What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

To us old-timers that still collect books:

I am just curious as to what resource book you guys find yourself looking at the most, be it historical, mechanical maintenance and repair, parts catalogs, etc.

I most often look through the DeAngelis book, also, the Branch Service Letters. The latter because I find such local-level type communications fascinating.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Brattons model A parts catalog !

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I find the service bulletins to be where I look, there are many finger prints on the book and pages as it stays out with the cars.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Restoration guidelines and Brattons

What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Ford Barn (obviously not a book, but has similar content) and Les Andrews


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Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Snyder's and Les's books. Very little time spent reading the service bulletins or JS's.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I bought the Service Bulletins and read through them. It was a very interesting read, but I don’t use them very much either. I enjoyed reading about the Ford fixes.


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Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Without a doubt Les' red book of wisdom.

I also have the complete service bulletins but I too don't use them that often.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I think the basic answer to your question comes first with how much experience someone has with a Model-A.

For someone who is a 'novice' around a Model-A, Les' book is probably a good book to have. As one progresses upward with their familiarity, then the RG&JS book is probably the best resource. At that point, I feel Fordbarn should be the next source. I do not feel Fordbarn should be the first resource simply because someone needs to read something over and over until they comprehend. Make notes in their book if they need to.

For those who are actually 'restoring' instead of replacing, the Service Bulletins is a great resource. Anymore, I personally am finding myself referring to original prints of each component(s) as this makes so much more information available which then allows me to replicate something either mechanically and/or aesthetically. I make notes in my own words so that if I need to do the task again, my own notes in my own language makes a quick refresher.



I realize that not everyone has the skillset, nor the desire to 'restore' however what I have learned over the years is 'restoring' is a great way to learn skills to problem solve and think creatively. In other words, the ability to figure out a way to make a repair with the tools that you presently have. Tom Wesenberg is the master at this where he figures out a way to make the tool(s) to make the repair. Will Croncrite was another one that was very creative in making tools, fixtures, and widgets with what he had laying around to make a task easier to perform.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

It's a tie between Bratton's Catalog, reprint of the Model "A" Ford section of Dyke's and service bulletins.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

Some of the earlier books are interesting.Murray Fahnestock wrote and complied books in the 60's and 70's,his unauthorized accessories compilation is a good light reading .The 'Matchless Model A' wrote in '29 and reprinted in '61 gives production and Rouge facts,short and interesting.Hands down in my opinion the best is on line,the Benson Ford research center oral histories has hours and hours of oral histories,the recollections of the people who were there..

https://cdm15889.contentdm.oclc.org/...89coll2/search

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I tend to use an old copy of The Model A Service Manual and Owners Handbook (blue cover with a deluxe phaeton on it) along with the service bulletins.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

ericr
I just ran across a book done by Les Pearson that's the best book I've seen being into the Model A for over 40 years. It's "The Complete Model A Ford Restoration Manual" and it is so detailed and about 500 pages. It's not cheap, Les sent me a copy directly and I think he is in the UK? Do a search with the name of the book and it will come up, best book by far for the Model A

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

(1) Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards
(2) Service Bulletins
(3) Original parts books

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I inherited a Model A from my Dad and about a year ago started the learning process. I have most of the books mentioned and have used them all. For me, depending on whether it's mechanical work or body work or interior work you need several resources to refer to. One book not mentioned is the Model A Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards. I've had my copy for a couple of months (it's not inexpensive) and for certain certain things have found it to be a great resource.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

not mentioned until Gary Karr posted 3 min. before my post...and he listed it as #1.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I've always preferred Person's book to Andrews'. The only down side is the (what I consider) poor index. An added bonus for us is that it deals with RHD cars as well. Andrews seems to be unaware there is such a thing, making some of his instructions wrong.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

If interested in performance, get my [I]4-bangers and me[I] book.

Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?
 

I entered this hobby a little over three years ago, and during that time I have completely gone through my car. I hesitate to call it a complete restoration, but I literally did do everything. Call it a 5-footer.

Part of that was studying. I really believe I have read and studied just about everything that is commonly out there. Service Bulletins, Restoration Guide and judging Standards, all three Les' books, all of the "How to Restore your Model A" series. Jim Schild's book, and many others. Not to mention searching this forum and the ford vintage. I really think I have turned into a book-worm. I know I have spent a fortune on the car, and yet a smaller fortune on books.

I also have the benefit of being in a club with some very knowledgeable guys who have the experience I lack.