Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Hi,

I touched the topic before, but now things are getting a bit more serious:

Background:
I want to drive my old rusty, banged up Ford Model A across USA with some simple tools and spares in the trunk and just see what happens along the road. The main idea is to make road side fixes with available spares. If my radiator fails I plan on getting a modern radiator from a scrap yard and attach it in front of the original one with strips and so forth (one example). I have bicycled 4 times across USA with my tent and sleeping bag so I am fairly experienced. I have never driven a Ford A before on a long distance - it is still min my garage and being fixed but I am keen to take up the challenge.

Reason:
For the hell of it and because I need adventure. Life is filled with too much internet, social media - I need to get back to the basics of life.

Logistics:
Because I live in Denmark, the car is being shipped with a roro ferry from Bremerhaven in Germany to New York (Newark). There are 2 unloadings each month as I remember and shipping will take 10 days. The car is registered on Danish license plates but I contacted Hagerty and they can insure it without problems for 1-2 months. The plan is to sell the car in USA after completion of my trip and thus I need to pay some import tax - unfortunately, because I am not taking the car with me again as a tourist.

Time and duration:
Summer 2015 and a duration of approx 1 month.

Route:
I am looking at 2 route options.
a) The Lincoln Highway from New York to San Fransisco. https://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/map/ This is considered the easy option.
b) The Transamerica Trail with a special connection from New York/DC to the beginning in Virginia and ending in Oregon http://www.transamtrail.com/ This is considered the difficult option because: It is a motorcycle off road route following as many dirt roads as possible crossing America. This route will be the closest to what the Ford Model A experienced in the days when it was produced in the 1930s. So I consider it somehow very authentic. I am very sure that nobody has ever done that route in a Ford A. I know for sure there is an impassable small section somewhere in Colorado, otherwise the rest should be doable. It should be the greatest experience of a lifetime. BUT it will be extremely rocky. The nice thing about this route is that gas stations and motels are distributed evenly along the route.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lys6_-f1QZQ long video - use scroll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AObw4sFMdQ

Tracking:
To make the trip memorable and very interactive I am strongly considering the following:

Make a webpage where my route incl coordinates are logged automatically and in real time. At the same time I want to be able to upload pictures to the page using my tablet/smartphone. When family and friends AND of course fordbarners visit my page they should be able to see my exact position at all times and they can basically follow my journey. So every tie you come back to your computer the dot should have moved a bit West. When I meet people along the road I make pictures of them in front of the car and upload them to show small town america to everybody. I also consider that everybody who is interested and tag his/her name on my car for future luck and at the end the car is covered with names from all over America. I also consider putting the name of my webpage on the car so people can see my webpage when passing by using their smart phones - to see whats going on with that banged up rusty car amongst all those korean car that now fill the streets :-).

I also consider, but I don´t know if it is too pushy, to add some form of donation by means of paypal or some modern smart phone paying system. The idea is to donate "1 gallon of fuel" or donate 1 dollar for my expenses. I think that if people consider my journey being cool, it will not be a problem.

Hitchhiking:
I will try to pick up as many people as possible to give them the experience of driving such a vintage car. But maybe nobody wants to drive with me because the majority of Americans are obsessed with security, airbags, anti blocking brakes etc :-).

Meeting up:
All fordbarners along the route are welcome to join for as long as they want, but once my route and time plan is set there will be almost no deviation - except for breakdowns.

Question to fordbarners:
1. Any comments and suggestions to my adventure?
2. Does anybody have Ford A dirt road experience? How bad is it really? Is the transam trail a total no go?
3. Any fordbarner who could pick up the Ford A in Newark? The car has to pass through customs and needs to be picked up. I can do it myself but I am worried that there might be a problem with the paperwork and then the car is impounded for another week and that could be critical for the time plan. The thing is I am not into American customs regulations and their fancy rules - I just need a quick and rapid solution and get the car out on the streets and start driving. I know there are agents in the port who deal with this - I just need to be 100% sure that the car is ready for driving when I arrive.
4. I really like the idea of GPS tracking and making my trip interactive for people who are genuinely interested. But I also realize there might be a safety issue: Everybody can see online where I am and might harm me and the car - maybe because they don´t approve of me or whatever. For instance if a local sees my car, logs into the webpage and can see the motel I am staying at and starts harassing me. I don´t know if I am paranoid - but what do you think? Should I restrict access to the webpage or should it be fully open. I also do realize that a local newspaper might be interested and wants to do an interview.
5. If somebody could spare an imperial socket spanner set and a jack I would be happy because the car needs to be empty on the roro ship :-).

Lucas

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted on dates and routing info.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Lucas,


Since you are asking for comments...here's mine.

I would start by performing a complete checkout and repair of your car before you send it to USA. I would carry the books by Andrews and the service bulletins with you.

In short, I would have as my goal no roadside fixes on my trip and just want to "see" the beauty of this nations landscape and people as my first goal and use the Model A as a conversation starter with as many people as I could.

However, if your goal is to "challenge" yourself then by all means check the fluid levels and start the car in Newark. With a breakdown on the road in a major metro area you will have many life experiences that will be both good and bad.

Marc

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

You will also need TWO indispensable books:
1. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER of the Model A Ford Club of America
2. MEMBERSHIP ROSTER of the Model A Restorer's Club

These two books will be an invaluable source for both mechanical repair AND for social networking. A very large part of the Model A experience is meeting and enjoying the company of other like-minded people. For example, if you make it to Eureka, Calif, you would have a free stay (for both lodging, and repair if needed). I am sure you will find other offers along the road. Eureka is home to the Giant Redwood trees, and the largest Victorian Seaport on the West Coast.

Dirt roads won't be a problem for the Ford Model A. Thirty years ago I drove 10,000 miles to the Northern part of Alaska (from California); of which about 1,000 miles were on gravel roads. On my ranch I drive all the dirt roads with my Ford Model A. (pictured on Avitar to left of this post)

Language won't be a problem, as almost everyone in America speaks Danish as a Second Language, and a great many people, especially the older ones, speak English (well, "American"). But judging from your Forum writing skills I suspect that you are either an ex-pat. or a well-educated English speaker.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Sounds like a great trip. Go for greatness and take the difficult route. I'll throw in a few bucks.
Model A's were litterally built for dirt roads. Dont worry about that. Get the best tires available. A 4 speed transmission would help on the rock climbing, it will climb anything. Spent my teenage years driving a 4 speed coupe all over logging trails. West of the Rockies it can get lonely so don't count on scrap yards. They are getting hard to find, and bad things usually happen where there is no help.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Roster. Chickens aren't much help.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Know where the major Model A suppliers are with respect to your chosen route. You may need a critical part fast. Additionally, it might be educational from a Model A perspective to stop at one or two of them, e.g., Berts in the Denver area.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

For the hell of it is reason enough! Look forward to reading about your trip!

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Make Bert's in Denver part of your trip. They will have almost any Model A part you could need, and even if you don't need a part, the visit will be worth the stop.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Sounds like a dream trip!

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Good Luck to You!!!
I think that would be a Wonderful way to Enjoy The Ford Model A!!!
You might be Surprised to make the Journey without any Breakdowns!!!

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Contact Sammy Guthrie at AZ Model A, Chandler, AZ (1-480)-782-0266 for info about car shipping and clearing Customs; Juggler is here now and knows the ropes.

I may be able to put you up overnight if you come through Tucson to see a Third World city, but bring your bike because by then cars may be prohibited outright by our local authorities or impracticable because of the let-them-return-to-desert policy of our local governments with regard to roads (bike paths galore though!).

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Forgot to mention, I have considerable off-road experience in my A on decent single and double track dirt roads, mostly National Forest and ranch roads including some in our Patagonia Mountains, but it is slow going and navigation can be a problem without GPS, good maps, and timely information. I have safely been through areas where 4 wheel drive is typically necessary in a modern vehicle.

A few years ago I set out to cross a range south of Tucson (near Elephant Head) on marked Forest roads but did not realize that a 40 foot or so section of it went through private property (not indicated on the maps) and the rancher had erected an impassable barrier because he was fed up with the bad manners (like leaving livestock gates open) of the Border Patrol who used it watch (but not interdict) smugglers transiting through...the Forest Service info to this day says it is open. New roads also appear out of nowhere in some places due to smugglers....so get a good GPS.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Some of us in the US run alternators instead of generators. They seem to have less problems.
A lot of people have installed another taillight on the rear fender, turn signals, seatbelts, spare tire or innertube.
Before you reach our shores with your A I would be sure that all lights, horn, brakes, etc are in good working order.
And don't forget the bailing wire and duct tape. Enjoy your adventure. Ken

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

If possible take an interested friend, and Good luck.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Didn't you mean to say "Spanish"??

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

P.S. - "Didn't you mean to say "Spanish"??
_____________________________________________

No, I did not. I meant Danish.
Don't they speak Danish in your part of the country ?

If he had been from Ireland, I would have said 'Gaelic'.
If he had been from the Vatican, I would have said 'Latin'.
But he was writing from Denmark, so I said 'Danish'.

Here in Southern California I have never heard "Spanish" spoken.

- Doug Vieyra, Solvang, CA

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Brilliant, great advice in the other posts, I'd also let the TV channels such as Discovery & Nat Geo know what you are doing, plus the local news stations along the way?

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/data:i...AREQAREQB//9k=
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/data:i...AREQAREQB//9k=

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

You might want to contact the Travel Channel as they might underwrite the entire trip. However having a camera crew and producer come along would change the trip from fun to work - never mind!

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Wow! Make sure you have some modern media to keep us posted on your trip. Get a MAFCA and MARC roster so you have people if you need help along the way.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

That was my first thought. It sounded like you almost wanted a breakdown. But you may drive right through without incident.

If that sounds too boring, there are forest roads all throughout the Rocky Mountains. We call them fire roads. All dirt, mostly marked, some four-wheel-drive only, many dead-ends. You could get lost, or wear out your brakes, or get stuck, or run out of water, or be attacked by a bear. That might be an adventure! :)

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

I will be watching for you as you approach the West coast. Since you are planning on the Lincoln highway you will be going right by where we are. I might suggest you invest in a GoPro or similar video camera so you can upload some of the trip. They are small and light weight. Also regarding tools you might want to look for a Barcalo combination wrench that was sold by Western Auto back when the Model A was new. It fits all the service points and adjusts the brakes so one tool covers most of what you need to check fluids etc.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

I doubt you will have any trouble posting real time, but you might think about having the info delayed a day or two just to be sure. You might get a GoPro to capture parts of the trip.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

marc hildebrandt: I have all 3 Les Andrews books and used them a lot. I almost built the car up from scratch because it was a barn find. It is truly my goal to have no fixes at all - and I will prepare as much as possible - but you never know :-)

dougvieyra: Can the roster books be downloaded as a PDF file? I am not an ex-pat, but massively improved my skills writing 6 scientific papers during my PhD.

pc/sr: As much as I would like to, I dont think I will be able to find a 4 speed transmission.

Rich in Tucson: A lot of your info eases my mind :-).

Kenwood: The car will have a mandatory saftety check by the authorities in Denmark where brakes, lights etc are checked. In Denmark it is impossible to restore a car and just start driving.

KR500: Sadly I dont know of anyone who is interested in such endavors. But to be positive - traveling alone increases the chances of meeting locals tremendously.

pgerhardt: True, it should not be work, but fun :-).

Lucas

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Sounds like fun! Some suggestions: Take the northern route. Anywhere below 5,000 ft. elevation in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California is brutally hot in the summer-110 deg. and up. The 4 speed idea is a good one if you are doing the dirt road bike trail. You can install a 4 speed trans using all Model A parts as this was either a dealer or factory option when A's were new and the parts are still available.
If you break down, one possible source of parts would be to find an older parts store and ask around. They will know all the repair shops in the area, they may have Model A owners as customers and may know of local clubs.
Dirt roads often have severe wash boards which will shake your car to pieces. Keep an eye out for loose bolts and body cracks. Modern suspensions with rubber bushings last a lot longer on these roads. M0odel A's with all metal bushings and kingpins quickly pound the grease out and go metal-to-metal, so grease the fittings every day when running washboard roads.
A rusty body is OK but get the mechanicals in top shape before you leave home! Why start out with worn out brushes and bushings in the starter or generator? Why develop a rod knock or lose a main bearing because you didn't check bearing clearances at home? What is the general condition of the engine? Is the cooling system clean? Is the wiring in good shape, no frayed insulation? You need good lights including turn signals and brake lights (two) to give the all squids on the road a chance to see and avoid you. Model A's are rugged and dependable but need regular care and maintenance.
Maybe someone in a club or on the fordbarn would be willing to be a sort of parts depot for you-someone maybe halfway on your journey where you could stash a couple tires and tubes, tune-up parts, a water pump, etc. and have them ship to you if you break down, thus saving the hassle locating simple items.
Finally, what shape is that old fan blade in??

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Bikemaniac, I was still typing my reply when you posted, so much of what I said is now redundant, but I think you can find a Model A (or AA) 4 speed trans with a little searching. These fordbarn guys would be a big help!

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Bikemaniac,

I made a somewhat similar trip last Oct/Nov, buying a 1930 Tudor in McMinnville, OR, then driving it back home to Atlanta, GA, a bit more than 2,700 miles. I did cheat a bit in having a chase car though.

Here's a link to the daily trip reports:

http://slotblog.net/forum/415-oregon...n-a-1930-ford/

If I can be of any assistance, all you have to do is ask.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Hi slotblog,
That is a great story you just shared and I really like the pictures too.

From what I've read you had three problems:

1. Leaking water pump
2. Generator/Alternator failure
3. Ignition problems

Is that correct? Maybe you could add some comments to those problems and how to avoid them? :-). Will a set of new points be eroded after 2700 mi or can they last that long?

Lucas

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

that's where my car went

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

1) Water pump. It was dumb of me not to have brought some water pump seals in my spares. I wrongly assumed that the ancient seals would just need to be tightened. Of course, after Joe Wylie at Bert's installed one of the leakless, greaseless water pumps when we stopped in Denver, we had no more problems with the water pump. Suggest you install one of these pumps as well.

2) Again, the generator problem was something I should have dealt with earlier, knowing that it was charging at too high a rate. If I had moved the third brush to reduce the charging rate at the speeds I was running, the generator might not have failed but that's just a guess. No way of knowing how well (or even if) the generator had been rebuilt 40+ years ago.

3) Again, I am mostly to blame for the distributor problems, having brought a set of points and condensor which I never installed in my spares. The car was running and starting very well and my tendency is to leave things alone if they're working. I've since installed a dist with the modern points and the "no wire" upgrade thus solving the dist problems for good (I hope!). I'd certainly recommend this on your car. FWIW, Ford recommended adjusting the original style points every 100 miles!

You wrote: "Sadly I don't know of anyone who is interested in such endeavors."

I did not find this to be true at all. Prior to my trip, there were a number of folks who expressed a desire to come along and/or to do such a trip themselves. One friend in the hobby came very close to joining us. And my brother-in-law wants to buy a car for himself and do a similar trip.

If possible, I'd ride with you, but only if you'd let me do some of the driving... LOL!

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Bikemaniac, right now there are two Model AA four speed transmissions and matching bell housings on ebay. I'm not sure what else is needed for the conversion but these are the two big items.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

We swapped a 4 speed into a pal's 31 pickup some years ago and as I recall it was an easy job. Took out the rear end. From pics seen online of the Transamerica Trail you would need it.
Further thought: If you go the back roads route, I would think seriously about getting 16" wheels and tires. Much easier to find replacements in the wilds, and more stable on gravel roads and washboards, more traction on rocks and climbing out of gullys.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

I think you wold have to hire a bonded shipping agent in The USA or you can do it yourself but I don't think someone can just pick up the car for you I have imported motorcycles from Europe and the pick up procedures at Customs after 911 are really strict and exacting .

You will have to find out from US customs what the story is good luck

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

I have no advice except, ENJOY, bikemaniac! Look forward to hearing of the adventure.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Doug Vieyra last time I visited your home town I didn't hear any Spanish spoken. I've visited Solvang many times. Beautiful place to live.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

By extreme luck I have found a 4 speed Ford AA transmission only 100 mi from where I live. plind from this forum will check it out for me because he lives only 10 mi away. Does anyone have some detailed information on:

1. What to look for on the gearbox when inspecting it?
2. How many versions were built and will they all fit?
3. Detailed information on how to make the swap from the 3 speed to the 4 speed?
4. Is the conversion a true plug and play? No modifications using lathes, mills, drills etc?
5. What about the length of the propeller shaft? Does it need to be cut?
6. What are the gear ratios of the 4 speed box?

Lucas

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

In addition to the AA Transmission, you will need these parts:

A-7085-E Rear Bearing Retainer
A-7090-C U-Joint Assembly
AA-7095 U-Joint knuckle retainer.

These are the parts that make it possible to install the AA 4-speed transmission into an A "passenger" vehicle.

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

This link to Vince's site should give you most of the information you need.
http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/aafourspeedachassis.htm

Bob

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

Where can I buy these 3 parts?

Lucas

Re: Riding my Ford Model A across USA
 

I don't have any first hand knowledge of this, but I have been told that they are more plentiful in Europe than they are here in the States, but they are out there. I gave up looking and went a different route when I couldn't find them right away.