what are essential books/literature to own regarding model A's

[Hitchhiker]

Just curious what the "must have" books are?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Owner's manual, Judging Standards, The Model A ford as Henry Built It, Service Bulletins, (Bert's, Bratton's, and Snyder's parts catalogs). Jim Mason has a good website with a list also.

[Mitch//pa]

Les Andrews repair manuals are very helpfull

[Bob A.]

A Bible !!! :>)

[Bob A.]

Originally Posted by Bob A.

A Bible !!! :>)

I also recommend a Big Bank Book !!!

[peters180a/170b]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Bible??? With all the cursing going on in the garage better keep that book in the house! :>)

[SteveM]

Big second on the Les Andrews books. Get all three.

The "How to restore your model A" series are pretty good.

Paul Moller's books are good, but not as good, nor as complete, as Andrews.

Definitely need the judging standards. Even if you aren't planning a blue-ribbon car, it's a great reference.

Steve

[T.W.Dustin]

Originally Posted by Bob A.

I also recommend a Big Bank Book !!!

Haha I was going to say a check book

[Kevin in NJ]

It is important to also understand that many of the books have very wrong information in them and to not believe all that you read. The pictures and overall concepts of taking the stuff apart are correct, but details on parts tolerances are not always correct. A quick example it the steering sector shaft diameter. One manual would have you throw away a NOS sector. This has not been corrected through many revisions. The same numbers appear in other places like the Bratton's catalog.

Before you do a major rebuild ask questions on the forum as to what works best.

I also like to point out that it is smart to understand what the car was when it was built. That should give you an idea of what to expect when you are done with your work. If you rebuilt it properly it should work as well as it did off the factory line.

From the early service letters you get a glimpse into what the dealers were selling. The book 'The legendary Model A Ford' is interesting as you get an idea of how the cars were driven and what was expected of the car. The book by Murry Fahnestock, I think called Know Your Model A Ford, was for the salesmen to read to understand how the car was built. Murry's book will give an appreciation for how much precision was used in the manufacture of the engine.

So there is no easy answer. You really need to read a lot and the more you read the more you appreciate the car that is the Model A.

[Desi]

I've found Les Andrews series of books to be invaluable. In addition you can get a copy of the judging standards, but I really found the MARC touring standards a great way to restore my car. I was going crazy with the JS trying to restore my car to mint condition when all I needed was the touring standards to make it a fun and safe car to drive. Best of luck!

[roccaas]

AAA Towing companies (Updated)

[Terry, NJ]

I am starting my own restoration on my 1930 Town Sedan and I'm using the Jim Schild books. Are they OK, or a wealth of misinformation?
Regards, Terry

[Special Coupe Frank]

Schild's books are decent... I think "Original Ford Model A" is a great introductory book.

Schild's "restorer's guide" is okay, one came with my '28, but I am planning on getting the Andrews series.

[Mitch Bunkin in PA]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

I am starting my own restoration on my 1930 Town Sedan and I'm using the Jim Schild books. Are they OK, or a wealth of misinformation?
Regards, Terry

I find Andrews' books are easier for me (a novice) to understand & I like the clear cut illustrations.

[SteveM]

I found some items in the Schild books to be confusing.

When adjusting the steering box, he tells you to adjust the left-handed smoke shifter nut, but if you don't know what a left-handed smoke shifter nut is, then you're out of luck. I ended up having to reference my Bratton's catalog to figure out what was what.

The Andrews books have drawings of everything, which makes it easier to see what's what.

Steve

[Bruce Adams]

In addition to the Judging Standards and Les Andrews collection, make sure you have a Brattons or Snyders catalog handy. I find Mike's A Fordable catalog impossible to use.
The information in the catalogs when they specify a part as for, say, early 1928s or late 1931s is quite helpful.

[Dan Partain]

After you check out the recommended publications, take a look here

http://www.plucks329s.org/studies/studies.htm

See: "A List of Model A/AA Publications"

Pluck has a pretty complete list of all the publications and more.

[Hitchhiker]

thanks for all the replies. I've got a good shopping list now.

[Ken/SC]

I would have to agree, I love my Les Andrews books.

[John Butts in CT]

I've amassed most of the publications mentioned above since I started driving my "A" back in '67. All of the books have their place, but when it comes to driving the car EVERYONE should own (and read) the correct owner's manual and the service bulletins.

Remember... every owner of a new Ford between 1927 and 1931 took delivery armed with two things... their own experience and the owner's manual.

The "Unauthorized Accessories" book is also fun.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Bruce Adams

I find Mike's A Fordable catalog impossible to use.

I agree I stopped buying from them because it was so hard to find the part i needed sice they changed the format of the book. (I used to buy most of my stuff from them since it was almost overnight delivery to Florida)

[skip]

I like reading and have the following in-house to answer a few questions:
Buy these IMHO.

~MAC's and Braton's, Snyder's antique auto parts catologs. Good 'discest' pics.
~Les Andrews Model A Ford Mechanical Handbook, Vol 1. I steal info all the time.
~Those Wounderful Unauthorized Accessories For Model A Ford. Murry Fahnestock
~THe Ford Model "A" As Henry Built It. 5th edition. Has casting motor drawings.
~The Cars That Henery Ford Built by Beverly Rae Kimes.
~The Legendary Model A Ford. Peter Winnewisser.
~Club News Letters.
~Judging Standards.
~Service Bulletins.
~"restorer's guide" Schild's.
~MARC touring standards.
~The 1929 reprinted owner's manual. Answers so many questions seen on Frod Barn.
~And The Fabalous Model "T" for the insite to the begining to the Modl "A".

skip.