Where do you find parts for a Model "A"?
On the average Model "A" there are about 5000 different parts. A good many parts on the "A" are very durable and will not require replacement. Many parts are refurbished by the restorer by sandblasting and painting or plating. During a restoration there will be a need for replacements due to wear, condition, or it's just plane missing. Because the availability of genuine Ford OEM parts have dried up many years ago there are now many reproduction parts vendors that specialize in manufacturing and selling parts and accessories. However, there still is a need for used original and new old stock parts because not every part that may be needed is reproduced. Check our favorite link section for some parts vendors' web sites.
Not at all, there a several manufactures that make tires for the Model "A" Ford. For example, currently available there is a faithful reproduction of the 19 inch Goodyear Diamond Tread tire that was original for 1930 and 1931.
What does a Model "A" get for gas mileage?
A good running Model "A" will average about 18 miles per gallon or more.
Prices range widely depending on body style and condition. A non-running un-restored Tudor or Fordor may sell for a few thousand dollars or more depending on how complete it is. A nicely restored Deluxe Roadster or Phaeton may bring $30,000.
The stock Model "A" engine has 201 cubic inches of displacement and four cylinders which develops the advertised horse power rating of 40hp.
No, the use of un-leaded fuel is not detrimental to the "A" engine because it has very conservative compression ratio; as long as the engine does not "ping" or has "spark knock", the unleaded regular fuel is fine.
In the days of the Model "A" the only gasoline that had lead additives were the "high test grade" or known at the time as "Ethyl" gasoline. The Ethyl company supplied their TET additive to the oil companies and had exclusive patent rights on this additive. At that time it was common to hear a driver say fill it up with ethyl.
During World War II with gasoline rationing, it was common that drivers would run their Model "A" with kerosene after first starting and warming the engine on gasoline!
The Model "A" brake system is a safe system if properly restored and maintained. The brake system did see some major changes in the first full year of production in 1928, after there were only minor changes. With a properly restored brake system a driver can easily lock up the brakes and skid the wheels.
The lever on the left is the "spark" it advances the spark timing to compensate for the increased revolutions of the engine as the vehicle speeds up. This adjustment is automatic on cars now. When starting a Model "A" it is important to fully retard the "spark" by having the lever all the way to the top. This prevents the engine from rocking back and damaging the starter if the engine fails to start. The lever on the right is the hand throttle it is primarily used when starting the engine to allow it to warm up at a faster idle thus preventing it from stalling until it is has warmed up to operating temperature.
The Model "A" Ford was introduced in October, 1927, with much fanfare after nineteen years of Model "T" production. Two years later, the "A" went through a major styling change with the introduction of the 1930 model year. As competition pressures mounted, late in 1930, a more streamline slanted windshield model the Victoria was introduced. In 1931, the Fordor Sedan and Cabriolet adopted the slant windshield styling. Model "A" passenger car production stopped sometime in late 1931 so Ford could tool up for the 1932 Models which included a V8 engine. However that was not the end of the Model "A", in 1932, a limited number of Model "AA" trucks were produced to fill some government contracts. The tooling and the rights to build the Model "A" was sold to the Soviet Union in the later 1930's. The Soviets produced the "A" and "AA" all the way through World War II.