First Model A

[ports]

I purchased my first Model A Ford, a 1930 standard coupe. It will be shipped to Pottsville, Pa at the end of next week. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can about my new purchase from all of you on the Ford Barn. As I have questions , I will post. Eager to learn. Are there any Ford Barn members who might live close to my location in Pa.? Looking forward to gaining knowledge from the expertise on this forum and can't wait until I have everything finished transfer of title and registration so I can get out on the road. Ports

[JKY]

Join MAFCA and hunt down a local club. Very helpful.

[Ruth]

Join MARC and hunt down a local club. Very helpful.

[Redbird]

Google search "starting a Model A" and watch the video. Not rocket science, but do it right the first time and you will get it down pat.

[nkaminar]

Watch the video. Starting sequence is about halfway through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eukZ9E_eofM

If you have any problems take it to the Ford dealer.

[Cape Codder]

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Did the Manager ever show the customer where to turn the GAS "on"?

[Chuck Dempsey]

Congrats, and enjoy! Hopefully it's in running shape, to get some miles in before winter.....

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Watch the video. Starting sequence is about halfway through.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eukZ9E_eofM

If you have any problems take it to the Ford dealer.

Won't help - it's out of warranty.

[CHuDWah]

If you don't know how to double-clutch...learn.

[McMimmcs]

Enjoy your new friend ! Wayne

[nkaminar]

The first Model A, 1903.

[wwirz]

I purchased my Model A 2 years ago. I joined MAFCA, MARC and a local Model A club. I also purchased the Les Andrews RED BOOK. It is a very enjoyable hobby and you will meet many friends. If you go to the MAFCA WEBSITE you can find a club local to you. Good luck to you. Many people here to help.

[1942deluxe]

It's too bad John Kline passed away. He lived in Fountain Springs and was the go to guy in that area for Model A's. We lived in Ashland for 11 years.

[1fastbyrd]

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by ports

I purchased my first Model A Ford, a 1930 standard coupe. It will be shipped to Pottsville, Pa at the end of next week. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can about my new purchase from all of you on the Ford Barn. As I have questions , I will post. Eager to learn. Are there any Ford Barn members who might live close to my location in Pa.? Looking forward to gaining knowledge from the expertise on this forum and can't wait until I have everything finished transfer of title and registration so I can get out on the road. Ports

Yeah! Welcome aboard and good luck with your new A! I'm just outside of Quakertown, Northern Bucks Co. There are several guys in the area. (A few come with a warning!) Most are just owners and operators who aren' looking for anything. Then there's Lehigh Valley model A club, You must be a member of MARC to get in though. There is the Steve Ryan Memorial Model A day Swap meet in Trexlertown in April and various other events. So, there seems to be plenty o fill up your calendar with.
Terry

[ports]

Thank you to all who responded to my post. Although this is my first purchase, I have been doing a lot of research and reading on the modelA and have picked up vol 1 of Les Andrews book. Will be joining a national club. I am currently visiting my daughter and grandkids in NH. Hopefully my car will be shipped by the end of the week from Mass to Pa. After that happens I can trNsfer the title and get it registered in Pa. Iwas told it would take a couple of months to get an antique plate. I do not live far from Harrisburg Pa. and was told if I go directly to the Harrisburg building I can get a tag right away and be able to get some miles in. Thanks again to all who responded. I am sure I will be using your expertise very soon when the car arrives in Pa.

[burner31]

Originally Posted by CHuDWah

Won't help - it's out of warranty.

If you have any problems take it to the Ford dealer.


I drove my Model A to the local Ford dealership to ask if they would sponsor some parts to get a 1917 Model T running that we had at the City museum, (that they had donated back in 1983), they shot us down in less then a minute and couldn't give a hoot about the '31 Model A parked out front.

Hope no one asks me if they should take their car to the local Ford dealership

[woofa.express]

I wished I had gone to the local Model A club prior to purchasing my first. The cost of restoration was humongous. They would have directed me to a better solution to acquiring my life long desire.

[nkaminar]

Yeah, restoring a Model A is a labor of love. The love of working on the car and the pride of a job well done. Certainly not a good financial investment. Sort of like buying an old wooden sail boat.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

The first Model A, 1903.

We had one hanging in the showroom as far back as I can remember.

[ports]

Terry. Thanks for replying. I have done a lot of reading and video watching to learn about model a maintenance. That being said, there is no better way to learn than hands on from someone who has actually performed these different required maintenances. I am hoping to find owners who would be will king to show me. I reached out to the head of the Kehigh Valley chapter of MARC but did not get a response. I know how to start and shift and perform basic maintenance. It is things like adjusting the brakes and steering column if needed that would be nice to have someone who is comfortable with doing these things walk me through. The car I purchased was built and maintained by a master mechanic who recently passed away. I believe he had the car and cared for it for 38 years. What I am looking to be able to do is continue with the care and maintenance of the car to keep it sound.Looking forward to meeting and learning from your bunch. My car will be picked up tomorrow in Mass and delivered to Pa on Saturday. I was told I could go to Harrisburg and get an antique plate the same day. Otherwise I was told I might have to wait 3-4. Onths if I mailed in the application. That would. Ea. The entire summer and fall would be wasted. Anyway thank you and looking forward to meeting you and your model a buddies. Ports

[updraught]

You can rebuild a Model A with only a Chev manual. Don't ask how i know. It is a simple vehicle. The master mechanic probably started by pulling things apart in his youth and seeing how they work.

[jack backer]

Boats are dry holes in the water to toss money into..Model A’s are not an investment, nor are they practical..

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by ports

Terry. Thanks for replying. I have done a lot of reading and video watching to learn about model a maintenance. That being said, there is no better way to learn than hands on from someone who has actually performed these different required maintenances. I am hoping to find owners who would be will king to show me. I reached out to the head of the Kehigh Valley chapter of MARC but did not get a response. I know how to start and shift and perform basic maintenance. It is things like adjusting the brakes and steering column if needed that would be nice to have someone who is comfortable with doing these things walk me through. The car I purchased was built and maintained by a master mechanic who recently passed away. I believe he had the car and cared for it for 38 years. What I am looking to be able to do is continue with the care and maintenance of the car to keep it sound.Looking forward to meeting and learning from your bunch. My car will be picked up tomorrow in Mass and delivered to Pa on Saturday. I was told I could go to Harrisburg and get an antique plate the same day. Otherwise I was told I might have to wait 3-4. Onths if I mailed in the application. That would. Ea. The entire summer and fall would be wasted. Anyway thank you and looking forward to meeting you and your model a buddies. Ports

As I said"Best Of Luck!" with it! In regards to greasing it, there's about a half a zillion "Zerks" . (No I'm not being funny, it's actually a Zerk fitting) on the car. Many of them probably haven't seen grease in a long time. Hopefully, they're the modern type otherwise you'll need a old time grease gun to get any grease into them. If one seems locked up and won't take any grease , then replace it.
Yes! You can go to Harrisburg, But get there early! About 8 AM. And bring lots of money! I'm pretty sure they won't take credit cards. It's been a while and I'm losing my memory, but I think cash is king at the DMV. It usually takes about six weeks for them to mail me a title when I do one by mail.
First thing I would do is jack up the front end and see what's shaking. Loose wheel bearings are common. Don't over tighten ! There's a trick to it.
This car is a + ground! A lot of the old 6 Volts were! It won't wreck it if you hook it up backwards, But I would keep it + ground and - negative "hot" side, it will run better. Check the smut in the fuel filter, dump if present. More to come!
Terry

[mhsprecher]

I suggest getting the Les Andrews blue book, too. Very helpful for troubleshooting.

As to whether they are practical, i drive mine all the time. I drove it to the YMCA this morning. You may not want to take it on a long trip very often, but for around town and country roads, they are great. Anything will take a little longer due to speed and the conversations it will start.

[HD Rider]

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Here in Montana the antique/pioneer plates limit use to parades and car shows. I like to take to church on Sundays or out to dinner now and them so I went for regular plates on both my vintage cars.

[wwirz]

Originally Posted by ports

Terry. Thanks for replying. I have done a lot of reading and video watching to learn about model a maintenance. That being said, there is no better way to learn than hands on from someone who has actually performed these different required maintenances. I am hoping to find owners who would be will king to show me. I reached out to the head of the Kehigh Valley chapter of MARC but did not get a response. I know how to start and shift and perform basic maintenance. It is things like adjusting the brakes and steering column if needed that would be nice to have someone who is comfortable with doing these things walk me through. The car I purchased was built and maintained by a master mechanic who recently passed away. I believe he had the car and cared for it for 38 years. What I am looking to be able to do is continue with the care and maintenance of the car to keep it sound.Looking forward to meeting and learning from your bunch. My car will be picked up tomorrow in Mass and delivered to Pa on Saturday. I was told I could go to Harrisburg and get an antique plate the same day. Otherwise I was told I might have to wait 3-4. Onths if I mailed in the application. That would. Ea. The entire summer and fall would be wasted. Anyway thank you and looking forward to meeting you and your model a buddies. Ports

Ports -
YOu can register the vehicle as a regular car and avoid the hassle with antique car plates. I live in New York (Corning) and my car is registered as a regular vehicle. I had plates while I stood in line

[Terry, NJ]

In regards to regular plates, Antique plates cost a one time fee of $75.00 and no inspection. Inspection can be a hassle in Pa. (Environmental crap, Puff test) Restrictions are Mileage (5000 I think) and nighttime, 6V isn't bright enough. I've never heard of anyone actually coming around and checking the mileage and I've driven into the early part of the of the evening, after dusk more than once.
Terry

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Originally Posted by nkaminar

The first Model A, 1903.

This one is at the Ford dealer in Tacoma. Third owner. The family they got it from traded a Stetson hat for it.

[GeneBob]

First Model A. Congratulations!
You know everyone thinks that they won't become addicted, that they can handle it.

Enjoy.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good afternoon...You might look at YouTube videos made by Paul Shinn and others that are great help in learning to care for a Model A. Ernie in Arizona

[Rob Doe]

I also bought the Les Andrews (blue) book, "Diagnosis and Testing" ?? I actually got more good stuff from it because our car did not run when we unloaded it from the trailer. Both books are very informative.

[Synchro909]

IMO, you shouldn't take your Model A anywhere near a Ford dealer. I bought a 1930 CCPU out of Arizona a while ago. The seller took it to the dealer to have a few things done ready for sale. For obvious reasons, I couldn't personally inspect it so I relied on information from friends in the area. What the dealer did would have been comical if it weren't so dangerous. They had NO idea.

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

IMO, you shouldn't take your Model A anywhere near a Ford dealer. I bought a 1930 CCPU out of Arizona a while ago. The seller took it to the dealer to have a few things done ready for sale. For obvious reasons, I couldn't personally inspect it so I relied on information from friends in the area. What the dealer did would have been comical if it weren't so dangerous. They had NO idea.

I couldn't agree more! Modern mechanics are at a loss with such an old machine. Points? What are they? You set them with a feeler gauge. You set the timing? That can't be! Gravity feed fuel pump? It would be like aviation mechanic trying to fix a Wright Mod. B flyer. A couple of years ago, a very young heavy equiptment mechanic was using my circa 1985 Case 580 backhoe as a lesson in historical antique machinery. He thought of my backhoe the way we look at a model A.'
Terry

[Terry, NJ]

Originally Posted by Chuck Sea/Tac

This one is at the Ford dealer in Tacoma. Third owner. The family they got it from traded a Stetson hat for it.

Imagine the good old days when deals like that were made! How many shotguns were traded this or that? Today we'd want a lawyer, a stack of paperwork, and we've had a 1st A at the Steve Ryan Memorial swap meet in April.
Terry