New guy to the Barn - 1929 Model A

If you are going to stay with the negative ground electrical system, make sure the "-" side of the coil primary is electrically connected to the distributor breaker points. If the "+" side is connected to the breaker points, the engine will run, but you will lose 40% of the potential secondary voltage to fire the spark plugs.
It takes less than a minute to check!
 
Make sure to write down the history of the car. Revisit the person you bought it from and get all the stories about that car that he can remember.
 
FYI...On 1/27/13 is the 44th annual Kaiser-Devereaux Collector Car Meet at the Venice Airport. There were over 1500 vehicles of every sort last year, including many A's. It's a free gathering with no judging - just a lot of fun! Hope to see you there!
 
Wow that's great! We will be there. It's only 5 minutes from our house. The A is in pretty good condition but no where near show quality. Are there "work in progress" cars showing or should we wait to bring it out until it's finished?
 
Latest update. I drove the A for the first time today (my dad drove it last week). It was fun and a little scary. Do they all shake like that lol? It's now at the point where I can start it and drive around the neighborhood. Unfortunately there is still junk in the gas tank and every once in awhile the line get plugged. I have to disconnect the line and blow through it to free the tank. We've had the tank off once already and cleaned it out. Apparently not good enough. What is the best way to clean a tank? Thanks for your help.
 
Matt build what you see in the photo. I also have a Glass Sediment Bowl on the Fire Wall. Every once in a while, shut off the Valve and drain the Rust and scale out of the Sump by removing the Drain Plug.

bth_100_1886_zps7eaf0906.jpg
 
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I'd use about 3 gallons of gas and remove the tank valve so it can drain quickly. Rock the car back and forth while it's draining into a bucket with a cloth on top to filter out the junk. Repeat several times, then install the small filter in the shut off valve on the bottom of the tank. You'll still get fine junk in the sediment bowl, but that is easily drained, and should continue to get better with each tank of gas.
 
Hey, my dad put a large steel marble about the size of a golf ball in the tank. As you drive around it rolls and pulverizes anything that can cause a blockage. His cars never had problems and they would often sit awhile. Anyone else heard of this?
 
From BRATTONS.COM:

FUEL TANK FILTER SCREEN
For Year(s): 28-31

Stainless steel screen inserted at bottom of gas tank at the shut-off valve. Prevents rust in tank from entering gas line. Instructions included.

Part #13280


Install one of these and the fuel problem will go away. It did for me!
 
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Looks as thou you found a great deal , have fun with it , and that was a real good price on it.
 
Matt,
Welcome to the Model A world. I am new to the Model A hobby myself and am restoring a 29 pickup. All of my help comes from reading, the Ford Barn and a couple far away friends. Thats great having you dad there to help. Richard
 
Joe, thank you so much for the call and offer to drive up to see me today. One of these days it will work out!

Al, I plan to be at the show next week in Venice. Probably not in the A though. I'll have to find you.

We had the tank out last month and cleaned it at least 20 times with chemicals ranging from hot water to acid. It is much better than it was but I have a feeling that there are a few big chunks blocking the hole that leads out of the firewall. When the line get blocked I blow through the sediment bowl and up into the tank. One swift blow and it clears up for about 5 minutes and then the big chunk makes it's way back down. Smurkey thanks for the advice. I just ordered two of them. I think this might work.
 
The filters that Smurkey recommended do work well. But you may want to also, suggested in one of the posts above, to install a glass settlement bowl on the inside of the firewall (if you do not have it already) where the metal bulb is now. Don't throw away your metal bulb (you may want to put it back on later) but the glass bowl will show you how much stuff you still have coming through in your gas.
 
Im suprised nobody has mentioned this yet but snyders antique auto has just about anything you could imagine. Ive gotten all my stuff from them. Their prices seem reasonable and the shipping is quick.
Congrats on the find to looks like ya made out pretty good. Enjoy it and have fun, thats almost impossible not to do with classics like these.
 
Hi guys, thanks for the tips. I received my Bratton's order yesterday. Last night I installed the in-tank filter (see pic below), Fixed the stuck gas gauge, removed and clean all fuel lines and gizmos between the tank and carb. I also ordered an air filter to fit onto the carb as our did not have any protection their.

I hooked up the fuel lines, turned on the valve, put the spark lever up, turn key on, turned GAV 1/2 turn, pulled choke, and she started right up and purred like a 84 year old grumpy kitten. I swear this thing reminds me of a 2 seater airplane.

Tonight I need to rebuild the carb. I think the bowl is filling up too high. After that it should be all set.

I've let it sit with the battery on for the past 3 days and there has been no reduction in the battery voltage. Still reads 12.5v. I'm still not 100% convinced that the alternator is working correctly though. I may need to find a solution for this.
 

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Cleaned and rebuilt the ole Zenith last night. It was a little dirty inside. The GAV was plugged up but the float was working properly.

I really need to do a compression test but I don't have the adapter for the large spark plug holes.

I think I'll start it up tonight and see how she goes. Maybe I can drive it to the car show on Sunday. My dad is laid up with the flu.
 
ENJOY and when you get to know these Model A guy's and their knowledge,soak it up.My dad is in his 80s very model A wise.I try to absorb all of his wisdom that I can.zzz model A s are the best of fun
 
I really need to do a compression test but I don't have the adapter for the large spark plug holes.
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Matt I have One, I'll bring it up and You can Use it. If I do come up Sunday to Venice, I'll call You. But It Looks Like we will be Going to the Swamp Buggy Races in Naples Sunday. Too Many Things Going on this Weekend.
 
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