Riding my Ford Model A across USA

[Terry, NJ]

Personally, I'd stay off rt 66. It's too broken up in places. In places, it's just an old roadbed with the interstate (I 40) running next to it. It is not passable. In some places it's been kept up OK. Probably the old Lincoln highway and rt 1 are better. Rt 1 parallels it (rt 27) through NJ. I would drive rt 1 to Trenton and pick up the Lincoln Highway at the Calhoun st bridge over the Delaware River or just continue on rt 1.
Terry

[buddyboy]

Your trip sounds like a great way to have a great adventure! I am in North West Montana (Bigfork), and if you happen to head up this way, would love to show you Glacier National Park on Going To The Sun Highway, fill your tank and supply meals for the day. We have seen many antique cars on this road. I am a retired auto and truck repair shop owner and mechanic, with tools and Model A experience if you need help. Bud

[ODFever]

I'm curious about a couple things, bike maniac. How much will it cost you to finish the restoration on your car? How much will it cost you to ship the car to the US? Have you thought about putting your money towards a car that is already in the US? You plan on selling it after you complete the journey. Why not buy a car that is already restored and road worthy, and making the necessary improvements for a safe trip?

[curtisldean]

I'm curious what body style you will be using for the trip and what other members think would be the best car or truck for the trip.
I have been talking about this same trip for the past couple of years.
Washington state to the Carolinas to visit my son.

[roblesterjr04]

I'm looking forward to following the journey, because I want to be able to do the same thing when my car is finished!

[bikemaniac]

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Originally Posted by ODFever

I'm curious about a couple things, bike maniac. How much will it cost you to finish the restoration on your car? How much will it cost you to ship the car to the US? Have you thought about putting your money towards a car that is already in the US? You plan on selling it after you complete the journey. Why not buy a car that is already restored and road worthy, and making the necessary improvements for a safe trip?

1. The car (barnfind sitting for 42 years) cost me the equivalent of 3500 USD.
2. I guess my restoration costs will be 1500 USD. This amount is solely used to make it roadworthy and legal on the streets.
3. Shipping one way is approx 1500 USD.
4. I plan on selling it after the journey in the US and will not ship it back.
5. You are correct that I could have bought a roadworthy car in the US. But looking back I believe I made the right decision: I know all parts of the car - if I have a breakdown I know how to fix all of it - probably even without any Workshop book. If I had bought a roadworthy car on day 1, I would not know how to adjust the points, adjust the carb etc etc in the event of a problem. Now I know exactly what to look for.

I think, if you need a roadworthy, restored Model A in the US, you need to pay at least 10000 USD. So far I have spent 5000 USD on the car.

Lucas

[C26Pinelake]

What will it cost to ship it ? Have you inquired about the legality of selling it in the USA ?
Wayne

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

What will it cost to ship it ? Have you inquired about the legality of selling it in the USA ?
Wayne

Originally Posted by bikemaniac

...
3. Shipping one way is approx 1500 USD.
4. I plan on selling it after the journey in the US and will not ship it back.
...

If it was originally mfg in USA, there is no problem re-importing. Just need to say so on the customs paperwork.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by CarlG

If it was originally mfg in USA, there is no problem re-importing. Just need to say so on the customs paperwork.

Sorry but not quite that easy or simple if the sale will take place in the United States to an as of yet unidentified buyer it is far different than importing a vehicle that was purchased outside the country. Please be safe and check with United States Customs and Border Protection Services first ( USCBPS ) !
Wayne.

[C26Pinelake]

No need to be sorry. It is a very complicated regulation / law.
Wayne

[Cornishman]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

Language won't be a problem, as almost everyone in America speaks Danish as a Second Language, and a great many people, especially the older ones, speak English (well, "American"). But judging from your Forum writing skills I suspect that you are either an ex-pat. or a well-educated English speaker.

I have learnt a great deal since I started reading the Model A forum on Fordbarn but is this really true?

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Cornishman

I have learnt a great deal since I started reading the Model A forum on Fordbarn but is this really true?

Not the Danish part. Most Americans speak some sort of American, and almost everyone will eat a Danish, but few speak Danish.

[Terry, NJ]

It's pretty tough to find a mono linguistic American, whose language is other than English. Although, I knew some Russians who were mono linguistic and I suspect that many Mexicans and Syrians are. Your greatest chances to find "Landsmen" will be in Wisconsin , Minnesota, and the Dakotas. If you have a chance, Go see the "Kensington Rune stone" museum in Minnesota. This is a viking artifact that was dug up in the 1890s and it's very controversial, but opinions are starting to shift in it's favor as being a legitimate. Also, what the "De bunkers" never mention are all the other artifacts that were found in the same general area.
Terry

[Cornishman]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Not the Danish part. Most Americans speak some sort of American, and almost everyone will eat a Danish, but few speak Danish.

That I believe. Thank you.

[jfreddie]

Make sure your rear axle hub nuts are tightened properly to 100 ft/lbs. If they're loose at all, going through rocky terrain can snap the axle and you're done.
I wouldn't mess around with the radiator. If you have any doubts, rebuild or replace before you start. One of those things that has to be solid. You won't regret.
Great adventure...you picked the right rig.

[wmws]

Most of these posts are from a year ago. So did bikemaniac go on his trip. I have not heard how he made out.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by wmws

Most of these posts are from a year ago. So did bikemaniac go on his trip. I have not heard how he made out.

I wondered that as well.

[updraught]

Originally Posted by wmws

Most of these posts are from a year ago. So did bikemaniac go on his trip. I have not heard how he made out.

I think he is still working on getting the smell out of his car.

[C26Pinelake]

Time for bikemaniac to give us an update! Trip or no trip? Wayne

[bikemaniac]

Originally Posted by updraught

I think he is still working on getting the smell out of his car.

Yes and I am about to quit if I cant solve that smell problem very fast.

Lucas