

Test the float [brass] in hot water. If small bubbles escape while immersed, the float is defective. Replace it! Adjust the float level to one inch [Zenith] from the float seam to the machined surface of the carburetor top surface.

On Zenith carburetors the cap and main jet tip must be at the middle of the venturi for correct operation and fuel atomization. If not, full throttle power will suffer.
Install a new gasket kit.

Carburetor repair books and gasket kits detail bench adjustments. They also show 'exploded' views of parts. Adjust float level exactly to specifications.
Pre-set the carburetor idle mixture screws one turn out from seat for start-up.

Flush the entire fuel system with new gas before final hookup. Install carburetor fuel line and a new in-line filter. With line disconnected at carburetor, turn gas jet on and flow gas into a plastic jar until clean. This is all very necessary to minimize carburetor flooding.
TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL

Drain gear oil from the transmission and differential. Install 600 wt. [as specified] gear oil to the fill plug level. Do not flush. You may want to change the gear oil again after 100 miles. During a second refill, you may want to consider adding gear oil additives to reduce gear noise. If the transmission howls or jumps out of gear and/or the differential whines, re-build these units as specified in other references. Be sure you understand gear dimension tolerances. Consider professional help in solving difficult noise or shifting problems. STEERING


Start with the steering gear box. Fill the steering box with 600 wt [as specified] gear oil.
If it leaks out, consider complete re-build.
Tighten the steering gear housing mounting bolts to the frame. Many times they are loose!
Check the pitman arm on the shaft. Many times the clamp bolt and nut, and arm are loose on the steering shaft. Oil threads and tighten clamp bolt and nut. FRONT AXLE
On Model A's, test the drag link ball caps for looseness by turning the steering wheel free play [wheels on ground]. Put your finger between the cap and the steering arm. If there is 'slop' [more than 1/32 inch] remove cotter pin and tighten the big slotted screw.

The end plug should be screwed in until it contacts the spring, and then turned in about one turn more.

If drag or tie rod link binds as you turn the wheel [wheels off ground], loosen screw.

On the connecting link tie rod ends, the adjustments are the same as the drag link.

If binding occurs, disassemble each tie rod and inspect for flat spots on the ball. If worn, replace appropriate parts. If flat spots, left as is, hard steering may result.

Check the radius rod 'wishbone' ball and cap. If less than 1/64 inch play side-to-side when turning the steering wheel [front wheels on ground], grease wishbone ball cap, tighten and /or replace studs, springs, and nuts. The wishbone ball must be tight in the socket with no side-to-side play. Install cotter pins.
Disconnect the brake rod and loosen brake adjuster until wheel turns freely.

Remove and inspect the front wheel bearings. Clean bearings in solvent ['paint thinner', not lacquer thinner]. Blow dry with air and then wash in solvent, again. If rollers are pitted, replace bearings and cups [races]. Do not spin bearing with air.

Grease bearings using moly wheel bearing grease. Install inner wheel bearing into the axle shaft. Install hub on spindle shaft and install outer wheel bearing.

Tighten axle nut until snug and back off until light bearing play exists. Tighten nut to line up cotter pin slots. Bearing play should be just snug without wheel binding.

Turn wheel [off ground]. If it stops abruptly, loosen nut one more notch and re-test for free turning.

Lastly, test the spindle and bushings [king pins] for end [up and down] play and for vertical plane play [wheels off ground].

In the vertical plane check [wheels off ground], grab the top and bottom of the tire and wiggle in and out. If the in and out movement at the spindle [king pin] bushing is more than 1/64 inch [0.015"] the spindle pin bushings are very loose and should be replaced.

Next, test the bushing end play [up and down movement in the vertical plane]. The end play clearance should be zero. Test by placing a tire iron under the tire [wheels off the ground]. If end play clearance is greater than 0 [like 0.010", 0.015"], replace king pins, bearings, and end play shims.
Grease all the fittings with moly lube.
Test for wheel runout as discussed below in the wheel section.

Test for camber, caster, and toe-in ['gather']. Make a 'plumb bob' with a string and a nut tied to one end. Measure camber by holding the string at the top outer surface of tire. Move forward until string clears the hub cap. The horizontal measurement at the bottom should be around ¼ inch, wheels on the ground. This is around ½ degree of positive camber.

Measure the 'gather' [toe-in] by holding a tape measure the inside front rim edge about halfway up from the ground. Measure distance to same spot on other rim. Move the tape measure to the inside rear rim edge. The 'toe-in' should be around 1/16 - 3/16 inch. For example, if the front measures 53½ inches and the back is 53_ inches, the toe-in is 1/2_ inch.

Many times, the toe-in measurement will be ½ inch toe-in or up to ½ inch toe-out! Needless to say, the car will wander all over and severe tire wear will occur if the above toe measurements are incorrect.
The above checks and procedures are necessary to get your Model A on the road.

Review the service manuals for more accurate and detailed procedures to measure camber, caster, and toe [gather].
WHEELS
The wheel(s) may be slightly out of true in the vertical plane.
Check for out of round and cracks on steel rim or wire wheels used from 1928 to 1932. The wheels are useable, if runout is not over 1/16 inch in the vertical plane and/or out of round. Check tires for out of round and balance.
REAR AXLE, and DRIVE SHAFT
Grease the drive shaft front bearing with moly grease.

Test the rear axle up and down play with wheels off the ground. Any play up and down up to 0.005 inches is OK. Test the play with a tire iron on the bottom side of the tire using the iron as a lever. Lift it up and down. If it's over 0.005 inches, it's loose! The hub [wheel], roller bearings, or axle housing may be worn. Check service manuals for specifications.

On tapered axle shafts, jack up one side. Install a rear axle hub puller on opposite axle shaft. Tighten the puller bolt to the end of the axle shaft. Strike heavy blows on end of the puller bolt with a 'sledge' hammer. If really tight, re-check puller bolt. If, after three hard blows, it is not loose, install a Ford 'wheel puller' to remove the hub.

While the hub and bearing is off the axle, check the axle end play. If over 1/32 inch [0.031"], it's excessive. If left this way, the axle may shift in and out causing the drum to rub the brake lining edges. It may squeal!

Grease the rear axle bearings with heavy duty gear oil. Install new grease seals. Leave drum off to check brakes.
BRAKE CHECKS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Play it safe! Brakes must be installed and adjusted according to specifications.
Remove all brake drums
Check the brake shoe lining and drums for grooves.

If grease is on the brake lining surface or lining is worn to the rivet heads, replace lining.

Do not use bonded lining on old 'soft' drums. The drums will score. Use original-style woven lining and rivets. Follow specifications for correct thickness, width, and length. Review Model A car repair manuals for procedures and adjustments.

In all cases, have the lining professionally drilled and riveted with brake machinery. Don't skimp and do it 'by hand'! It will work loose! There goes your safety factor!
Oil brake arm lever and roller pins. Oil all brake rod pivot points.

Prepare rear axles. Remove axle burrs and shine taper surfaces with 80 grit-type sand paper. Peen the outer end of the axle keyway. Insert the axle key by tapping into the burr. You don't want this to move when installing the wheel hub. Clean axle threads with nut to clean thread.

Lightly oil axle surface, axle thread, and nut for a better mating of parts. Install hub and drum. Rotate drum. If you hear a metal scraping, it may be the brake lining edge rubbing the drum. Remove hub and install an axle shim lightly coated with oil. Re-check for scraping sound.

The oiled axle shaft surfaces will provide a better seating of the hub on the axle. Install the hub, axle key, and nut. Torque nut lightly [for now].
With brake rods disconnected, adjust the brakes to a very light drag.

Follow manufacturer's specifications when re-connecting brake rods. Check cross shaft-lever-arm angles. If this is not right, brake performance will be poor.

On Model A front brakes, the brake front lever must be at a forward tilt about 1/4 inch from vertical. If not, remove drum and install new operator actuator pins or cup-shaped shims on the old pins. Re-install drum. Check brake lever angle again. Make sure the shoe adjustment is at a light drag with the brake rod disconnected when making these checks. Brake lever should only move about 1/4 inch back to lock the drum.

After adjusting the brake shoes to a light drag, adjust brake rods to fit the brake arm with the mechanical lash removed. Push brake pedal 1". The rear wheels should have a distinct equal drag. Adjust rear rods for same drag on back wheels.

Push brake pedal 2". Rear wheels should lock when trying to turn by hand. Adjust the front wheel rods until the brakes just drag.
Be sure brakes are free and releasing with pedal released.

As new brake lining high spots wear in, re-adjust brakes at backing plate for equal drag.

If all the above adjusts out as discussed above, tighten brake rod clevis jam nuts, oil clevis pins, and install cotter pins in clevis pins.

Torque the rear axle nuts to 100 foot pounds, align the cotter pin slots, and insert the cotter pin. Re-check torque after 100 miles.
LUBRICATION

Follow the Model A specifications on lubrication. If running gear is lubricated, wear is minimized.

Beware, after long storage, grease congeals in joints. Ports in grease fittings may plug up. Many spring and steering systems and joints may be dry and rusty after many years of sitting.

I have experienced systems that were cleaned only during restoration or after long storage, but never disassembled for wear inspection and lubrication during re-assembly! If you find one joint with rust, no grease or a plugged grease fitting, you can bet most joints will be in this poor condition.
Good lubrication leads to long and safe touring.

The special grease fitting tip is available at Model A parts houses. Some Model As have been converted to the 'zerk'-type grease fitting. Grease guns can be converted to either style.
START UP

Now, for the big test! If all the above has been performed with good repair practice and adjusted to specification, your car should start in 5-10 seconds and almost be ready to drive on tour! The order of start up and drive events are as follows:
Turn idle mixture screw one turn out
Turn choke rod ½ turn open
Crank and start [pull choke rod momentarily while cranking
Test for rod knocks, cold engine
Test for vacuum leaks
Drive car, test shifting and clutch
Drive car, test brakes [light application]
Drive car, test for front wheel "shimmy"
Test for overheating

Clean car, detail it, or Drive car on tour!

With gas at half throttle and full spark retard, crank engine for five seconds. During crank, momentarily choke.

Upon start up, be prepared to choke slightly as the engine begins to rev up. If it's 'sputtering', open choke [no choke] to let engine rev up more. To lean the mixture, gently push choke in. Advance the spark halfway.

Return to idle slowly. Adjust idle throttle screw and idle mixture screw to maintain good idle smoothness.
Adjust idle mixture to peak idle RPM. During warm up, rev engine to around 1200 RPM. Leave it at a steady RPM. Listen for knock(s). At 1200 RPM, short [with a screwdriver], one spark plug at a time. That cylinder should drop in RPM. Simultaneously, listen for knock while the spark plug is shorted. If the knock goes away while shorting out the cylinder, the rod is loose. Perform the same test on the remaining cylinders. After a long warm up, perform the same rod knock test, again. If it still knocks, the rod(s) is/(are) very loose. Sometimes, single disk clutches will stick on the transmission spline or to the flywheel surface. Adjust clutch for one inch of 'free' play with engine off. If it doesn't release, stop engine. Put transmission in high gear, set emergency brake, depress clutch pedal, and crank engine to start. If it won't crank, or it drags during crank, replace clutch! Test for vacuum leaks by spraying water on the two intake ports. If RPM changes and intake leak exists, install new gaskets. READY FOR ROAD TEST Now the big plunge! You're ready for the road! If you are not experienced in driving Model A Ford cars, ask an experienced friend who regularly drives on tours to drive your car the first time. Engage reverse gear gently and back out of the driveway. Take off slowly in first gear, shift to second, and then high gear. Double clutch to minimize gear clashing. Note how smooth the shift is! If it chatters, the disk may be 'hanging up' or it may have oil on it. I have experienced 'chattering' clutches. But, after only a few shifts, the clutch may get smoother. By now, you have been applying the brakes gently, noting pull. At 30 MPH in high gear, let off the throttle and push foot brake to lock the wheels [panic stop]. Be prepared for a pull to right or left. If it pulls to the right, adjust the left front clevis pin one turn tighter and re-install cotter pin. Try panic stop again. If you cannot get equal pull, re-line brakes as discussed in brake section. Test for shimmy [wobble] at low speed. Proceed over chuck holes slowly [5 MPH]. If shimmy develops, re-check front end looseness and alignment checks, as outlined in the 'Front Axle' section. Test the radiator. If it boils on a cool day during these pre-tour tests, consider a 'flat tube' radiator re-core or a new radiator. Run car at 50 mph. If steering wheel feels like a 'shimmy', balance wheels.

[Skibb]

Welcome CSTITANS42

Thank you for efforts in restoring a Model a and compliments to the Grand Daughter and new owner.

IMHO most vendors who sell Model A parts have parts that will fit or work (sometimes). However, those that care most about the parts they are sending you are (yes, I know some people are going to yelp): Brattons, Berts, Snyders and a couple of small places that are I can't remember - I have 42 in my birthdate. As parts get shipped, do as MikeV said about those closer to you the better given they are one of above. I ask when ordering if they have USPS available for my order, the savings is substantial.

Good luck. The"Barn" is super for help with restorations like yours. Don't hesitate to ask.

[chstitans42]

Originally Posted by Skibb

Welcome CSTITANS42

Thank you for efforts in restoring a Model a and compliments to the Grand Daughter and new owner.

IMHO most vendors who sell Model A parts have parts that will fit or work (sometimes). However, those that care most about the parts they are sending you are (yes, I know some people are going to yelp): Brattons, Berts, Snyders and a couple of small places that are I can't remember - I have 42 in my birthdate. As parts get shipped, do as MikeV said about those closer to you the better given they are one of above. I ask when ordering if they have USPS available for my order, the savings is substantial.

Good luck. The"Barn" is super for help with restorations like yours. Don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! Seems like an excellent forum to be a part of!! Mike V, I really really hope you didn't type all the out and used the copy and past function! Thanks everyone for their help so far and Stay tuned for videos on the car!

[newshirt]

When I got my car four years ago it sounded like more like an threshing machine than a car. Part of that was the squeaks, knocks, engine roar, and other unfamiliar sounds... and part was my unfamiliarity with 85 year old cars. It took me a long time to trust the beast. At first, I would not drive 1 mile from home, and always alerted my wife when leaving the house. Get the tow strap ready... I'm going out! And every person I gave rides to had that same first impression. Too rickety. Too scary. Will it stop? Go more than a mile? Want another ride? No thanks. Eesh!

But I stuck with it. I'd drive it 2 - 3 miles every day. Then 10 - 20. And finally a hundred miles! Now I feel comfortable driving a thousand. Zero expectation of failure. I drive it every week, for long distances without a tick. And I read fordbarn every day to learn what I can do to make it even more reliable.

I tried to suggest this "getting used to it slowly" strategy to local club members, but they won't do it. Too afraid. Might break down. Leave me stranded. Best leave it in the garage where it's safe.

Too bad for them.

You'll learn a lot about the car just by driving!

[Bob C]

I don't know if it was mentioned but some good books to get are "Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook Vol. 1", "Model A Guidelines & Judging Standards", and
"Model A Ford Service Bulletins".

Bob