How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME 1

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS How To Restore Your Model A Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part Part

1: ACQUISITION.............................7 2: DISASSEMBLY............................13 3: REBUILDING THE CHASSIS.................20 4: BRAKES.................................25 5: DRIVE TRAIN SYSTEM.....................28 6: TRANSMISSION and CLUTCH................32 7: THE SHORT BLOCK........................38 8: THE COOLING SYSTEM.....................43 9: FUEL SYSTEM............................48 10: WIRING ...............................54 11: IGNITION SYSTEM.......................57 12: BODY WORK.............................66 13: PAINT.................................74 14: TOP and UPHOLSTERY....................83 Supplement Subjects

Alignment and Steering.........................91 Distributor....................................95 Engine Pans....................................96 Fan and Water Pump.............................98 Horn..........................................103 Ignition Switch...............................105 Paint Striping................................106 Purchasing Parts..............................108 Shock Absorbers...............................109 Wood Work.....................................111 Other Subjects Finishes Under the Hood........................39 Cam Outline....................................39 Cam Operation..................................41 Tightening Cylinder Head Nuts..................42 As Henry Made Them (Ford photographs)..........94 Light Switch Handles...........................97 Tiny Tips . . . From Readers..................104 Model A Ford Specifications...................110 INDEX.........................................112

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS I.

CHASSIS

Rear End Overhaul........................................6 Front Wheel Shimmy......................................18 Spindle Arm Ball Restoration............................20 Choosing, Restoring, Mounting Model 'A' Wheels..........22 Putting On The Brakes...................................28 Reinforcing Bands For Model 'A' Brake Drums.............33 Rebuilding Shocks.......................................38 My Experience With Model 'A' Shocks.....................40 Restoring Tubular Shocks Links..........................44 Frame Straightening.....................................45 II.

ENGINE

Engine Basics And Troubleshooting.......................46 Stop That Oil Leak......................................50 Model 'A' Air Cleaner...................................51 Model 'A' Ford Carburetors..............................52 More About Water Pumps..................................54 Overheating.............................................56 Water Pump Grease Catcher...............................57 Model 'A' Oil Return Pipe..............................59 III. BODY Aligning The Model 'A' Hood ............................62 Glass & Regulator Remedies..............................65 Restoring Model 'A' Stainless Steel.....................68 Restoring 1931 Running Boards...........................73 The Model 'A' Gas Tank..................................81 Body Clinch Nuts .......................................82 Acrylic Lacquer.........................................84 Shrinking Sheet Metal...................................85 IV. ELECTRICAL Restoring 1928 & 1929 Headlights........................86 Restoring 1930 & 1931 Lamps.............................90 Restoring 1928 Drum Taillight...........................97 Headlamp Focusing And Alignment.........................99 Electrical Troubleshooting Guide.......................101 Generator Cutout Relay.................................104

V.

UPHOLSTERY

Model 'A' Woodgraining.................................107 Installing a Tudor Wood Kit............................110 How To Patch a Plait...................................117 VI. MAINTENANCE LIST FOR THE MODEL 'A'.................119

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How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. BODY Installing Fender Wells...............................4 Replacement Patch Panels..............................8 How to Apply Body Solder.............................12 Poor Door Fit........................................15 Worn Hinge Pins .....................................17 Rumble Seat Installation.............................18 Painting With Enamel.................................20 Special Colors.......................................26 Pin Striping.........................................29 Closed Car Top Restoration...........................33 How to Install A Hidem...............................37 How I Made My A-400 Top..............................38 Seals, Grommets and Flaps............................40 Bumper Restoration...................................42 II. CHASSIS Testing & Rebuilding the Starter.....................44 Carburetor Update....................................50 Houdaille Story......................................55 Tire Valve Hardware..................................60 Front End Alignment..................................69 Take a Trial Run.....................................72 III

TRIM

Electric Wipers......................................74 Seat Adjustment Mechanism............................78 Rebuilding a Passenger Seat..........................81 Rebuilding Window Shades.............................84 Door Handle Repair...................................86 IV SUPPLEMENTAL Chemical Stripping...................................88 The Wood in Model 'A's...............................91 Nuts and Bolts.......................................95 Filtered Air.........................................98 Lubrication.........................................102 Spring Spreader.....................................110 Trunk Rack..........................................112 Tinkering With Our Toys ............................116

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME TABLE OF CONTENTS I - ENGINE AND CHASSIS Riveting the Model A Frame...................................4 Let's Build a Model 'A' Engine...............................6 Alignment of the Flywheel Housing...........................10 Rear Axle Rebuilding and Adjustment.........................16 * Ignition Timing for Beginners ............................17 Improving the Model 'A' Transmission........................22 * Aligning the Body and Frame...............................29 Adjusting Rod & Main Bearings, Speedometer Gear & Cable, Adjusting Shock Absorbers, Crack Detection Methods, Door Handle Installation, Carburetor Air Filters, Oiling Window Mechanisms, Front End Shimmy, Water Pump Seal, Engine Performance, Crankcase Ventilator, I Never Knew She Could Run So Good! Subtle Differences in Distributor Bodies....................36 * Restoring the Model A Generator...........................40 II - BODY Installing Interior Wood in a Victoria......................46 Installing Top Wood in a Victoria...........................52 * Installing a Roll-Down Rear Window........................56 Roll-Down Window Supplement.................................60 Model 'A' Locks and Keys....................................62 * A Close Look at Metal Top Moldings........................68 III - DETAILING * Model 'A' Windshield Wipers...............................73 Rebuilding and Troubleshooting the Zenith Carburetor........82 Analyzing Headlight Scripts.................................88 Technical Tips:.............................................91 Installing the Gearshift Spring, Pinion Bearing Replacement, Balancing a Fan Blade, Throttle Shaft Air Leaks, Body Deadener, Gas Filter Replacement, Leaking Rear Main Bearing, Positive Crankcase Ventilation, Popout Switch Lubrication, Battery Installation, Securing Radiator Ornaments, Replacing Top Material Finishing Touches...........................................94 More Finishing Touches......................................98 Spare Wheel Carriers.......................................100

IV - RESTORING A UNIQUE BODY TYPE Researching and Restoring the Model A Mail Truck...........102 Technical Tips:............................................112 Avoiding a Broken Water Outlet Casting, Hood Rod Repair, Engine Assembly, Smooth Shifting * Bill Reeder Literary Award winners #######

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME TABLE OF CONTENTS I

MODEL A DATA Production of the Model A Ford........................4 Model A Specifications...............................10

II

ENGINE Adjusting Cylinder Head Bolts for More Power.........14 Measuring and Adjusting Main Bearing and Rod Bearing Clearances.......................16 Carburetor Leaks.....................................18

III BRAKES Gimme A Brake!.......................................19 Gimme A Brake - Part II..............................21 Restoring the Model A Brake Cross Shaft..............24 IV

ELECTRICAL * Model A Electrical System (88) Part 1 - Wiring Diagram.....................28 Part 2 - Reading the Ammeter................32 * The Elecrolock Ignition Switch (92)................36 Restoration of the Armored Ignition Cable............42

V.

TOURING MODIFICATIONS Put Your A Under Pressure * (91).....................45 * Direction Signal Installation on Your Model 'A' (90)................................51

VI. RESTORING A UNIQUE BODY TYPE - Sport Coupe 1928-29 Sport Coupe...............................55 1930-31 Sport Coupe...............................75 - Tudor 1930-31 Standard Tudor Sedan.....................101 1931 Deluxe Tudor Sedan..........................117 * Bill Reeder Literary Award winners #######

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Engine Fan failure analysis and repair...................... 1 Stubborn Studs....................................... 9 Fixing the Valdez....................................11 Measuring/Adjusting Main and Rod Bearing Clearances..13 2. Chassis and Drive Train Improving the Model A Steering.......................16 Model A ford Rear Axle Adjustment....................18 Locating and Installing Body Blocks..................23 Installing frame Welting The Easy Way................35 3. Body Floor Boards (Authentically Speaking)................36 1930-31 Model A floor Board Modification.............41 Restoration of the Model A Door and Deck Lid Handles.42 Pillar Locks.........................................45 Tire Locks...........................................46 1928 Electric Wiper..................................47 Seat Belts ("A Bear for Safety").....................51 4. Tires Installation and Care of Valve Stem Hardware.........57 Replacing Rubber Valve Stems.........................59 5. Shop Aides / Service Hints / Tips Strobosopic Timing Lights............................61 Homemade and Handy...................................67 Torque Values........................................72 Tiny tips............................................73 6. Specific body styles 1930-31 Deluxe roadster 40-B.........................76 1931 Cabriolet 68-C.................................112

Published 1999 #######

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Engine How to Keep the Model A Water Pump Shaft from Horizontal Movement - Forever ................. 1 Rotor Gap Just as Important as Point Gap ............. 3 Technical Note - Modern Points & Condenser Part Numbers ........................................4 The Model A Zenith Carburetor Explained ...............5 Carburetor Leaks ......................................7 B-BB-C - Which Is It? .................................8 The Model A Ford Water Pump, its "Care and Feeding" ..13 Restoration of the Model A Ford Pressure Plate .......14 Distributor Analysis Tool ............................19 II. ON AUTHENTICITY Ignition Key and the Instrument Panel ................21 Butler Finish for Plated Parts .......................22 The Water Return Tube ................................22 The Battery ..........................................24 The Non-Automotive Engine ............................28 Grease Gun ...........................................29 Accessory Cowl and Fender Lamps ......................31 Seamed Tubing and Rubber Floor Mats ..................34 III. AA TRUCK TALK The 88-A Platform Body - Part 1 of 3 Platform Construction ..............................37 The 88-A Platform Body - Part 2 of 3 Body Mounting Hardware .............................44 The 88-A Platform Body - Part 3 of 3 Platform Construction ..............................47 Body Components of the 88-A Platform - Part 1 of 2 The 88-A Stake Racks ...............................56 Body Components of the 88-A Platform - Part 2 of 2 134-A Stock Racks and 134-B Grain Sides............63 The 89-A Express Body ................................71 IV. OIL SYSTEM Understanding the Model A Oiling System ..............86 Stop that Oil Leak! ..................................88 An Overlooked Cause of Rear Main Oil Leaks ...........89

V. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, RESTORATION Installing a Wheel Well in the AA Fender .............91 Rebuilding the Brake Shoe Centering Brackets .........92 A Spare with Air - In MY Wheel Well ..................94 Build Your Own Luggage Rack for Under $50 ............95 Building a Model A Trunk .............................96 Painting Your Model A the Way Henry Did It ..........102 Stopping Model A Transmission Leaks .................104 Transmission Shifting Tower Repairs .................105 Stop the Steering Wheel from Turning on the Light Switch ...............................107 Model A Gas Gauge ...................................108 Fuel Sediment Bowl ..................................111 The Model A Speedometer .............................113 Bumper Flag Holders .................................115 Cranking System Diagnostics .........................116 Make Your Own Rear Drum Puller ......................118 Model A Air Conditioning ............................119 VI. SPECIFICATIONS The Ford Model A Engine .............................123 Model Numbers for the Model A Ford ..................126 Body Assembly Plant Numbers .........................129

Published 2006 #######

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS I REPAIR AND RESTORATION Model A Fuel System - Lessons Learned .................... 1 Henry Fords Tire Lock Accessory ......................... 2 Borg Warner Overdrive ................................... 5 Restoring the Model A Brake Cross Shaft .................. 10 Aligning the Model A Gemmer Steering Gear ................ 14 Know Your Fans ......................................... 16 A Study of Popout Cable Clamps ......................... 17 Urethane Automotive Finishes - Why Use Them? ............. 18 Steering Shaft Thread Repair ........................... 20 Door & Deck Lid Handles ................................ 22 Crankshaft Center Lines ................................. 28 Tuning Up a Model A Front End .......................... 31 Leakless Pan Gasket ..................................... 34 Rear End Rebuilds ...................................... 37 Patch Panel Installation ............................... 40 Model A Fuel System Filters ............................ 42 Patching Up that Cracked and Damaged Model A Steering Wheel ............................. 44 Front Fender Dimple Repair ............................. 45 Restoring the Model A Bell Housing ..................... 46 Restoring the Model A Ford Front Radius Rod .............. 48 How to Safety Wire The Bolts on the Model A Ford ......... 50 How to Straighten Model A Wheels ........................ 53 Seven Tooth Steering Box ................................ 59 160 Series Slant Windshield Sedan - A Study .............. 61 Model A Fans – Balance ................................... 63 The Multiple Disk Clutch ................................. 65 Installing Helicoil Threads .............................. 68 The 1928-1931 Model A Ford Universal Joint Housing Caps .. 70 II SERVICE HINTS Installing Camshaft Bushings ........................... Reading Spark Plugs - An Engine Analysis ................. Improving Model A Stopping Power ....................... Important Ignition Wiring Change ....................... Brake Adjustment for Greater Stopping Power .............. Cause and Cure of a Growling Transmission ................ Gas Tank Cleaning and Filtering ......................... Model A Grounding System ...............................

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75 76 78 80 82 84 86 88

How to Restore Your Model A • VOLUME 8 III AA TRUCK TALK AA Side View Mirrors .................................... 89 The 187-A Platform Body - Part 1 of 2 .................. 91 The 187-A Platform Body - Part 2 of 2 .................. 100 The 189-A Stake Racks ................................. 103 IV AFTER MARKET ADDITIONS Converting to 12 Volts ................................ Make that Engine Stand Earn its Keep ................... Quick and Easy Timing Indicator ....................... Hood Removal Apparatus ................................ Shoulder Seat Belts for a Model A .....................

110 113 117 118 119

V ASSEMBLY DATA Body Assembly Plant Numbers ............................ 122 #######

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