Newbie pulled the trigger! '31 Vicky now in my driveway!

BillEbob

BillEbob

Senior Member

I did it!! Now the proud owner of a "brand new" '31 Vicky Leatherback! Purchased in Tucson now residing in Albuquerque, NM.

PO owned it for 25 years. A few items stick out. The ignition switch does not function. Turn on (off?) the battery kill switch and depress the starter and away she goes. (Ignition switch in 'off' position.)

A curiosity, PO replaced generator with alternator but kept it 6 volt, positive ground. I can foresee changing to 12 volt in the near future.

In a separate, by related topic, most EVERYONE around me questions my sanity about purchasing an "A!" The negativity has had me questioning my decision. Turns out -- who CARES what they think?! I'm having a blast driving this thing around!!

More to come!!

Bill
 
Congratulations on your purchase.! I have 2 1930 model a's and enjoy driving them. My kids and g-kids love them. All the neighborhood kids stop in their tracks and wave with thumbs up when I drive through my neighborhood.
 
Good purchase. The most fun car you'll ever have. Join a model A club. They will help you with any problems or questions you have about model As. This forum will also be helpful. Also, get Les Andrew's books to learn about how to work on your car. Good luck. Enjoy.
 
Great to hear!

The negative comments are because people do not really understand how reliable the Model A is, how many new, high quality parts are available for them, and that this car will cruise all day at 45 mph or more. They all think it is the slower cousin, the Model T.

They have never experienced the joy of driving a car that YOU actually have to drive, it is not a bunch of computers on wheels.

I am very excited for you. Do not be in a big rush to change out anything. Just drive it and get to know the car and it's peculiar issues. They each have their own personality.

Swap out the bad ignition switch, because that will work fine with any voltage or polarity. Go slow beyond that.

Feel free to contact me at tech@mafca.com for answers to your questions. I help new Model A owners out every day. I can recommend books and other resources.

And if you have never been a member of MAFCA before, you are eligible for your first year of membership for free. Email Jay McCord at Freemembership@mafca.com
 
Listen to what Jim said, Swap out nothing (except a bad ign. switch) and drive it for awhile. The 6 volt system is fine, no need to swap it out for 12 volts. Many threads here on that issue. Have fun, Jack
 
Bill,
Welcome to the club. The Victoria is an excellent choice. Six weeks ago I bought my first A, a 29 Tudor. I wish I hadn't waited so long. Get to know the car before you make any changes. And where are those pictures?
 
You got the most interesting car out there. More history and fun with the A than any other car. Very unique. You will have a ball.
 
Okay, okay everbody!! Here is my first attempt at uploading photos! (There HAS to be an easier way, anybody know of the easier way?)

All: I joined the "Pocos Quatros Model A Club" of Albuquerque, NM a couple months prior to pulling the trigger. I "tried on" various members' cars to learn what would work, and more importantly, what wouldn't!

I purchased both volumes of Les Andrews books long before buying the car. (Wanted to know what I was getting in to.)

No, no IMMEDIATE major changes -- just the ignition switch and the horn. Luckily Les Andrews goes into how to repair the horn.

Okay, here goes > > >
 

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Congrats! Vickis are one of my favorites, esp the leatherback.

Live Large.....................
 
Now you only need to join the International Model A Victoria Association.

I hope you only have fun times with the car and drive it often.
 
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