Preparing for Tour
Spare Parts, Materials & Tools
Points (2 sets) Socket Set – 3/8” Drive
Condensers (2) Grease Gun
Rotor (1) Torque Wrench
Fan Belt (1) 1/2 to 3/8 Drive Adapter
Water Pump (1 rebuilt) Drag Link Socket
Water Pump Packing (2 rings) Valve Spring Compressor
Ignition Coil (Tested good) Gasket Scraper (Putty Knife)
Spark Plugs (1) Pocket Knife
Light Bulbs (1 of each size) Scissors
Plastic Wire Tie Wraps (12) Ground Cloth
Water Hoses (1 set) Plastic Wash Bucket
600 W Oil (1 quart) Sponge
Oil (1 quart) Tire Irons (2)
Water (1 gallon) Flash Light
Head Gasket (1) Wrenches – ¼” to ¾” sizes
Gasket Paper (1 square foot) Adjustable Wrench
Valve Springs (1) Allen Wrenches
Electrical Tape (1 roll) Hammer
Bailing Wire (3 feet) Vise Grips
Electrical Wire-12 gage (12 feet) Magnet
Cotter Pins (Assortment) Hand Cleaner
Turn Signal Flasher Paper Towels
Fuses (If your car has them) Jack & Handle
Inner Tube Drum Puller
Tube Patch Kit (with fresh cement) Feeler Gauge
Generator (Tested good) Brake Adjusting Wrench
Cutout (New) Gloves (Leather & Rubber)
36” Long Jumper Wire (Alligator clips each end) Drift Pin
Ammeter (New) Files (Round & Flat)
First Aid Kit (Band-Aids, aspirin, burn ointment) Small Mirror
Notes
You will want to have all of the tools with you that would be necessary to install the spare parts you take along.
Make sure you pack your tools, points, condensers & water where they are quickly accessible.
For very long trips, pack a national club roster in case you help from another Model A’er in route.
6-volt electrical parts cannot be bought in modern stores, so be sure to have spares with you.
What To Do When The Engine Quits
Stay calm and think. Most cases are fixable at roadside.
Pull as far off of the road as safely possible. Try to avoid becoming a traffic problem.
You will want to begin by assessing the source of your mechanical problem.
Is the problem fuel related? Check the gas gauge. Is there gasoline?
Check for fuel flow at the carburetor by disconnecting the fuel line. Use the gas shutoff for On & OFF control. If no or inadequate flow, work towards the tank. Clean-out the sediment bowl. If you have added a filter to the bowl, remove it and recheck the flow. If there’s debris in the tank or clogging the line, blow hard through the line.
Do you have spark to the motor? Begin by checking for spark at 1st the plugs, 2nd the points and 3rd the coil. A weak or non-existent spark is likely the result of a faulty condenser, bad coil hi-voltage wire connection or defective coil. Backfiring and noticeable loss of pulling power just before the engines quit are symptoms of a decaying condenser.
Check primary (low voltage) electrical supply to the ignition coil. The source of “electrical” problems could be the wire under the movable distributor plate, poor battery connections, defective ammeter or defective pop-out switch are likely bad actors.
Check for compression by hand cranking the engine – feel it.
Maintenance Recommendations
At Least One Month Before The Trip:
1.) Go over the running system of the vehicle and then fix any issues that are found.
2.) Remove the wheels & drums. Clean and visually inspect all brakes and wheel bearings for wear and damage. If the service brake linings are worn replace them. Make sure all of the brake rollers rotate freely. Tighten the backing plate attachment nuts & bolts. Check to see that all cotter pins are in place. Repack the wheel bearings with good quality grease and adjust them. Make the necessary adjustments to the service and emergency brakes. Road test your braking ability to ensure you will not experience a problem while on tour.
Within One Week Of The Trip:
1.) Engine Compartment: check distributor plate wire, check condition of ignition points (if pitted replace the points & condenser), adjust point gap, lightly lubricate the distributor cam (use a slight amount of high temperature grease), install a new condenser if existing one is more than a year old, oil distributor cup; clean distributor & coil Bakelite parts, clean & gap spark plugs, adjust ignition timing, adjust fan belt tension, check water pump packing and adjust packing nut if necessary;
a.) Grease every grease fitting on the vehicle including clutch throughout bearing and U-joint.
b.) Check your current motor oil level and change as necessary.
c.) Check transmission oil, steering oil, rear axle oil and top them off as necessary;
d.) Check the gasoline sediment bowl and carburetor lower body. Drain if sediment is present.
Clean all gasoline filters, if used.
e.) Clean the battery terminals and lugs.
f.) If you are using a generator, sparingly oil the bearings.
g.) Check all lights and the horn. Make sure they are working properly.
h.) Check all wheel lug nuts are tight (45-50 ft-lb. torque) & all tires are properly inflated.
i.) Make sure you have proof of insurance and registration papers in the car;
j.) Check the spare parts and tools you will be taking along. Pack them where they are easily accessible! Include a water pump, fan belt, ignition points, a FEW condensers, ignition coil (tested), water pump packing, one of each type of wheel bearing, electrical fuses (if applicable), light bulbs, plenty of cotter pins, inner tube, tube patch kit, generator cutout (tested), stop light switch, bailing wire, 14 gage stranded copper wire and wire repair materials. The tools you take should be sufficient for maintenance and to install your spare parts. Bring at least one gallon of water, one quart of oil, a quart of gear lubricant, some rags, and hand cleaner, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, a chamois to wipe the car down and maps of the route.
Light Switch Silencer
Three views showing the shape of the “silencer”.
The parts books show that in mid-1930 Ford introduced a small brass bushing, “A-3529 Steering gear lighting switch tube silencer”. The bushing may have been used earlier (it was certainly needed) and overlooked in the parts lists. It was formed from .006″ thick brass stock. Listed as 29-31, it may have been intended for the Gemmer steering box only but probably well suited to the Ford steering box as well.
The silencer installed in the top of a steering shaft.
The switch tube measures approximately .370″ in diameter. The hollow center of the Gemmer steering shaft measures approximately .387″. That leaves over 1/64″ for the switch tube to rattle! The compound shape of the “silencer” resulted in a springy, resilient bushing. The lower edge was rolled inward to center the switch rod with minimal pressure. The flange at the top functioned as somewhat of a thrust washer for the spring loaded switch tube assembly. With all original parts it not only eliminates the rattle, but actually reduces binding of the switch tube. If you have a replacement switch tube you will need to be sure there are no burrs or other problems at the top of the tube.
Model A Driving Rules
1) BE SURE YOUR VEHICLE IS SAFE
Steering should have minimum to no play.
Brakes should bottom out before reaching floorboards.
Wheels should lock up under hard braking.
Gasoline leaks – NONE.
Wheels should be tight & tires should pass visual inspection for tread & excessive cracking.
Lights should all function as well as the horn should be operable.
Fire extinguisher should be easily accessible and in good working order.
Safety glass should be in all glass windows.
You should be carrying proof of insurance at all times.
• It should be noted that these guidelines are common sense safety items and if your Model A is in road ready condition, it should have little trouble for the upcoming driving season.
2) TOUR LEADER
The person(s) leading the group are responsible for everything as there is only one leader.
Be sure everyone is aware of departure times and location(s).
Have an established route mapped (1 for each vehicle).
Select rest stops for long tours.
Determine your ETA of all stops and final destination.
YOU set the pace for the travel.
3) PARTICIPANTS
Proper spacing: 2 times mph in YARDS (45 mph = 90 yards, almost a football field).
Always keep an eye on the vehicle in your rear view mirror!
Pull over if possible to let others pass, if a large parade causes traffic problems.
When pulling over, make sure ALL cars are pulled off of the roadway and that they allow the lead car visibility to see to the rear of group and oncoming traffic.
If possible, rear vehicle should advise traffic of the slower moving vehicles ahead.
Working CB radios are encouraged to alert others of any problems or situations.
Keep radio traffic limited when there is traffic or problem reporting to be made.