Just got a Model A got a few questions

T

Tugmaster

Member
I just picked up a 30 Coupe. I am pretty car savvy but I know very little about these cars specifically.

What is a good manual to get? I did a Google search and there is a ton of choices.

Who are the best parts suppliers? Service and quality is the most important to me.

I'm sure I will have many more questions in the future.

Thanks,
Todd
 
There are a lot of books and articles written out there with some good and some bad advice. But, I'm not sure how anyone that intends on working on a Model A can do so without a copy of Ford’s Model A Service Bulletins written by Ford for distribution to repairmen at the time. The bulletins describe in detail how to diagnose, repair and adjust the Model A Ford.
 
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Tugmaster said:
I just picked up a 30 Coupe. I am pretty car savvy but I know very little about these cars specifically.

What is a good manual to get? I did a Google search and there is a ton of choices.


the owners manual and the red Anderws are a good START. The service bulletins and the restoration and judging manual are others.

Who are the best parts suppliers? Service and quality is the most important to me.

Some parts are better from one then the other. Depends on what you are looking for.

I'm sure I will have many more questions in the future.

Ask away we are ready.

Thanks,
Todd
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Since you say you are not "A" savvy, the owner's manual Craig mentioned above should be your first read. Starting, the GAV and shifting are a little different. The spark lever (manual timing advance) should be all the way up to start (remember....to start it UP!) then pull it down about half way after it starts. Les Andrews' book, Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook Vol I is a must have. Brattons, Snyders, Berts are good about telling about the quality of reproduction parts as well they are customer oriented. There are other vendors, but that will give you a starting point for any needs. If you do not know about the history of your coupe, change the fluids, carefully try the brakes and get it insured before you put it on the road. Use the "SEARCH" feature at the top of this page for answers to the questions you will have, but ask here if you cannot find what you need.
 
Recommended first books:
1. Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook, Les Andrews (Red book)
2. Owner's Manual
3. Service Bulletins (be sure to buy the full size edition)
4. Judging Standards

I was in your shoes not long ago and I still have a lot to learn. I developed a web site to help new Model A owners. http://modelabasics.com/ It helps with some of the terms and I created pictures to help with the advice from the experts here on the Fordbarn. Good people here! The other thing worth knowing is at the top of the home page of the Fordbarn there are links to other helpful sites.


Paul
 
You can get free catalogs from Mac's and Bratton's good places to start. There are often several quality levels of parts and Bratton's is good at identifying them. And, sometimes, there's no source at all. You'll need to decide if this car is going to be-fun,renovated, restored,judged or fine point judged and then go from there. But, have fun.
 
A local club will give you some ideas as to where to get parts. Bratton's and Snyder's are good. But there are local suppliers that are good too. Bert's and Arizona Model A have many original parts but the main thing is to enjoy the hobby.
 
In addition to the books above I would add Model A miseries and cures not a actual how to do book but interesting collection of information.
 
A & L Model A parts in Canton, CT 860-693-2620 ask for Bob. A local company that makes their own parts. Also there is A's and More in Stafford Springs, CT. they have a lot of original parts 860-684-6532 and machine work. Good luck, Dennis
 
Todd, first let me welcome you to the Model A world of excitement, fun, and expense!

There is so much info to absorb. I would set up a notebook with several categories, .ie, Engine, electrical, suspension .etc. Everytime you learn something..write it in your notebook so you will have it for reference and won't forget it. It is alot of work to have to redo something, because you have forgotten or missed a critical item. Stay focused on what you're learning about the 'A' that is different from other autos.

Most importantly ...have fun, and share the hobby with family and friends. Two of my A's are four family generation cars.
 
Rock Hornbuckle said:
Todd, first let me welcome you to the Model A world of excitement, fun, and expense!

There is so much info to absorb. I would set up a notebook with several categories, .ie, Engine, electrical, suspension .etc. Everytime you learn something..write it in your notebook so you will have it for reference and won't forget it. It is alot of work to have to redo something, because you have forgotten or missed a critical item. Stay focused on what you're learning about the 'A' that is different from other autos.

Most importantly ...have fun, and share the hobby with family and friends. Two of my A's are four family generation cars.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rock,

This is a very sentimental car for me. My dad passed the car bug onto to me. His first car was a 30 coupe when he was 17. The first car he ever restored when I was a kid was a 30 Tudor. The ONLY car I ever wanted was a A. My dad passed a few years ago.
Here in New England they are either rusted beyond hope or way out of my price range. I made out very well with the one I got.
I've had quite a few older cars over the years but this is my first A. I'm really looking forward to this project. To be honest the parts seem less expensive and more plentiful than for any of the other cars I have worked on. I'm looking forward to this project a lot.
Todd
 
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