Re: Ford model A Questions

Posted by John Icenhower on Aug.19, 1996 at 21:39:23

In Reply to: Ford model A Questions
posted by Brian Noik on Aug.19, 1996 at 13:01:05

: Dear Sir,
: I am 19 years old and live in South Africa. I have recently purchased a 1931 Ford and would appreciate any info you can give me.
: 1st Question: where can I get An original owners manual for my car.
: 2nd Question: To set the timing the timing leaver on the steering do you move it up to advance or down advance.
: 3rd Question: To maintain the car What tools would be best Eg,sizes
: and do you have some manuals for first time owners of old cars eg running,maintenece and general driving
: Thank you
: Brian Noik
: Ps also first time on internet so please be patient.

Dear Brian,
Welcome to the Model A hobby!As to your questions:
1. Original owner's manuals can be fairly expensive and certain ones are hard to find.Two out of the eleven versions are reproduced, a 1928 and a late 1931 with the "side bowl" carburetor.The latter would probably be best for your use.These can be bought from "Bratton's Antique Auto Parts", 9410 Watkins Rd. Gaithersburg, Maryland 20882 U.S.A.Phone: (800)255-1929 orders, (301)253-1929 information, fax (800)774-1930Mr. Bratton will ship overseas if you indicate how you want it sent, Parcel Post, Air Mail, Air UPS, Emery or other carriers.Include 20% for shipping.He also is an excellent source for reproduction parts, supplies and restoration manuals and books.There are also some excellent exploded view drawings of the major assemblies of the "A" in his catalog.His hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm Eastern U.S. time Monday to Friday.
2. The spark lever is moved down to advance the timing but should be in the fully retarded or "up" position while you set the timing.
3. A normal mechanics set of 1/2" thru 3/4" in various increments, screw drivers, adjustable wrenches will get you through most work.Some special tools may have to be made or borrowed in order to do major overhauls of the major assemblies.Again, several of the books sold by Bratton's can guide you on both tools, restorations and maintenace.The Jim Schild book "Restorer's Model A Shop Manual" is a very good reference as are the "How To Restore Your Model A" Series from the Model A Ford Club of America.Speaking of which, this club has a chapter in South Africa, "Early Ford Car Club, 84 Provident St. Parow 7500, Cape Province, R.S.A". There are also several club members in South Africa and perhaps you can get in contact with one of them to assist you.If you will send me an e-mail with your e-mail address, I will pass along someone near you.There are members in Cape Province, Cradock, Constantia, Hankey, Somerset West, Kloof, Hillcrest Natal, Newlands, Jo'burg and Central Port Elizabeth.Let me
know if any of these are near you and maybe we can get you connected with these Model A folks.You may also want to get in touch with the Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA), 250 South Cypress St., La Habra, California 90631, Ph. (310)697-2712 and the Model A Restorers Club (MARC) 24822 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, Michigan 48124.These two clubs have jointly published "Judging Standards and Restoration Guidelines" which will give you almost every little detail you want to know about your A.Both clubs have Techincal Directors who answer questions in each bi-monthly issue of their respective magazines.It is well worth the dues to receive the magazines.
Best of luck on your A,
John



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