To Frequent Drivers: What Function Concerns You The Most?

ericr

ericr

Well-known member
Yes I know the cars when new or slightly used had the reputation of running-running-running with little maintenance. And I know a detailed restoration is needed for our cars now. But the original owners had factory-quality parts and we don't.


So my question is, what part are you most concerned about that can cause a unforeseen breakdown on the road? Would it be the condenser or lower pigtail, inner tubes, or what?
 
Most "modern " improvements--------, a stock restored to original tolerances car is pretty bulletproof, and tolerant of idiots
The other idiots on the road
 
I have driven (one of) my Model A's for about 30k miles over 6 years. My 'fatal error' symptoms have been

- Spring ejected from clutch disk; was able to 'limp home'
- Three teeth sheared off pinion gear; again, was able to 'limp home,' but had to change R&P immediately thereafter
- Sheared rear-axle key (had spare key, but not removal tool - lesson learned)
- Radiator leak in upper tank (again, was able to limp home)

Other items, fixed-on-the-road:
- Loose wire on coil
- Loose connection on wire junction terminal
- Flat tire (x2)
- Clogged fuel filter (that happened in the middle of 6 mile 2-lane tunnel in Croatia, not fun
- Dead battery (many times, some due to user error)

So, yes, a lot of user-error. But I'm learning and having fun, so what the heck!
 
Driving in modern traffic with other drivers NOT paying attention, tailgating and pulling out in front of me at the last minute.
 
Last month I drove from Daytona Beach, Fla. to Up State New York and the trip through the tunnel (bridge-bay tunnel in Va.) was the only scary part. There is little place to pull over if you did have a problem. Frankly my modern car has left me stranded more than any Model A that I have owned in the last 65 years. Yes I have been driving them for 65 years and when I was a teen ager I was not kind to the car. Jack
 
Jhowes. I have driven my A through the Chesapeake Bay Briidge Tunnel several time and it is a bit scary. I got a flat tire on my motorcycle once in that tunnel and just had to ride it out on the flat. It is about 15 miles across the mouth of the Chesapeake bay. There are two tunnels and the rest is bridge. Beautiful drive. You sometimes see war ships going in and out of Newport News.
 
I have no worries at all! That doesn't mean I've had no problems but like apbright, I've always gotten home. My cars are 4-port Riley powered, B trans, radial tires, 12v. electrics, Columbia diff with hydraulic brakes, all reliable as a rock! I average about 2,000 miles per year, since 1958.
 
yikes! what a panoply of maladies! I would have guessed that someone would have mentioned our rusty old gas tanks, a condition that is difficult for the amateur restorer to contend with.
 
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