Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

What automotive skills and personal traits does a person new to our Model "A" hobby need to posses or develop?

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I've seen people with no automotive skills at all but with the personal trait of having a fat wallet own and enjoy Model As ;-) Personally, I feel that a Model A owner should know how to turn a wrench and not be scared to tear into repairs themselves.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Acknowledging one's own mechanical short comings, while realizing the geniuses who designed & built the Model A.

Be suspicious of every new & 'gotta have' improvement to an already 90 year old mechanical success.

If it wasn't for today's paved roads, most wouldn't drive these cars..

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I knew nothing about model A’s before I bought mine. Been a great learning experience.
But I am mechanically inclined

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Below are a few of my thoughts.

Some basic mechanical and electrical aptitude along with troubleshooting skills and a "can do" attitude would be helpful to go along with ownership of the Model A.

A willingness to maintain and routinely check out the vital safety systems of the Model A such as brakes, wheels and steering. After all, these cars are up to 95 years old and the owner is responsible not only for their own safety but for others on the road as well.

Having other local Model A owners or club to call on if help is needed or the services of a mechanic or shop that specializes in cars of this vintage.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I came into this with almost zero. If you ask around the web forums, some will say I still have zero.

What I did have coming in was the advantage of a "superpower", namely autism. Asperger's syndrome to be exact. I obsess over certain things. I started obsessing over Model As and binged on all the info I could find. That was before Fordbarn. And, I have a photographic memory, so I scanned all the factory information I could find, then later focus on the details from the images burned into my memory, which I still go back to frequently.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Hah! I'm Anal Retentive... My wife says I'm just anal! :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I was 12 when I got my cabriolet and it is now 60 years since. Initially my efforts were in reading all I could and then getting my hands dirty doing all I could. I was young and somewhat reckless driving my car then, but the car and I survived. Then there were no interstate freeways, disk brakes, or radial tires, so all cars were more or less on the same footing safety wise. Now the big requirement is for active driving at all times, using care to defend against faster, better handling, and better stopping modern cars, and against driver who have no clue about the safety limitations of our vehicles.

So patience and hyper awareness of all the other cars and drivers is the new skill I need. The mechanical stuff is less of an issue to me now, as I don’t worry much about being unable to fix whatever happens when I am on the road to keep going.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

My grandson Ben is 17 years old and a new driver to both modern and Model A. When he was 13 years old, we began the restoration of a 1930 Tudor for him. He is well versed in many of the aspects of Model A restoration, however starting a Model A is not the same as starting the modern he drives to school. The attached instructions are laminated and, in the Tudor, until it becomes second nature. The instructions are on the web site of the Santa Anita A's of Arcadia, California, along with other instructions for a new Model A owner.

https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...structions.pdf

Tom Endy

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

One has to have some mechanical and electrical skill or money to hire that out. A person just getting into the hobby is advised to purchase a car that was rebuilt and has a proven record of reliability. The Model A is really easy to work on but requires some basic skills and knowledge.

I am currently working on a car that sat out in a field for 5 years. I rebuilt the steering system and am finishing up on the brakes. However, the car will need a complete rebuilt from the frame up. The car has sentimental value to the owners (5 siblings) but no one in the family has the time or skill to rebuilt it. It will cost lots of money for someone else to do the work and I am not sure they want to spend that kind of money. I cannot rebuilt it because I don't have the tools or room or time. So the car is in a difficult position, between a rock and a hard place. Point being that the family would be better off selling this car to someone who wants a project and buying one that is already rebuilt. But that would not be "dad's" car, so I don't know what the solution will be. For a person (the family) just getting into the hobby this is not the right car.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I entered the hobby 5 years ago with zero tools, knowledge, experience, or personal connections, except I knew one guy in town who helped me get the car running and that was it. Everything I know, I learned from the internet, or from books recommended by someone on the internet. So, uh, I would recommend "using the internet" as an important automotive skill.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

A privileged ride in the early 50's to the store in Rialto with Uncle Joe and my dad to get a Cracker Jack probably sealed it for me. That fun never left. uncle warren's Norton AFB jitney was the reinforcer. My $40. E28 cutdown sport coupe, from an orange grove in Redlands, when I was 15, just embedded that thing in me deeper. Chasing parts with my dad in Rancho Cucamonga in a corrugated metal shed in partial light probably did it.
A lot of try, as the Cowboys say.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

If you have an active local club, then go for it. They will be extremely friendly and helpful!

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

When I bought my fist Model A at age 49, I couldn't spell Model A. But I had a strong mechanical and electrical background and skills. In fact, my car was found by a long time "old car guy" friend who knew what I wanted more than I did! The first and best thing I did was to join the local Model A's chapter.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

If you are 6-1 265 with size 13 feet the first skills are dieting and shoe selection - Model As are pretty small inside. I wanted a simple around town car but now I want to drive it further. Living a mile from what was Route 66 only increases my desire to venture further. Easy, dare I say fun, maintenance was also a factor. My other toys are a 32V SVT Mustang that I have just finished an engine rebuild and a 170+ mph Mustang GT1 tube frame race car. Like this one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VhMQ9bLn3k


My Model A skills have been honed over the past year of ownership by watching Paul Shinn YouTube videos.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

You guys are waaaaayyyyy overthinking this,,,. All one needs is the ability to use a pair of pliers and to be able cut baling wire with the pliers!!!!!



I also have a buddy who can linebore and fix things I mess up!!!! ��

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

At times have a vocabulary of “golf words”!!!!

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I bought my first Model A when I was 16 years old. Was raised on a farm so I had some experience with tractors. The Ford had already been converted to hydraulic brakes but needed an engine overhaul. This was in 1959 and the engine had already been bored to .080 oversize. Was an easy job with my dad helping me. Have been a car guy ever since.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

How to drive stick shift.......
(Sorry, couldn't resist)

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Common sense and willingness to learn.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Beyond that skill, one must understand and master the art of "double-clutching".

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

How to charge your credit card.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Newbies have to understand that unlike a modern car, the Model "A" is not a"hop in and drive it" car. It needs inspection and likely some maintenance almost every time it is driven.

In my opinion, a new Model "A" driver needs to know / learn how to perform routine maintenance and driving techniques such as:
> Drive defensively in modern traffic;

> Checking & replenishing the coolant level in the radiator;
> Tightening & repacking the water pump;

> Replenishing & changing the motor oil;
> Adjusting the generator's charging rate;
> Greasing the suspension & steering;

> Replenishing & changing the transmission & differential oils;
> Adjusting the ignition points & oiling the distributor;
> Checking / tightening the fan belt;
> Starting the engine with the hand-crank;
> Using the spark advance lever and GAV;
> Checking tire air pressure, changing a flat & patching an inner tube.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I need to learn how to start my "A" with the crank, that has always been in the back of my head and it would really OOH and AHH folks at car shows.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

You change to the car, don't change the car to you!

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

To al's28/31,
In the 30 years I've owned my Model A, I've only hand cranked it once. I drove it on a nice warm day and put it in the garage. Everything was nice and warm and "juicy" and I gave at a try. Quarter turn and it was running. I've never tried to crank it cold. Henry put a starter on it for a reason. There's no future in cranking IMHO.
Marty

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

When my A was a daily driver 50 years ago, dad said if I hand crank it and it didn’t break my arm he would!!! Well I pushed it to start it too much before working over the electrical. Once after school it wouldn’t start, asked a couple of guys to push it in the flat parking lot. When they extended their arms it was running, they laughed and thought they would be pushing it a long distance. Later in life I did hand crank start it one time, today with a 6.0 compression head no way will I try it, I would jump the battery with a jump box ! a smarter way to start your A .

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Somebody said to only crank using your left hand. If it kicks back the crank will not have the potential to bend your fingers back. It may be hard to picture this without the crank in your hand.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

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Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Well, I certainly had no Model A experience or any knowledge of it's more unusual aspects as compared to a more recent car 6 years ago. 50 years ago, when I was a young man, I gained my car knowledge with the beaters we used to drive. However, as the years went on, I went in a different direction and worked all my career in an office and my only car experience was limited to the occasional fix-it or oil changes.


Like Colin and Paul, I read extensively and couldn't absorb enough. Books and Internet. I find Facebook to be a hodge-podge of good and bad information. Paul and Colin have done great things with Youtube videos. However, it is one thing to read about them, and another to actually get your hands greasy. I survived and so did my Model A. I also studied extensively how others in the club went about working on the cars. I think I was a quick study, but I had the desire.



So, in short, no knowledge or experience is necessary providing one is excited to learn and roll up their sleeves and get their hands greasy. Don't be afraid of making mistakes - I have made many! It also helps to have club members to adopt as mentors.


Cheers,

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Hand cranking was and is an option, and it's just as risky as it always was, but Ford knew that the battery was a critical weak link, and so, I've read, the Zenith was designed specifically to facilitate hand cranking. There is a 'mysterious' little hole in that seemingly-useles extension/arm coming downward from the choke. Why would Ford even have that arm, much less bore the hole? Well that hole is for a piece of bailing wire to go through, so standing in front of the car, alone, you can pull the arm forward and thereby close (choke) off the air and enrich the mixture. [Probably more bailing wire in the homes of Henry's customers than jumper cables!]
So by providing a lug wrench that operates the crank shaft, and a carb that helps the owner start the car while standing in front of it, Henry's well-meaning design details could have probably created OSHA all by themselves... lol
Now, in order not to hijack this thread, I'll add:
"Knowing how to maintain a car battery is a major requirement." Or you may have to use the crank...

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

finding OEM parts seems to be an issue for me (new owner), and always concerned with variations of parts that I see available on Ebay and online parts outlets and what is compatible to my car

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Welcome to Fordbarn.

To begin with, may I suggest you find a knowledgeable parts dealer that you can purchase ALL of your parts from. Forget eBay unless you have first-hand knowledge of that seller to know whether their merchandise is correct and of good quality. Without knowing your location, it is hard to recommend a dealer. Also, generally the higher quality parts come with a a higher price. Always remember that if the price is cheaper than from other dealers, then there is a reason. It never hurts to find someone locally who is knowledgeable that can be your mentor. Good luck!

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

I have a wonderful Model A club locally (Newnan GA, south of ATL) that has been huge help w/ advice and in person help, and have tried Mike's A-Fordable and Snyder's and hearing A LOT of talk about Renner's Corner in Calif.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

It is a shame that the Ford dealers don't still service and repair these cars. It would be of benefit to Ford as advertisement value. As we all age it is getting harder to find people to help with repairs for those who don't have the skills to do that themselves. Ideally there should be a Model A shop in every corner of every country.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

A few years ago, there was a young man who inherited a Model "A." It wasn't long before the car suffered from neglect of routine servicing. It took some painful / embarrassing breakdowns before the young man came to the conclusion that a Model "A" is not a jump-in drive away car like his modern one. He learned by pain that the Model "A" needs constant nurturing to make sure the radiator was full, the oil level was adequate, that there was air in the tires, the ignition stuff in the distributor was clean, gapped right & timed, that the brakes need occasional adjustment and so forth. In short, he had to develop the skills to diagnose, adjust & fix stuff on the car.

Re: Skills Necessary To Own & Operate A Model "A"
 

Renner's Corner is located in Michigan. and welcome the the 'club' once you get hooked, there is no looking back. Like many have said, find a local club around you, they are a wealth of information and help. Also as you have pointed out, and have said, all depends on the pocketbook size.

Also a handy 5 pound hammer does wonders as well (giggle)

Snyder's is a great supplier, Mikes 'A' Fordable is, there are numerous ones. Just watch out for Flea-Bay.

Welcome to the 'Barn'

Dave