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Old 07-29-2020, 02:10 PM   #21
Kevin in NJ
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

It is not about a single material. The following comments are for building the car for driving everyday and able to run the 60 MPH like they could from the factory. Show car correct is a different ball game that involves all of this below plus a lot more.

Every book out there have errors. Understanding how to find the problems and merge the information is the real problem.

Some of the books highlighting the history likely the most important start point. You need to know what the car was when it was new. The Legendary Model A Ford will give you a picture of how the cars were driven when they were just an everyday car. Hint, they ran them fast and hard everyday on crappy roads. Fordlandia is about the rubber plantation and an interesting read. In the middle of the book they talk about Ford setting up the Model A Factory and the delays while they perfected super precision manufacturing. This comes back to the point building the A engine is like building a race car engine, it is needs to built to high degree of precision.

Andrews book is a great reference. The is lacking in size reference so you can determine if a part is beyond use and has some errors. Plus he pushes using the V8 points and such which is really a mistake. His drawings and details are important to have and if they put in data from prints it could be the book to have. There is another mechanics book which has more the specs but it s tougher read.

A lot of the early books are full of interesting comments that have long been corrected in various places.

Finally, Blueprints, collect what you can. Some are just parts of prints people post and some are just out there. From the prints you know what Ford's machining precision was and materials.

The best resource is to always ask questions on a forum before you do a major project.

Finally, it must be remembered that in restoration doing it right is often not quick, easy or cheap.
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Old 07-30-2020, 05:23 PM   #22
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

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Originally Posted by Jim Brierley View Post
If interested in performance, get my [I]4-bangers and me[I] book.
I have the latest copy and that is my favorite Model A book!
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Old 07-31-2020, 08:21 AM   #23
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

Jim Brierley’s “4 Banger an Me”. Read it multiple times.
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Old 07-31-2020, 11:50 AM   #24
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

Rick Freemans " Model "A" Ford Shop Manual " 1974 First Edition the rare "blue cover" version .

John in hot humid ( 92 F ) Suffolk County England .
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Old 07-31-2020, 02:15 PM   #25
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

The 'How To Restore Your Model A' series put out by the Model A Ford Club of America is good reading as is the Model A Restorer's Club 'Technically Speaking' Series.

I need to buy Tiny Snell's 'Tiny Tips' book that is one I don't have.

Having a full library of the Model A books gives you a good feel for a cross reference type of reading application. There are more Model A Ford 'How-To' books out there than about any other marquee of collector car.

Check out this link to MARC's web page on this question, it is answered quite well! Other than they left out the 'How To' series from MAFCA......

https://model-a-ford.org/resources/w...erences/books/
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Old 12-29-2020, 07:55 AM   #26
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Les’ book has been a huge help
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Old 12-29-2020, 09:02 AM   #27
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

This book details how Ford mechanics did it in 1928..tough to read but very interesting, the old techniques.
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Old 12-29-2020, 10:35 AM   #28
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

Good Morning...Jack is on the money....I use this book as well and it tells me how the mechanics of the time thought about the Model A...really interesting to read...and really helpful...especially when you find yourself thinking 'Why the hell did they do it that way'? Ernie in Arizona
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Old 12-29-2020, 11:51 AM   #29
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

I hardly ever look at the Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards book.
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Old 12-29-2020, 01:11 PM   #30
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

The Les Pearson is my choice for a basic novice Model A person. I also like Macs parts book to increase my knowledge. Although I have several Model A’s I still depend on my experienced mechanic to look after my cars.
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Old 12-29-2020, 01:16 PM   #31
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

The Model A books I read the most are the 3 manuals by Les Andrews and the Judging Standards.
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Old 12-29-2020, 01:21 PM   #32
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

Quote:
Originally Posted by john charlton View Post
Rick Freemans " Model "A" Ford Shop Manual " 1974 First Edition the rare "blue cover" version .

John in hot humid ( 92 F ) Suffolk County England .
I have that book also! Didn't realize it was rare. Does that make it valuable? It has more photographs, but the explanations are brief compared to other books. But it does have nuggets not found in other books. I also have the Clymer book, Les Andrews, Judging Standards.

Sent from cold windy (24F) Vermont.
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Old 12-29-2020, 05:37 PM   #33
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

Don't over look 1932-34 Service Bulletins when the Model A was a used car needing service.
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Old 12-29-2020, 08:02 PM   #34
Jack Shaft
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

I've had the pleasure of meeting Les Andrews, he was a member of the Capitol A's.. a quiet gentleman, very polite and quick with a smile. In fact I just got a couple of engines off his bone pile..
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Old 12-29-2020, 09:28 PM   #35
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

1930's/40's or so Chev books are the best at explaining how things work.

The videos from back then on Youtube are tops too.
Heck, who would have thought a kid could restore a Model A with a Chev book ...
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Old 12-29-2020, 10:41 PM   #36
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Default Re: What Model "A" Book Do You Read the Most?

Ford Service Bulletins.
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