I agree with John about investigating your local club option. I never saw myself as a club person--just a guy who likes to drive my car around. But it turns out that joining our local club (a MARC chapter) has been a wonderful experience for both my wife and me. Even if you see yourself as a loner driver, nothing supports your interest like having a bunch of friends to ask about problems, swap parts with, and provide some security on tours. The friendships have made the hobby fun for my wife too, and she was very skeptical ("Why do I want to go to a meeting with a bunch of old guys talking about carburetors?"). Go to the MARC and MAFCA websites and see which one has the closest local chapter to you. You might be happily surprised.
IMO, there's not a dime's worth of difference between the two organizations and their magazines. It's a shame that old animosities, unknown by most of us, sustain a wasteful duplication of efforts and expenses. But that's a controversial issue
There are lots of good books out there, and I urge you to get a few. Les Andrews' books, MAFCA's restoration volumes, and the Model A Service Bulletins are great for starters. Sadly, there is no traditional factory service manual, although there are some pretenders. Also, there are several very honorable parts suppliers. I have had good experiences with both Snyders and Brattons and have heard only good things about Berts. BUT, beware of repro parts; the vendors will be honest about their quality BUT you might have to ask. When I was restoring my car, my mantra became "nothing fits."
This website is a fantastic resource, but be prepared for lots of passionately-held contradictory wisdom, for example: thermostats, hydraulic brakes, permanent antifreeze, 12 V conversions, filters, and virtually any other non-original modification. Happily, Model A's are pretty forgiving cars and respond well to even a little bit of TLC.
Welcome!
Steve
