"model a saved my life"

My A model build has been a real mental respite this last year. I have been building it with a friend who has, as a result become a better friend. it is a bonus that I am learning some new skills but most importantly, having a simple, achievable project with a linear set of goals serves as a circuit breaker when circular thinking patterns depress me in daily life.

It is interesting that in the world of aged care, it has become very apparent that men tend to fare better when they have shed time, especially where a project allows people to commune with others. The mental application is exercise for the mind, which needs exercise just as muscles do but also simply pottering with others is a social outlet that men are better adapted to than, say, a bingo game or another morning tea. I am glad to say that there are some programs around that recognise this fact.
 
Good one Joe...that could be therapy too....its like putting on your work hat for the day!!
 
edfueler said:
My A model build has been a real mental respite this last year. I have been building it with a friend who has, as a result become a better friend. it is a bonus that I am learning some new skills but most importantly, having a simple, achievable project with a linear set of goals serves as a circuit breaker when circular thinking patterns depress me in daily life.

It is interesting that in the world of aged care, it has become very apparent that men tend to fare better when they have shed time, especially where a project allows people to commune with others. The mental application is exercise for the mind, which needs exercise just as muscles do but also simply pottering with others is a social outlet that men are better adapted to than, say, a bingo game or another morning tea. I am glad to say that there are some programs around that recognise this fact.
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Ed, I noticed you were a junior member and I took a look at your album and saw a young man along side of a neat pick-up. Assuming that is you, and estimating you are thirty years of age or less, your words and commentary above show wisdom beyond your years.

Richard
 
It was over 50 years ago I thought I was getting an ulcer...after a check-up the Doc said No but youre working on getting one.Then he suggested I get a "heavy" hobby!! My wife suggested that I get a Model A as she knew that I learned to drive in one. I joined the SF Bay Area Chapter and met Bill Jones who became my mentor.Getting close to 50 years as a member and still going strong!!
Bruce Davis a400usa@nccn.net
 
It saves my life every weekend... The more I piddle with the A the less I have to help the wife clean and do chores!! Talk about a life saver.
 
Not only do Model A's (and T's for that matter) allow me to pay my bills, they give me an excellent source of enjoyment. Not to mention it keeps me out of the bars and things along that line. (Ok I still go to the occasional bar!)

Working on the Old Fords is excellent mind therapy and helps clear your brain and look at things with a fresh perspective.
 
My Model A has kept me out of alot of trouble in my short 16 years. I've skipped out on alot of parties because I was going on a model a trip that weekend or didn't hang out with friends at times because I had to work on the A. I think I can honestly say that my A has kept me out of jail.
 
Since the age of 6 there has been a Model A in my life. At the time of my Dad's death I took over the 'stewardship' of this, our first, Model A. It's known among family members as "#1". By the way, "#1" is a beautiful 1930 Deluxe roadster...Ok... back on track... At the age of 12, I purchased a 1931 coupe-P/U for my "very own". After displaying all of my negotiation skills, which totaled approx. 2-3 seconds of adolescent babel, I paid the seller's asking price- $25.00US (cash). The immediate consequences of this transaction were fourfold: 1.The seller was relieved of the burden of what he perceived to be junk. 2. His relief was delivered in the form of an increase in the amount of his personal wealth. 3.The certainty of the quick removal of the described "junk" had the immediate result of the seller and his wife becoming 'chatty' AND VERY 'huggy' in the presence of both the tow truck driver and myself. The following is an opinion which has not changed even after the long reach of almost 50 years: The wife was not privy to the $25.00 AND that an act which at that time I had only recently become vaguely aware of was about to happen AND that it would happen with the certainty of a sunrise AND that it might or might not happen within the confines of their house. Their 'opening' act, again,my opinion, began as soon as we were out of their sight. 4.In < 1/10 of a nano second after the seller and I concluded our transaction, I became 100% financially insolvent. My insolvency led to the urgent need of financial assistance. My plan was to ask for a non structured bail out loan and POSSIBLY a line of credit. I planned for this paper to be underwritten by my Dad. I was granted the bail out loan but my Dad amended the terms of the loan to "STRUCTURED" with no possible chance of any type of credit line. His terms stated that I was to became his car buddy (translated at that time as slave) for an open ended amount of time. Little did I know that this wonderful and Heaven sent obligation would last until his death. In return he agreed to provide the required funding that I urgently needed to settle the now past due towing bill and to provide monies for the purchase of a new battery and cables which would be supplied by a vender of my Dad's choice. As a 'gimme', (I think due to our shared heredity and close bond?!?!?), my Dad gave me his assurance that he would do whatever was fatherly and husbandly possible to insulate me from the wrath that he knew was imminent due to the !@#$% story that I had concocted and so eloquently (I thought) 'laid on' my Mother. This elaborate story was the key to obtaining the last $2.00 that I thought that I MIGHT require in the event that my negotiating skills should by some unknown reason be unsuccesful (you already know that I crashed and folded- the Hindenburg comes to mind). ... OK...back to the subject... The car's condition was as rough as my pride of acquisition was great. Without a personal inspection, one would have thought that I had somehow acquired a Rolls Royce. If I had been asked, I am sure that I could have presented a convincing argument worthy of a Supreme Court audience to the effect that MY Model A was superior to any past, present, or future automobile of any marque. ...OK...I'll press on... At the age of 16, I obtained my driving permit. I took the driving portion of the exam in "#1"....Getting to the point now... I trust that these ramblings bolster the point that I have truly been blessed. This blessing enabled me to begin my Model A hobbyist's journey as soon as I had developed the skills needed for 'walking around sense'. ... OK- OK... I'll press the fast forward button... At or around my 21st year I began to plan a career. Its foundation was constucted from my Model A hobbyist experiences, youthful energy, and a work ethic that shadowed my Dad's conviction that 'A man's handshake and word are his bond'. My work eventually allowed me to touch upon almost every facet of the antique/vintage car world. For almost 40 years my labors have provided for my family's needs and for many of their fancies. While everyones' lives continually change, there is strong evidence that my life has also been continually blessed. These blessings have now allowed me to once again pursue my Model A interests in the role of a hobbyist. Whether the Ford Model 'A' SAVED my life, I do not know.....but what I DO know, without any hint of a doubt, is that God's blessings and the Ford Model 'A' MADE my life. Regards to all, REA,Jr.(jmr)
 
Hello Richard (Rct).

I just caught your reply to my post, then (a long time between visits). It is, indeed me beside that RPU but, for better or worse, I am, actually the far side of thirty by some years. Perhaps, I am faring well in the aging dept. An open top model A keeps one young, I guess. Ha ha., But I thank
you for the kind comment, just the same. Best regards -Ed
 
I got my model a coupe from my late Brother's estate years ago.I enjoy all the smiles she gets when driving around town especially when we do the local Christmas parades and seeing 1000's kids of all age smile at the old car while yelling Merry Christmas.In a over populated town with people fighting traffic and some bad additudes it is nice to see and hear nice comments and thumbs up..............JD
 
I was out with my 1930 Coupe
got out and took a walk and fell in some quicksand
upto my belt.
My Model A started up came over and throw a rope
I grabed on and he backed up pulling me out.

" WELL YOU ASKED"
 
It is truly comforting to read these personal accountings ( ....again!!) and realize the genuine honesty that flows from our hearts when discussing such a topic!!
ROFL.gif



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Jeff/Illinois said:
Hey roadster, is your Model A named Lassie??:D

Quick double- check. Go fall down an abandoned mine shaft maybe even one with rattlesnakes and then call out 'Here girl' and if she runs for Grandpa or backs up to the mine shaft and drops you a rope we'll know for sure!:eek:

I liked your reply!!
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"What girl? What? Theres trouble on the ranch!?!?!" :p
 
in the few short weeks we've had ours; it hasn't really "saved" our lives but its certainly added to it! It's provided lots of learning thus far and it's even got our neighbors excited and involved. They love it.
 
It didn't save it so much as improve it. I met my future wife in the local a club in '72. Watched her kids grow up in the club. We started going together in '86, got married in '98 and now are enjoying retirement with 5 A's and a T. Life is great!
 
Each day I arrive home from teaching high school, I smile turning down my drive. My wife beside me and I'm pulling in to the place where the A lies waiting for more attention from me, my wife, and my son, and my grandson. I truly feel I have it all. It's this great formula for happiness that makes me worry about my health and longivity. Likewise I live smarter, watch my weight and pray I can spend many years running a cloth down her side and hear the purr of that low RPM Rolex watch of an engine under the shinny hood. Saving me daily!
 
I guess I'm very different than many people here. I don't have money to have my own "A", hell I can barely afford food right now, but the two times I did the oil pan gasket on my boss' "A" it made me almost want to take my life, forget about saving it.
 
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