The Ford Barn

29er · 11-07-2014, 02:21 PM

Almost home. Safe travels. I've much enjoyed reading about your adventure. It would make a nice article somewhere!

Mike in Oregon

Slotblog · 11-07-2014, 04:54 PM

Thanks, Mike.

We should be home by Monday night, if all goes as planned. So three weeks and a day, from start to finish (drive from Atlanta and return), but we stayed a total of five nights in Denver (two on the outbound leg and three on the inbound).

Not really looking forward to the journey coming to an end in many ways...

P.S. · 11-07-2014, 05:21 PM

But, you now have the tactical advantage of knowing your car better than almost every other new Model A owner on the planet.

cdlwingnut · 11-07-2014, 05:39 PM

sounds like a great trip.
so back on Monday night that means you can start planning and preparing for next falls road trip.

Slotblog · 11-07-2014, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.S.

But, you now have the tactical advantage of knowing your car better than almost every other new Model A owner on the planet.

'Tis true. I can drive it much better now than two weeks ago.

And I have this mental list of the things I need to address and repair. too.

mhsprecher · 11-07-2014, 06:18 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

You have had a remarkable trip, in my view. Of course, the trip to Bert's was probably key to your success, but still....

Slotblog · 11-07-2014, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

Of course, the trip to Bert's was probably key to your success...

May I gently disagree?

I believe even without Joe's serendipitous intervention, the car probably would have made it to the garage in Norcross. Remember that we had already traveled nearly 1,300 miles when we arrived in Denver.

What Joe did was to address some genuine safety concerns, primarily the brakes, and to make the car drive SO much better it is hard to quantify the level of improvement. That ramped up my confidence in the car and has made the last half of the trip much more enjoyable and much, much less tiring.

You should know that Joe has called to check on me every day since we left Denver, too.

Mitch//pa · 11-07-2014, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slotblog

May I gently disagree?

I believe even without Joe's serendipitous intervention, the car probably would have made it to the garage in Norcross. Remember that we had already traveled nearly 1,300 miles when we arrived in Denver.

What Joe did was to address some genuine safety concerns, primarily the brakes, and to make the car drive SO much better it is hard to quantify the level of improvement. That ramped up my confidence in the car and has made the last half of the trip much more enjoyable and much, much less tiring.

You should know that Joe has called to check on me every day since we left Denver, too.

A quality guy that takes pride in his work

armchair67 · 11-07-2014, 11:03 PM

Sounds like a great trip! I hope to do a long distance run in my '31 Tudor this spring. I can relate to how some small tweaks can make a huge difference-about a dozen years ago a few buddies of mine and myself drove my volks bus from Chicago to California. Fighting for our lane the whole way. Stopped at a vw shop in Costa Mesa to get a replacement tire for the front-they found the alignment was way, way off. I had just had it done at a shop before heading out, but turns out they did a poor job of it. After the alignment, it was night and day difference for the return trip.

I would personally rather drive a vintage car such as yours or mine on a long distance trip than a new car, even the issues along they way can create memories and introduce new friends. Best of luck.

Slotblog · 11-08-2014, 09:20 PM

We've made it to Mt. Juliet, TN, but we came in wounded.

Took the Natchez Trace for about 75 miles toward Nashville, and about halfway through the amp gauge started flicking to zero and back to a normal setting. About 15 miles before we exited the Trace, the amp gauge flicked to zero charge for good.

Limped into Mt. Juliet just as it got too dark to drive without headlights. And now I need to deal with the issue tomorrow so we can go on. The big problem is tomorrow is Sunday. I can't get anything shipped in overnight for two days.

Hoping it is a short brush we can shim, but if not, where can I get a 1930 Model A generator and/or cut-out in Nashville?

Tom Wesenberg · 11-08-2014, 09:41 PM

The brushes will have a slot, so you should be able to slide it ahead about 1/8", if worn brushes are the problem. If the commutator has burn marks, then sandpaper it smooth and use a toothpick to clean out the slots between the bars.

You also might find a broken wire that can be easily soldered. Put a volt meter on the generator output post to confirm it's the generator at fault, and not the cutout, or bad connection down the line.

Slotblog · 11-08-2014, 10:45 PM

Thank you again, Tom!

Tom Wesenberg · 11-09-2014, 04:52 AM

BTW, if the cutout is bad you can use a short jumper wire between the input and output terminals to get home. Just be sure to remove the jumper when the engine isn't running.

The same thing goes for a bad ammeter, just jump a wire between the two terminal box wingnuts.

Slotblog · 11-09-2014, 09:21 AM

More great advice.

Just had a great breakfast at the Brigg's house in Mt. Juliet and am working on yesterday's trip report, then we'll dive into the generator to see if we can't coax it back to function for just two more days...

Richard/Tennessee · 11-09-2014, 08:43 PM

I m located in Goodlettsville tn right off 65, appx 25 miles from Mt Juliet, I have a generator u can use to get home, call if u wish 615-585-1212.......free delivery also

darrylkmc · 11-09-2014, 09:04 PM

Slotblog,

Just a thought, but you can easily run for a day on a fully charged battery as long as you don't use your headlights.

If you do this you want to make certain that the generator is not producing any power, otherwise you will burn up the Generator for certain.

Darryl in Fairbanks

sethkestenbaum · 11-09-2014, 09:26 PM

Your trip is inspirational.

Slotblog · 11-09-2014, 09:30 PM

Darryl,

That's what we did to go from Mt. Juliet to Tullahoma, about 85 miles.

I thought about doing the same thing from Tullahoma to Atlanta, but for various reasons, just decided to order a alternator and install it before heading south. Joe Wylie convinced me that for the tour usage I envision for this car, the alternator makes more sense than a rebuilt generator.

Richard, thank you for your kind offer. We made Tullahoma by 4:15 PM. Had to travel before it got dark, you know...

Slotblog · 11-10-2014, 11:19 AM

Thanks, Seth. It's been a lot of fun and we've had less trouble than I was anticipating. We got almost 2,500 miles before a component failure sidelined us and I didn't expect to do that.

If all goes as planned, we should arrive back home tomorrow evening in Norcross, GA.

Slotblog · 11-11-2014, 11:34 PM

After a tough and frustrating day, we arrived home in Norcross, GA, at 8:55 PM local, today Nov 11. Check my trip report tomorrow to get the story.

2,700 miles on her own wheels under her own power. I'm impressed.

Many, many thanks to those special people who helped along the way. We couldn't have done it without you.

PS: We're happy to be home! LOL!

11-07-2014, 02:21 PM	#101
29er Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 465	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Almost home. Safe travels. I've much enjoyed reading about your adventure. It would make a nice article somewhere! Mike in Oregon

11-07-2014, 04:54 PM	#102
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Thanks, Mike. We should be home by Monday night, if all goes as planned. So three weeks and a day, from start to finish (drive from Atlanta and return), but we stayed a total of five nights in Denver (two on the outbound leg and three on the inbound). Not really looking forward to the journey coming to an end in many ways... Last edited by Slotblog; 11-07-2014 at 06:17 PM.

11-07-2014, 05:21 PM	#103
P.S. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,687	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor But, you now have the tactical advantage of knowing your car better than almost every other new Model A owner on the planet.

11-07-2014, 05:39 PM	#104
cdlwingnut Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 10	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor sounds like a great trip. so back on Monday night that means you can start planning and preparing for next falls road trip.

11-07-2014, 06:18 PM	#106
mhsprecher Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Takoma Park, MD Posts: 2,817	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You have had a remarkable trip, in my view. Of course, the trip to Bert's was probably key to your success, but still....

11-07-2014, 11:03 PM	#109
armchair67 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 115	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Sounds like a great trip! I hope to do a long distance run in my '31 Tudor this spring. I can relate to how some small tweaks can make a huge difference-about a dozen years ago a few buddies of mine and myself drove my volks bus from Chicago to California. Fighting for our lane the whole way. Stopped at a vw shop in Costa Mesa to get a replacement tire for the front-they found the alignment was way, way off. I had just had it done at a shop before heading out, but turns out they did a poor job of it. After the alignment, it was night and day difference for the return trip. I would personally rather drive a vintage car such as yours or mine on a long distance trip than a new car, even the issues along they way can create memories and introduce new friends. Best of luck.

11-08-2014, 09:20 PM	#110
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor We've made it to Mt. Juliet, TN, but we came in wounded. Took the Natchez Trace for about 75 miles toward Nashville, and about halfway through the amp gauge started flicking to zero and back to a normal setting. About 15 miles before we exited the Trace, the amp gauge flicked to zero charge for good. Limped into Mt. Juliet just as it got too dark to drive without headlights. And now I need to deal with the issue tomorrow so we can go on. The big problem is tomorrow is Sunday. I can't get anything shipped in overnight for two days. Hoping it is a short brush we can shim, but if not, where can I get a 1930 Model A generator and/or cut-out in Nashville? Last edited by Slotblog; 11-08-2014 at 10:57 PM.

11-08-2014, 09:41 PM	#111
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor The brushes will have a slot, so you should be able to slide it ahead about 1/8", if worn brushes are the problem. If the commutator has burn marks, then sandpaper it smooth and use a toothpick to clean out the slots between the bars. You also might find a broken wire that can be easily soldered. Put a volt meter on the generator output post to confirm it's the generator at fault, and not the cutout, or bad connection down the line.

11-08-2014, 10:45 PM	#112
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Thank you again, Tom!

11-09-2014, 04:52 AM	#113
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor BTW, if the cutout is bad you can use a short jumper wire between the input and output terminals to get home. Just be sure to remove the jumper when the engine isn't running. The same thing goes for a bad ammeter, just jump a wire between the two terminal box wingnuts.

11-09-2014, 09:21 AM	#114
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor More great advice. Just had a great breakfast at the Brigg's house in Mt. Juliet and am working on yesterday's trip report, then we'll dive into the generator to see if we can't coax it back to function for just two more days...

11-09-2014, 08:43 PM	#115
Richard/Tennessee Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 25	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor I m located in Goodlettsville tn right off 65, appx 25 miles from Mt Juliet, I have a generator u can use to get home, call if u wish 615-585-1212.......free delivery also Last edited by Richard/Tennessee; 11-09-2014 at 09:01 PM.

11-09-2014, 09:04 PM	#116
darrylkmc Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 767	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Slotblog, Just a thought, but you can easily run for a day on a fully charged battery as long as you don't use your headlights. If you do this you want to make certain that the generator is not producing any power, otherwise you will burn up the Generator for certain. Darryl in Fairbanks

11-09-2014, 09:26 PM	#117
sethkestenbaum Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 632	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Your trip is inspirational. __________________ Seth Kestenbaum www.oldcarroadtrip.com

11-09-2014, 09:30 PM	#118
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Darryl, That's what we did to go from Mt. Juliet to Tullahoma, about 85 miles. I thought about doing the same thing from Tullahoma to Atlanta, but for various reasons, just decided to order a alternator and install it before heading south. Joe Wylie convinced me that for the tour usage I envision for this car, the alternator makes more sense than a rebuilt generator. Richard, thank you for your kind offer. We made Tullahoma by 4:15 PM. Had to travel before it got dark, you know...

11-10-2014, 11:19 AM	#119
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor Thanks, Seth. It's been a lot of fun and we've had less trouble than I was anticipating. We got almost 2,500 miles before a component failure sidelined us and I didn't expect to do that. If all goes as planned, we should arrive back home tomorrow evening in Norcross, GA.

11-11-2014, 11:34 PM	#120
Slotblog Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norcross, GA Posts: 242	Re: Oregon to Georgia in a 1930 Standard Tudor After a tough and frustrating day, we arrived home in Norcross, GA, at 8:55 PM local, today Nov 11. Check my trip report tomorrow to get the story. 2,700 miles on her own wheels under her own power. I'm impressed. Many, many thanks to those special people who helped along the way. We couldn't have done it without you. PS: We're happy to be home! LOL!