Judging Standards

Good points all. I never really thought about it but the title is a little screwy or backwards. Maybe it should be titled "The Model A Swap Meet Hunting Guide and Parts Identification Manual". I really don't think $25 should stop anyone from buying a copy, another $25 spent on your car isn't that much, really it isn't. I think its true some may be turned away by the title, but if you had ever thumbed through a copy I'm sure you would like to own one.
700 I agree with you that Les's red book is the most valuable book and EVERY Model A should have a copy for it. Hopefully this discussion will talk a few more into picking up a copy of the JS's and raising the collective A knowledge on this site. :)
 
I am not a restorer and my current build has way too many modifications to even qualify for touring class; but the '97 judging standards is still a valuable resource to me. Knowing how something was originally built is important even if you do not rebuild it the same exact way, if only for the perspective.
 
SteveB31 said:
There are a lot of folks out there that prefer to ask questions rather then do their own research by buying books and reading them.

Now.......I do NOT understand this practice. Whenever I get a hobby, or go to fix the furnace, or the clothes washer, or my new car, or the Model A, I prefer to buy some books, read them, and try to be educated about what I am doing. I feel this saves me quite a lot of time, and ultimatly saves me a lot of money as well, as it prevents me from making expensive mistakes.

But.......that is just my opinion.......
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Steve -- My thoughts exactly. And since I'm also a tool junkie, that same thought process applies to tools. I've got tools I've only used once, then there are tools I thought I'd only use once and have used them many times.

(Reminds me, I need to order a part for my washing machine!)
 
I think the books are pretty nice to have, especially on a cold winter's night when you want to plop down to some interesting reading. Keeps the interest going in the off-months.

I don't have a smart phone or heck even an I-Pad, probably some day just don't want to spring for the cost right now, but I can see where that would be a pretty handy tool to have along during your parts hunts.
 
I own the books in question and many more as reference tools. I always keep in mind the fact that something in print does not always make it correct. The only 'bible' I have a copy of is the green one.
 
Tiny said:
I frequent the Barn often. When on here I try and be as helpful as possible and not stir the pot.
Most of the questions I answer I reference the JS's to make sure I know what I'm talking about. They are a wonderful and I believe needed part of owning a Model A. The service bulletins are also very important.
My belief is that no A owner should be without them.
This being said there are a bunch of questions asked here that could be easily answered by looking in them.
So here's the question.
Do you own a copy?
If not, why not?

Disclaimer;
I'm not try to upset anyone, just curious as I use the Standards a whole bunch and my car is neither a blue ribbon car or under restoration, it just a fun driver.
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Note: My Model A Restoration Guidelines are an arm reach away. But, in my humble opinion, the ford barn is like the local watering hole. It is a place to come together and talk Model A's. I would prefer being in a garage with a group of friends playing with the car, but that’s not happening. Instead I am making human contact, sharing my hobby with others through the internet. Picture being in the garage working on the car and you ask a question to a friend and he says, “Look it up, the standards are right there”. A friend like that would not be welcome in my garage for long.


I believe we all should have the standards, but sometimes it is more fun to bounce questions off of friends and those with similar interests. And yes, we could all look it up all the time, but where is the sharing of ideas, beliefs, and fun in that.

Paul
 
How about "Originally Standards" instead of Judging Standards. Just stirring the pot...
 
CarlG said:
I've heard the term "Green Book" used several times, but never knew exactly what it is. Anyone?
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this is the "Green Book"

Ford Chassis Parts and Accesories Catalog


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I have an original set of RHD service bulletins, a photocopy set so the originals don't get damaged. I also have a lot of the books that have been printed, by both individuals as well as the main US clubs. One thing I don't have is a current set of JS's, just an old set from 1982 or there abouts.
 
I have the standards and use it often. I find it is often just as easy to do things "right" as they are to do them at all.

The newest revision is called, Model A Restoration Guidelines & Judging Standards
 
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I have several volumes of the Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards and find them very useful when looking for parts to keep my cars as original as I can. There are many members in our club who were affected by the original title Judging Standards and Restoration Guidelines, and responded "Why do I need them, I am not going to have my car in blue ribbon judging!!!". Just recently the title has been revised to Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards. At a cost of $25.00 you get a tremendous amount of information!!


Model A Restoration Guidelines & Judging Standards Complete with latest revisions​


US $25.00​


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The three ring binder contains 23 areas each filled with photographs, illustrations and descriptions of how the Model A was assembled. There are also detailed sections covering the Early 1928's, Convertible Sedans, Station Wagons, Mail Trucks, Heavy Commercial Vehicles and the Canadian Model A's.

If you want to know how to assemble the front axle, look in Area 4 - Undercarriage to answer your questions. If you are getting ready to paint your Model A and would like to know what color(s) Henry Ford painted your particular year and body style, look in Area 14 - Paint and Stripping for a listing of the various color combinations.

Revision 3 will now be included with each order.
 
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