Looking for some insight, wisdom and patience

stouchton

stouchton

Senior Member
Coming up is the newbie of all newbie questions......

But first, a little lead-in:

Background – Purchased the Model A this past June after reviewing what I knew of its history, and having a mechanic inspect it.

The car was completely restored in 1987. This is all that is known of its history!

The mechanic I sent reported that it has no unusual leaks, engine was strong and noise free, did not overheat, transmission shifted properly, clutch was good, differential had play but not unreasonable, slight leak at transmission, no leaks at differential, wheel bearings all good, brakes looked brand new but not properly centered, steering good, 1 king pin need to be re-bushed. Paint was old, and in need of repaint though car looked good. No rust. Underside clean and rust free.

Since purchasing, I have put almost 500 miles on the car and fixed a lot of the “little things”.

Car runs strong, runs well, does not use engine oil, has a slight “tap” in the engine when cold, goes away when warm – sounds like a valve tap. Clutch, transmission and differential are good. Continual drips of oil under transmission, but transmission level good after 500 miles. Steers straight and true (since replacing kingpin), minimal steering play, very comfortable to drive at 45-50mph

Here is the big question: Should I just drive and enjoy –or- are there things that should be inspected even though there are no drastic symptoms?
 
stouchton said:
Coming up is the newbie of all newbie questions......

... brakes looked brand new but not properly centered, steering good, 1 king pin need to be re-bushed. ...

Here is the big question: Should I just drive and enjoy –or- are there things that should be inspected even though there are no drastic symptoms?
Click to expand...

Drive and enjoy the car. If you haven't yet - get the brakes properly setup. The loose king pin might cause wear to the tire on that side - keep an eye on the tire.

I think you are in for a good time - have fun, Bill
 
Drive it for awhile and enjoy it......don't make the same mistake a lot of newbies make and think you have to immediately start a total restoration.
 
I would make certain to confirm the trans is leaking from somewhere and not the rear main, as they are both prone to leakage. An occasional drip is fine, but if it starts leaving a puddle, more work is required. If you have not already, I'd crawl under and do a chassis inspection and lube everything, taking care to wipe off excess grease. This operation will not harm anything,and is educational, but will give you piece of mind knowing all is as it should be.
As stated above, the main thing is to enjoy the car. This means different things to different people. Some worry and fret about minor things, Some drive them into the ground and wonder why the car let them down.
The four Model A's I look after, all seem to give back more fun than chores. But each one is different and each requires different levels of attention, depending on who is driving and how many hours of use they get. This to me is a hobby and should be enjoyable. When its not, I'll work on a motorcycle for a while.
Enjoy your car anyway you can!
 
if you like to tinker........get the service bulletins and judging standards and check the major engine/body componants and confirm everything is "correct" for the year of your car. sometimes the hunt for a certain part is fun and helps you learn about the complete production history of the Model "A".

check with steve plucker on this site and read his other website with lots of individual studies on the "A"
 
Here are different ways you can set up you maintenance program ,but I would just drive and enjoy it. Welcome to the Barn.
 

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I want to thank you all for your feedback!

I am one that can "fix something till its broke" and I love to tinker. Fortunately I have enough other projects to take the aim off the Model A!!!

I did replace the king pin and bushings so now she handles nicely.

The drips are minor. I put one of those wrapping paper plastic containers under the car with a couple sheets of newspaper in it to catch the drips.

And, of course, the first thing I bought was the grease fitting adapter. So she is well greased - sometimes twice on Sunday ;)

I appreciate being a member of the Barn -its great to get input from folks that simply want to help.
 
Leaks

stouchton said:
I want to thank you all for your feedback!

... The drips are minor. I put one of those wrapping paper plastic containers under the car with a couple sheets of newspaper in it to catch the drips. ...
Click to expand...

Model As do have an occasional leak. Someone on the 'Barn,' more cleaver than I, said - 'Model As don't leak they just mark their territory.' How true that is - Bill:)
 
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