my first model a

[thelosthero]

i just bought a 1929 model a fordor.my first old car, it was sitting for roughly 4 years and i want to go though and change out all of the old fluids for new, but i have no idea what i should get or where i would be able to get it. im in buffalo ny. also i need to get a battery for it which autozone carries for roughly 87 dollars. also i was wondering if any1 knows of a good book to get for learning about all the mechanics of the car since this is my first car this old i want to make sure i do things right and don't mess it up

 

[Jim Parker Toronto]

thelosthero, congrats on your purchase and welcome to the hobby! You are really close to Mac's in Lockport NY, and they will have everything you need. Some of the Les Andrew's books are a good place to start. There is some good clubs near you as well, go to a meeting, and see what you think!

 

[Perfdavid]

As a relatively new member and owner myself, I can tell you this.
First, your questions: google google google. Google ford model A. Read everything, then google ford model a parts, you will find several vendors.
Buy the Les andrews book. It will answer a lot.
But the best feature is the search engine on here. I only ask a question if after exhausting my searches on this forum to no avail. Learn the basic and advanced search. D a search for books, do a search for oil, do a search for transmission fluid...etc....
Then read read read. That's what I did and I learned a ton. There is rarely a topic on here that hadn't been covered from my searches, but it is the nuances that can cause frustration. We can read a book, but experience is the key. So, good luck, there are days worth of topic reading on here. Have fun, that's my main objective for getting into this.

 

[montanafordman]

Welcome to the club! I'll second the suggestions on joining a club and getting the Les Andrews books. The three books by Les Andrews will cover just about everything mechanical and the guys in your local Model A club (and/or the fordbarn) will help fill in the rest and help you make sense of it all. I'm also a relative newcomer who recently inherited a Model A from my grandfather and I"m way in over my head and having a blast!

I've enjoyed getting to know the guys in my local club who have been very gracious and helpful bringing me into the fold. They've road tested my car and shown me urgent and not so urgent things to address with the car and been a great source of knowledge. The meetings and breakfast get togethers have been fun as much as they are informative so I hope you are so lucky. The folks here on the fordbarn will also help you out a great deal. The search function is where I'd start for a specific question because its probably been discussed at lenght already and if not fire away!

We also love pictures! So post some up when you get a chance!

Best of luck with your Model A!

-Montanafordman

 

[thelosthero]

Welcome to the club! I'll second the suggestions on joining a club and getting the Les Andrews books. The three books by Les Andrews will cover just about everything mechanical and the guys in your local Model A club (and/or the fordbarn) will help fill in the rest and help you make sense of it all. I'm also a relative newcomer who recently inherited a Model A from my grandfather and I"m way in over my head and having a blast!

I've enjoyed getting to know the guys in my local club who have been very gracious and helpful bringing me into the fold. They've road tested my car and shown me urgent and not so urgent things to address with the car and been a great source of knowledge. The meetings and breakfast get togethers have been fun as much as they are informative so I hope you are so lucky. The folks here on the fordbarn will also help you out a great deal. The search function is where I'd start for a specific question because its probably been discussed at lenght already and if not fire away!

We also love pictures! So post some up when you get a chance!

Best of luck with your Model A!

-Montanafordman

i actually just posted up some pics in an album

 

[30ccpickup]

Welcome to the addiction. The sticky at the top of the form

(Sticky: Model A/AA Ford Websites...Can YOU add to the list?") is a real good place to start for info.

Congrats!
Paul

 

[Jim Parker Toronto]

I looked at your pictures, nice car! You are in for some fun with that one! It's proven fact that it will go 5 mph faster with those red wheels, mine has them too!

 

[RcT]

I just looked at your album... looks like you have a nice, mostly original car. A Model A is an excellent car to cut your teeth on; you will learn a lot.

My first car was a '30 Sport Coupe in 1961. I know your excitement and remember the thrills of accomplishment. (Which still exist today on my current A). If I were asked to give you advice, I would agree with all the reading you can do. The clubs can be good, but find one mentor who knows his stuff and talk about what you plan on tackling. Take your time and drive the car; learn it's problem areas and concentrate on bringing up to a safe and reliable car. Do one thing at a time, for instance, the distributor or wiring or brakes and drive your car after each accomplishment. In this way you are aware of your success.

Appearance of the car is secondary now. You can always make it pretty, there's no end to that and it gets pricey... personally I like the way your car looks now, it shows its years and wears them proudly. Shop around and find reputable vendors of parts and supplies. Most popular ones have free catalogs. Get them all and compare quality and prices. Beware of reproduction stuff; it may be of poor fit and quality.

Above all, do not be afraid to come to this forum and ask questions. A lot of folks have already done what you want to do and will take you down the best path to success.

You will experience all emotions; frustration, skinned knuckles and the pride of ownership. Take it slow. Have fun.

And, oh, yes, welcome to the Ford Barn and to the hobby. It will be a part of you now forever.

 

[thelosthero]

I just looked at your album... looks like you have a nice, mostly original car. A Model A is an excellent car to cut your teeth on; you will learn a lot.

My first car was a '30 Sport Coupe in 1961. I know your excitement and remember the thrills of accomplishment. (Which still exist today on my current A). If I were asked to give you advice, I would agree with all the reading you can do. The clubs can be good, but find one mentor who knows his stuff and talk about what you plan on tackling. Take your time and drive the car; learn it's problem areas and concentrate on bringing up to a safe and reliable car. Do one thing at a time, for instance, the distributor or wiring or brakes and drive your car after each accomplishment. In this way you are aware of your success.

Appearance of the car is secondary now. You can always make it pretty, there's no end to that and it gets pricey... personally I like the way your car looks now, it shows its years and wears them proudly. Shop around and find reputable vendors of parts and supplies. Most popular ones have free catalogs. Get them all and compare quality and prices. Beware of reproduction stuff; it may be of poor fit and quality.

Above all, do not be afraid to come to this forum and ask questions. A lot of folks have already done what you want to do and will take you down the best path to success.

You will experience all emotions; frustration, skinned knuckles and the pride of ownership. Take it slow. Have fun.

And, oh, yes, welcome to the Ford Barn and to the hobby. It will be a part of you now forever.

yea thats why i couldn't pass it up its running and everything seems to be there and in very good condition

 

[gunmetal blue]

Welcome to "A" club that once you get one your hooked. I bought my first car and model A when I was 15 years old. I turned 54 and bought my first AA truck, It is the 7th Model A and AA that I have owned.Have ton's of fun and injoy your Model A

 

[Aerocraft]

You have a fairly rare body style in the Briggs 60C and it appears to be a nice example. I personally love the '29 Fordors and have two. I feel they are the "Queen of the fleet". Enjoy!

Gar Williams

 

[buyitsmart]

I got my first A on Thursday last week. I have been having a ball driving it and learning all about the hobby. I did extensive research online and have been to 2 local Model A club meetings. I also have the good fortune of having a local Model A supply store about 3 miles from my house. Needless to say I drive over there every day of the week to show them something I discovered on my 31 Deluxe Coupe and ask questions....

What a great hobby!!

Since you said you like pictures I have taken the liberty of sending pics of the delivery of my Coupe and a picture of my daughter and my grandson Matthew. He was born Aug 15th and I promised him the car when he turns 16 if he loves it as much as I do.

I also appreciate that a forum like the Ford Barn exists where I can hang out with people that enjoy the cars and their history as much as I do.

Another Newby - Ken in Central Florida