Now what?

txmerlin

Junior Member
My name is Ken and I just bought my first Model A. :)

With some valuable advice from Swampy, I was able to purchase a nice '30 Model A Huckster. It has not been driven in over 6 years and appears to have not receive alot of regular care for some time before that. I have already started working on some of the easier items to deal with, but am looking for a book or guide that will save my knuckles a little skin in dealing with some of the rest. Is there some Model A version of a Chilton's that can be picked up reasonably.

I love the links page and have already visited many of the sites while working on "shopping lists".

Thanks for any advice
Ken
 
Call Snyder's--888 262-5712 Tell them you NEED a copy of Les Andrews' Model A Ford Mechanic's Handbook. Get a catalog while you're at it.

Welcome to our misery.
 
A copy of the model A service bulletins would be a useful book to have in the library. vendors can supply these also.
 
A copy of the model A service bulletins would be a useful book to have in the library. vendors can supply these also.

That book should be at the top of the list for EVERY Model A owner. I would buy the full size edition rather than the small yellow book. Either of the two national clubs sells the full size edition. I'm not sure if the Model A parts stores have it though.
 
The Service Bulletins are absolutely essential! I don't hold much stock in the Les Andrews series of books but that's just me.

I suggest picking up a copy of the Judging Standards, even if you have no desire to have your car judged- the JS are a great source of information not found anywhere else.

The Ford Model A as Henry Built it, by DeAngelis, Francis, & Henry is another great read and should be on every Model A'ers bookshelf.
 
Get in a club and get a model a friend to show you the ropes. Also don't be shy to ask a ton of questions here as well. You will find this place full of Ford nuts (me included) who are excited to bench race and trouble shoot any problems that may come up. If you can post pictures of what you are asking about, that will be helpful to us to better help you.
 
Don't forget a copy of the owners manual.... Repops available from any vendor...cheap at twice the price given the valuable info in them. No one book has it all. You'll need a few. Service Bulletins are invaluable aids as well. Having a copy of Les' book in addition makes it easier for a beginner. The series from MAFCA, "How to Restore your Model A", and the MARC series " Technically Speaking" will help as you get deeper into it. If you start to wonder how things were assembled originally and why one years car has a different brake cross shaft, speedometer, fender or carburetor than another, you can't beat the Judging Standards
 
Thank you for all of the advice. I have already ordered the owners manual (should be here today) and will start looking for the rest of the docs. Did a quick internet search on the Les Andrews book and there seems to be a WIDE variety of prices. Is there something that makes one more valuable than the other?
 
When I got started, I read the Bert's catalog five times, then the Synder's twice, and then Bratton's. It helped me just to know what parts are in the Model A.
 
Hi Txmerlin,

Welcome to the club and no there is no difference in the Les Andrews Book. Just get one from the clubs or vendors. Oh yeah, pictures please....

Mike
 
txmerlin, welcome to a site populated by the nicest most helpful bunch of guys you will ever find. I had a basket case sitting in my garage for 30 years. Never had it together, to know how it went, or if I had all of it. These guys have been so helpful for me. With so little to go on, couldn't have done it without them. Don't be bashful to ask questions. Learn how to post photos here, as it is a valuable tool in getting the msg across when trying to figure things out. The model A is a simple car, but there are many ways to do it wrong. Ask away......
 
Ok, let's see if this works on the photo

DSCN1857.jpg
 
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