New model A'ers must haves

a_crazy

a_crazy

Member
I was noodling a thought ... and wondering what you fellas would suggest a new A owner to have on hand I am talking about "must haves". I mean like emergency kits ... and the like. I'm thinking stuff like extra fuses and light bulbs.. would a spare V-belt be a good idea? what other things might get you out of a roadside break down predicament?
 
I agree with 1931 and also suggest that you spend a morning with the closest Model A Club Mechanic and have he/she go over the car carefully and make a list of any small parts that are old and should be replaced, and that you should know how to replace. Points, Plugs, Condenser, Coil. Check the wiring behind the dash to see if it all good and tight. Have the breaks and wheel bearing checked and adjusted and watch the work. Ask to have the distributor removed and checked and put back in and the timing checked. Take a driving lesson if you need it. The best defense is a good offence. Ernie
 
There's not much can go wrong with these old girls. It's not common for one to be left on the side of the road. I suggest you learn the adjustments and those little regular lube items that need doing rather than how to replace things. I'm thinking water pump gland packing and points gap for adjustments and oil in the top bush of the distributor for example for lubrication items often overlooked.
I don't carry much more than rotor button, fan belt, distributor body, points and a few tools (including what I need to change a wheel).
 
A fire extinguisher and a tow rope for emergencies. With a little bit of help, the tow rope will get you out of the road and to a safe spot until you can make repairs. You don't want someone pushing your "A" with another vehicle. Pull it to safety to avoid damage to your back bumper, spare tire or trunk. I've seen a Model "A" that caught fire and burned. A fire extinguisher could have reduced the amount of damage.
 
I always carry a gallon of fresh water and a credit card. I don’t carry a large assortment of spare parts, but I do carry small tools, wire, electrical tape, spare bulbs, a condensor, a rag, hand cleaner, and bandaids. Other things come and go, depending on the distance I expect to travel.
 
Chief sed, "Carry tools & you'll have trouble"!
After a couple of STRANGE happenings, with a '59 Buick, on Route 66, he TOTALLY changed his mind!
Bill Toolguy
 
A understanding and supportive wife would have to be high on that list.
If your wife or girlfreind is the jealous type you'll need to have at least a quart on hand at any given time, be smart to carry a pint in your hip pocket too.
Thank God for my supportive wife.
 
If your vehicle has been modified in any way (such as electronic ignition) carry those parts (and the knowledge how to use them) because probably nobody else on a tour will have them or the knowledge how to use them.

Charlie Stephens
 
1. Join a Model A club, if no "A" clubs are near by find an old car club.
2. If you tour, carry a copy of one of the national club rosters.
To me those are more important than tools or parts.
Random ROG
PS: Remember to have fun.
 
I have some points, a condenser.. think i used up my last spare fuse. Stuffed the old fuse with tinfoil from a gum wrapper last time. One of the blessings of messy roadsides is that i can often make what i need to limp home with what i find.
 
1931 flamingo said:
Cell phone and AAA card.................
Paul in CT
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Paul’s comments are right on. You need both of these for sure.

Anything else, depends on the overall condition of you car.

A well sorted out Model A, unless your going on a extended trip, should give you few everyday problems. Enjoy.
 
A couple of extra 30 amp fuses. Replacing a blown fuse with foil is like putting pennies in a home fuse box. Fuses are there to prevent your car from an electrical fire and blown fuses indicate a short circuit that can cause a fire.
 
Referring to post#12, I've found that if you walk the roadside for 50 Yards or so, you'll almost always find a piece of WIRE, for emergency "repairs"!
"Dumb Person" (Bob) & I are Friends, in his Sign Off lines, look closely for his VIDEO LINKS! AND his "wisdom" sayings.
Bill W.
 
I did not see it mentioned above but I carry a feeler gauge. Not impossible to eye ball the gap but a feeler gauge and a points file, once saved the day for me.
Cheers
Chris
 
Floats said:
I did not see it mentioned above but I carry a feeler gauge. Not impossible to eye ball the gap but a feeler gauge and a points file, once saved the day for me.
Cheers
Chris
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The spark plugs are forgiving and if they are checked periodically they shouldnt change. Points ive seen the block loosten up and close the gap - FYI most business cards are about .010", Those plastic gift cards/credit cards are .030. Small strip of 1000 grit sandpaper slipped in a map or something will do wonders on multiple things.

The Fan on a model A isn't needed once your moving and the car will run off the battery for a long time. Now having a spare belt at home or something isnt a bad idea or if your out a long ways away. If it throws or breaks the belt something went majorly wrong or it wasnt checked for tightness or wear before one sets off.

If your fuel system is up to snuff and zero rust in the gas tank you shouldn't have any fuel/carb related issues.

The model A is a simple machine but it needs to be watched way more closely than your modern car and things checked/greased/oiled alot more often than a modern car.
 
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