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03-06-2021, 04:11 PM | #21 | |
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Re: Changing of the Guard
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I’ve seen that 500,000 figure before. I personally will be damned surprised if there is 100,000 road worthy. |
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03-06-2021, 05:01 PM | #22 |
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Over the years of reading these kinds of posts, one thing that has kinda stands out; the divide between the ones who shared the car with the family and ones where it was "DADs car" and no one is allowed to touch it and what happens to them later. Not talking about ones that got them later in life or had one before the kids were old enough to know anything and was sold, but the ones that got the family involved while owning it seem to be the ones that might have someone to carry on its ownership in the family.
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03-06-2021, 06:01 PM | #23 | |
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Location: Eastern Tennessee
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Re: Changing of the Guard
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1) The cost of restoration work is very expensive however every restoration shop you speak with is beyond covered up. When you look at the invoice numbers of orders coming from the major vendors, they are busy selling parts. Look at the social media for sale sites, and good merchandise does not last long. While it may seem expensive to some, ...others are spending money on their Model-As!! 2) Using Model-As 'as-is' has been going on for nearly a decade now. What I am seeing is hobbyists purchased a poorly restored Model-A for cheap money which enabled them to get into the hobby, however the "using as-is" portion is about 'used-up'. Most of these cars need a complete mechanical restoration and as you say, the owner does not have the money nor the skill to pull this off. 3) Most barn-finds today are vehicles that were abandoned in the owner's garage because the vehicle was unreliable. These vehicles get purchased as a new toy for someone, and as soon as the 'newness' wears off, it is passed-off as a new barnfind. 4) Restorers HAVE been cutting corners for years. That is the problem why the hobby is in the shape it is. National club members seem to be the worst from my vantage point. There is not a valid reason why someone should be using an alternator instead of a generator other than someone is looking to cut a corner. Reproduction parts replacement in lieu of restoring/repairing an original part is cutting a corner. I could go on, but I get so tired of fielding phone calls of someone telling me they only want a driver. Henry Ford's employees never built a Show Car that was sold to the masses. They built Drivers. If we restore to what they built, it IS a Driver. My prediction is social media is further hurting the national club's existence where it will soon be extinct in one more generation or so. To begin with, about 80% of the advice you read/watch on the social media pages regarding a Model-A is false. Then convincing someone to actually spend money joining the national club, -or for them paying for their requested information (RG&JS, Paint & Refinish, tech books, etc.) ain't happening. The level of expectation from new(er) hobbyists today is unreal. Ironically, the Model-T hobby in which I participate in does not seem to suffer from this. Brass-era ownership doesn't seem to be either. |
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03-06-2021, 06:11 PM | #24 | |
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Re: Changing of the Guard
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03-06-2021, 06:45 PM | #25 |
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Location: Portland, Oregon
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Re: Changing of the Guard
"There is not a valid reason why someone should be using an alternator instead of a generator other than someone is looking to cut a corner. Reproduction parts replacement in lieu of restoring/repairing an original part is cutting a corner. "
This is an issue that I can fully concur with. The definition of restoration has in many ways devolved away from preservation. I have always regarded ownership of my A’s as an enjoyable responsibilty to preserve a piece of automotive history, restoring and using original parts as much as possible, while still making some exceptions for safety (seat belts, safety glass, turn signals, RH Tail lights). The goal for me is to restore, preserve, and safely drive my Model A’s so future generations have a fair idea of their history. I also don’t want some like-minded future owner of my cars to ask, "Why the hell did he do that!??"
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Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. |
03-06-2021, 06:59 PM | #26 | |
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Location: Upstate NY
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Re: Changing of the Guard
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03-06-2021, 10:02 PM | #27 |
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 585
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Re: Changing of the Guard
This issue comes up frequently. I suspect Model As will still be running long after the Starship Enterprise is mothballed. While our rides remain constant, the human species continues to evolve. Most kids no longer work on cars, fly .049 airplanes, or build forts. They seem to be gravitating to I Pods, computer games, and skateboards. Still, there are some youngsters who will take a dedicated interest in the old Henrys. The number of As out there is slowly decreasing due to neglect, mechanical decline, and street rod conversions (Oh the humanity !). Clubs will contribute to longevity, but many clubs are also in decline. The average age of our club membership is about 75 with the youngest about mid 50s. Despite it all, the As will continue due to their unique place in history and our desire to at least artifically live the way it was. I would not worry about the final demise of the Model A until horses dissappear forever.
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03-07-2021, 08:22 AM | #28 |
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Re: Changing of the Guard
I also agree with Bob, but will take it a step further.
As kids inherit their parents cars I see two things happening, those interested in continuing on their parents tradition- for sentimentality and those that will rod or sell their parents cars. so if we say 50% will keep the cars as is, the other 50% will either sell off the cars, for lack of knowledge or interest, or will rod the cars with larger motors. If you dont believe me, look at the listings on ebay for example. Also look at the big sellers like Gateway who see more dollar signs in rods then original. Finally, Hemmings motor news has brought in rods for awhile now, realizing that they would be out of business if dealing with just stock cars. Brent you are in a very specialized business, and for that I am sure you will always have customers, staying just as you are. |
03-07-2021, 08:42 AM | #29 |
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Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN)
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Not necessarily waxing theological...well maybe I am! Nothing is different, is just a matter of when all fades. Enjoy it while you’ve got it! |
03-07-2021, 09:42 AM | #30 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, ON, Canada
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Re: Changing of the Guard
So Pam and I were doing some Estate planning and I questioned which of my children would like what car; the 28 Tudor or the 65 Healey ? The answer from both was simple; neither car however had we kept the 78 Z28 now that would be adifferent story. Honesty sometimes is not easy to accept but it sure make the planning simple.
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Dave A Jamieson Portland, ON Canada 1928 Tudor |
03-07-2021, 11:54 AM | #31 |
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Question, Why do you think the future will in any way resemble your 'past' ?
Lucky you if you have a young sprout interested in having you as his antique automobile mentor. Majority of kids are only interested in their thumbs on an i-phone. What do the current car manufacturers all scrambling to offer electric cars know that we don't. Notice that the very first thing our new government did was shut down two major oil pipe line suppliers. How do you get the population into electric cars ?? Make gasoline too expensive to use. Eventually the Grandkids will wonder if they can't afford the gas for Grandpa's old Ford, 'Why are we storing that monument in the garage ?' We are very likely the last to enjoy these cars. |
03-07-2021, 12:13 PM | #32 | |
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Re: Changing of the Guard
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03-07-2021, 04:59 PM | #33 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Hershey, Pa.
Posts: 102
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Re: Changing of the Guard
I have a '30 Tudor which is in good shape. Restored in '09 and I have not done too much to it besides regular oil change, lube etc. I have only 5,000 mi. on it since I got it but now I fear things are going to start happening one of these days that I won't know how to fix. It has modern points and I oil the distributor but that is about it. The thing I need help with is my brakes. I have adjusted them enough with the wrench but it is at the end of the adjustment with that but I know there has to be plenty of brake pad left so I assume I have to get more out of adjusting the rods? I don't know how to do that. So There doesn't seem to be anyone around to help me out. I'm 69 yrs. old and I want to keep my Model A but I don't want to drive it without proper brake adjustment. I can learn the mechanics of what makes the Model A tick but I have to be shown and have things explained or I can't get it. So as the older guys become few and far between I don't know what I'll do. I think I speak for many that would like to get in to this hobby but it might seem like Greek to them. After I am shown the ropes It does seem easy but if I try tinkering with something the wrong way it will end up being worse than what is was before I started. Just saying anyone who has knowledge of all this always explain it well to someone who has no idea. Just don't assume. Thanks, Jim
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03-07-2021, 05:34 PM | #34 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 5,903
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Skeazle==Don’t mess with the rods. That isn’t where either the problem or the solution lie. You’re likely to just make trouble for yourself. Get a copy of Les Andrews’ red book. Good instructions step by step on working on all aspects of an A.
Available on the MAFCA web site: https://www.mafca.com/books/lesbook.jpg
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Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. Last edited by 700rpm; 03-07-2021 at 06:02 PM. |
03-07-2021, 05:47 PM | #35 |
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,196
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Re: Changing of the Guard
I love these threads,all kind of teeth knashing about a future you can't change..
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03-07-2021, 06:05 PM | #36 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Hershey, Pa.
Posts: 102
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Thanks Ray. I'll check it out.
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03-07-2021, 06:59 PM | #37 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,821
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Quote:
Back in the day. Everyday maintenance could be easily done by an owner, just like today, but there were still dealer service and repair shops for the other things. All four wheels off the ground, than our cars have always gone to repair shop. Yes, more money. But. Done right and not tide up for months. Enjoy. |
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03-07-2021, 07:39 PM | #38 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Hershey, Pa.
Posts: 102
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Re: Changing of the Guard
Thanks WHN.
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03-07-2021, 07:43 PM | #39 |
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,958
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Re: Changing of the Guard
I bought my A when I was 34. in 1994. For a long time I was by far the youngest guy in my local chapter.
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03-07-2021, 07:49 PM | #40 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Englewood, Colorado
Posts: 1,372
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Re: Changing of the Guard
As a guy who has retailed Model A parts for almost 40 years, I can tell you that this has been happening for 40 years (or more). Most Model A’s are passed down, and of course many are sold when the owner passes away. Here is what I have seen in the last few years. Most, not all, of these kids that inherit these cars, are simply fascinated by how simple they are, and amazed that they run without any computers. These kids , for the most part, are eager to learn, buy all the books available, and ask a lot of good questions. Most are able and not afraid to spend the money needed to fix them well, and really enjoy the cars.
Steve @Bert’s Model A Center |
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