car is simple and reliable yet I carry spares for everything

[ericr]

I constantly read herein about a plethora of spare parts being carried in the car. Obviously everyone is free to carry whatever they want; but the extra distributors, condensers, coils, generators, points, starters, fuses, etc. plus whatever tools are needed to install these items, seems to bespeak that while the reliability of the car is praised, some folks really don't believe it.

BTW I want to know what Forever4 is lugging around in his car lol

[Pete]

All I carry right now is a pair of pliers and some Ford wire to wire up a broken chain link if need be.

[mike657894]

i haven't got mine out driving much yet. as i am a new owner. but i think im running on all original ignition parts some things may have been replaced in its early service life but all parts on my car were on it in 1976 when it was stored. i have stowed a heavy tow rope though. dont have any extra parts.

[John Stone]

I usually carry a lot of parts but very seldom use any on my car. I have however, used a bunch on club members cars to keep the tour going.

[Farrell In Vancouver]

I have had the coupe on the road for five years now and not once could I not make it home on what she has bolted to her. I do carry tools, a jack, crank, some wire, tape, and a few zap straps. She just a reliable as my old 1980 FLH Police special.
Now that I have said that on the board, I better pack a tow strap!

[harleynut]

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Great point. I think that is mostly for touring. Where I live there are few places to get off the road to make repairs. Although I am amazed at some of the things I've heard that some guys do on the road like dropping the oil pan and adding shims etc.

[C26Pinelake]

You should not be obsessed with it breaking down or it diminishes the fun. If you are on a tour that is different. I carry a set of points, condenser and a distributor cap under the seat and they have not seen the light of day in 18 years. Wayne
P.s. This thread obviously does not involve the trailer queen Do!

[2manycars]

I have a spare distributor and a jack and wheel wrench, and a few hand tools.

[Charlie Stephens]

AAA card, screwdriver and a condenser. I would like to suggest to anyone using non stock parts (like an electronic ignition) that they carry all of the parts they might need and have the knowledge how to repair them. I watched a very nice looking Model A go home from a meet on a trailer because nobody had the parts or the knowledge to fix the electronic ignition.

Charlie Stephens

[Sunnybrook Farm]

When I drove mine daily, I had the Ford tool kit with a condenser. The grease gun in the car had water pump grease in it. I may have had a spare cutout. This was back in the 70s and as I can remember it was the condenser that gave me the most trouble until I finally mounted it on the firewall and ran a wire to the distributor.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

It kinda begs the question asked a different way. What do folks carry in their modern daily-driver? For me, I drive an Aviator that just rolled 100k, and I still just carry what the factory installed for spares, and maybe a set of jumper cables. Most folks do not care spare starters, alternators, fuel pumps, etc. when they go to work or on an errand. Maybe it is because the average person takes better care of the daily driver than their Model-A?


BTW, Vince has a nice '32 Fordor, so I would image he is "lugging around" passengers.

[29spcoupe]

I only carry a 'tune-up' and a coil in my trunk. Some tools too.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

It kinda begs the question asked a different way. What do folks carry in their modern daily-driver? For me, I drive an Aviator that just rolled 100k, and I still just carry what the factory installed for spares, and maybe a set of jumper cables. Most folks do not care spare starters, alternators, fuel pumps, etc. when they go to work or on an errand. Maybe it is because the average person takes better care of the daily driver than their Model-A?


BTW, Vince has a nice '32 Fordor, so I would image he is "lugging around" passengers.

-good point. in my daily Chevrolet Malibu, I've got jumper cables, flares, and a little air pump. I can only recall using jumper cables in any car I ever owned for someone else LOL. air pump there because there is a lot of construction going on where I live and I get leakers periodically.

I was actually teasing Vince because he commented recently as to why anyone would have to adjust points on the road. Looks like he is sitting this discussion out.

[1931 flamingo]

AAA card, s/driver, 1/2" and 7/16" open end wrench. Cigars, matches, gator ade.

Paul in CT

[Keith True]

AAA card and a cell phone.I'm NOT fixing anything on the side of the road.Unless it is real cold I won't even sit in the car waiting for AAA.Years ago I was changing the points in a Nova on the side of the road,and when I stood back to hold something up to the light there was a crash and the car disappeared.Somebody rear ended it at over 50 MPH.The owner of the Nova was in it,and he snapped the seat back right off.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by 1931 flamingo

AAA card, s/driver, 1/2" and 7/16" open end wrench. Cigars, matches, gator ade.

Paul in CT

Phillips or straight

[ericr]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Phillips or straight

=or Robertson if you travel to Canada.

[Fred K-OR]

I would think what you carry as spares depends on where you drive your rig. If you only drive down to the local coffee shop (like I do a lot) that is different than if you drive across the country. The coffee shop run I take my cell phone so I can call my wife if I need help. If I would go across country, then I would think about a number of spare parts that could need replacement on the trip. The reason for the spares is that you don't find a Model A repair shop or a willing Model Aer to help in every town you go by. Model A being a different breed of rig than your modern.

So it would seem like where you drive would determine what you take with you.

[CWilson]

Originally Posted by ericr

I constantly read herein about a plethora of spare parts being carried in the car. Obviously everyone is free to carry whatever they want; but the extra distributors, condensers, coils, generators, points, starters, fuses, etc. plus whatever tools are needed to install these items, seems to bespeak that while the reliability of the car is praised, some folks really don't believe it.

BTW I want to know what Forever4 is lugging around in his car lol

I would say it's more about how easy the parts are to replace, then the lack of reliability. People might be more apt to carry parts for their modern cars if you could do most work with a screw driver and a couple wrenches. Also, it seems the problems that can occur are much more limited than on a newer vehicle that could have a thousand different things go bad.

[w.michael]

I carry spare parts because I am not willing to leave my A sitting beside the road. My 2015 can sit there until the dealer gets around to picking it up. I've only left my A by the road one time in 51 years, and that was so I could take the grandparents home and then go back and fix the A.

W. Michael

[jeep44]

Every vehicle I own, new or old, car or motorcycle has an extensive tool kit on it. When I change anything like a serpentine belt as a part of preventive maintainance, I put the old one in the trunk. There's a quart of oil, a gallon of antifreeze, and a headlight and tailight bulb back there,too, along with a small air compressor. LOL! I guess I'm the other extreme to the guys here who carry nothing. I guess I got in the habit of doing this back in the pre-cellphone days-now it really is pretty pointless, but it makes me feel better knowing that stuff is there.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Chief always said, "Carry tools & you'll have TROUBLE"!
In later years, he changed his mind, when the carb & some steering gear mounting bolts almost FELL off, on his '59 Buick!!!!
Chiefs' Son

[31 Model A]

I carry a lot of spare parts and tools and I have compacted all of them together into a pocket in my billfold along with AAA and Larry Shepard's phone numbers!!!! Allows me more room for my lady friends and when I deliver my Grits!!!!!

[KGBnut]

Sure I carry spare parts... My modern car breaks down occasionally, too, but, for that spare parts are readily available at the local parts store. I carry the spare parts for the Model A because I wouldn't be able to source them quickly anywhere local.

[H. L. Chauvin]

FWIW:

Just Two (2) Possible Helpful Model A Emergency Items To Maybe "Hide" ..... and Consider When One Has a Perfect Model A Ford ..... With Or Without Spare Parts.

How many times have we heard by long time Model A owners?

"This is the very last item or part I would have thought that would have failed on any Model A Ford."

We also are aware that today's Auto-Zone, NAPA, and Ford Dealers may not be helpful if we need vintage Model A parts.

Whether one likes to brag on how one travels in one's "perfect" Model A ...... with or "without" tools and spare parts, on longer, leisure Model A trips, further away from home than usual, and out of towing range of neighborhood friends and out of range of helping family members ............. just two (2) very small, very light, and very compact items, that "may" come in handy if stranded away from home in a Model A Ford:

1. A credit card to secretly check into a motel .... maybe ..... or maybe not .... after secretly obtaining a much shorter inexpensive Model A tow; and,

2. Last year's Model A parts catalog(s); depending on .... in which location and in which direction one is traveling.

One (1) call, with the "proper", exact 1929 or 1931 catalog part number, plus overnight shipping can provide something like ...... maybe a muffler clamp ..... that one maybe forgot to stash in his/her 200 pound tool box full of spare parts, spare generators, distributors, starters, water pumps, ammeters, coils, etc., etc.

You can hide your catalogs and credit cards and nobody will ever know you needed to use them.

Hope this helps in the most rare emergencies far away from home ..... and you can avoid the embarrassment of letting your neighbors and friends know you were left stranded in the hills of East Jesus, Mississippi in your most perfect Model A Ford that never breaks down. LOL

[Clem Clement]

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I carry:

MODEL A TOOL KIT

FRONT TOOL BOX

Wooden cheese box
Clothes pins
Distributor wrench
Door hinge pin
Fuses-30/20 Amp
Goop/duct and elect. tape
Ignition Switch bypass
Misc. wrenches/Feeler gauge/screw drivers
Muffler seal
Point file
Short Phillips screwdriver for timing
Spark plug wires
Tire weights
Tube repair kit
Wire
Brake switches
Bendix spring
Carburetor
Clutch release arm
Coils-2 + wires
Compression gauge
Cut out Switch-2
Distributor drive gear and spring
Exhaust Clamp and gasket
Fan Belt
Fuel line & filter
Float adjustment tool
Funnel
Gallon of H2O (on running board)
Gas cap
Gasket seal
Grease gun
Glue
Ignition harness cork and nail (replaces bad switch)
Instant Beer
JB weld
Leather belt (Bearing replacement)
Oil
Misc nuts, bolts and washers
Multimeter
Polish
Rags
Rod bearing cap
Rubber gloves
Safety wire
Springs
Spritzer
Starter switch
Timing Gear (socket and tool in tool bag)
Timing Pin
Vacuum hoses
Voltmeter
Water pump and gasket
Water pump grease
Wheel bearings-1 sets
Wheel bearing Grease

Package tray

Batteries
Business cards
Bratton’s catalogue
Flashlight
Fire Extinguisher (on running board)
First aid kit
Good luck charms
Hand wipes
Light bulb box
Model A club Roster (in door pocket)
Repair manual
Snacks
Walkie talkies

UNDER SEAT

Plastic Parts Box
Accelerator return spring
Ammeter-2
Axle key and shims
Axle nut remover
Carb gasket set plus needle valves
Condensers and Points
Gas filter screen and glass gasket
Generator brushes
Distributor cam and cap and top/bottom plates
Engine bearing shims
Exhaust gasket
Hose Clamps
Light Bulbs
Plug wires
Rotor
Spark plugs
Speedo gear
Starter bendix bolts
Water pump packing
Wheel nut washers
Wire ties
Valve and guide
Cotter pins
Crank
Distributor body
Fan belt
Gas gauge repair kit and tools
Jack
Lug wrench
8x10 Glossy of Sandy
Stethoscope
Tire tube
Tow rope

RUMBLE AREA

American flags
Blanket
Bungees
Calico chicken
Chocks
Distrilbutor
Flares
Folding chairs (sometimes)
Headgasket
Hose set
Paper towels
Pancho
Torque wrench
Tool bag

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

I carry:

MODEL A TOOL KIT

FRONT TOOL BOX

Wooden cheese box
Clothes pins
Distributor wrench
Door hinge pin
Fuses-30/20 Amp
Goop/duct and elect. tape
Ignition Switch bypass
Misc. wrenches/Feeler gauge/screw drivers
Muffler seal
Point file
Short Phillips screwdriver for timing
Spark plug wires
Tire weights
Tube repair kit
Wire
Brake switches
Bendix spring
Carburetor
Clutch release arm
Coils-2 + wires
Compression gauge
Cut out Switch-2
Distributor drive gear and spring
Exhaust Clamp and gasket
Fan Belt
Fuel line & filter
Float adjustment tool
Funnel
Gallon of H2O (on running board)
Gas cap
Gasket seal
Grease gun
Glue
Ignition harness cork and nail (replaces bad switch)
Instant Beer
JB weld
Leather belt (Bearing replacement)
Oil
Misc nuts, bolts and washers
Multimeter
Polish
Rags
Rod bearing cap
Rubber gloves
Safety wire
Springs
Spritzer
Starter switch
Timing Gear (socket and tool in tool bag)
Timing Pin
Vacuum hoses
Voltmeter
Water pump and gasket
Water pump grease
Wheel bearings-1 sets
Wheel bearing Grease

Package tray

Batteries
Business cards
Bratton’s catalogue
Flashlight
Fire Extinguisher (on running board)
First aid kit
Good luck charms
Hand wipes
Light bulb box
Model A club Roster (in door pocket)
Repair manual
Snacks
Walkie talkies

UNDER SEAT

Plastic Parts Box
Accelerator return spring
Ammeter-2
Axle key and shims
Axle nut remover
Carb gasket set plus needle valves
Condensers and Points
Gas filter screen and glass gasket
Generator brushes
Distributor cam and cap and top/bottom plates
Engine bearing shims
Exhaust gasket
Hose Clamps
Light Bulbs
Plug wires
Rotor
Spark plugs
Speedo gear
Starter bendix bolts
Water pump packing
Wheel nut washers
Wire ties
Valve and guide
Cotter pins
Crank
Distributor body
Fan belt
Gas gauge repair kit and tools
Jack
Lug wrench
8x10 Glossy of Sandy
Stethoscope
Tire tube
Tow rope

RUMBLE AREA

American flags
Blanket
Bungees
Calico chicken
Chocks
Distrilbutor
Flares
Folding chairs (sometimes)
Headgasket
Hose set
Paper towels
Pancho
Torque wrench
Tool bag

That's as much stuff as they carry behind the 3985.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

I carry:

I just tow another A.

[marc silva]

I also carry tools on everything I own. Not so much for me but for who is with me. I like to be able to continue having fun with my friends and our cars in-case of a breakdown. Not being able to tighten a bolt that is simple but important or replace a small part can ruin the whole day. Same thing with the parts for my A. If having what someone needs within reason keeps things moving forward while on a tour or long trip I feel it's worth it. Changing a part on the side of the road is one thing ,but rebuilding is something short of any drive train pieces is something else. If that's the case while on a trip, I prefer to do that in my hotel room. At least I can have a glass of wine while I do it in comfort!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Clem,
Sounds as if your STUFF cost 1/2 as much as your car!
Bill W.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Keith True

AAA card and a cell phone.I'm NOT fixing anything on the side of the road.Unless it is real cold I won't even sit in the car waiting for AAA.Years ago I was changing the points in a Nova on the side of the road,and when I stood back to hold something up to the light there was a crash and the car disappeared.Somebody rear ended it at over 50 MPH.The owner of the Nova was in it,and he snapped the seat back right off.

I've heard that the car goes where the driver is looking. It's unbelievable how many patrol cars get rear ended at the scene of an accident every year in Minnesota. The rubber neckers keep staring at the accident until they become part of it.

I've never had a condenser or coil go out on any of my cars, but I stick a spare under the seat because if either one would fail I could be back on the road in a few minutes.

If I thought I had to carry a spare generator, starter, and carburetor I'd leave the Model A home and drive a Studebaker.

[marc silva]

I need to know where you get that instant beer stuff.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by marc silva

I need to know where you get that instant beer stuff.

And is this Sandy?

[wbedwards]

Originally Posted by jeep44

Every vehicle I own, new or old, car or motorcycle has an extensive tool kit on it. When I change anything like a serpentine belt as a part of preventive maintainance, I put the old one in the trunk. There's a quart of oil, a gallon of antifreeze, and a headlight and tailight bulb back there,too, along with a small air compressor. LOL! I guess I'm the other extreme to the guys here who carry nothing. I guess I got in the habit of doing this back in the pre-cellphone days-now it really is pretty pointless, but it makes me feel better knowing that stuff is there.

Ditto on all my cars

[H. L. Chauvin]

Per Mike's #34 above:

We all already know the sand we see in reply #34 is detrimental to the interior of our Model A engines ........

But, on second thought ......... I really don't think sand can do too much damage to our Model A interior upholstery ..... depends how you look at it ...... some may disagree ..... just one (1) opinion.

[George Miller]

What ever you carry it would be some thing else that broke. I think I have a original tool kit, condenser, and coil under the front seat but have not checked in 15 years.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by ericr

I constantly read herein about a plethora of spare parts being carried in the car. Obviously everyone is free to carry whatever they want; but the extra distributors, condensers, coils, generators, points, starters, fuses, etc. plus whatever tools are needed to install these items, seems to bespeak that while the reliability of the car is praised, some folks really don't believe it.

BTW I want to know what Forever4 is lugging around in his car lol

Hey ericr,

IMO, any machine that you drive will perform as intended/built...if proper PM scheduling is maintained.
As for Model As that I've owned, from junkers to current long range runner, they never 'broke' down when regularly gone over for preventative maintenance. Sure, during regular checks/PMs, a Model A will be found with loose this/that and in need of lubed/greased this/that. But, that is why the vehicles that I've ever owned do not let me stranded by side of freeway/highway...sometimes a deadly situation ! My thought is to use the BEST materials available when building/maintaining my Model A...and it will not leave me stranded. Thus far that has worked for me.
And, I do not even carry a spare with my Model A. Steel belted properly maintained tires/wheels suffice, thus far. However, I do carry AAA card, which enforces PM feel of security. Master shut off , in place of fire extinguisher works for me. However, if a long trip were ever in the planned use of my Model A, I would prudently add some tools as insurance, bowing to Murphy's Law.

[bobpo1]

Originally Posted by ericr

I constantly read herein about a plethora of spare parts being carried in the car. Obviously everyone is free to carry whatever they want; but the extra distributors, condensers, coils, generators, points, starters, fuses, etc. plus whatever tools are needed to install these items, seems to bespeak that while the reliability of the car is praised, some folks really don't believe it.

BTW I want to know what Forever4 is lugging around in his car lol

I carry fuses, tow insurance card and a cell phone
I've used the cellphone more than the fuses

[SeaSlugs]

depends on how far i drive is how much crap i throw in my modern. usually i have 2 flatheads, pair of needle nose (double as fishhook pliers in summer) and a sae/metric harbor freight 3/8 socket set. and of course a few lengths of bailing wire and ratchet straps. never know when the exhaust is going to fall off next haha.

if im going rather far away ill throw the whole single tray toolbox in that has all the extensions and oddball torx bits and such. i figured worst things id encounter is a dead starter, failed alternator, dead battery. stuff i could fix in a hotel/autoparts store parking lot.

chevette i do carry spare fanbelt and throw the toolbox in on longer trips. i think theres a small screwdriver in there to adjust carb if need be.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by w.michael

I carry spare parts because I am not willing to leave my A sitting beside the road. My 2015 can sit there until the dealer gets around to picking it up. I've only left my A by the road one time in 51 years, and that was so I could take the grandparents home and then go back and fix the A.

W. Michael

That's why you carry the AAA card! Wayne

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

I carry a lot of spare parts and tools and I have compacted all of them together into a pocket in my billfold along with AAA and Larry Shepard's phone numbers!!!! Allows me more room for my lady friends and when I deliver my Grits!!!!!

Anytime you need Sonny...but after my winter work on Sarah you won't need to worry. I don't really carry anything except the original toolbag and tools in my tudor under the front seat, nothing in my 160B or '40 convt. If I'm on tour I pack tools and parts for the other guys just in case! Honestly if the work that is suppose to be done in the garage is there wouldn't be any need and you can just focus on enjoying the trip and not thinking about a breakdown.

Larry Shepard

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by larrys40

Anytime you need Sonny...but after my winter work on Sarah you won't need to worry. I don't really carry anything except the original toolbag and tools in my tudor under the front seat, nothing in my 160B or '40 convt. If I'm on tour I pack tools and parts for the other guys just in case! Honestly if the work that is suppose to be done in the garage is there wouldn't be any need and you can just focus on enjoying the trip and not thinking about a breakdown.

Larry Shepard

Right on Larry, the majority of the cars I see break down are not usually up to date on maintenance

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by larrys40

Anytime you need Sonny...but after my winter work on Sarah you won't need to worry. I don't really carry anything except the original toolbag and tools in my tudor under the front seat, nothing in my 160B or '40 convt. If I'm on tour I pack tools and parts for the other guys just in case! Honestly if the work that is suppose to be done in the garage is there wouldn't be any need and you can just focus on enjoying the trip and not thinking about a breakdown.

Larry Shepard

See mates!!! all I need is my cell phone, my AAA membership and Larry's phone number............... OH!!! and my fire extinguisher, air mattress, plenty of wine and my lady friend!!!!!!!!!!






The only thing I have to worry about breaking down is..............me!!!!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Right on Larry, the majority of the cars I see break down are not usually up to date on maintenance

Agree, and that screws it up for lots of other on the trip. I've seen cars that shouldn't have left the driveway.

[Clem Clement]

To respond, I did a lot of Model A touring in the past. I tried to have stuff aboard to fix most anything on the road. It gives me great pride to say "I have that part". I also publish the list and give everyone on the tour a copy and get the rest as well. So we know who has what. This cuts down on carrying too many starters or gens. I also carry plastic poop, rubber chickens, fake snakes, exhaust whistles, etc.

I have a cloth military too bag for my tools. That bag holds everything and keeps the tools from rattling. Special tools include 90Deg needle nose pliers, Ford socket, monkey paw, etc.

[Pinesdune]

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I can see if you're in a multi-day tour group, something may fail, and if you each had an assigned list of tools or parts to bring along, whatever, but really, as long as your cars has been properly restored/maintained and not just a pretty paint job on a jalopy you really should have no problems. At least that's what I've found restoring old tractors, any breakdowns at club meets or whatever usually were things the guys didn't maintain (magnetos and crap gas/carb issues)

And as far as post number 34, a little sand in the car shouldn't hurt anything [emoji41]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

On tours, our club has a Club Box, that's hauled in the follow up vehicle.
Bill W.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Pete

That's as much stuff as they carry behind the 3985.

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

I carry:

MODEL A TOOL KIT

FRONT TOOL BOX

Wooden cheese box
Clothes pins
Distributor wrench
Door hinge pin
Fuses-30/20 Amp
Goop/duct and elect. tape
Ignition Switch bypass
Misc. wrenches/Feeler gauge/screw drivers
Muffler seal
Point file
Short Phillips screwdriver for timing
Spark plug wires
Tire weights
Tube repair kit
Wire
Brake switches
Bendix spring
Carburetor
Clutch release arm
Coils-2 + wires
Compression gauge
Cut out Switch-2
Distributor drive gear and spring
Exhaust Clamp and gasket
Fan Belt
Fuel line & filter
Float adjustment tool
Funnel
Gallon of H2O (on running board)
Gas cap
Gasket seal
Grease gun
Glue
Ignition harness cork and nail (replaces bad switch)
Instant Beer
JB weld
Leather belt (Bearing replacement)
Oil
Misc nuts, bolts and washers
Multimeter
Polish
Rags
Rod bearing cap
Rubber gloves
Safety wire
Springs
Spritzer
Starter switch
Timing Gear (socket and tool in tool bag)
Timing Pin
Vacuum hoses
Voltmeter
Water pump and gasket
Water pump grease
Wheel bearings-1 sets
Wheel bearing Grease

Package tray

Batteries
Business cards
Bratton’s catalogue
Flashlight
Fire Extinguisher (on running board)
First aid kit
Good luck charms
Hand wipes
Light bulb box
Model A club Roster (in door pocket)
Repair manual
Snacks
Walkie talkies

UNDER SEAT

Plastic Parts Box
Accelerator return spring
Ammeter-2
Axle key and shims
Axle nut remover
Carb gasket set plus needle valves
Condensers and Points
Gas filter screen and glass gasket
Generator brushes
Distributor cam and cap and top/bottom plates
Engine bearing shims
Exhaust gasket
Hose Clamps
Light Bulbs
Plug wires
Rotor
Spark plugs
Speedo gear
Starter bendix bolts
Water pump packing
Wheel nut washers
Wire ties
Valve and guide
Cotter pins
Crank
Distributor body
Fan belt
Gas gauge repair kit and tools
Jack
Lug wrench
8x10 Glossy of Sandy
Stethoscope
Tire tube
Tow rope

RUMBLE AREA

American flags
Blanket
Bungees
Calico chicken
Chocks
Distrilbutor
Flares
Folding chairs (sometimes)
Headgasket
Hose set
Paper towels
Pancho
Torque wrench
Tool bag

Obvious question, why ? Wayne

[oldman - NorCal]

When I bought my sedan site-unseen and drove it 1200 miles home I had every spare part and tool imaginable and needed nothing. In 40 years of driving Model A's, I have seldom needed to swap out parts on the road. I did have a generator fail in the Mojave desert but, temperatures of 116 may have contributed to its demise. I still carry many smaller items and even ran across another Model A driver once that was looking for his gas cap that had rolled into the bushes at the side of the road, which I happily gave to him from my stock. Each individual driver needs to make his own determination of what spare parts and tools to carry based on their own knowledge of their car.

[J Witt]

Perhaps the experienced Model A folks could give a summary of the most common failures. I'd guess ignition related, if I had to guess, but maybe there's a trap I don't suspect out there.

On my own car, I only have a thousand miles since acquiring the car last spring and haven't had an on-the-road failure. I do have a good feel already for it not running well and give the car some attention when back home. The story might be different on a several thousand mile tour.

I carry a small wrench assortment, couple of screwdrivers, hand crank/lug nut wrench, brake adjust tool and some ignition spares, all under the seat.

With the side mount tires, they only have 5-10 psi in them to get them in the fender wells, so are pretty useless as actual spare tires without some outside help. I don't carry a jack, probably should get one.

John

[Tom Wesenberg]

Can't really give a summary because it just depends on what the driver never took care of before leaving on the trip is what I most often find. Our club was on a day trip about 5 years ago and one guy's car failed to start after a gas stop. I don't recall the immediate problem at that moment, but it was something he failed to fix. He was so mad that he sold the Model A and quit the club. Another guy in our club bought the car and had me drive it to his house. It steered terrible and needed brake work. The new owner had me get it ready for resale, as he just turns cars. I had everything fixed in a few hours. It was all minor easy to fix things, like loose wheel bearings, points and timing out of adjustment, and brakes needing to be adjusted.

An owner just need to keep things lubricated and adjusted, and give the car an inspection for worn parts.

[inex01]

Originally Posted by ericr

I constantly read herein about a plethora of spare parts being carried in the car. Obviously everyone is free to carry whatever they want; but the extra distributors, condensers, coils, generators, points, starters, fuses, etc. plus whatever tools are needed to install these items, seems to bespeak that while the reliability of the car is praised, some folks really don't believe it.

BTW I want to know what Forever4 is lugging around in his car lol

The main reason I carry all of the above is when long distance touring if anything fails that is not easily available I will have it, but the car is very dependable and over this past Summer went on four over 200 mile tours without any mechanical issues.I believe this is the main reason most people carry all these extra parts, not based on being undependable as we all know these cars are as dependable as any modern car on the road today.

[C26Pinelake]

I would think that owners that maintain their car properly would have no need for anything except the Model A tool kit and a set of points and condenser ! Let's not take the fun out of having fun with our A's. Wayne

[mshmodela]

Being a Newbie I carry from left to right:

1) Bag of space parts (mostly ignition parts)

2) Bag of tools

3) AAA card.

(oh and a gallon of coolant...)

[jeep44]

Someone asked in another thread what they should do to get their car ready for a 1000 mile trip. My thinking is, your car should ALWAYS be ready to make that trip, with no other preparation than checking the oil, and the air in the tires.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

What kind of containers do you folks use for EXTRA GAS or what is the SAFEST WAY?
Bill W.

[glenn in camino]

In my modified 30 deluxe delivery, I carry one of everything I've had trouble with along with the tools to change it. I also carry lots of stock model A parts to give or sell to anyone who needs them. I haven't needed any of them lately.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

What kind of containers do you folks use for EXTRA GAS or what is the SAFEST WAY?
Bill W.

AAA Premier...............is my preferred way of requiring extra gas....if the need ever arises.


Fuel Delivery Service – An emergency supply of fuel will be delivered to your disabled vehicle to help you reach the nearest service station. Premier members are provided the fuel free of charge.

[norcalal]

a wise oldman, indeed

[FrankWest]

Every time I take my car out for a ride....I feel like Charles Lindbergh getting ready to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by forever4

I saw the spares you carry!

I feel a nightmare coming on tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[31 Model A]

After tonight, my spares will be a.....whole Model A, in fact, I'm going to have a whole indoor parking lot full of Model A Ford spares.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

"TAKE A WHIZ"--Now thet's FUNNY,NOW, I'll have to teach Buster T. a NEW PHRASE----------
Bill W.

[31 Model A]

I've decided, rather reluctantly, to continue to use Larry and the AAA for my spare parts and gas.

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

I've decided, rather reluctantly, to continue to use Larry and the AAA for my spare parts and gas.

Sonny... if I was going to carry spares like yours I like the idea... they would just have to be high quality genuine .. at least by yesteryears standards...
Larry

[31 Model A]

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Originally Posted by larrys40

Sonny... if I was going to carry spares like yours I like the idea... they would just have to be high quality genuine .. at least by yesteryears standards...
Larry

When I said 'reluctantly', I meant, I wasn't going to be able to give ya that million bucks for a tip, that it's back to ten bucks and some change!!!!!

[1930marie]

I found this thread to be positive reinforcement to why I have spent the past six months going through my entire car to see exactly what I bought sight-unseen. To date, Im guessing I have spent 3-4k to get the chassis/running gear in order. I guess I lucked out, the restoration shop where I purchased the car has proved to be forth-right in their description. Im done with repairs and the car should be good to go and very reliable. Looks like I will be taking a few wrenches, screwdriver (not vodka), fuses, volt-meter and a tune-up. If I have a flat or? AAA to the rescue! lol

[larrys40]

Mike,

Excellent reply. Unfortunately due to the age, many repairs it disrepair over the years many and I might say majority of the A's out there need mechanical attention. It's good to get them up to shape because they can be enjoyed, are much safer, and of course reliable .
The last thing one would want to happen is to have an accident where someone could be hurt because the car couldn't stop or steer properly.

Good that folks can either do it themselves or find help to do it . Hopefully any spares or parts carried are seldomly used

Happy travels
Larry Shepard

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by forever4

In what way? You feel compelled to take a whiz before you leave?

Now i know why I had you on my ignore list. Back you go on it forever! Oh sorry, I mean forever4

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

When I said 'reluctantly', I meant, I wasn't going to be able to give ya that million bucks for a tip, that it's back to ten bucks and some change!!!!!

'31,
I'm never CHEEP with TIPS, I've found that my so called "REWARDS" come back to me from some of the most UNEXPECTED sources/people!!! YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD
Bill W.

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

'31,
I'm never CHEEP with TIPS, I've found that my so called "REWARDS" come back to me from some of the most UNEXPECTED sources/people!!! YOU CAN'T OUTGIVE GOD
Bill W.

"Bullshit and Brilliance Comes with Age and Experience"

Every now and then a few forget about the above when I express myself with jocularity. I always tip well........especially if it a she and she winks at me and calls me dear, honey, hon....you know, those words spoke to you by some young sweet thing and you know it's being done because you're an old senior fart. Although Larry is not a she, he always brings Gina along when he visits to make me envious!!!!