New guy with fuel line question

[jpmag]

Hello everyone, I am a brand new owner of a 1929 Model A Deluxe Tudor Sedan. The car seems to run great and I have driven it a couple of times so far.

The other day I was going over the fuel lines and noticed a crack in the nut that attaches the interior fuel line to the cutoff valve.



A small amount of fuel has leaked out of the crack (not enough to drip but it is definitely moist). I believe I found the correct replacement part and have it on order.

My question is: how hard is it to replace this line? I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but have almost no experience working on full size cars or antique cars. It seems simple, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. Should I worry about keeping fuel in the tank while I fit the new line?

Thank you for your help. I am a complete newbie, but am excited to learn as I go.

Cheers.

[Eric Lewis]

Unread Today, 06:44 PM #1
jpmag,
As long as the shut off valve for the gas tank holds no worries about changing the fuel line inside the car with fuel in the tank.
You want to start the threads by hand on each end to make certain they do not cross thread. It is a pretty simple job, make sure you catch the small bit of fuel that will leak out of the fuel line when you loosen the fittings.
Let us know how it turns out.

Merry Christmas

[1crosscut]

Pretty easy to replace. Just make sure the fuel is shut off. Keep a few rags ready to catch any fuel left in the line. Running the carburetor dry after shutting off the fuel valve will help.

Welcome to the Barn and the Model A hobby.

[Scottio57]

It’s easy to replace. First get a new line from a model A supply as the nut size Can not be found at a parts store. Second do not over tighten that nut. I ,like others, had to replace that line before. I hope your valve shuts off completely if not you will have to drain your tank and replace that valve and filter screen.

[jpmag]

Thank you all for the quick responses. I think you've answered my questions. I'll let you know how it goes once the part comes in.

As I'm new to all of this, I am sure I will have more questions in the future. I appreciate all of the help!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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Be sure to put a "pencil" filter in the top of your fuel valve!!!! They're a "Godsend"!
Bill W.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Be sure to put a "pencil" filter in the top of your fuel valve!!!! They're a "Godsend"!
Bill W.

You have to drain the tank and remove the shutoff valve to do this.

[FordTudor1931]

Just curious. Why do you think the car is a 1929 Tudor Deluxe Sedan? The Deluxe Tudor was not available until June of 1931.

[burner31]

Hello JPMAG...and welcome to the Barn.
I like to think of Model A's as "two tonner's"
You have a ton of fun driving them
and
You have a ton of fun working on them
Enjoy both

[jpmag]

Originally Posted by FordTudor1931

Just curious. Why do you think the car is a 1929 Tudor Deluxe Sedan? The Deluxe Tudor was not available until June of 1931.

I may be wrong on the official designation. I actually inherited the car from my great uncle who passed away. The vehicle has been in my family since the 60's and my Dad was the most recent owner. It was explained to me that it was a deluxe because it has the two, side mounted spare tires and the optional rear trunk. I can include a photo if it helps. If I'm wrong I certainly want to know. I am confident, however, that it is a 1929.

Thanks again.

[michael a]

Welcome to the family

[marty in Ohio]

One thing all the repair books tell you is to disconnect the battery before you work on the gas line. Good luck.
Marty

[kenparker]

Post a picture if you can.. We all love to look at pictures of new owner Model A's. And welcome to the forum. ken

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

ANYTHING, my Mamma bought, was dubbed a "DELUXE" Model---LOL--
Bill Laffin'

[Benson]

JPmag,

To prevent gasoline from spilling on the carpet.

If you remove the shutoff valve to install the pencil filter or to replace the valve, be sure to have a small container to catch the last 2-3 cups of gas that might be in tank after you drain it.

The reason that there might be gas left in the tank is if a filter has been installed in the past the design of the filter raises the outlet of the tank about 3/8 inch so there will be some gas left even after you drain it.

Do not ask how I know this!

Benson from back in the 60's with stinky carpet ...

[katy]

After draining all the fuel out of the tank, and before removing the shut-off valve, block the RH side of the car up about 3 or 4 inches so any bit of fuel left in the tank will shift to the LH side. But still put a catch pan under the valve when you remove it "just in case".

[FordTudor1931]

jpmag!

Welcome to FordBarn - the greatest resource for Model A people. If you can't find it on the Barn or get answers to your questions, you don't need the information.

The attached link describes the differences between the standard Tudor and the Deluxe model which was launched in June of 1931.

http://www.mafca.com/data_tudors.html

[jpmag]

Man, you guys are amazing. Thank you all for the helpful advice. I'm really glad I stumbled on this website. It seems like it is a very solid community.

I apologize if this has gotten off topic. I can certainly make a new thread if you like, but here are a couple of pictures of the car. Any help narrowing down the exact type of Model A I have would be greatly appreciated. You may not be able to see it well in the photos, but it does have a rear trunk, as well.





Thanks again!

[JDupuis]

Jpmag: welcome to the Barn! Great looking car.
Jeff

[700rpm]

It is a 1929 Model A Tudor. You might have the assembly date stamped on the firewall, driver's side, above the seam. You can also sometimes determine the year of your engine from the number stamped on the driver's side of the block. Also, there is sometime an assembly plant code stamped on the front of the middle cross member. This kind of information is just fun to have about your car.

[1955cj5]

Nice car!

Here is a picture of my truck, where you might find one of the dates that Ray mentioned.

This is in the area above where the steering column enters the engine compartment, on the engine side of the firewall.

The date on mine is stamped upside down, so it is above the seam....


.

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by jpmag

I may be wrong on the official designation. I actually inherited the car from my great uncle who passed away. The vehicle has been in my family since the 60's and my Dad was the most recent owner. It was explained to me that it was a deluxe because it has the two, side mounted spare tires and the optional rear trunk. I can include a photo if it helps. If I'm wrong I certainly want to know. I am confident, however, that it is a 1929.

Thanks again.

Welcome fellow 29 tudor owner. While not a deluxe, duel side mounts are not common, and a cool feature added by the dealer, or sometime later. Enjoy your tudor, and feel free to ask any questions you have. We love them! And would love to see more pictures (one of my 29 is below).

As stated, there is no such thing as a "deluxe" 29 tudor. They were not offered until near the end of model A production and had cowl lights and a dome light. I am curious. Does your 29 still have its original electric wiper motor? For some reason most have lost theirs, and have been replaced by vacuum wipers. Trunks and trunk racks were an after market add on. IMHO the trunk rack on the 29 tudor should be the black folding type, not the chrome and "wood" ones found on roadsters. (picture 2)

[jpmag]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

It is a 1929 Model A Tudor. You might have the assembly date stamped on the firewall, driver's side, above the seam. You can also sometimes determine the year of your engine from the number stamped on the driver's side of the block. Also, there is sometime an assembly plant code stamped on the front of the middle cross member. This kind of information is just fun to have about your car.

Thank you! Feel a bit silly for not knowing this sooner, but I'm glad to have the info now.

Also, pgerhardt, that clears up my confusion about the side spares. I think that's the main reason my Dad associated it with the Deluxe version. Also, yes, it does still have the original electric wiper. However, I don't believe it still works. It might be fixable, but I haven't looked that closely at it. Your '29 looks great, btw. Love the green.

I love all of the information. The historical aspect is just as important and interesting to me as the car itself.

I'll let you all know how the fuel-line turns out. Again, thank you to everyone who replied. All very good info and very helpful.

[pgerhardt]

The electric wiper is worth saving. You most likely would be the only one at a show that still had it. You may also have an uncommon intake manifold without any vacuum port. (see picture). If the wiper is not working it is most probably a bad ground. (Which in the model A is your power source.)

When you get around to messing with it let me know and I'll let you know what worked for me, and take close up pictures of mine.

[700rpm]

My 1929 Tudor is stamped July 17, 1929. I bought the car in 1961, and am the second owner. It was and still is completely original. It has a vacuum wiper on it, which is correct. The changeover from electric to vacuum happened sometime very close to my build date (the Judging Standards provide the accurate period). The header holes where the wiper motor mounts are in different positions for electric than they are for vacuum. If you want to keep it original and save yourself a lot of aggravation, get the original electric wiper motor working and keep it. It will be well worth it. You are lucky to have it.

[KenCoupe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

In addition to the great information from the folks here on Fordbarn, I would recommend getting the Les Andrews Model A Ford mechanics handbook (the red book). It has a lot of step by step instructions for maintenance or repair of most systems (parts) on the Model A. I got my copy not long after I got my Model A, and it has been very valuable over time. It is available from the Model A parts vendors (Brattons, Snyders, etc.)

[Benson]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

My 1929 Tudor is stamped July 17, 1929. I bought the car in 1961, and am the second owner. It was and still is completely original. It has a vacuum wiper on it, which is correct. The changeover from electric to vacuum happened sometime very close to my build date (the Judging Standards provide the accurate period). The header holes where the wiper motor mounts are in different positions for electric than they are for vacuum. If you want to keep it original and save yourself a lot of aggravation, get the original electric wiper motor working and keep it. It will be well worth it. You are lucky to have it.

My July 15th, 1929 Sport Coupe has had electric wiper since we got it in 1962.

I suppose the dates for replacing the electric wiper varies depending on the stock of remaining electric wipers at each assembly plant.

[jpmag]

So the part came in, but I wanted to ask you guys if there should be any gasket material for the fuel line. There were no gaskets given with the fuel line that I ordered, so I wanted to check and make sure.

Thanks again!

[Eric Lewis]

If the new gas line is correct there are no gaskets as the ends are both flared fittings.

[Brendan]

make sure that it fits tight between the valve and the sentiment bole, before you tighten up the nuts

[Terry, NJ]

Yes, but, It's worth the extra effort to have it in there and the advantage of knowing just how much rust etc is in the tank. I spent too much time on my back cleaning the valve. Which brings to mind the other problem. The Valve it'self. If it turns with a lot of resistance, then you have a rust problem and will need a filter.
Terry

Originally Posted by 700rpm

You have to drain the tank and remove the shutoff valve to do this.

[jpmag]

Alright, just finished installing the part last night. The good news is, I believe the shutoff valve has been recently replaced. It has a good, crisp click when turned and when I removed the line, there was zero leakage from the valve.

The line itself was just a bit off (maybe a millimeter or two) from lining up perfectly. I played with it a bit and then it seemed to fit fine (perhaps a tad more snugly than the original). After tightening the line, though, I started up the car and it ran with no leaks! I haven't actually driven it yet, but I did run at various RPMs and all seemed secure.

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate all of the help. Now just need the rain to stop so I can give it a proper test drive.

Cheers.

[Scottio57]

Great. now get out and drive it. (if your not up to your running boards in snow) I've been told A's do not like to set and be neglected.

[ryanheacox]

Never realized that cars that still have an original electric wiper and non-vacuum port manifold were rare, cool to know.

I'll second that if the wiper isn't working it's a bad ground. Try swinging the windshield in and out a few times to clean up a bit of the hinge which is where the power has to get through. Mine only works when the windshield is closed tight which really isn't a problem.

[jpmag]

Thanks for the tip on the ground concerning the wiper. That can be my next project . Also, as far as snow, one benefit to living in the South is that we don't have much of that!. Though rain is a bit of an issue, especially in Mobile. Been a bit of wet Christmas for us.

[burner31]

Originally Posted by jpmag

Man, you guys are amazing. Thank you all for the helpful advice. I'm really glad I stumbled on this website. It seems like it is a very solid community.

I apologize if this has gotten off topic. I can certainly make a new thread if you like, but here are a couple of pictures of the car. Any help narrowing down the exact type of Model A I have would be greatly appreciated. You may not be able to see it well in the photos, but it does have a rear trunk, as well.





Thanks again!

jpmag:
Easy way for pics:
Click the "blue post reply" lower left bottom of page, when text box opens, in the top middle of the bar you will see a "paperclip" click that, a window will open "manage attachments" click "choose file" then pick your picture, after you picked up to seven pics click the top "upload" on the right hand side of the text box, wait for it to upload.
You must type something, anything into the text box message, scroll down to see "preview post" at bottom of your text box, you should see your message as it will appear when you post, if you like it click "submit reply" to post.
Easy-cheesy