Be sure to run adapters with those wires on '40-'48 Ford juice brakes. They appear to fit but don't be fooled. See http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/40-ford-wheels-on-a-model-a.750368/#post-8330045 Charlie Stephens
Rear main seal is leaking pretty bad on engine. Second gear synchro is gone. Figured I would get those things taken care of. Also, I wanted them out of the way so I can work on the steering box.
31Apickup, I noticed that as well. JT1949, your Model A may actually be a late 1931. As stated you have a late 1931 firewall, these were only produced in the last half of 1931. I would guess the original '31 grill shell that it came with was damaged and replaced with a 1930 grill shell. I love the indented firewall, you're lucky to have one. By the way, I love your Model A! Is the front splash aprin a 1 piece or 2 piece? I believe this is how the late '31 indented firewall came to be. In early 1931 the Commonwealth of Connecticut told the Ford MC that they could not sell the Model A in their Commonwealth with the gas line under the dash and inside the passenger compartment. So, Edsel Ford designed the indented firewall and moved those components to the engine compartment. The indented firewalls did not get to the production line until sometime around April or May of '31 and were only used for a few months. So, you have a somewhat rare firewall. I would not swap it out, I love the look of them! This is a short interesting read: http://www.ahooga.com/notebook/howto/3/howto3.shtml
I have a feeling that you are correct. The car is telling me that it is a mix of 30-31... the firewall 31' the splash aprons and grill 30'. Talking to ppl, it seems like this is pretty common to have a mix of years. But yes, I saw the difference in the firewall when I was purchasing the car. Major score and thank you. It's my first model a . Fun so far.
Is your steering column mount off of the bottom of the gas tank (30-early 31) or from the upper dash (late 31).
The two upgrades that have been done to this car when I bought it was 39' hydraulic brakes and a 39' transmission. Might not be the synchro but something is making it pop out of gear under compression.
Upgrade the steering with a f100 truck steering. This guy modifies them on fordbarn if you don't want to do it yourself: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1244496&highlight=steering#post1244496 Why do you want to change spindles, if it ain't broke don't fix it? If you insist on the '32 spindles the brakes will work on the '32 spindles. Charlie Stephens
Sweet. Take this with a grain of salt, but this is what I have heard, because I just went through this. Check your worm gear, as well as all others for wear. Some pitting is ok; there are bolts on the outside that tighten up the adjustments. Same with shaft and everything else. You must have a two tooth, and that is better than the seven. From what I have heard, an F1 box can be even worse than a model a box if done poorly. The F100 box is also large. I have heard and what I am doing is that I am replacing all of the tie rod/drag link ends with the Teflon links. I have heard that these really help out, so much so that you can sidestep purchasing a different box. F1 boxes are 500 bucks now. Any more input would be good, as this is just what I have heard.
I just redid the steering box in my roadster for the second time. It leaked bad, I replaced the O ring on the sector shaft where it bolts to the frame with a lip type modern seal. I also went with a shortened pitman arm. What a difference in steering, super easy to steer now. Still have the steel type ends for the tie rod though.
the F1 box here that bolts in, and has advance and throttle (looks just like stock) costs $950.00 here in Chandler, Az. when standing outside (dr.side), turn steering wheel and watch where column and wheel meet, does it (climb)? There is an adjustment on most '29's,"30's, and '31's, very touchy or it will bind. Take that "climb" out, it will steer better.
All that 85 year old technology works fine if it's set up correctly- bushings, bearings, anything that can have "play" in it needs to be eliminated. Snug and greasy. No need to re-invent the wheel. Especially if you keep that 40 HP Beast of a Motor. I've still got the mechanical brakes and original steering box in my roadster- all redone- no problem. (I can almost drive my 5 spd lawn tractor as fast as that Model A !!!) Spend your money on another car!!
ANOTHER CAR !!!!!! Are you nuts? got 9 now, You Trying to start a un-civil war here at our house? If it wasn't for the 'LAST MINUTE" nuthin' would get done...!!
Certified by the State of Massachusetts. ( But I'm really ok, no really- hahahahaha) Model A's are like weeds- every spring they pop out of the ground behind my garage!
Beutiful day here in Oregon. Went and got my 16s back from the blaster today.... they need a little work but look pretty good.
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