My First Model A - Questions

[Tribalmonkey]

I got my first Model A a couple of weeks ago. It’s a 1930 coupe. It seems to run pretty good with some initial Internet research and tinkering. I am really excited about the car. However, I need help from the expertise on this site to set my expectations.

It accelerates smooth but I have significant vibrations on deceleration. Is this normal? How much is too much? Any standard remedies? I have mech brakes that I have adjusted but I still feel like they are weak and sketchy. I live in a hilly area and feel like I have to stand on them to stop going down steep hills. Does this sound right?

Downshifting. Man.... ??? enough said on that.

Appreciate your comments, suggestions, and recommendations.

[Jacksonlll]

You just can't jump in and start driving it in hill country without checking over a lot of things. Look for a Model A club near you and join it. There is a lot of help out there. Get the red Les Andrews book. Concentrate on the brakes first. It takes us all day to adjust those brakes. Not easy to get them right. They can be made to stop very well. Model A's do shake, but it should not be worse on decel. Check everything on the car. Engine mounts, wiring, all fasteners, fuel, trans and rear end, etc.
It will be fun getting all parts working right. Just stick to it and keep asking questions.

[Tribalmonkey]

Jacksonlll - Thanks for the quick reply. Great advice. I have the Les Andrews books and they are super helpful. I have been working on the car for a couple of weeks and doing lots of research. So far I haven’t found an active model a club near me. I’m in Frederick, MD. Until then I have you guys, right? This will be my third time adjusting the brakes. I’m sure I am getting better each time. I’m still going through the car and sorting things out.

[1crosscut]

Nice looking car. I get up to your area on occasion to visit my son who goes to school at The Mount in Emitsburg.
I can see where good brakes would be pretty important when you take a drive up into Catoctin park and the surrounding areas. Big hills and very pretty country.
Take your time and go through the brakes to give everything a look over and replace any worn components. Have you pulled the hubs off to take a look at the condition of the pads and drums?

[2935ford]

Tribalmonkey, that's a great looking coupe.
Continue with your learning. Les books are, as mentioned, an excellent source of info.
There is lots of videos online as well.

Yes, get those brakes setup properly. I go through every piece and insure things are in good operating condition.
You probably do not have any history of what has/has not been done to the car so you start by checking everything. You might be surprised at what you find!

Have fun!

[mhsprecher]

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There is a club in Hagerstown, Hub City and another in Baltimore, the Greater Baltimore Club. I am sure both would welcome you with open arms. The Baltimore club is meeting on line, so easy to participate.

[Chuck Dempsey]

Sharp car! Welcome to the Barn......

[moasew]

You may or not be aware that BEFORE you have to apply Model A Ford brakes to quickly you want to use the engine to do the initial braking by NOT depressing the clutch too soon. This is more important than a modern car. My Dad was adamant at showing me this when I was nearing driving age.

Obviously encountering steep hills the engine braking wouldn't last long but at least let the engine do what it can before resorting to brakes only.

But as this forum has pointed out mechanical brakes are very good when adjusted properly. I wouldn't change to hydraulic brakes unless you were planning A LOT of driving.

[Tribalmonkey]

Thanks for the warm welcome and recommendations! I would like to keep the mechanical brakes I just need to get them dialed in. I have had the hubs off. I believe the pads are in acceptable condition. I did have some problems with the rear brakes and figured out that the ‘cams’ on the pivot were in backwards causing the brakes to go straight to lock up and then less brakes as I pressed more. I got that worked out. Great tip on the engine compression braking. I will look into the Model A clubs mentioned above. None seem to be very close to me. Maybe the Hagerstown one... The online option would work. If anyone is near Frederick, MD I would really appreciate someone with experience actually looking at the car and helping sort things out.

[MickeyT]

At least you have one of the 3 or 4 best supply houses for Model A parts just down the road in Mt. Airy. Brattons will have the parts you need and can answer a lot of questions.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by MickeyT

At least you have one of the 3 or 4 best supply houses for Model A parts just down the road in Mt. Airy. Brattons will have the parts you need and can answer a lot of questions.

Agreed, you're literally 20 minutes from a massive parts supplier and repair shop. You should have no problems getting assistance.

[Tribalmonkey]

MickeyT - Yes! I just discovered them... pretty awesome!

[ArtimusGordon]

A small note. Model A’s have STEEL DRUMS unless they have been changed to CAST IRON. If they are steel, then my experience is that the LONGER you have the brakes applied the drums will heat up and your brake effort will become harder to stop. On occasion I have had to also use the emergency brake to stop at the bottom of a long hill. NOT FUN. If I have time I will down shift a let the engine help slow the car down. Nice car and WELCOME to Ford Barn! Join a club and get ready for fun and help with problems. �� ��

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good [email protected] has some very good videos that you can watch regarding maintenance and adjustments on Model 'A's. He is really into them and he is maybe 50! Enjoy your car...Bratton's is one of the very best...Walt is great. Ernie in Arizona...ps...learn all the old roads in your area...the ones people used before the freeways...we run them all the time in Arizona...at 40 miles an hour, you can look at the flowers and not go off the road....join a local club and the two national clubs...they have great magazines and good web sites...Model A Ford Club of America and the Model A Restorers Club of America...

[Tribalmonkey]

ArtimusGordon - Thanks. Yes, sounds like I will eventually be moving to cast iron drums.

Ernie Vitucci - I have watched some of Paul’s videos. He is pretty awesome. Looking forward to cruising around on my local back roads.

Question as far as the Model A clubs go - I plan to make this Model A a traditional late 1940’s hot rod. Will I be shunned by these clubs?

[BrianH]

What changes do you plan to make to make it a 40's hot rod?

[wwirz]

Originally Posted by Tribalmonkey

Jacksonlll - Thanks for the quick reply. Great advice. I have the Les Andrews books and they are super helpful. I have been working on the car for a couple of weeks and doing lots of research. So far I haven’t found an active model a club near me. I’m in Frederick, MD. Until then I have you guys, right? This will be my third time adjusting the brakes. I’m sure I am getting better each time. I’m still going through the car and sorting things out.

There is a nice video on YOUTUBE on how to adjust the brakes. I have not had to do it on mine yet but I know I will visit this video again You can find this video easily on YOUTUBE.
You will need to make that special wood cutout to adjust the brakes properly....this is also shown on the video. This video is by Paul Shinn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zk-0tIAfWQ

[GeneBob]

Everyone has a opinion but concentrating on your vibrations; does your car shake? does the steering wheel shake? You may be chasing a front end issue. Do the brakes pulse during deceleration? The steel drums that came on Model A's are mostly junk by now. Cast iron drums behave much better and fade slower. You can find images to show the difference between steel and cast iron. If the cams were installed incorrectly in the rears, I would bet that all four corners should be looked at for proper assembly and operation. The cool thing about mechanical brakes is, you can actuate them with the drums off to verify operation. You cannot do this with hydraulics, at least not more than once. Even new cast iron drums will likely need to be trued up since different suppliers machine and ship them differently.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good afternoon...Your new coupe is extremely nice...too nice to turn into a 'late 40's Hot Rod'...in my humble opinion...it would be best to keep it looking stock...think about higher compression head, alternator rather than generator...if you wish a hot rod...purchase one that has already gone down that road to some extent...then you are not taking a nice original car off the road...lots of hot rod Model 'A' around...many that people started on and never finished...they are cheep to purchase as they are usually in the way and the wife wants it gone! Ernie in Arizona

[Jacksonlll]

Please don’t turn your car into a rod.

[1930artdeco]

Welcome tot eh club and really looking car. Don't forget about the AACA, they have chapters all over the place. I guarantee someone in that club has a Model A.


As far as a hot rod goes, I agree (and this is my opinion only), that car is super nice to cut up. If you want speed there are some options like a high comp head, lightened flywheel, downdraft carbs, overdrive that will get you moving faster and still look stock. Just remember, the fast you go, the faster you have to stop. And mechanicals are not the best above 65 or so.


Mike

[ArtimusGordon]

Our Model A club has a few hot rod modified. We are not strict in that regard. Before joining a Model A club talk to the president about your plans for your Model A. Best of luck with your decision.

[Tribalmonkey]

Thanks guys. Overwhelming responses to my first day of posting. Thanks for all of the input, recommendations, and advice. I do plan to make my car a hot rod and I understand that goes against the grain of many of you here. Sorry about that. If I need to go somewhere else to ask model a type questions I understand. My hot rod plans are purely “do no harm”. Nothing will be cut. Not doing a chop or channel. No engine swap... Primarily just unbolting the fenders and putting on some period correct wheels and banger speed mods. I love the car and am very excited about learning all I can learn about Model As. I’m collecting and reading as many related books as I can get my hands on. Looks like the nearest Model A club for me would be Hub City out of Hagerstown. I will reach out to them to see if I meet their criteria for membership.

[Fomoco998]

Nice car but it is yours so make it the way you want .

[Tribalmonkey]

Originally Posted by Fomoco998

Nice car but it is yours so make it the way you want .

Thanks Fomoco998 - At this point I plan to keep every part or bolt I take off in case I want to put it back to original. From the looks of the car it has been apart several times already. I discovered this week that I have been driving around with TWO body mount bolts, one on each side!!!

[Fomoco998]

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Surprising what you'll find when going over the car . When I bought mine it looked nice and ran well . Found allot of hidden problems in body ,brakes, and suspension . That was in 2017 and just now roadworthy . I have reworked and made allot of changes. Don't hurry and make it safe .

[Big hammer]

That's the best looking whitewall tire A I've seen! IMO. Go ahead and hop up the engine, taller gears, overdrive, etc, think twice about removing the fenders( mud guards) they keep your body looking nice and maybe illegal if removed? Again it's your car! I think it's a great looking A as is!

[old31]

Tribal, you have a very nice car, and welcome to the forum. Drive it like you stole it.

Its your car and you can do as you like, I just hope that you keep it original. Original meaning ok to restore it, fix it, polish it, but not cut it up.

[GeneBob]

Fordbarn is a fantastic site but the information is primarily for stock or restoration. You will find a lot of information that will help with your project.



Here are some sites to check out for your banger project:
Piriano's Model A: http://modelaparts.net/index.html Loads of dyno runs with different engine setups.
Secrets of Speed: https://www.secretsofspeed.com/ A lot of banger speed parts and information. This also ties in with Scalded Dog Speed Parts. They just released a new high performance head that is NOT period correct but makes horsepower.
HAMB - (Hokey Ass Message Board) - Overall a hot rod and custom car site, lots of information on not just Model A's
Snyder's Antique Automotive - https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ Good source for parts in general and they have 5.5:1 and 6:1 heads that are very good. I am running their 6:1 head and cast iron exhaust header. Realize that there are many very good suppliers, I list this one because of their heads and they are good people to deal with.
Ford Garage:http://www.fordgarage.com/ Very good source for a lot of information including period correct performance parts.
FSI: http://www.fsignitions.com/FS_Ignitions_Home_Page.html Electronic ignition choices

I am sure you will find a lot of others but here is a start.



Good luck and enjoy your very pretty car.

[Tribalmonkey]

Originally Posted by GeneBob

Fordbarn is a fantastic site but the information is primarily for stock or restoration. You will find a lot of information that will help with your project.



Here are some sites to check out for your banger project:
Piriano's Model A: http://modelaparts.net/index.html Loads of dyno runs with different engine setups.
Secrets of Speed: https://www.secretsofspeed.com/ A lot of banger speed parts and information. This also ties in with Scalded Dog Speed Parts. They just released a new high performance head that is NOT period correct but makes horsepower.
HAMB - (Hokey Ass Message Board) - Overall a hot rod and custom car site, lots of information on not just Model A's
Snyder's Antique Automotive - https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/ Good source for parts in general and they have 5.5:1 and 6:1 heads that are very good. I am running their 6:1 head and cast iron exhaust header. Realize that there are many very good suppliers, I list this one because of their heads and they are good people to deal with.
Ford Garage:http://www.fordgarage.com/ Very good source for a lot of information including period correct performance parts.
FSI: http://www.fsignitions.com/FS_Ignitions_Home_Page.html Electronic ignition choices

I am sure you will find a lot of others but here is a start.



Good luck and enjoy your very pretty car.

GeneBob - Thanks! These are very helpful.

[ModelAJim]

Very Nice Coupe!! I'm also in Maryland.

Here is a nice example of what someone did on here with the vibe your after "with" fenders.

[Tribalmonkey]

ModelAJim - Yeah. That is pretty cool. Thanks!

[Tribalmonkey]

Just FYI - A couple of people have PM’d me but since I don’t have enough posts yet I cannot reply. I tried.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by Tribalmonkey

Just FYI - A couple of people have PM’d me but since I don’t have enough posts yet I cannot reply. I tried.

You have 10 posts now. Please try again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Harpkatt]

Originally Posted by Tribalmonkey

Thanks guys. Overwhelming responses to my first day of posting. Thanks for all of the input, recommendations, and advice. I do plan to make my car a hot rod and I understand that goes against the grain of many of you here. Sorry about that. If I need to go somewhere else to ask model a type questions I understand. My hot rod plans are purely “do no harm”. Nothing will be cut. Not doing a chop or channel. No engine swap... Primarily just unbolting the fenders and putting on some period correct wheels and banger speed mods. I love the car and am very excited about learning all I can learn about Model As. I’m collecting and reading as many related books as I can get my hands on. Looks like the nearest Model A club for me would be Hub City out of Hagerstown. I will reach out to them to see if I meet their criteria for membership.

My experience with the A' :I had a small block Chevy in my first A. Crazy roof, hydraulic brakes. It was fun for sure, but It never satisfied the itch. Making a 90 year old car go fast rarely works as well as you'd hope. If you want a fast car, I'd say buy a newer one. Even my 4 cyl ford fusion will out run most flathead cars. a 90 year old with a couple hundred horsepower likely won't handle as fast as it goes,and can make driving it more a chore. Now? I have a stock/restored 30 Coupe. I love just to stare at it, something so different than what's on the road today. I'm also going way overboard on a restoration to a 30 roadster( with hopped up banger). I'm on the young end of visitors to this site at just 31. But I promise if you drive the A' the way it is you will learn there is something special to the originality. But even here guys modify a little to suit their needs. 12v cars, aftermarket mitchel over drives, even as far as AC and heated seats! With 90 years of parts built for these cars the easiest things to do is to leave them(Close to) stock.

Your car looks great though. Good luck with it!

[Tribalmonkey]

Originally Posted by Harpkatt

My experience with the A' :I had a small block Chevy in my first A. Crazy roof, hydraulic brakes. It was fun for sure, but It never satisfied the itch. Making a 90 year old car go fast rarely works as well as you'd hope. If you want a fast car, I'd say buy a newer one. Even my 4 cyl ford fusion will out run most flathead cars. a 90 year old with a couple hundred horsepower likely won't handle as fast as it goes,and can make driving it more a chore. Now? I have a stock/restored 30 Coupe. I love just to stare at it, something so different than what's on the road today. I'm also going way overboard on a restoration to a 30 roadster( with hopped up banger). I'm on the young end of visitors to this site at just 31. But I promise if you drive the A' the way it is you will learn there is something special to the originality. But even here guys modify a little to suit their needs. 12v cars, aftermarket mitchel over drives, even as far as AC and heated seats! With 90 years of parts built for these cars the easiest things to do is to leave them(Close to) stock.

Your car looks great though. Good luck with it!

Thanks for your insight Harpkatt. Yes, I am having a blast with my 91 year old car. I certainly do not plan on going very fast in my car. That would be pretty scary. However, I do really like the early days of hot rods and what those guys were able to do with what they had available to them. Like I mentioned before, I do not have any plans to do any serious modifications. No SBC swap or add disc brakes... I really like the traditional look and feel. Really enjoying the car. So much fun!

[ModelAJim]

I just noticed, the drip rails were shaved on it! Interesting since the rest is bone stock. still cool!

[Tribalmonkey]

Yeah.. adding the drip rails back is on the list.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

Please don’t turn your car into a rod.

Yes, that one is way too nice! as others say you can find one that needs to be one. I wouldn't buy the Mona Lisa and add a hat or ear buds to the canvas.

[Tribalmonkey]

Seems like we are hung up on this topic of my interested in traditional 1940s hot rods. I appreciate all of your recommendations. I’ll pop back in if I have model a specific questions. Thanks!

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Tribalmonkey

Seems like we are hung up on this topic of my interested in traditional 1940s hot rods. I appreciate all of your recommendations. I’ll pop back in if I have model a specific questions. Thanks!

We will be glad to help. I think most here remember going to the used car lot or junkyard to get their start on their hot rod in the '40s and not the factory for a new one. If you enjoy it thats the thing.