Recent content by Texas Tom

For model year 1936, what is the difference between a cabriolet and a club cabriolet? How many of each were produced? THANKS.

PROBLEM SOLVED! Well, I charged up my 15-month-old CarQuest 'premium' 12V battery so it read 12.6V on my voltmeter. I reinstalled the alternator and battery. I had 12.6V at the alternator. I started the engine and bingo! The ampmeter needed moved to the positive side and the battery voltage...

In answer to questions: -All electrical components (horn, lights) work just fine. -System is wired per diagrams for 12V systems found in various Model A publications. -Battery shows 12.6 volts on analog voltmeter prior to starting engine. -When engine is started, voltage on voltmeter drops to...

UPDATE Well, I don't know whether my battery is the problem or not. I pulled it out today and was ready to test each cell with a hydrometer. Regrettably, the battery is 'maintenance free' and sealed. So there's no access to the cells. I bought it at CarQuest 15 months ago, and it's the...

James, you may have solved the riddle. A bad battery is the only thing I can think of that would explain why the electrical system was just fine, and then it wasn't. I'll check it out. Thanks.

Alternator is one-wire GM alternator. Key point: Before yesterday, everything was just fine with the electrical system. Don't know why things changed. Could the coil have a role in this mystery?

Yesterday I posted a question about why my ampmeter would not 'excite' when I started the engine and revved it up. Several folks suggested my alternator is likely the problem. This morning I tested the alternator with a voltmeter and found that when I started the engine, the voltage dropped...

I believe you gentlemen have identified my problem. I hadn't considered the alternator, but I now see that it's the likely culprit. I'll take it to NAPA tomorrow and have them test it. Thanks for your assistance!

My ampmeter was working just fine, and now it refuses to 'excite' to positive when I start the engine and rev it up. The needle stays slightly negative no matter what I do. I assumed the ampmeter went bad on me, so I installed another new one. No change. So I installed yet-another new one. No...

The September/October RESTORER has an article titled "Ignition Timing Dwell & Backlash." Very interesting. At article's conclusion, author states: "All the way down on the spark lever would be too far advanced and result in damage to the rod bearings." Questions: 1. Why would Henry design...

Comprehensive frame-off restoration in late 1990s. Only 91,000 miles since new. Repainted in 2000. Car is beautiful cosmetically and drives as nice as it looks. Electronic ignition, 12-volt system with alternator, auxiliary radiator fan, auxiliary water temp gauge, auxiliary electronic fuel...

Roccaas: As you requested, here are a few photos of my '36 Deluxe Touring Sedan (a.k.a. Eleanor, named for the then-First Lady). Texas Tom

Gold Digger: The paint is "San Marino Red" (base/clear) and is used on modern Honda cars. It's almost a dead match for "Rubellite Red" as shown in the Model A Paint & Finish Guide. Texas Tom

Yes, I did the woodgraining. Used materials obtained from Grain-It Technologies (http://www.woodgraining.com/). I've never tried woodgraining before, and found their system to be very easy. Cost only about $350 or so. I'm now pondering doing it to my '36 Ford Deluxe Touring Sedan.

One of my hobbies is photography. Antique cars make great photo subjects. Yesterday I took several pix of my just-completed restoration, a 1930 Town Sedan (a.k.a. Texas Red). Attached for your viewing amusement are a few of the images. Happy Motoring! Texas Tom