Mechanic Once Over

Gene B.

Gene B.

Junior Member
Plan on taking just acquired 30 model truck to mechanic for maintenance and check up.
Probably going to convert to 12V
Drop oil pan to clean and check oil pump (try to figure out oil leak)
Change oil in transmission, differential, steering box
Pack front and rear wheel bearings( check brake pads- they function real well)
Modernize grease fittings
Truck has no shocks? Would you add modern shocks or try to find originals?
Radiator fluid clean ( water pump appears new)
Add air cleaner (like the KN upright to keep gas off filter) I live in the dust bowl
Check plugs and points

Any other suggestions? Main use for driving not show.
 
Tie in with the dallas club, there may be a couple of members next door to you.
Original shocks will improve the handling and the ride.
Don't change much until you can talk to some knowledgable local talent.
Bob
 
I use my regular mechanic for general maintenance and replacing some parts on my Model A's and '51 Ford. I generally provide special parts and gaskets. I also provide written guidance that is unique to the car. I also give the car to my mechanic for a safety check before taking long road trips in the cars. I would not give my car to a mechanic that I did not know, and know of his enthusiasm to work on older cars.

I like to do all major construction work(I.e., voltage or shock conversion.) but do not want to do the more routine work myself.
 
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Instead of taking the car to a mechanic, consider reading fordbarn for a few months and performing the tasks yourself. Ask questions when you're stumped. Find videos on YouTube. Tap your local club. Chances are, you'll find quick answers to everything, and see little reason to use a mechanic.

The items you list are all part of the fun of owning an antique car. You get out of the office and get your fingers greasy. There's a sense of satisfaction knowing that you perform all the maintenance yourself. Plus, you'll learn to fix things on the road, should the need arise.

There may be no point in converting to 12V. The original 6V system works fine. The Model A parts suppliers have a grease fitting for the old style, so no need to convert. In other words, consider keeping the car as original as you can until there is some 'hard need' to upgrade. The longer you drive it, the less urgent those needs become. Just my humble opinion... hope that's okay. :)

Congrats on the new truck! Got pics?
 
I knew right away that you're new to antique cars when I read your description of the brake shoes as brake pads. And it's doubtful that a modern mechanic would have the tool to get the rear brake drums off, It's a specialty (Bratton's 6160 Pg 30) As "New shirt" said, I'd get involved with your car. Changing the oil and repacking the bearings are a Saturday afternoon's chore, not a major undertaking. And I would agree that leaving it 6V is probably best.
Terry
 
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Gene B.

When I Bought my antique house (1830), I was told to wait one year before you do anything to it. The reason is that as you learn about your antique, you will have your priorities change quite a bit.

Wait for some time, buy the owners manual (small price at Model A suppliers), read the forum (try to separate the "crap" from the good comments) and then make your move.

Marc
 
If you go to a mechanic...first, find out if he knows about points at all.
Then...give him a xerox of timing instructions from Marco's site AND a wiring diagram... both are unusual, and can be baffling even to mechanics with experience on cars with points.
He needs the lube chart, xeroxed right out of owner's manual...and do realize that most mechanics under 60 or 70 are unfamiliar with cars dependent on grease fittings!
Parts...NAPA has enough. Or provide your own parts, and for sure learn which dealers carry the best available...I say Bratton's, A&L...because it is still quite easy to buy nearly worthless ignition parts for the Model A.
Once you have the information and hardware in hand...stop and read the above stuff and your owner's manual, and note how simple it all is. About as hard as tearing down your blender to wash it, easier than getting your lawnmower fired up in the spring...
Why not do it yourself??
 
Mechanic is very experienced in As. He has 5 of his own. Plus it is my understanding this is primary line of work, on old cars.
My thoughts are his experience and guidance will be invaluable for now in assessing what I have and in the future. By letting him look the car over he can tell me any safety issues ( my number one concern) and any immediate problems that need attention to prevent larger problems.
As to brake pads- your exactly right-- shoes. Just a blimp on my part.
As to converting to 12 V- drove many a tractor as a kid with 6V systems. 8N Ford, 20 Massey Ferguson,etc. All 6V and a pain in comparison to 12V then and today. Back to how traditonal you want the vehicle to remain I guess.

No one addressed my shock issue. As far as I can tell none. So I want to add something to improve the stability and ride. What do you suggest? Kind of hate to put the cylinder type on. This really does change the look.
 
Gene B. said:
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No one addressed my shock issue. As far as I can tell none. So I want to add something to improve the stability and ride. What do you suggest? Kind of hate to put the cylinder type on. This really does change the look.
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All depends on how much you want to spend. A couple hundred for tube type shock kits all the way up to well over $1K for a set of Bill Stipe shocks (when they are available).
 
Get some of Les Andrews books on the Model A. It will give you most of the information on doing maintenance and upgrades. If you want a bulb chart and list of electrical parts send an email to me at jrelliott42@gmail.com I converted mine back to stock 6V. You can get a regulator from Tom Westberg (spelling) that goes in the generator
 
If you tune your Model A to specks you will be able to hand crank it without a problem. A six volt battery will be more than sufficient to start the vehicle and operate the accessories. Tube shocks are from a different time period. In my opinion it is like putting your grandmother in a bikini, it is just not right. The originals shocks will give you a good ride. There are many people on this site and books written that will enable you to keep your vehicle road worthy if left as close as possible to the way Henry designed it. In many cases a customized job can only be repaired by the guy who designed it. I started this hobby with little knowledge about the Model A. For historical reasons I kept my A’s original. On hind sight, I believe this was a good decision. My Model A’s can be driven anywhere and under any road conditions. And if one of them does act up, I just take it to a hotrod show and tell it, “this could be you, if you do not start behaving”, fixes it every time (actually I open Les Andrews book and am able to repair it). Whatever you decide to do, the Model A hobby is where it is at. These machines become an addiction. If left simple it will be dependable and easily fixed. JMO

Have many hours of fun,
Paul
 
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