Being your grandpa did this car, I would keep as much like he had it as possible.... beautiful car; I love dark colors on cars and especially coupes). I have to admit, a bit of envy; a garage with all that space, the airplane, the Ford, Tacoma... count your blessings. You are probably young and handsome, too. Welcome to the Barn!
Hello from a new guy in Washington
- Thread starter montanafordman
- Start date
Steve Plucker
BANNED
Aaron,
Welcome to Washington State, welcome to the Model A Ford hobby.
By the way, you not only have a 1931 Model A Ford Coupe...You have a 1931 Model A Ford "Deluxe" Coupe.
Standard Coupes came without cowl lamps...Deluxe Coupes came with cowl lamps and a few more features than what the Standard cars came with.
Please correct me if I am wrong guys.
Get to know Tacoma Bob...Great guy!
Pluck
Welcome to Washington State, welcome to the Model A Ford hobby.
By the way, you not only have a 1931 Model A Ford Coupe...You have a 1931 Model A Ford "Deluxe" Coupe.
Standard Coupes came without cowl lamps...Deluxe Coupes came with cowl lamps and a few more features than what the Standard cars came with.
Please correct me if I am wrong guys.
Get to know Tacoma Bob...Great guy!
Pluck
montanafordman
Well-known member
I do plan to keep it mostly the same. My Grandpa passed away 3 years ago but its been fun working on the car because I still feel like he's there in a way. I am very blessed, but only 30 and already loosing a lot of hair so you can't have it all. I guess not having it all makes us stronger and gives us a sense of humor.
CarlG
Well-known member
About a year before I got the truck in my avitar, I got a nice wheel and tire, complete with lug nuts and hub cap. This was a fixture in our living room for that year as a constant reminder of my goal in purchasing my first Model A in 50 years.
Placed in the bed of my PU was a real space saver!Tom Wesenberg said:
ratamahata
Well-known member
Welcome from the south, beautiful coupe you got!!
Fred K-OR
Well-known member
Nice looking car. Welcome from Oregon.
BTW, a wife does (sometime) consider helping you with your A and allow you some space inside the house. Here is a picture of me cleaning out my gas tank in the kitchen!
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jerry of whidbey
Senior Member
like most model ars you open the hood and some body will be thier to help good looking coupe
jerry from whidbey
jerry from whidbey
dynaflash_8
Member
Thats a great little coupe you have there! .
Welcom from Auburn Wa.!
Welcom from Auburn Wa.!
Jack '29 Sport Coupe
Well-known member
I was stationed at Ft. Lewis back in '64, fond memories of the Sea-Tac area. I loved it right up until they dragged my a-- out of bed and hauled me to McChord AFB and told me to prepare for battle----fixed bayonet, etc...... Lucky for me it was just an exercise! That was the night a 22 year old grew up! My memories would have been a lot fonder if I had access to a model a like yours. It's a beauty, by the way!!! Welcome to the club!
Jack
Jack
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montanafordman
Well-known member
Hello everyone
Well its almost been a year now since my model A acquisition, joining the ford barn, MAFCA, and joining my local club so I thought an official update about what’s gone on with my car over the last year was in order! Overall its been great! A few absolute truths I have learned about myself and my car.
1. I usually work faster than anticipated
2. I never need to fix or replace as much as once thought.
3. I’m always under budget
Ok…. Stop laughing! I’m quickly learning what it’s like to work on a model A and I’m gaining the same experiences I’m sure you’ve all had.
1. Forgot that one critical item in a large order
2. Ordered that forgotten part – plus several more then forgot one (again)
3. Paid way too much for a part
4. Paid way too much for the wrong or un-needed part
5. Ordered the same part twice
6. Had those money talks with the wife
7. My organized garage and workshop hasn’t housed our cars since the Model A’s arrival and is in a state of complete disaster! (almost) It will get better soon once my car is running and driving. My wife has put me on notice to get it done so she can park the car next to it again. Oh and we have our first baby on the way in December so yeah I’M MOTIVATED! I better “git er done!” while I can!
I have really enjoyed meeting with my local club weekly for breakfast. They have been a great source of mentoring, advice, and friendship. Without their assistance in expertise, tools, original parts etc I would not be where I am now with the car for sure! I could never imagine selling grandpa’s car unless there was a dire need so I think it’s safe to say the hobby has picked up another lifer. I’ve bought two Hubleys and raced one, and own a current set of judging standards so yeah… I’m a goner. Now I just need to climb the ladder so to speak in my profession so I can one day own a bigger garage and maybe buy a fordor or Tudor to take the whole family!
My car is still in pieces. I have not driven it since shortly after I brought it out here but I’m making good progress and hope to have the car driving by labor day – roughly one year since I brought it out and in time for our clubs fall tour.
One of the few drives I took the car on after I trailered it home to Washington was to my sister’s house which is just under 4 miles away. This was quite a trek since you had to basically aim for a tree to stop the car! This wasn’t a big deal in Gildford, MT when most of the town streets are gravel but in Seattle suburbia its another story! My sister was just getting her kids out of the car when I arrived unexpectedly and the look on her face when she saw me driving into her neighborhood in Grandpa’s model A was priceless! My niece and nephew sure liked the car too! This was in September of last year.
Well its almost been a year now since my model A acquisition, joining the ford barn, MAFCA, and joining my local club so I thought an official update about what’s gone on with my car over the last year was in order! Overall its been great! A few absolute truths I have learned about myself and my car.
1. I usually work faster than anticipated
2. I never need to fix or replace as much as once thought.
3. I’m always under budget
Ok…. Stop laughing! I’m quickly learning what it’s like to work on a model A and I’m gaining the same experiences I’m sure you’ve all had.
1. Forgot that one critical item in a large order
2. Ordered that forgotten part – plus several more then forgot one (again)
3. Paid way too much for a part
4. Paid way too much for the wrong or un-needed part
5. Ordered the same part twice
6. Had those money talks with the wife
7. My organized garage and workshop hasn’t housed our cars since the Model A’s arrival and is in a state of complete disaster! (almost) It will get better soon once my car is running and driving. My wife has put me on notice to get it done so she can park the car next to it again. Oh and we have our first baby on the way in December so yeah I’M MOTIVATED! I better “git er done!” while I can!
I have really enjoyed meeting with my local club weekly for breakfast. They have been a great source of mentoring, advice, and friendship. Without their assistance in expertise, tools, original parts etc I would not be where I am now with the car for sure! I could never imagine selling grandpa’s car unless there was a dire need so I think it’s safe to say the hobby has picked up another lifer. I’ve bought two Hubleys and raced one, and own a current set of judging standards so yeah… I’m a goner. Now I just need to climb the ladder so to speak in my profession so I can one day own a bigger garage and maybe buy a fordor or Tudor to take the whole family!
My car is still in pieces. I have not driven it since shortly after I brought it out here but I’m making good progress and hope to have the car driving by labor day – roughly one year since I brought it out and in time for our clubs fall tour.
One of the few drives I took the car on after I trailered it home to Washington was to my sister’s house which is just under 4 miles away. This was quite a trek since you had to basically aim for a tree to stop the car! This wasn’t a big deal in Gildford, MT when most of the town streets are gravel but in Seattle suburbia its another story! My sister was just getting her kids out of the car when I arrived unexpectedly and the look on her face when she saw me driving into her neighborhood in Grandpa’s model A was priceless! My niece and nephew sure liked the car too! This was in September of last year.
montanafordman
Well-known member
The next week Alan Goodwin, Don Bader, and Mike Thoe were nice enough to stop by and take my car for a test cruise and find out what needed attention in the near future and long term.
Top items were obviously brakes, a sagging front spring, exhaust etc but their list gave me a starting point. Of course in the process of fixing those things I found many other things that I didn't feel could be left alone either. You know how it goes - "well as long as you have this apart you might as well inspect, and...."
Top items were obviously brakes, a sagging front spring, exhaust etc but their list gave me a starting point. Of course in the process of fixing those things I found many other things that I didn't feel could be left alone either. You know how it goes - "well as long as you have this apart you might as well inspect, and...."
montanafordman
Well-known member
In October I netted some original plates at the Monroe swap meet.
Here is what my car looked like (in late October) after I removed the radiator that started leaking like a sieve after a good flushing. I also needed to replace the front spring so the front end was getting disassembled. In the process of this I noticed one wheel was closer to the front bumper than the other – then it became obvious that the front axle was badly bent! Funny it didn’t shimmy all over the road!
Here is what my car looked like (in late October) after I removed the radiator that started leaking like a sieve after a good flushing. I also needed to replace the front spring so the front end was getting disassembled. In the process of this I noticed one wheel was closer to the front bumper than the other – then it became obvious that the front axle was badly bent! Funny it didn’t shimmy all over the road!
montanafordman
Well-known member
January / February progress
I had to roll the car to the other side of the garage to access my attic storage above my garage door for christmas decorations before I completely dismantled the front axle. Here it is on jack stands with the axle removed.
Here is my Axle after John Hash helped me straighten it in a press. He also sold me a new wishbone since mine was bent beyond repair and the ball worn away. Notice I got a new front spring for christmas that has been dissassembled.
Here I painted the engine on the car after a good degreasing. I thought a freshen up with the correct ford engine green would be a nice touch.
I also beveled the edges on my new front spring, and painted slip plate graphite on the bottom of each leaf, painted the top, greased and assembled. The front axle was also painted. I must admit I"m pretty shade tree here and just used rattle can paint. I think things are turning out OK for my limited space, budget and experience. Some day I'm sure the car will get a more thorogh restoration and be done to a higher standard but this works for now.
Finnally the axle assembled and then on the car! Note the rebuilt steering arms from A & L too! I also got a new tie rod since mine was bent - and new tie rod inserts. The steering box was also adjusted with a new sector housing that had a seal and roller bearings to prevent my 600W from oozing all over the garage floor. No more leaks!
I also installed a new crank pulley since mine was broken in two pieces and welded together.
I had to roll the car to the other side of the garage to access my attic storage above my garage door for christmas decorations before I completely dismantled the front axle. Here it is on jack stands with the axle removed.
Here is my Axle after John Hash helped me straighten it in a press. He also sold me a new wishbone since mine was bent beyond repair and the ball worn away. Notice I got a new front spring for christmas that has been dissassembled.
Here I painted the engine on the car after a good degreasing. I thought a freshen up with the correct ford engine green would be a nice touch.
I also beveled the edges on my new front spring, and painted slip plate graphite on the bottom of each leaf, painted the top, greased and assembled. The front axle was also painted. I must admit I"m pretty shade tree here and just used rattle can paint. I think things are turning out OK for my limited space, budget and experience. Some day I'm sure the car will get a more thorogh restoration and be done to a higher standard but this works for now.
Finnally the axle assembled and then on the car! Note the rebuilt steering arms from A & L too! I also got a new tie rod since mine was bent - and new tie rod inserts. The steering box was also adjusted with a new sector housing that had a seal and roller bearings to prevent my 600W from oozing all over the garage floor. No more leaks!
I also installed a new crank pulley since mine was broken in two pieces and welded together.
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montanafordman
Well-known member
April / May progress
Finnally! Onto brakes! I forgot to add that as soon as I got the car on jack stands and removed the front axle the ballast in my florescent light above the car went out. I hope thats the worst visit from Murphy and his stupid law that I get on this project! This had me anxious to get the front done but it took some time. I put new spindle bolt bearings on but the kingpins were good - it was obvious that my grandpa had done them somewhat recently. I also had a club member weld my roller tracks and install my hubs into some new cast iron drums. One hub was bad so he also sold me a good used one. Once again my budget is spared by the graciousness of fellow club members! This was a common theme. The use of tools has more than paid for my involvement too! Brake centering tools, reamers, spring spreaders, etc. etc. I also replaced all wheel bearings and races.
Finnally sitting on all fours again!
I also did some "cooking"
Heat paint for my new manifolds. The old one was cracked. I also got an Aries muffler to go with it. I had a non-original aftermarket one installed that didn't fit well. Its good thing it didn't stink up the oven and house longer than the afternoon otherwise I could have been in big trouble with the Mrs!
Engine looking good...
I needed a new radiator and a club member happened to have a brand new brassworks radiator that he never had a chance to install on a project he sold. I got it for a good price. I've got some serious paying it forward to do one day. If you noticed the hose clamps I later took them off and installed them correctly.
Finnally! Onto brakes! I forgot to add that as soon as I got the car on jack stands and removed the front axle the ballast in my florescent light above the car went out. I hope thats the worst visit from Murphy and his stupid law that I get on this project! This had me anxious to get the front done but it took some time. I put new spindle bolt bearings on but the kingpins were good - it was obvious that my grandpa had done them somewhat recently. I also had a club member weld my roller tracks and install my hubs into some new cast iron drums. One hub was bad so he also sold me a good used one. Once again my budget is spared by the graciousness of fellow club members! This was a common theme. The use of tools has more than paid for my involvement too! Brake centering tools, reamers, spring spreaders, etc. etc. I also replaced all wheel bearings and races.
Finnally sitting on all fours again!
I also did some "cooking"
Heat paint for my new manifolds. The old one was cracked. I also got an Aries muffler to go with it. I had a non-original aftermarket one installed that didn't fit well. Its good thing it didn't stink up the oven and house longer than the afternoon otherwise I could have been in big trouble with the Mrs!
Engine looking good...
I needed a new radiator and a club member happened to have a brand new brassworks radiator that he never had a chance to install on a project he sold. I got it for a good price. I've got some serious paying it forward to do one day.
If you noticed the hose clamps I later took them off and installed them correctly.
montanafordman
Well-known member
May/June (continued)
It was a late night but I just had to snap a picture after getting the fenders and radiator shell on... I'm starting to get EXCITED! Maybe there is light at the end of this long tunnel?
I had to take another picture the next day before work of the car looking “whole” again! I new this would be short lived since I was about to pull apart the rear axle and go through brakes. (Or so I thought/hoped! ) It turned out to be more than just brakes…..
Here is what the bearing race looked like on one side. You can also see the crude metal bracket that was welded on for modern shocks. I was planning to grind this off and return to original shocks since these made the ride pretty harsh. I ended up buying a bunch of rear end parts from a club member since my axle housings needed a lot of work to be serviceable. We also found ugliness in the rear end gears… I ordered all new bearings, seals, and 3.54 high speed ring gear to boot.
My speedometer was also making a horrendous racket when my car was driving, and after testing it with a drill I decided a rebuilt one was in order. This one works nicely on a drill, I assume the same will occur when I have it in the car.
It was a late night but I just had to snap a picture after getting the fenders and radiator shell on... I'm starting to get EXCITED! Maybe there is light at the end of this long tunnel?
I had to take another picture the next day before work of the car looking “whole” again! I new this would be short lived since I was about to pull apart the rear axle and go through brakes. (Or so I thought/hoped! ) It turned out to be more than just brakes…..
Here is what the bearing race looked like on one side. You can also see the crude metal bracket that was welded on for modern shocks. I was planning to grind this off and return to original shocks since these made the ride pretty harsh. I ended up buying a bunch of rear end parts from a club member since my axle housings needed a lot of work to be serviceable. We also found ugliness in the rear end gears… I ordered all new bearings, seals, and 3.54 high speed ring gear to boot.
My speedometer was also making a horrendous racket when my car was driving, and after testing it with a drill I decided a rebuilt one was in order. This one works nicely on a drill, I assume the same will occur when I have it in the car.
montanafordman
Well-known member
Now August!
At a recent club picnic I was discussing my work with some fellow Model A'ers and they rightfully convinced me to look at the transmission and clutch since I had the rear end out. The transmission had two pitted gears so I'll put all new bearings in the transmission and a new cluster gear and low gear - plus some o-ring shafts to prevent leaks. The clutch and flywheel look pretty good but considering the cost of a clutch disk I bought a new one anyway. I will also replace the pilot and throwout bearings. Thus continues the "well as long as you're...."
I did find a broken off bolt in the flywheel however and for once getting it out worked like it was supposed to! Here is the offending bolt, next to an unbroken one and the extractor I used. I bought a new clutch / flywheel bolt set from snyders.
My big accomplishment last week is that I took a bunch of parts to get sandblasted. Talk about paint prep made easy for this weekend garage rattle can warrior! You guys that have space, a paint booth, an aircompressor and blasting cabinet have it so easy! I was thrilled to get my parts cleaned up and wasted no time putting up some plastic sheeting and doing some painting. I wire brushed and hand sanded my transmission case and banjo because I was paranoid about dirt and grit getting into things. I blasted the axle housings, torque tube, battery tray, bellhousing and radius rods.
This is a huge improvement for my greasy drivetrain. The lower part of the engine, the transmission and bellhousing were painted black and oversprayed with body color too - so having the correct colors applied fresh is a nice touch. The pedal and clutch release shafts were also pretty worn so they are getting replaced and new bushings installed.
I also just picked up my new cast iron drums from getting turned true after having hubs installed and brake shoes lined. My backing plates were also welded up with new bushings and cams installed by a club member. My 20 plus year old dry rotted WW garfields are getting replaced by some goodyear blackwalls also.
At a recent club picnic I was discussing my work with some fellow Model A'ers and they rightfully convinced me to look at the transmission and clutch since I had the rear end out. The transmission had two pitted gears so I'll put all new bearings in the transmission and a new cluster gear and low gear - plus some o-ring shafts to prevent leaks. The clutch and flywheel look pretty good but considering the cost of a clutch disk I bought a new one anyway. I will also replace the pilot and throwout bearings. Thus continues the "well as long as you're...."
I did find a broken off bolt in the flywheel however and for once getting it out worked like it was supposed to! Here is the offending bolt, next to an unbroken one and the extractor I used. I bought a new clutch / flywheel bolt set from snyders.
My big accomplishment last week is that I took a bunch of parts to get sandblasted. Talk about paint prep made easy for this weekend garage rattle can warrior! You guys that have space, a paint booth, an aircompressor and blasting cabinet have it so easy! I was thrilled to get my parts cleaned up and wasted no time putting up some plastic sheeting and doing some painting. I wire brushed and hand sanded my transmission case and banjo because I was paranoid about dirt and grit getting into things. I blasted the axle housings, torque tube, battery tray, bellhousing and radius rods.
This is a huge improvement for my greasy drivetrain. The lower part of the engine, the transmission and bellhousing were painted black and oversprayed with body color too - so having the correct colors applied fresh is a nice touch. The pedal and clutch release shafts were also pretty worn so they are getting replaced and new bushings installed.
I also just picked up my new cast iron drums from getting turned true after having hubs installed and brake shoes lined. My backing plates were also welded up with new bushings and cams installed by a club member. My 20 plus year old dry rotted WW garfields are getting replaced by some goodyear blackwalls also.
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montanafordman
Well-known member
August
I'm still reeling from the money I've invested this year but my goal is to have a safe and roadworthy car that can withstand Seattle area traffic. It will all pay off and I'm starting to see the end in sight! I'm assembling my rear end on Monday and hopefully the transmission, brakes and the other odds and ends will fall into place over the next few weeks so I'll hopefully be done by labor day or shortly thereafter. We have a fall tour in september sometime that I would REALLY like to participate in. Its going to be fun to have Grandpa's Model A back on the road and driving better than it has in decades. Too bad he couldn't be here to see it but I think he'd be impressed.
To recap the items addressed:
Engine and cooling:
Radiator, water pump, distributor rebuilt, crank pulley, gaskets, less dented oil pan, rebuilt generator, rebuilt carb, exhaust and intake manifolds, muffler.
Suspension and steering:
Straightened axle, new (to me) wishbone, front spring, spring shackles, new steering sector shaft, new tie rod, new tie rod and drag link inserts, rebuilt steering arms
Brakes and wheel bearings, cast iron drums, assorted hardware
rebuilt rear end, transmission, clutch bearings and clutch disk
New electrical wiring, horn rod, light switch (previous repop was shorted out) and a new orginal horn (the one on the car was not an ahooga but a delco remy from the same era)
I sure hope my engine runs fine because I've hit just about everything else!
I can see the wisdom in people saying fix one thing and drive the car and enjoy it. I can also understand how some people get everything apart and get discouraged and loose interest. It was tough in my case to do that because one thing usually led into another. I also am a bit of a perfectionist and have a hard time letting things be. It takes some committment to keep going sometimes - and of course money. Thankfully I inherited the car so its "special" to me and I didn't have the aquisition cost but its a bit of a hardship for a guy my age with a new mortgage and starting a family. I have no regrets however and have been enjoying the hobby and look forward to cruising in my A when its done. I've met a lot of great new friends and I'm sure the wife and family will be much more on board when we can enjoy the car and drive it. I also have the satisfaction that I did most of the work myself and returned a worn and forlorn model A to a much more safe and reliable driving status.
Thats all for my marathon update for now!
Cheers! (or 73 for you ham radio guys!)
-Aaron
I'm still reeling from the money I've invested this year but my goal is to have a safe and roadworthy car that can withstand Seattle area traffic. It will all pay off and I'm starting to see the end in sight! I'm assembling my rear end on Monday and hopefully the transmission, brakes and the other odds and ends will fall into place over the next few weeks so I'll hopefully be done by labor day or shortly thereafter. We have a fall tour in september sometime that I would REALLY like to participate in. Its going to be fun to have Grandpa's Model A back on the road and driving better than it has in decades. Too bad he couldn't be here to see it but I think he'd be impressed.
To recap the items addressed:
Engine and cooling:
Radiator, water pump, distributor rebuilt, crank pulley, gaskets, less dented oil pan, rebuilt generator, rebuilt carb, exhaust and intake manifolds, muffler.
Suspension and steering:
Straightened axle, new (to me) wishbone, front spring, spring shackles, new steering sector shaft, new tie rod, new tie rod and drag link inserts, rebuilt steering arms
Brakes and wheel bearings, cast iron drums, assorted hardware
rebuilt rear end, transmission, clutch bearings and clutch disk
New electrical wiring, horn rod, light switch (previous repop was shorted out) and a new orginal horn (the one on the car was not an ahooga but a delco remy from the same era)
I sure hope my engine runs fine because I've hit just about everything else!
I can see the wisdom in people saying fix one thing and drive the car and enjoy it. I can also understand how some people get everything apart and get discouraged and loose interest. It was tough in my case to do that because one thing usually led into another. I also am a bit of a perfectionist and have a hard time letting things be. It takes some committment to keep going sometimes - and of course money. Thankfully I inherited the car so its "special" to me and I didn't have the aquisition cost but its a bit of a hardship for a guy my age with a new mortgage and starting a family. I have no regrets however and have been enjoying the hobby and look forward to cruising in my A when its done. I've met a lot of great new friends and I'm sure the wife and family will be much more on board when we can enjoy the car and drive it. I also have the satisfaction that I did most of the work myself and returned a worn and forlorn model A to a much more safe and reliable driving status.
Thats all for my marathon update for now!
Cheers! (or 73 for you ham radio guys!)
-Aaron
1931 flamingo
Well-known member
Wow ! ! ! ! Quite a lot of nice work done (and much money spent). Hopefully, though not listed as replaced, you did replace the fan blade with an aluminum one?? A shame to have an original let loose and go thru the hood or new Brassworks radiator.
Welcome and enjoy it.
Paul in CT
Welcome and enjoy it.
Paul in CT
ericr
Well-known member
Yep. My Grandpa lived in Gildford, Montana which is about 30 miles west of Havre along HWY 2. Both of my parents grew up on Montana's "Hi-Line" farming (they now live in Bozeman). My Grandmother still lives there and we have a farm (and house) that we keep up and stay at on my moms side of the family also. I really wish I could hold onto the rural lifestyle and would have loved to farm myself but land and equipment issues didn't allow me that option. I try to get back whenever I can though and recharge from the busy lifestyle out here.
I hear you on the garage issue. I can't understand why they couldn't have added just a couple feet! Most people out here don't even use their garages for their original purpose anyway. They might get 1 vehicle inside but it seems nowadays they use it for nothing more than extra storage.
Newshirt - Good one!!I'll forward that to the Mrs. Actually, maybe I'll surprise her.
I'm also in the Galopin Gerties. I have a long way to go learning names but I'm making some headway. I've made it to the last two monthly meetings and a few breakfasts. Its been a great time! You'll have to track me down at the next meeting. Allan, Mike, and Don were already nice enough to come out to my place and check out the car and offer advice on what needs to be addressed in the near and long term. I'll see you out there!
-Aaron
"Gallopin Gerties"???? my Dad talked about seeing that event on the newsreels back in the old days. I never thought there would be a Model "A" club named after it! I trust your cars are holding up better than "Gertie" did JK JK,