What tools and spares to carry?

Slotblog

Slotblog

Senior Member
I've recently purchased a solid 1930 Tudor that has been restored for many years. The car runs, drives, and brakes well. Rather than trailer it, I'm planning to drive it home over quite a distance, several thousand miles. Feeling the need for an adventure and some bonding time with our 34 year older son.

There will be a modern car in our little convoy so we'll have room for tools and spares.

And thus my question...

What spares and tools would you experienced Model A owners and drivers suggest I bring? I have several items in mind, but wanted to query the group for your advice.
 
I just throw a small cheap tool box in the back with some basic stuff in it, screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches,pliers,fuses [ I use an in-line], cheap test light, spare setup distributor.

After-al, I've been using a modern upper plate for over a decade which means it should have failed a decade ago. So it just has to leave me stranded any day.[ smiley face]
 
FWIW; Humble opinion:

From just past experiences:

a. With other than Ford Model A original parts, i.e., reproduction parts, and,

b. Not knowing who restored what for the former owner;

Model A's are really similar to any other 80 year old vintage vehicle; i.e., totally unpredictable.

Then whatever spare parts you bring, those are the least likely to break.

Next, you cannot bring everything! Or ......... can you?

Yes you can.

Bring at least three (3) things:

1. A catalog from a nearby "responsible" Model A vendor who offers overnight parts shipping; and,

2. A Les Andrews Manual if you are not familiar with all aspects of Model A repair procedures; and,

3. A credit card for forgotten Model A parts & tools.

Daily prayer is optional; but it probably works best for a totally unknown Model A.

I can assure you that from hearing vintage Model A stories, many Model A's made it home with prayers.

Go for it with great vigor & enjoy a trip of a lifetime with your son .......... just hope this helps with your unknown Model A concerns.
 
On our club's tours, I've seen a few water pump/fan assemblies need to be replaced by folks who insist on using an original fan.

I've seen several carbs be swapped out, always to no avail, followed by swapping out entire distributor, which almost always solved the problem.

Carry some StopLeak for when (not if) your radiator cracks and starts leaking, and don't be afraid to use it. Carry at least a gallon of water or prediluted antifreeze--depending on where you come down on that issue.

Carry a little alligator-clip jumper wire for when (not if) your ammeter or its connections fail.

Steve
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I would invest in a Model A manual. The owners guide is good. Basic tools. Check the fluids and the radiator flow. Water pump packing, if this is stock, 6 volt cut out bulbs points condenser coil, tubes to fit maybe a spare tire depending how old the rubber is, fan belt, if original two blade fan you might want to change that before leaving on the trip.
 
I have used a fan belt and 1 set of points. I would go through the entire car and change all fluids. Bring some 600W oil, engine oil to change and add as needed. Grease everything and bring a proper grease gun with grease that fits whatever type your car has.

Be prepared to fix on the way, as the seals may leak, etc.
 
Hi Slot,

Important added safety item to consider with any vintage vehicle stored for a long time:

As you mentioned, it was stored many years, & today runs great ............... but, maybe for just a short time.

Stored for many years could mean condensation in gas tank causing rust that did not "all" shake loose ......... "yet".

Again from many past experiences, maybe:

1. Fill gas tank half full & drain gas through a white sock & look inside gas tank.

2. If no rust particles or grit in white sock, and/or observed, great !!!!!!!!

3. If rust and/or grit in white sock or observed in bottom or sides of tank:

a. Fill again & filter & drain again until gas is fairly clean; and,

b. Next, buy two (2) NAPA #3039 fuel filters & place one (1) in the glass sediment bowl to filter fuel & keep one for a spare.

No huge (18) wheeler loaded with tools & Model A parts can quickly help a constantly stalling Model A with a dirty and/or rusty 80+ year old gas tank constantly clogging your gas shut off valve & carburetor.

Also, it is very dangerous to constantly stall on a back road two (2) lane highway.

Hope this helps.
 
A couple clip leads at least 3 feet long, 3 gallons of water, 2 spare tires and tubes, points, condenser, coil, fan belt, 3 feet of bailing wire, and a roll of duct tape.

And don't buy you duct tape at the dollar store. Yesterday I was picking up a marker pen and remembered I needed a roll of duct tape, which I always buy at Menards. As long as I was there I bought a roll at the dollar store. I never knew they could make it so thin. :mad:
 
I carry an original toolkit with the only addition being a 35 thou and 19 thou feeler gauge.

On a very long trip I carry two spare plugs, A spare distributor and carburettor (both set up and test run previously) , a bypass cable for the ignition ,duct tape , bailing twine and mechanics wire

Karl
 
I carry the original tool set that came with the model A in the original imitation leather tool pouch, a feeler gauge a dist. cam wrench, sand paper, dist screw set,a coil terminal nut, starter terminal nut, a few odd and end nuts and bolts, electrical tape, a wire with aligator clips on both ends,Original owners manual in the door pocket, otiginal jack, tire iron and hand crank. I also carry a modern style condenser in the tool pouch that I could connect to the coil terminal in an emergency. The only thing that I have ever had to use was the hand crank , Once when the starter push rod fell loose,shorted against the starter terminal ,burned up the grommet in the firewall and nearly killed the battery and another time when I had oiled the helix on the starter bendix and the starter would just spin but not engage .
 
I take virtually nothing but the membership register for the local Model A clubs in the area I'm going to tour.
 
I have an old military cloth tool sack. Full of tools that fit the Model
A. The sack goes in the rumble area and doesn't rattle. Under the front seat I have a flat fishing lure plastic box for parts. again no rattle. I have an expanding luggage rack on the running board with oil, water and my fire extinguisher. I asked a fireman about the fire extinguisher location and he loved it. It can be seen and easily grabbed. Loose in the car it is a missile.
A 90 degree pair of needle nose plyers is mandatory for pinching off leaking radiator tubes. In the old days a 32-pak of liquid courage was appropriate as well.
 
As little as possible. After the spare tire everything else is optional. Don't be obsessed with it breaking down. Dry it and enjoy it !
Wayne
 
All good suggestions. Thanks, gents! Here's a pic of the car:

ModelA500.jpg

FWIW the appeal of this car is how solid and straight the body is and the fact that it was restored before the repro industry hit its stride. Plus the price was right.

We will service and inspect the car very carefully before heading out. And the modern chase car is a 2009 VW Rabbit with just over 50K miles... so hopefully it won't break down. LOL!

The fan is a concern and I'll be looking at that very carefully. And I did question the seller very carefully about the cleanliness of the fuel tank, as I've been down that road before... says they never see anything in the sediment bowl to speak of.

I will have some 600W and trans lube to top up if needed, as I do expect some leakage. Other spares: hose kit, fan belt, coil, points, rotor, condenser, plugs. Tires are nearly new. Will have coolant, oil, etc.

The car has been in the current owner's collection for about 20 years. The guy handling the sale for him personally owns 6 Model As and says he's owned dozens over the years. In his opinion (they're cheap, right? LOL!) he'd jump in this car to drive it anywhere with no worries. I doubt I'd even consider this trip without that recommendation.

An ex-coworker has been transporting collector cars for several years and he's been put on alert that could get a call to come drag us in.

Agree wholeheartedly about the comfort of having great vendors who can overnight anything needed. I've rejoined both MARC and MAFCA (was a member of both many years ago) but don't know if I'll get the roster stuff before we leave this coming weekend. I do hope to be able to hook up with Model A guys during the trip.

Should have a Facebook page set-up in a day or so, where I'll be blogging and documenting the trip. I run a hobby website so am online daily.

What I need some help locating is a battery-powered red LED light or light strip, as this car only has the LH taillight. Saw something along those lines on the back of an A on a recent local club tour but have been unable to reach the guy who owned the car so far. Any suggestions on this? Been searching on Amazon but haven't found anything yet...

My name is Greg Wells and if anyone wishes to communicate with me, now or during the trip, my email is greg@slotblog.net.
 
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