My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Wahooooo!!!

I've been working on this deal for three months. Actually the lawyers have been doing the work and I've been twiddling my thumbs. My friend Dick died about 4 months ago. When he was terminally ill he gave instructions to Brigitte as to what to do with his Model A's, Corvette, boat, and a bunch of other man toys. Brigitte knew that I have liked the 2-dr for a long time. After Dick's funeral she contacted me to see if I wanted to buy it. I jumped at the chance. I've been looking for a $6-8K beater/driver 2-dr for several years now. The ones that were priced in what I considered my budget were junk. Some that looked really great in pictures and sounded like the price was right also turned out to be worth way less than the asking price. If you're selling it it's a $10K car; if you're buying the same car it's a $5K car. You all know the drill. Well, Dick had given Brigitte two prices for his stuff. One (retail) if it went to a stranger and a highly discounted price if it went to a friend, especially a MMMARC club member (see further on down). I got the smoking hot buddy price and bought it even though it was WAY nicer and quite a bit more expensive than what I thought I was looking for. I paid for it in early May but had to wait for probate to get the title into Brigitte's name so that she could sell it to me. That culminated yesterday and now it's mine. Title is in my name. Insurance folks have taken pix. I drove it about 50 miles today. Now the world is spinning in greased grooves (bonus points to you if you know what movie that came from).

So I learned a lot today before and while driving it. I now know where both of the fuel valves are. I know where the master electrical shut-off is. I have relearned how to double clutch. It's been over 60 years since I had to do that in the old 1948 3/4 ton Dodge farm truck we had back then. I know where the starter button is. I know that the 40 mph curves you take at 55 in your late model are 30-35 mph curves in a Model A. I know what to do with and how to shift a Mitchell overdrive.

If you're reading this in the model A section of the Ford Barn you undoubtedly know WAY more than I do about Model A's. Before I test drove this thing three months ago I had never driven a Model A. Between that day and today I never had the chance to drive one. I've got a lot to learn. Also you'll notice that I mentioned some things that didn't come on Model A's from the factory. Dick couldn't leave well enough alone. It's also 12V now.

I'll be asking a ton of questions about these cars.

Note that I am this year's president of the Mid Missouri Model A Restorers' Club. That even though I don't know squat about them. I joined the club about 5-6 years ago (before Covid) when I inherited a half-done '31 Model A hot rod project. I thought (correctly) that the club members could give me pointers about the body of the hot rod that needed some attention. As time wore on I got more and more enamored with stock Model A's and decided that I really needed one. It was kind of a bummer following a bunch of "A"s on tours driving a late model. While it was nice to follow along in air-conditioned comfort utilizing the cruise control it just left an empty feeling down inside. Note: I've followed this and other Model A's all over central Missouri in the past few years. Anyway, I've gotten to know the club members and they have become friends. And now I can cruise along in my very own model A.

I'm ecstatic.

When I got the title yesterday I made it TOD (transfer on death) to one of my daughters. I had to cash in some invested money to pay for this. The money is money that Allison would have inherited when I die anyway so basically I bought it with her money. Note: some of you know about Clarence, my 1948 Ford panel truck that I bought it in February of 1973. I spent a wheelbarrow full of money on it recently. Same thing there. It goes to the other daughter when I die and I paid for those improvements the same way. With money that Meredith would have inherited. When she was in high school nearly 30 years ago I let her drive it to school a few times she told me then that she wanted it someday. Well, I consider it hers and the Model A Allison's. They are just letting me drive them while I'm still kicking. They didn't get any say-so in the matter, though. Allison has never seen her Model A but she has seen pix of it. She, her husband, and their two sons are excited about it and someday owning/driving it. We wanted them to come to dinner today and see it but they are at the Wisconsin Dells this week. Her loss. They will see it when they get home.

Anyway, this is my initiation into the Model A world. I'm about to learn what you all have known for a long time. I'll add some pix. Some in front of a friend's shop and a couple beside my house & shop.

First question: it's got those aftermarket hood brackets that allow you to raise either or both sides of the hood and let them sit in the "cradle". Is it detrimental to leave the hood open like that while in the garage? I ask because the electric switch is under the hood on the driver's side and the second gas shut off is under the passenger side hood. If it won't hurt anything I'll just leave the hood propped open when garaged. If it could hurt anything I'll shut it every time when inside.


Attachment 571111

Attachment 571112

Attachment 571113

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Great looking Model A and a Great story.

I know you will take care of it and enjoy it. Tudors are good cars for touring. My first Model A was a '30 Tudor, that was almost 70 years ago. The Model A I currently use for touring is a '30 Tudor.

Good luck,

Chris W.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

No problem leaving the hoods up. Good luck with your new to you Ford. Nice looking car. The overdrive is a really handy accessory.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

good looking car.


I enjoy the chickle.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

That's an awesome car. Good for you.

The hood will be just fine being up.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Beautiful car! Sounds like you got a great deal! I was going to paint my 2 door the same colors but there's one just like it in the club. Enjoy!

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Great looking model A. you are a lucky man and both of your daughters are lucky too!!!

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

?????

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

NICE CAR! Congrats. No 'bonus points' for me, but DO tell us where the phrase is from when you get a chance...

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Chickle.Chicle drab,the color.I probably spelled it wrong too.Pretty color to me.I don't believe I've ever bought an A that I could drive without a couple of weeks of work first.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Cannery Row. I believe it's the very last line in the movie, spoken by a narrator. Definitely on my list of 50 favorite movies. Watch it if you ever get the chance.

Thanks for all the positive comments. I plan to enjoy this thing to the max and am anxious for the nest Model A tour with my club.

Question #2: On another site someone said I should use ethanol free gas, that the ethanol will eat up parts. Any of you confirm/deny that? b-t-w; I don't trust that other site as much as I trust you Ford Barn folks.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

The Chickle Drab reference baffled me, too, so I Googled it. One of the results was to a FaceBook post that referenced a MAFCA post and the pic in that post could have been my car other than the "trunk" that Dick added.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

In CA that's all you can buy for cars. I have Viton tipped float valves with helper springs, (non-Zenith carbs) so that they won't stick closed. Other than that, I have not had any problems.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

I believe the colors are Chicle drab and Cobra drab. Correct me if I'm wrong. Love the color combination! I actually understood what he meant. :)

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Ethanol gas goes bad very quickly, like one month, it can clog the carburetor, haven’t heard about eating things up ? If you can’t find pure gas make sure to use a fuel stabilizer, MMO (marvel mystery oil) helps ! If out and about and I have to use ethanol gas I make sure to use a stabilizer or MMO when I get home. One outing the ethanol gas that I bought had water in it, gas line dryer added help out in a pinch, MMO when we got home.

Nice looking A !!!! Enjoy the ride !!!

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Model A update:
Friday I drove it 48 miles; picked it up and took it to the insurance guy to photograph
Saturday I drove it 52 miles; Sherry and I went to Centralia for supper
Today I drove it 64 miles; Sherry and I went to a friend's house to visit

It looks like I'll be finding excuses to drive this thing every day until the new wears off.

In addition to the things I have learned that I mentioned previously today I learned where the light switch is and how to dim the lights. I also learned that the speedometer and fuel gauge don't have lights. If you're going to drive so after dark you need to look at the gas gauge while it's still light outside and make sure you've got enough gas to get to where you're going or at least to a gas station. Speedometer really doesn't matter. Unless you're in a slow speed limit in town it won't go over the speed limit anyway. You just drive it like any old car. If it starts to lug down you downshift. If the engine is getting up there in rpm you upshift. Simple. The aftermarket temp gauge isn't lighted either but so far it's been right on 170° - 175° every time I look at it. I doubt that'll change much, day or night. I found out that there is a shade you can pull down over the rear window. I think that next time I drive it after dark I'll pull it down to keep the headlights of following cars out of my eyes (through the rear-view mirror). There are still two outside mirrors I can use to keep track of other traffic. Before tonight I really didn't realize how nice day/night rearview mirrors are.

Today I got 12.99 mpg. A 1930 Model A tank holds 10 gallons. So it looks like I better be finding a gas station at around 100 miles after fill-up. After a hunnert miles of driving a Model A I'll be needing to get out and walk around. And SWMBO can't go over a hundred miles between potty breaks so if she's with me I'd have to be stopping anyway. And that's at highway speeds in a late model. In a Model A I imagine she'll need to stop every 60-70 miles.

I think that there is going to be something to learn every time I drive it.

At least the temp has been very conducive to driving with windows down and no A/C.

Question: are there really lights in the gauges and I just don't know where the switch is?

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

if you have a round speedometer, the instrument light and switch are hidden up under the dash rail.

if you have an oval speedo the light is that big round thing in the middle of the instrument panel, twist to on/off.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

If you need a dash light:


https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/s...cht=dash+light

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

For the dash lights, the LED's are cooler and take far less current, so if you forget and leave them on they will not drain the battery near as fast. The LED sites have charts that give equivalent part numbers for the LED's if you have a part number for the incandescent bulbs.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Found it! Round speedo. I would never have found this without your help. THANKS.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Thanks

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

I also see that this car has the (apparently) highly desirable 1-piece 2-blade aluminum fan. Looks a little grungy, but it's there and a magnet doesn't stick to it. Temp consistently stays 170° - 175° according to the aftermarket mechanical temp gauge.

Question: is that normal operating temp? sounds a little cool to me.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Ethanol is highly hydroscopic , that is, it absorbs water like crazy, even humidity from the air. This can rust the inside of an uncoated Model A fuel tank.
Ethanol does have some upsides. “Dry Gas” is ethanol, which comes in handy if you get some water in the fuel. Adding ethanol allows the water to go through the engine. Another potential benefit of ethanol is that it cools the intake charge, and can boost the anti-knock properties of the fuel, potentially allowing a higher compression ratio.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Atch welcome to slower side of the barn! You have a very nice early late model 30 Tudor. Just want to mess with you a bit. Ford for some weird reason split the splash apron into 2 pieces unlike the 28, 29, late 30 and 31 models. So if you are ever on the lookout for fenders those are the ones to get. They can be made up but it is labor intensive.

As for the fan, as long as it is the reproduction fan you will be fine. 170 is about right maybe a tad cool but for where you live it will save you in the summer. You may want to check out the firewall insulators that you can get from the vendors. They say they work great at lower cabin temps.

Mike

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754104263
Love your new 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan.
Ford Australia offered Model A Tudor Sedans in 1928 and 1929 only.
Come 1930, and the only body style available were Fordor Sedan, Roadster, Phaeton and Sports Coupe, plus Utes.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Today while on my way into town I got held up at some road construction and had to sit for about ten minutes. Needle got up to about 210 and I was glad it does normally run a bit cool. Since these cars usually only get driven when the weather's warm I guess that's really a good thing.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Not meaning to sound like a college lecture, but to help clarify with a more accurate lexicon. I was wondering about the correct usage of the word and found this on the ole interweb...I thought I would post it. Just wanting to help eliminate confusion and misinformation:

"Hygroscopic" and "Hydroscopic" are two terms that can easily be confused due to their phonetic similarities. However, only "Hygroscopic" is the scientifically accepted term, denoting a substance's ability to attract and hold water molecules from the surrounding environment. This property is vital in many industrial and scientific applications, such as in the storage of certain chemicals or the design of humidity-sensitive equipment.


On the contrary, "Hydroscopic" is not a recognized term in scientific lexicons. It's often a mispronunciation or misspelling of "Hygroscopic." The prefix "Hygro-" comes from the Greek word for moisture, making "Hygroscopic" a term inherently about moisture absorption. Thus, using "Hydroscopic" instead of "Hygroscopic" is a mistake that can lead to misunderstandings, especially in contexts where the precise meaning is crucial.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Interesting... I can see where a mixup could occur since "Hydro" is usually related to water, as in hydroelectric.

I learned something new.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

To quote the late great famous Gene Winfield “Everyday is a school day” is very true!!!

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

she's a pretty sedan enjoy it as much as possible.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

atch--- ya done good!

Beautiful car plus you are respecting your buddy! Chicle and Copra look great on Tudors!

A Tudor is a fantastic all-around Model A Ford, they really don't get any better in my mind. Easy to get in and out plus they are pretty warm in cold weather they button up a lot better than an open top car:)

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Yeah; I was specifically looking for a 2-dr sedan. I want the grandkids to be able to ride in the back and I'm pretty sure that none of the three daughters would let their offspring ride in a rumble seat. And I didn't want a 4-door car.

I found several nice coupes but see above.

In one week I've put 240 miles on it. For some of you that's just a day or two. For many of the members of the Model A club I belong to that's 6 months of driving.

I have gotten pretty adept at double clutching by now. Down-shifting still gets me. What's your secret to down-shifting without grinding gears?

If I had never had an A with a Mitchell overdrive I wouldn't miss it. BUT, since this is my first Model A and I'm getting used to it I'd never have another one without it. Depending on the terrain I'm driving in my shift pattern usually is 1-low; 2-low; 2-high; 3-low; 3-high. If I start up a hill I shift to 3-low. I hate it when the hill requires me to downshift further. Again see above.

I downloaded a Model A lubrication chart. If I can stay out of the driver's seat long enough I'll ensure that everything is greased up. Knowing my friend Dick, who owned this car for many years, I doubt if it needs anything yet. He kept all of his toys in top-notch condition. I found out last night that his pristine 1931 coupe was purchased by another car club member, so both of his Model A's will stay in the same circle of friends. Who knows where the Corvette and boat went to? I really don't care much, though.

Thank you all who have responded here with advice. I really appreciate it.

I do think I'll set the idle up a tad, as after it's warmed up it idles down so slow, at stop signs and such, that it sometimes dies. I've gotten to where I use the throttle on the steering column to prevent that. Any advice or information on this?

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Chickle and Copra Drab

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1754330532

2 Blade Aluminium Fan Blade

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

When down shifting you need to rev it up a little bit it takes some practice but if you increase the RPMS just a little bit it should shift easily when downshifting.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

I've been trying that; but obviously I need to try harder.


Thanks.

fwiw; You might have read above that my daughter's name is now TOD (Transfer On Death) on the title but she's never seen it. She and her family are coming to dinner this evening and I've got it outside prominently displayed for when they get here.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Hi Mike. Great car! :) You are probably aware, but when downshifting the engine needs to be sped up while the trans is in neutral and your foot is off the clutch during the double clutch process. Try to imagine what rpm the engine will be in the gear you're shifting into.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

I bet that I'm the first one on this forum to ride in a 1930 Model A 2-door. My father bought his new. It was black and was his first car. In 1934 I came from the hospital in it. He hated the car because it was a 2-door and in 1937 he traded it in for a new Plymouth 4-door and never bought anything but 4-door cars again.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

Yep. I'll keep trying. I always thought of myself as well coordinated hand/eye and pretty much mechanically inclined. Guess I was fooling myself.

Like I said; I'll keep trying. I'm thinking lots of folks less coordinated than me have mastered this. Someday I will also.

Re: My new 1930 2-dr sedan
 

For everyone who has commented positively on this car A BIG THANK YOU. I had known this car for a long time and my friend Dick who owned it for nearly 25 years kept all of his toys (multiple Model A's, Corvette, boat, etc.) in immaculate condition and maintained to the Nth degree. I'm exceptionally fortunate to become the new caretaker of this car. I'd rather Dick was still alive and enjoying it himself, but since that's not possible I'm glad I have it.

The state of Missouri requires vehicles licensed as historic to carry a mileage log showing dates, miles, destination, etc. I have Dick's and the precious owner's logs back to sometime in the 1990's. So far I've kept every mile I've driven in a new log. For some reason this never seemed to be very important to me in the 1948 Ford panel truck that I bought in 1973 and for which I got Historic Vehicle license plates in 1976. I think I'll start keeping the log updated in the panel. MO allows unlimited mileage to "educational and/or display" functions and up to 1,000 miles for "personal use." I.e., you can put a thousand miles on it for anything you choose, such as to the grocery store etc. I pretty much am of the opinion, though, that everywhere I go is for "display" purposes.