I've known Bob the owner of the Tudor from my aviation days up in Santa Rosa. He's very meticulous as a builder, restorer. I also was a member of the Sonoma A's back in 1978. Had a 1929 Model A closed cab in '76 when I was 19.
Such a basic machine, yet so reliable. They truly are beautiful cars. I love to see one rolling down the road. It brings smile to everyone's faces. Keep up the great work Paul.😊
Paul, this is an excellent guide on how to evaluate an older car. There is no substitute for getting under the beast and getting dirty, letting your fingertips gauge things your eyes can't, and let the car tell its own story. Love vicariously owning a Model A through your channel. Hoping this time my comment won't be hijacked by some lunatic pulling a version of Monty Python's "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch.
Thanks Model A Guy for providing me with a simple and orderly checklist when inspecting a Model A. Hurry up with another video, I have become an avid follower and appreciate your commitment to the Model A community. And, kudos to Model T too.
Awesome set of guidelines for us to follow if a person is looking to buy a Model A. I think that a lot of that would apply to today's vehicles as well. Thanks Paul, as always an enjoyable video. Have a wonderful weekend.
I write it each time, but it’s always so applicable - thank you! Another great video - and man - that car is well cared for. Take care, have a great week ~ Chuck
Hi Paul!: Thanks for the video! If I ever go look at an "A" here in the future I know what to look out for! That was a pretty nice tudor to look at too!!
Sweet Tudor! Things turned out well when we got our 28 Tudor ,but I looked at it alone and missed a lot of things.But now I know the importance of knowledge on an A.Much of that comes from tuning into Shinns Model A shop.Thx Mr S.Great vid.THX
Hi Paul. Another great video, Thanks! Im in the UK and Ive recently bought a 30 A Coupe from California. Got a lot to sort out...but I'll get there. You are a great help, that's for sure! 😊
@ModelA It's great to see how mine could be one day. She drives...but is pretty "agricultural " at the moment. And previous owners have done some nasty things to it ...bodged repairs etc.
Paul, I bought a 1930 mod a Tudor 3 door yesterday. Built in Berlin. I am in Germany. Original docs were destroyed in WW2. Can not figure out if it was standard or delux. Lots of people have offered input but it always conflicts with the reality of the car. It has cowl lights…velour upholstery (without arm rest) and…..what sure looks like factory turn signals. The dash/fuel tank sheet metal is somewhat mounded to accommodate a black Bakelite knob that actuates the signals front and back. Back signals are integrated into the brake light housing. Front are bumper mounted and look very original. Previous owner claims that the original owner said that it was one of three made. Is this possible?
@@ModelA You are right it is not the age it's divorce ten years ago, the fire sale of everything, loss of business, 42 years of assets, cost of raising my kids, cost of three universities, youngest just graduated from Stanford University, loss of home, and Corvettes. Retired now at 62 after raising my kids and now living on what I could get from social security. So no extra money no honey. Wasn't lucky with the wife, but at least the kids all did well. But life goes on, lol.
Love your videos. Especially the How To videos. Have you ever installed an insulated firewall panel inside a Model A? Is it worth the expense and does it spot head from entering?
Great, informative video Paul! I particularly enjoyed the "Hands-On approach to this one. Great list of things to check while checking out that special candidate! I replaced the damaged/worn fiber cam shaft timing gear with a new fiber timing gear, along with all the old gaskets on the bottom end of the engine in my '29 Tudor this week. I also did a front end alignment and adjusted the 2-Tooth steering box per your instructions. The car drives 200% better and the oil leaks have been reduced to an occasional drip! YIPPEE!!! Thanks for all you and Tina do! de Benton w4jba
1950neighbor had 2as and a t rode the first time thing vibrated and the gasoline heater caught fire 😮 never got in one again was a saying couldn't go more than 25mph and live 😊
@@ModelA ironically the t was a hi hat w ruxtel kids played in it never ran they were poor a 32 roadster a pickup was at the scrap iron guy it has ran dad said wasn't worth 35$ we watched them burn it up they were n t worth anything I'm 81. You're amazing knowledge is superb appreciated the response💕
I do not like the rubber ball wishbone set up maybe indicates a worn radius ball . I would have to investigate for sure ! . All the brake rod clevises and cross shaft, bearings are bone dry no lube at all really most odd . Sure recipe for worn brake rod eye, actuator ends and clevis pin wear . I use a hand held trigger oil can with 250 SAE much easier than grease and quicker less mess . Very good video as usual ,thank you .
@@ModelA Imho that's how mechanical brakes got their bad reputation. People not servicing the moving parts and wondering why the force they put into the pedal doesn't get to the wheels. Ain't no friction loss in hydraulics ;) (Same applies for clutch clevises, too, of course. A drop of oil every month will keep the wear out of it.
I’ve been thinking of buying one and this video is very helpful. I do worry that I have a lot to learn about the engine and mechanics of it all. And I’m in my 60s. But we’ll see.
Paul , love your channel ! I work with all trades and have for thirty plus years Respectfully, why does every electrical engineer I encounter feel the need to remind everyone they are an electrical engineer?
I believe- Because EE's think differently, and neurotypical people need to know that before they get apl offended at what we say or how we say it. I have a double whammy because I am also slightly autistic. I am hard-wired to say the truth no matter what, and a lot of people find that offensive. All my life, I have heard "Why can't you say that nicer". Because I can't. I'm very blunt and truthful. And I am starting to think that might be less because of AS and more because of EE.
This was a very cool video.. I could watch videos like this all the time you should make this into a series. I’m sure there’s a lot of other car owners that would like to have their vehicles looked over…
Thanks OM! The problem is, I am not a "car guy", I only know about Ford Model As. I know a lot about Model As, zero about anything else. I'm not good for much.
@@mackfisher4487 Well, I have autism, and that hard-wired me to always tell the truth no matter what. The truth is, I really am not good for much else!
Great advice and what fun to go car shopping! It's not cool to talk price when your at someones house, but an update on how prices are changing would be appreciated in a future video. It appears that post covid crazyness is taking place in the price of Model A's as well. Even the car "kits" that need a total rebuild are getting expensive and solid cars are pushing 30k, or am I in the wrong place at the wrong time?
I guess the only thing that glares at me is '30-'31 wheels on a '29. Then I can get nit-picky about the hood corner guards being on wrong or pleated seat covers instead of plain, but really, if you want a decent car, this is it for the right price.
The price was right for this car. Very tight and sound. I prefer the 30/31 wheels over the 28/29 wheels because the 28/29 wheels often rust inside the outer edge, causing them to fail at the worst moments.
Lovely A, and great guidelines to what to look for. Was that A Dawn Grey out of curiosity? Though probably what I SHOULD have done for my first A, I instead did this on hard mode and bought a restoration case early 1928 4 dr Phaeton. I LOVE the fact that it’s Cdn built (yay Robertsons!) but not so much that the top irons that are included were from a Model T Touring instead of an A. So if anyone has a lead on replacement top irons (which I know are rare) I’d be undyingly grateful.
Here’s a public link that anyone should be able to view Google drive link (this comment will probably get moderated because of the link, but promise it’s not a virus) drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0LqfaLBCQ3RFNCyjCHBFQZXQTTyiSzM
Oh if I could only afford that car. But in any case, Sonoma and Napa counties have these beautiful two lane black top roads in all of California. Your club could do a Winery tour through Highway 12, start in Napa and end at Santa Rosa, by way of Sonoma. Or navigate via the wineries.
Did the Model A only have one engine, transmission and differential gear? To compare, I have a '77 F250 which cam with four different engines, two or three different transmissions and (I don't know) possibly ten different differential gear options. Hew, too confusing.
I'd never buy a Model A (or any car this old) again without poking an endoscope into at least the engine, gearbox and differential. There can be so much wrong with these without giving any sign of being so xD Just as the shock arm, the pitman arm can be loose, too. If it's tight, grab it and wiggle it to look for play in the steering box. Open the fill plug on the steering box, gearbox and diff, see what's inside. Listen for a clunking noise when shifting from forward into reverse - that means the rear end is probably toast. Listen for the rear drums dragging against the backing plates, which indicate worn axles. Take the rear wheels off and see that the axle nuts are tight - I've seen so many broken axles because people just drove their loose drums until the wheels literally fell off. See that the wheels run true - a wobbling wheel can become annoying really quick when going 30-40 for longer times. Take a look under the spring covers (if attached) - are the spring leaves intact? Look at the sediment bowl - alot of debris indicates a rusty tank. I found that amount of play at the main brake shaft alarming, but maybe I'm just over-sensitive xD During the test drive, have someone ride behind and tell if there's smoke from the exhaust upon downshifts, indicating worn piston rings. Try to peek between the front cross member and the block that attaches the spring to the frame and serves as bearing on crank-starts. Many frames are broken there. Bottom line: After 90 years and countless owners, EVERYTHING can be broken. Take your time, take an experienced guy with you, if possible.
You kinda got burned on your purchase, so I don't blame you. To be fair, this look-see of this car was just the first of a couple trips to see it. First look over is to see if it's worth getting serious about buying it or not. If the decision is made to move forward, then it comes down to negotiating the price. In doing that, then I absolutely give it a colonoscopy as you suggest. However, listening and feeling how a Model A runs tells you a LOT about it. Critical listening is key.
@@ModelA Colonoscopy, nice one xD The sad thing is, I can't even blame the seller about screwing me over. All the issues I found would either require some proper in-depth Model A knowledge or driving the car hard over an extended period of time. Neither can be expected from a dealership.
Yes, you're right. The problem with having the owner there is you want to push it really hard, but you don't want to get kicked out and have to walk home either. Way back when, I asked to borrow a car that was for sale to show my family. On the way to the house to show it, that is when I could really push it to see how it behaved. A worn out car will show itself then. The problem with Model As is, just about all of them are worn out. So few are truly sorted properly. Even when someone says "freshly restored", I can still find lots of things that need to be addressed still.
@@ModelA Let's be honest, 99% of all Model A's have lived one hell of a life. They were 20$ jalopies at one time, with farmer's kids thrashing on them over dirt roads. Then came WW2 where they had to be kept running with what little was left by the rations. In the 50s, they were all rat-rodded... Finding an unmolested one that was lovingly taken care of through all its life is less then a needle in a haystack. I'd be worried that Tudor you looked at has a "spraycan rebuild" engine. Judging how they painted over everything, including nuts, gasket and oil return tube... I'd rather trust an oily, dirty engine that all paint has flaked off than one with a paintjob like that. Do you plan on showing whats beneath the oilpan once it's switched owners?
@@AstraWerke Judging by how this thing ran, I would say it is definitely NOT a rattlecan rebuild. It ran real strong and quiet. No sign of overheating, even on that 100 degree day. No sign of one cylinder hitting harder than another, etc. I'm sure that if my friend buy it, there will be some follow-up on it.
@@ModelA What did the old guys say? "Dag nab it!" haha. They don't call me eagle eye for nothin'. haha Paul, has Tina ask for more room for her car yet? She'll want to put it up on the rack soon to do the greasing and inspection.
Paul after the great reveal "Day in the life of a broadcast engineer" Were you surprised at the positive feedback, and perhaps you'll consider pulling back the curtain again.
Very surprised, yes. Unfortunately, there is so much about my job that I cannot show because my employer doesn't want it shared publicly, or afraid OSHA might see me doing my job and think parts of it are too dangerous, etc. All the footage of going up to a couple towers had to be cut, for example.
@@ModelA Excellent video Paul. What other option best goes with the overdrive transmission? That was a beautiful car inside and out. With 10 being perfect, what would you give that 2 Door. It's very nice to see one that doesn't need very much. Ya just get in it and go. Pretty sure it sold. Someone got a good A!
I give it a 7. The 7-tooth steering and the electricals and some of the modifications hurt the score. Paint will need attention in a couple years, tires need attention yesterday. Other than the steering, tires, and electrical, I'd drive the wheels off this thing. Inside was a 9.
Such a beautiful car, but that 11-gallon gas tank right above you knees reeeeallllly scares me. That tank damned near killed Bonnie and Clyde one day after they wrecked an A that they had just stolen. For a car designed by a grumpy old b@st@rd that was born in 1863, this car is a work of art and an engineering marvel.
I've known Bob the owner of the Tudor from my aviation days up in Santa Rosa.
He's very meticulous as a builder, restorer.
I also was a member of the Sonoma A's back in 1978. Had a 1929 Model A closed cab in '76 when I was 19.
Great Bob was so nice, and you're right about being meticulous.
Hey hello, I think we are about the same age!
Such a basic machine, yet so reliable. They truly are beautiful cars. I love to see one rolling down the road. It brings smile to everyone's faces. Keep up the great work Paul.😊
Paul, this is an excellent guide on how to evaluate an older car. There is no substitute for getting under the beast and getting dirty, letting your fingertips gauge things your eyes can't, and let the car tell its own story. Love vicariously owning a Model A through your channel. Hoping this time my comment won't be hijacked by some lunatic pulling a version of Monty Python's "Four Yorkshiremen" sketch.
Nice Paul. This is a great video for those of us who are looking for a Model A!
I know of someone...
@@ModelA I applied the same principles you talk about in this video when I bought my recent Ford F-250. I'll make a video about it soon.
Thanks Model A Guy for providing me with a simple and orderly checklist when inspecting a Model A. Hurry up with another video, I have become an avid follower and appreciate your commitment to the Model A community. And, kudos to Model T too.
Thanks Pat!
Awesome set of guidelines for us to follow if a person is looking to buy a Model A. I think that a lot of that would apply to today's vehicles as well. Thanks Paul, as always an enjoyable video. Have a wonderful weekend.
Yes! A lot of this does apply to just about any car. Thanks!
Beauty of simplicity.
I write it each time, but it’s always so applicable - thank you! Another great video - and man - that car is well cared for. Take care, have a great week ~ Chuck
Glad you enjoyed it Charles!
Well done. You showed us what to look for "underneath the skin". Sometimes a car looks great from the top but there can be hidden problems underneath.
Thanks Rick! Unfortunately, I forgot the "look in the gas tank" part...AGAIN!!
@@ModelA There always seems to be something missed the first time around; don't fret.
Hi Paul!: Thanks for the video! If I ever go look at an "A" here in the future I know what to look out for! That was a pretty nice tudor to look at too!!
Excellent! I hope you make it happen.
Sweet Tudor! Things turned out well when we got our 28 Tudor ,but I looked at it alone and missed a lot of things.But now I know the importance of knowledge on an A.Much of that comes from tuning into Shinns Model A shop.Thx Mr S.Great vid.THX
HAHA! Thanks Dean! I can't wait for you to see where that is displayed now. Video soon.
Great video & a real nice ride. Great color too.
Good information for those looking
Thanks
Steve
Thanks Steve! Maybe someone is looking for a Model A so they can take a trip like yours. You never know.
Cars in great shape!
INSTRUCTIVE AND ENTERTAINING. THANKS!
I bought a 31 fairly reasonable but I have to replace the clutch but also replace the transmission with a Mitchel .
Hi Paul. Another great video, Thanks!
Im in the UK and Ive recently bought a 30 A Coupe from California. Got a lot to sort out...but I'll get there. You are a great help, that's for sure! 😊
Good job Mike!
@ModelA It's great to see how mine could be one day. She drives...but is pretty "agricultural " at the moment. And previous owners have done some nasty things to it ...bodged repairs etc.
Paul, I bought a 1930 mod a Tudor 3 door yesterday. Built in Berlin. I am in Germany. Original docs were destroyed in WW2. Can not figure out if it was standard or delux. Lots of people have offered input but it always conflicts with the reality of the car. It has cowl lights…velour upholstery (without arm rest) and…..what sure looks like factory turn signals. The dash/fuel tank sheet metal is somewhat mounded to accommodate a black Bakelite knob that actuates the signals front and back. Back signals are integrated into the brake light housing. Front are bumper mounted and look very original. Previous owner claims that the original owner said that it was one of three made. Is this possible?
That’s a great video, it’s going help a lot of people!
I hope so! Thanks Steve
Thanks for the tour, Paul. If I was younger and more affluent, I would love to have a car like that it looks great. Have fun, Mike
Glad you enjoyed it Mike. Hey, what is stopping you from getting one? Age ain't nothin but a number. And these are affordable.
@@ModelA You are right it is not the age it's divorce ten years ago, the fire sale of everything, loss of business, 42 years of assets, cost of raising my kids, cost of three universities, youngest just graduated from Stanford University, loss of home, and Corvettes. Retired now at 62 after raising my kids and now living on what I could get from social security. So no extra money no honey. Wasn't lucky with the wife, but at least the kids all did well. But life goes on, lol.
@@Go4Corvette Ah, understood.
A very informative video. I still looking to buy one.
Go for it!
Great informative video for us who are looking for our first A,thanks.
Love your videos. Especially the How To videos. Have you ever installed an insulated firewall panel inside a Model A? Is it worth the expense and does it spot head from entering?
Yes I have. It helps a little, but isn't a cure. still get heat in the car, just not quite as much. Helps with noise too.
Thanks for your reply. Decided to put an insulated firewall panel. Even a little less heat coming in from hot Texas heat is worth it.
great drive Paul
Thanks Matt!!
Great, informative video Paul! I particularly enjoyed the "Hands-On approach to this one. Great list of things to check while checking out that special candidate! I replaced the damaged/worn fiber cam shaft timing gear with a new fiber timing gear, along with all the old gaskets on the bottom end of the engine in my '29 Tudor this week. I also did a front end alignment and adjusted the 2-Tooth steering box per your instructions. The car drives 200% better and the oil leaks have been reduced to an occasional drip! YIPPEE!!!
Thanks for all you and Tina do!
de Benton w4jba
Man, you ROCK!!! Awesome work, my brother!! 73, K6FRC
Thanks for the tips. Really nice Model A.
Thanks David!
Great information. I’ll own one one day.
Excellent!!
1950neighbor had 2as and a t rode the first time thing vibrated and the gasoline heater caught fire 😮 never got in one again was a saying couldn't go more than 25mph and live 😊
Then your neighbor's cars were in shockingly advanced stages of disrepair.
@@ModelA ironically the t was a hi hat w ruxtel kids played in it never ran they were poor a 32 roadster a pickup was at the scrap iron guy it has ran dad said wasn't worth 35$ we watched them burn it up they were n t worth anything I'm 81. You're amazing knowledge is superb appreciated the response💕
Thank you!
I do not like the rubber ball wishbone set up maybe indicates a worn radius ball . I would have to investigate for sure ! . All the brake rod clevises and cross shaft, bearings are bone dry no lube at all really most odd . Sure recipe for worn brake rod eye, actuator ends and clevis pin wear . I use a hand held trigger oil can with 250 SAE much easier than grease and quicker less mess . Very good video as usual ,thank you .
Thanks John. Yep, right on all points. I have a video in post production right now addressing EXACTLY that! You're just a bit too quick for me! hahaa
@@ModelA Imho that's how mechanical brakes got their bad reputation. People not servicing the moving parts and wondering why the force they put into the pedal doesn't get to the wheels.
Ain't no friction loss in hydraulics ;)
(Same applies for clutch clevises, too, of course. A drop of oil every month will keep the wear out of it.
Yep. That is a big reason why people who don't know what they think they know say mechanical brakes don't work.
Beautiful car, thank you Paul. You an model T stay safe, Terry an model J.😊❤
Thanks Terry!
Paul, what is the price range for one in this condition, and one that needs restoring ? Love your channel!
Check out tue buyers guide video. Too many varibles
I’ve been thinking of buying one and this video is very helpful.
I do worry that I have a lot to learn about the engine and mechanics of it all. And I’m in my 60s. But we’ll see.
You can do it! If I can, anyone can
Paul , love your channel ! I work with all trades and have for thirty plus years Respectfully, why does every electrical engineer I encounter feel the need to remind everyone they are an electrical engineer?
I believe- Because EE's think differently, and neurotypical people need to know that before they get apl offended at what we say or how we say it. I have a double whammy because I am also slightly autistic. I am hard-wired to say the truth no matter what, and a lot of people find that offensive. All my life, I have heard "Why can't you say that nicer". Because I can't. I'm very blunt and truthful. And I am starting to think that might be less because of AS and more because of EE.
That was great info. I'm looking now for I think a fordor, or I could live with a really clean todor! Witch is your preference and why! Thanks
I like both, depends on your needs. In the buyer's guide video, I addressed that.
Beautiful car; just need a few tweaks here and there but very good!
Agreed!
I'm happy for your friend.. Got a nice car.
Nice of you to check it out for him.. my 1929 Tudor is like that❤
This was a very cool video.. I could watch videos like this all the time you should make this into a series. I’m sure there’s a lot of other car owners that would like to have their vehicles looked over…
Thanks OM! The problem is, I am not a "car guy", I only know about Ford Model As. I know a lot about Model As, zero about anything else. I'm not good for much.
@@ModelA 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 maybe you could find a few more model A’s to look underneath. I was expecting to see a few mouse droppings or something underneath😂😂😂
I've seen PLENTY of that!! Bleh. I've seen Model As so filthy, the rats were wearing slippers.
@@ModelA An electrical engineer who is Self-deprecating is a blessing to his friends and coworkers. " I'm not good for much" boulder dash
@@mackfisher4487 Well, I have autism, and that hard-wired me to always tell the truth no matter what. The truth is, I really am not good for much else!
Great advice and what fun to go car shopping! It's not cool to talk price when your at someones house, but an update on how prices are changing would be appreciated in a future video. It appears that post covid crazyness is taking place in the price of Model A's as well. Even the car "kits" that need a total rebuild are getting expensive and solid cars are pushing 30k, or am I in the wrong place at the wrong time?
During touring season, prices go up. Wait until the weather turns bad and prices come down.
i like to check if all the windows roll down nicely
As a Corvette guy, you make me want to buy an A!!
Excellent!! I used to want a 56 or 57 vette in the worst way. But now, the Model As erased that desire.
A lot to like Paul.. God Bless you and Tina.
Thank you Manuel! God bless
I guess the only thing that glares at me is '30-'31 wheels on a '29. Then I can get nit-picky about the hood corner guards being on wrong or pleated seat covers instead of plain, but really, if you want a decent car, this is it for the right price.
The price was right for this car. Very tight and sound. I prefer the 30/31 wheels over the 28/29 wheels because the 28/29 wheels often rust inside the outer edge, causing them to fail at the worst moments.
Lovely A, and great guidelines to what to look for. Was that A Dawn Grey out of curiosity?
Though probably what I SHOULD have done for my first A, I instead did this on hard mode and bought a restoration case early 1928 4 dr Phaeton.
I LOVE the fact that it’s Cdn built (yay Robertsons!) but not so much that the top irons that are included were from a Model T Touring instead of an A. So if anyone has a lead on replacement top irons (which I know are rare) I’d be undyingly grateful.
Any pictures of your car online that we can check out?
Here’s a public link that anyone should be able to view Google drive link (this comment will probably get moderated because of the link, but promise it’s not a virus) drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-0LqfaLBCQ3RFNCyjCHBFQZXQTTyiSzM
Oh if I could only afford that car. But in any case, Sonoma and Napa counties have these beautiful two lane black top roads in all of California. Your club could do a Winery tour through Highway 12, start in Napa and end at Santa Rosa, by way of Sonoma. Or navigate via the wineries.
Yes! Good idea
How do you tell whether it is two-tooth or seven-tooth?
They look way different. I covered the differences in the steering box video
excellent video. thanks
Thanks Andy!
What about engine status? Like cracked or worn out. Is there something that can be reasonnably checked?
I kind of want the pick up truck model A
If you're not a big guy, you can fit in a pickup well.
Such a fine example.
Paul please tell me about running synthetic oil in the crankcase,??? i would love for you to try amsoil!!!!!!
I would try it if it wasn't so dang expensive
@@ModelA well it's so good you would only need to change it yearly!!!! i think it would free up some power....
@@ninoreeves7702 I only change oil about every 2 - 3 years as it is right now on all but one of my Model As.
Why are there Carter pins hanging out of the clutch housing?
Cat toy. It keeps the drain hole from getting plugged
That was really great thank you
Glad you enjoyed it Rick!
Whether it will run is not that interesting, the question is whether you can drive it 700 miles home...
I think this car would make it no problem.
i need a price guide. i appreciate the video on what to look for but what are they worth
There isn't a price guide for nearly 100 year old cars. Sorry, man.
Could you recommend a good top wood kit for a two door sedan.
fordwood.com is your hookup
Did the Model A only have one engine, transmission and differential gear?
To compare, I have a '77 F250 which cam with four different engines, two or three different transmissions and (I don't know) possibly ten different differential gear options.
Hew, too confusing.
Only one motor. Model A had one trans, Model AA had another. Rear end was typically 3.78:1 gears, but aome pickups could have 4.11:1 gears.
Thanks. Super simple. No deciphering needed. Love it
I'd never buy a Model A (or any car this old) again without poking an endoscope into at least the engine, gearbox and differential.
There can be so much wrong with these without giving any sign of being so xD
Just as the shock arm, the pitman arm can be loose, too.
If it's tight, grab it and wiggle it to look for play in the steering box.
Open the fill plug on the steering box, gearbox and diff, see what's inside.
Listen for a clunking noise when shifting from forward into reverse - that means the rear end is probably toast.
Listen for the rear drums dragging against the backing plates, which indicate worn axles.
Take the rear wheels off and see that the axle nuts are tight - I've seen so many broken axles because people just drove their loose drums until the wheels literally fell off.
See that the wheels run true - a wobbling wheel can become annoying really quick when going 30-40 for longer times.
Take a look under the spring covers (if attached) - are the spring leaves intact?
Look at the sediment bowl - alot of debris indicates a rusty tank.
I found that amount of play at the main brake shaft alarming, but maybe I'm just over-sensitive xD
During the test drive, have someone ride behind and tell if there's smoke from the exhaust upon downshifts, indicating worn piston rings.
Try to peek between the front cross member and the block that attaches the spring to the frame and serves as bearing on crank-starts.
Many frames are broken there.
Bottom line: After 90 years and countless owners, EVERYTHING can be broken. Take your time, take an experienced guy with you, if possible.
You kinda got burned on your purchase, so I don't blame you. To be fair, this look-see of this car was just the first of a couple trips to see it. First look over is to see if it's worth getting serious about buying it or not. If the decision is made to move forward, then it comes down to negotiating the price. In doing that, then I absolutely give it a colonoscopy as you suggest. However, listening and feeling how a Model A runs tells you a LOT about it. Critical listening is key.
@@ModelA Colonoscopy, nice one xD
The sad thing is, I can't even blame the seller about screwing me over. All the issues I found would either require some proper in-depth Model A knowledge or driving the car hard over an extended period of time.
Neither can be expected from a dealership.
Yes, you're right. The problem with having the owner there is you want to push it really hard, but you don't want to get kicked out and have to walk home either. Way back when, I asked to borrow a car that was for sale to show my family. On the way to the house to show it, that is when I could really push it to see how it behaved. A worn out car will show itself then. The problem with Model As is, just about all of them are worn out. So few are truly sorted properly. Even when someone says "freshly restored", I can still find lots of things that need to be addressed still.
@@ModelA Let's be honest, 99% of all Model A's have lived one hell of a life. They were 20$ jalopies at one time, with farmer's kids thrashing on them over dirt roads.
Then came WW2 where they had to be kept running with what little was left by the rations.
In the 50s, they were all rat-rodded... Finding an unmolested one that was lovingly taken care of through all its life is less then a needle in a haystack.
I'd be worried that Tudor you looked at has a "spraycan rebuild" engine. Judging how they painted over everything, including nuts, gasket and oil return tube... I'd rather trust an oily, dirty engine that all paint has flaked off than one with a paintjob like that.
Do you plan on showing whats beneath the oilpan once it's switched owners?
@@AstraWerke Judging by how this thing ran, I would say it is definitely NOT a rattlecan rebuild. It ran real strong and quiet. No sign of overheating, even on that 100 degree day. No sign of one cylinder hitting harder than another, etc. I'm sure that if my friend buy it, there will be some follow-up on it.
Paul, can I ask what something like this would go for, and would you tell me?
I didn't get involved in the price negotiation.
Very helpful. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
What is that cotter pin for in the bellhousing
Cat toy. Keeps the drain hole clear
@@ModelA lol and ah okay such a simple solution ironically to keep it clear there is an obstruction
Would you say, that the 2 tooth is much better than the 7 tooth?
Yes
One thing that I didn't see, you checking out the fuel tank. Other than that, good job.
Yea, I forgot to include that footage. Dangit.
@@ModelA What did the old guys say? "Dag nab it!" haha. They don't call me eagle eye for nothin'. haha Paul, has Tina ask for more room for her car yet? She'll want to put it up on the rack soon to do the greasing and inspection.
Where is the best place to list a model A for sale? I have a unrestored model 170B I'm thinking of selling.
Probably the MAFCA classifieds. It's free for members! Hemmings would be my next choice.
I called that ignition cable, a string bean, switch cable
Paul after the great reveal "Day in the life of a broadcast engineer" Were you surprised at the positive feedback, and perhaps you'll consider pulling back the curtain again.
Very surprised, yes. Unfortunately, there is so much about my job that I cannot show because my employer doesn't want it shared publicly, or afraid OSHA might see me doing my job and think parts of it are too dangerous, etc. All the footage of going up to a couple towers had to be cut, for example.
@@ModelA To bad, we need more common sense and less paranoia.
For as clean as the car is topside, it is a little dirty underneath!
That's pretty typical though. Not many people clean the undersides of their cars like you and I do.
Price?
private
Just needs the overdrive.
I would ditch that 7-tooth steering box before I put an overdrive in it.
@@ModelA Excellent video Paul. What other option best goes with the overdrive transmission? That was a beautiful car inside and out. With 10 being perfect, what would you give that 2 Door. It's very nice to see one that doesn't need very much. Ya just get in it and go. Pretty sure it sold. Someone got a good A!
I give it a 7. The 7-tooth steering and the electricals and some of the modifications hurt the score. Paint will need attention in a couple years, tires need attention yesterday. Other than the steering, tires, and electrical, I'd drive the wheels off this thing. Inside was a 9.
Awesome
no captions
Correct
Driving to a Model A _not_ in a Model A? _Unacceptable!_
I know, I know... I failed!
Timing tools
Great Model A roads? Dirt n gravel like intended? 😆
We did go on one gravel road going and coming back. It handled great.
Such a beautiful car, but that 11-gallon gas tank right above you knees reeeeallllly scares me. That tank damned near killed Bonnie and Clyde one day after they wrecked an A that they had just stolen. For a car designed by a grumpy old b@st@rd that was born in 1863, this car is a work of art and an engineering marvel.
The Model A fuel tank is way safer than a motorcycle fuel tank.
@@ModelA Yeah, but at least you can fly off the bike and crawl away. If your A doors jam, you're gonna fry.
But you're gonna fry as 1 piece.
Period after market generator.
👍👍🇺🇸
'Merica!!!!!
😎👍🇺🇸
Turn my wha off...?