Ford Model A - 1 Year Retrospect 

I'm late to the party for this video. I listened carefully to every word spoken. Toward the end of your talk as you tried to summarize your experiences with the car words like appreciate, enjoy, meeting crazy people like yourself displaced mechanical terms and other technical language. I'm not sure you recall but you gave the best summary in the fewest words. You said, "I sit in the car and I smile." Edsel Ford, head of design for the Model A, did not sell smiles. He encouraged them. It's one of the intangibles of the design.

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. And I totally agree with your reflections at the end; keep them relatively stock and you'll enjoy them for years and years. Would love to meet you some day!

Great video sir! I think what we're dealing with here is a case of "man and his machine" the insatiable love to willingly want to know every inch of this car, every vibration, experience every mile and every gallon of gas, all while adjusting the spark lever and fuel lever to absorb everything a car made during the great depression has to offer. To experience 96 year old modern technology.

I love old cars I own a 1949 silverstreak and I love it I really appreciate you and I love your model a keep it happy years of driving

I drove my '28 Tudor as a daily driver (it was my ONLY vehicle) for almost 2 years. Totally agree about the windshield reflections and rain. The ratios are okay, 2nd is a bit low, but it's fine. My biggest gripe was the journey planning. Because long journeys were relatively slower I had to plan things more and reduce the long journeys to a minimum. My top tip is using rain repellent for the windows once a week. By the end of the year I could remove and rebuild the carb in under 20 minutes😂 ... great video. Thanks❤

This is really great, man! I inherited my grandfather's 1930 Model A business coupe. I'm experienced at wrenching on all my vehicles and I can't wait to get it sorted to the point where I can take it for a joy ride through the countryside or the 8 mile trip into work. I really liked your video, your reflections back on your ownership with it and your desire to keep it all original. I wish you the best of luck with keeping it until you can't drive anymore. Happy motoring!

Excellent update. I share your mindset completely. It’s rare anymore for people to understand this mindset. What it amounts to is that others simply don’t like an old car. They like the idea of an old car (attention, for example) without experiencing what an old car really is. Kudos to you, friend!

Thank you so much for not ruining this car by sticking some other newer motor in it!

I also use a model A Ford for daily transportation. I have a1929. Regularly driving a time period car dose required regular maintenance but it is a delightful experience.

Nice to see your less serious side. When the phone rang. Great narration of your experience. I could only hope to follow a similar path with an A

thank you for specifying all those topics. I own a 1974 Piaggio Vespa, a 1993 VW Passat, a 1995 VW T4 Camper and a 1993 VW T4 DoubleCab. Only way to drive this not that old Cars daily is the fact that there are enough to it to say: okay, passat has got a dead battery, DoubleCab has no TÜV because of Rust, it is raining (so no Vespa), lets take the Camper. Also i am at least 4-5 Weekends a year COMPLETELY (Fridays after work till Sunday) in my garage to repair and maintance the vehicles. And then there are some very time consuming tasks like defending Rust or finding out why the vespa has no spark sometimes. So i really like my old cars, but the 2020 Mercedes my Girl drives is simply a very reliable car. And as far as you DONT have the ability to survive without a car (or switch to another one) you cant drive an oldtimer as a daily. modifications you do are perfect, only thing i considered to change on old cars are safety-features, like the not optional emergency-signals, Brakerods with a smearing-nipple and so on. You are doing a really great job!

I really enjoy your Model A videos, especially this one. Owning and driving a Model A really is a mindset. I love my '30 Model A Coupe. The only modifications I have are a single wire alternator and modern points and condenser. Both of these are easily removed.

“Wtf is a kilometer!” 😂 that was the funniest thing I seen today lol

Entertaining AND Educational. Thoroughly enjoyable too.

Geil ! I have a Ford custom 1950 and an old Adler Trumpf Junior Sport. 1936, I can understand all your inputs. Great video. Way back I had 2 model A ..... Still miss them

Great video! It's some kind of a religious experience for me,driving my old cars.

That was really awesome! I like the Jay Leno ending! (From his car channel) I was really impressed with the knowledge and dedication that you have for that car, and I'm really happy you're going to keep her! Good luck on your new adventure!

I don't know what is more amazing the car or the owner. You done an awesome job on this video. This model "A" is very lucky to have such a owner. Henry is smiling down on you for shir.

Loved your insight and sense of humor! Thanks for sharing!

Glad you enjoy your A, love mine. I'm against mod's too but I needed a new engine. I put on a 5.5 head and glad I did. My other mod was a 3:54 rear. Gives a bit better 2nd on hills. 21 mpg on an A is pretty good. Nothing like that horn in a tunnel! You're doing a great job, have fun.

Fantastic!! Great car! Deserves great care. It survived all the people that built and drove it. You have custody over this piece of living history👍👍

I would do the 6v alternator swap (if reversible) from a safety point of view but agree the feel of driving an older car is part of the charm. If the sense of occasion doesn’t matter then go and buy a Ford Focus and be happy with it!

The part where you talking about how this car is not for everybody. You're 100% correct. I have a 30 Tudor and it got so frustrating that I almost sold it but like you said, you slowly work your way through these issues and then you can start enjoying the car. It's hard to forget this car is almost 100 years old and it requires a lot of the effort that anything that is nearly 100 years old would. I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming.

I drove my A for 1200 miles before starting the restoration. That was a few too many years age. Back working on it. 31 45B

Great findings on steering and missing bolts.

That purr! 👌

I fully agree with you that whatever modification done on old stuff, must be 100% reversible. A Model A with a turbo diesel in it, isn't a Model A anymore.

I absolutely love your appreciation for the Model A. It shows that you cherish it, and I am very happy to hear that you do not plan on getting rid of your Model A. Hold onto it for life and hopefully the next generation will do the same!

A wonderful video of your experiences, in my 30 years being playing and repairing cars, I can say that I preffer the feeling of using on a daly base an older vehicle, always smiles and cheers from the others, and that is even when my older car is a W111 heckflosse from 1963, I do have also a 1969 alpine gt4, a 1976 R4L , 1985 Renault 9 that was my maternal grandmother's car since new and a 1990 Nissan Sentra station wagon, a gift to my brother and I from a good friend of the family. Like you, I always try to keep them the most original and complete possible. My " newer " car is a 2004 Megane Saloon that I bougt almost new and I was so happy with that I never had the desire of change it, now is 18 years old, 205,000 km and still reliable to highway , still untouched automatic gearbox and engine. Keep having fun with your model A. My dream car from that period would be a 1925 Buick Master touring like the one my maternal great grand parents had when my grandma was born in 1925.

I always enjoy your videos. I wish you lived next door to me so we could share our Model A adventures. I have a ‘29 2dr. Sedan and a ‘30 5 window coupe w/rumble seat. Life is adventurous and satisfying owning these cars. I always wanted an A and bought both this past year. At age 77 I am almost as old as the cars, but have the time to devote to them. Life is interesting !

Shizer lol 😂. Awesome car man! Cheers from Kentucky USA 🇺🇸

I enjoyed your video on the model A, we have a 1957 Morris Minor we've had for 32yrs, I rebuilt my self then 20 yrs later me & the wife rebuilt it, the straight line on your graph believe me it will go up & down 🇬🇧👍.

Don't you just love it.😊

Fun video! Years ago I had two, a Tudor and a truck. I daily drove both, but Mainly the Tudor as it was more comfortable. Both were quite beat up but mechanically solid. I put 50k miles on the Tudor and 10k on the truck before finances got rough and I had to sell them, which broke my heart. I just got a new one 3 da u s ago, a project, but it will be a daily driver.

Great Update Video ! I really look up to you I mean what a great type of person I'm so happy there is still some people like you that do what you do I'm only 14 but as soon as I'm old enough I am no doubt getting a Model A and will most likely do something similar to what your doing ! Never stop driving it !

Had a good chuckle at this one, great work. A spring-clip type access cover for the battery is sold, it might have even been standard, so you don't need a screwdriver to check battery level- another item for the money-pit list

Very nice video ! A guy locally here in Oslo had (still has) a Model A as a daily driver. I saw the car 20 years ago and was a huge inspiration for me, have been dailydriving old cars since then myself. Mainly 60’s cars - Chevrolet. I bought my A in 2013, after dreaming of one since the day I first saw that daily driven Model A. I’m sure you are also an inspiration for other people to go out an have fun with a Model A.

Congratulations on a year of driving a classic. It really is more than driving, it is a commitment. I own an MG but I live in Michigan and the history has always interested me. We have a fantastic automotive museum outside of Kalamazoo Michigan in a little town called Hickory Corners. This is perhaps the best one in the country covering almost 300 acres in numerous buildings. I have linked a couple of videos on you tube on the model A. One is by a gentleman who works for Hagerty, which is an insurance company in Traverse City that insures classic boats and cars. They are in the northwest part of the lower peninsula of Michigan and this guy drove his A as an every day driver. They receive a good amount of snow each winter due to the lake effect. The other video is from the Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners with their extensive Ford Model A exhibit. Enjoy the watch and I will be following your channel. Good luck with the car. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QABfAaouLDM.html The video picks up with the A about 1:15 in. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-w7QWLZo90t8.html

I really enjoyed this video. Now I’m going to watch the rest of the series! What a wonderful old car!

Hello from Texas, your video was excellent. I enjoy driving my 1928 Tudor.

Great to see you enjoying your car so much. I wish I could drive mine daily, but alas. I have a '28 Phaeton, so weather would be a challenge. With the side curtains installed, visibility is basically nonexistent. And driving in Houston is perilous in a modern automobile. I agree about modifications. Several guys out here use the later '30s wheels and tires. I'm still running 21"s. They just look right. I agree with the MAFCA rep. It would be a pleasure to meet you and "talk shop". Cheers.

Great video! You have become an excellent driver/mechanic of this Model A. I am very impressed.

Wow! Great video!

I enjoy all your videos I live in Michigan USA I have a couple Model A‘s and I’ve been enjoying what you’ve been doing and how you’ve been learning take care be safe and have fun with that Model A

Great video, yes please have a long life and use axle stands when jacked up and running the engine. Cheers, John.

Dear Astra Werke man. 👍👌👏 Thanks a lot for being so completely honest, you're obviously a very decent guy! I guess that you cured me. Maybe a Model B is the better/easier daily driver. Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and health.

Finally another Model A video! 😄 Thanks for the great overview on what it's like to own and take care of a Model A! This was a great video! Now onto the brake job!

Wonderful to watch as always

Really enjoyed the video! It must really great to drive a Model A in Germany.

Hi Adrian, thank you for making all these great videos. I like the modifications that you are making to your A. I think using the black leather mask on the radiator is great and quite elegant idea for increasing the coolant temperature (4:35). Have you ever considered installing a coolant temperature gauge on the the dashboard so you could monitor the readings easier? It would be reversible. If the engine runs cold, a thermostat and bypass hose could be added to the engine coolant outlet.

Good looking care, I run a 30 Tudor and have for years. If I may make a suggestion and I may have missed it but one main problem is the distributor needs lubricant. Not only the one oil point on the outside but its important to oil the inside bushing. There is a a cheap modification that only you will ever know about that allows you to lubricate the inside bushing. The modification is a drilled distributor shaft and the screw inside that holds it down also has a small hole to allow oil down to the bushing

Just discovered you a few weeks ago. Instant subscriber. I’ve owned a 1926 Dodge Brothers Deluxe Sedan for 5 years now. Watching you is inspirational. Your comments at 28:07 are my thoughts exactly. The only additions I add are period correct. Like vacuum assisted turn signals manufactured in 1924. They are awesome. I have a video about them on my RU-vid channel. Keep up the good work! Love the Model A! Making me want one now.

I think you lost your nuts rattling down the road and that’s why you missing your bolt. All original or nothing, I agree. Love the ride, love the videos. Thanks

Great video!

I see that you want to keep your generator (6:05). I was on a Model A forum last night and some members there were using an electronic voltage regulator, EVR, and a diode for the cut out. The setup is inconspicuous and reversible. The users reported that the voltage regulation was almost similar to that of an alternator, keeping the battery well charged. The lower output from the generator is the limiting factor, The third brush no longer needed to be adjusted for night driving, the output also would not "runaway" and destroy other components. If a diode is used instead of a mechanical relay, the EVR has to be adjusted to a slightly higher voltage. I'm fascinated by the Model A, but I don't own one, just a car nut.

Dude! Love the video! Keep it stock all the way! Beautiful car!

Hello my friend, I've almost finished your 'fine' video and am at the Mitchel O/D part (28min 31sec.). Let me make a (different none Mitchel O/D) suggestion to you as someone who understands completely what you're describing. Ford made a 'Police' head that increased the compression ratio from 4:1 to around 5.5:1/6:1 or there about. If you install either a 5.1:1 higher compression head on you car it will almost do the job of a Mitchel O/D. I know because I've done all three on the same car you're driving. Driven with the stock 4:1 compression head, installed a Mitchel O/D, and then added a 6:1 compression head. Installing the 6:1 compression head, a virtual copy of the Ford 'Police' head has almost made the Mitchel completely unnecessary. The 6:1 modern version of the 'Police' head will not violate the spirit of 'Originality' (I completely agree btw) and will overcome that 2nd gear strain and 3rd. gear lag. Cost for the 6:1 head complete is about $500.00 U.S. That's the head, new, stronger studs, and a Graphite (not Copper) head gasket. BTW....I too am a daily 1930 Ford Model A Coupe as well as 1930 Ford Model A Fordor Sedan. I share your passion and opinions. Also if you'll clean your front windscreen with car wax when you detail your car it will shed the rain just like, and perhaps better, than RainX. I completely relate with all you've said. Well done! KUDOS!

When I am driving a antique car or flying a antique plane it's like having a time machine. Not many people have the experience of traveling back in time like when you drive your Model A. That's why you keep it original.

Very interesting perspective. Beautiful machine.

cool i liked this very good explanations. thankyou 👌

Nicely done! Thank you for the delightful video. I noticed during the video, while you were driving in the rain, the ammeter was in the negative zone; hmm. Your perspective and mine coincide perfectly as my Model A is stock and I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy motoring...

I loved your video 💕

thank you for a wonderful story!

Great Video! Interesting!!! My loved "oldtimer" was a VW Iltis.... but i had to sell it ..... sad..... Have a nice weekend!

I love your video - everything is in style - Alles in style - the cramped space in the garage, the old petroleum lamp, your outfit, stylish with cap 🙂 - aber das mit dem Anzünden einer Petroleumlampe üben wir noch einmal 😉 - however, lighting a petroleum lamp we have to practice. („we“ said in that sense always means „you“ ) Thanks for your experiences, the tips and tricks and recommendations. Especially your comments at the end of the video about likes and don’t likes and loving or not loving the car - or the work/services on it. But one question remains: after one year driving the car, 5000 miles as you say - equals 10 services on the car - why do you still have this cramped garage? 🤔

Loved the video thanks

You need some better matches or carry a BIC. Ethanol fuel-what rubbish it is. If you've got any kind of health issues, this is NOT a car you should own. Also,you must do all your own maint. No shop will do it, unless they specify that type. Good luck trying to find one. The garage cost wouldn't justify the ownership. Great video & learned a lot too. P.S. That car looks amazing cruising about town.

I love your old car. I bought my dad‘s 1929 model A it has suicide doors. I got to do a little work to it to get it going again. I Love the way it sounds.I promised him I wouldn’t make it into a hot rod. My parents are both gone now and I will keep that promise. My son will inherit the car it will stay in the family I will not sell it

Model As always mark its territory.... just like my vintage Harley... lol 😆

Great story. Well done. I was concerned about your mechanical ability at first when you seemed to have such difficulty lighting a match.

richtig toll wiie du die alte zeit lebst...👍👍👍

Ha = great video. I agree with you. I try to keep mine as stock as possible, but have a few modifications. I have a period-correct radio, but have to watch that it doesn't kill my battery. Also, I've got bright LED lights. And I have *gasp* an overdrive. But it's in my torque tube and not the gearbox. So, maybe that's not as bad of a modification (?)

My understanding is the Mitchell overdrive is relatively easy to install and also can be reversed without leaving any alterations on your car.

Excellent video!

I like your repurposed Volkswagen oil pump!!

Well done video. Looks like you are enjoying your A.

It’s unfortunate that you are so dead set against the Mitchell gearbox. Here in the States, it has a strong following with folks using their Model A as a driver. There is a long waiting list to acquire a new Mitchell gearbox. Few view it as detracting from a cars vintage value, if anything you may well pay more for a car so equipped. The installation requires a permanent modification to the drive shaft and shaft tube but these components can be easily found to avoid modifying original components. The reminder is bolt on. You are correct, the floorboard must be cut, but this can be done on a duplicate floorboard panel. In other words, all is reversible. At one time, I owned an AA truck, not sure you’d want that gearbox in an A. I would not. Just because it is a four speed does not mean that the available ratios will meet the car’s needs. I own a 31 Deluxe Roadster with a Michell. The improvement in drivability is astounding. I consider the improvement a safety issue. Rarely do I have lines of cars piling up behind my vehicle, often getting antsy to pass under less than safe conditions. Second gear overdrive is ideal for most normally encountered hills, keeping the rpm in the torque range and speed on point. Highway cruise speed is now possible without strain. Paul Shinn is a true believer in the Mitchell. I’m not far from Hershey, PA. If you’re ever in the states during the huge annual antique auto event and would enjoy an overdose of A culture and a flea market offering any thing ever made for an A, get in touch. We have many hundreds, if not thousands of As still on the road. A great bunch of enthusiasts.

I think you get it!!! 👍🏻

"when you drive at night, you have to adjust the brushes" he said casually...

The matches!!!! LoL

Great recap of the past year. Interesting to see these types of videos, as I have barely started my own journey of daily driving a 1958 Volvo Amazon. So far my expectations seem to align with your (and other people's) experience with driving an old car. Ford Model A was very high on my list when I tried to decide which car to buy. In the end, parts availability in my country and an excellent heater for the winter made me choose the Volvo. The simple design and how easy it is to work on my self is a big thing for me. Do Germany offer period correct license plates for cars? I think that would look a lot better. I chose period correct plates on my car, as modern EU plates would look silly.

Einen schönen Gruß vom mediterranem Niederrhein nach Wuppertal. Wir sind uns mal bei Ralfs Futterbude begegnet. Da wurde mir großzügigerweise die rechte Motorhaube geöffnet, damit ich auch mal hinter's Blech schauen konnte. Apropos Bremswelle; um die Welle und die anderen Bolzen sowie die entsprechenden Lagerungen des Bremsgestänges zu schmieren, benutze ich Kettenspray, was eigentlich für Motorradketten gedacht ist. Das hat Kriecheigenschaften, wird aber nach ein wenig Zeit zu Fett. In die Ölablass-Schrauben vom Getriebe und der Achse sind bei mir kleine Supermagnete aus der Möbeltechnik angebracht worden. Mittels einer Drehbank die Ablass-Schrauben mit einer Aussparung versehen, damit die Magnete stramm reinpassen. Zum Schluß noch mit einem Körner ein wenig vernietet - die Dinger sollen ja schließlich drin bleiben ... Sehr interessantes Video !! Viel Spaß, Gruß Rolf

Enjoyed.

Cool video just brought one drove it home 180 km there great cars 👍🏼just subscribe 👍🏼take it easy mate 👍🏼🍺😎🇳🇿

A great video...

Lovely car! Glad your daily driving it! My old timer sits under a car cover since end of December when the temperatures dropped below 0c. No sense in taking it out on the salt. I have done about 3000 miles in mine last year. Yeah driving an old timer is worth it's weight in gold. One question I have is have you considered filling up the interior panels with wool or something similar to reduce the noise? Cabin noise makes a big difference between a 30 min trip and a 4 hour drive.

Thoroughly enjoyable! That UK gallons or US gallons for the MPG conversion?

Hello there, I wanted to ask you what is the trunk lid support that automatically locks and unlocks, do you have the name and where did you get it. I love your videos. When I was younger I drove a 1929 Closed Cab as my only transportation in SoCal. I have been with Model As for over fifty years and am working on a 1928 Closed Cab pickup at the moment. I have just purchased a 1930 Standard Coupe' which I am going to us as my car. I am selling my CLK 550 and I will drive this Coupe' from now on. Your videos have inspired me to enjoy the day in and day out experiences of owning and actually driving a Model A. You are a very talented young man and we are blessed to have a peek into a part of your life. God bless, Clinton ... Model A'r doin' his thing ...........

Seat belts may be added to the Model A (24:35), I imagine you would need to fabricate reinforced anchor points. Stay safe.

tell me about the painting, water color, on the wall. There are a lot of modern 4 speed speed and a few automatic transmission conversions in the market place. All fairly easy to install, bolt in and they come with pedal and emergency brake hardware. I put a 39 ford transmission in my 31, has the syncro gears but is a 3 speed

I also have a '30 Model A Coupe. But before I continue watching your video, why would you be using a propane lantern to go underneath? Perhaps there's no electrical outlet in your garage but couldn't you get a flashlight of some kind? Maybe those aren't available either where you are but propane and gas fumes don't mix, you know.

Thank you for your Model A passion. There are 3 Model A's in my family and a fourth on the way. My cousin Ed Tolman is the new Technical director for MAFCA and is fluent in German. Reach out to him for anything needed. Do you belong to a club there?

Armes Ding aber cooles Video

Wundervoll - Vielen Dank . (Dein Deutsch verkommt etwas... nur ein einziges deutsches Wort und das gleich 2 Mal ;-) ) Dass Du Englisch sprichst, bring Dir einen viel größeren "Kundenkreis" und sicher auch mehr Abos... Du hast Alles richtig gemacht. LG aus Frankfurt. C

Great video! For winter driving, how does the car handle the snow and ice? What about heat for the inside of the car?

Is there any reason, when looking for an old car, you didn't go for a *really* famous, *fairly* old German car - the VW Beetle? VW collectors/fans in the UK seem to have a lot of fun, and they certainly do a fair bit of wrenching! I suppose a Beetle in Germany isn't that unusual, so the Model 'A' is certainly more distinctive.

Lack of Passive safety devices on classic cars are somewhat overrated. As a friend of mine once said "why do I need crumple zones when I cane use someone else's". When he said it in the 1980's it was a little sarcastic but these days the chance of hitting or being hit by another car without crumple zones are small. That being said there are still plenty of brick walls waiting to jump out on the unsuspecting motorist.😀

Richtig Coole Videos machst du da . Sehr Geile infos und man kann was lernen . Leider ist mein Englisch sehr schlecht. Gibt es keinen Deutschen Kanal der auch Deutsch Spricht ???? LG auf Dortmund .

hou much does is cost of car in europe?

Thanks for this video. I'm also a young guy (29), daily driving a model A (1929 Tudor) in the Netherlands. I've only had it for a couple months, This is very nice advice for me. There are a lot of Tiny things I still need to take care of. I'm wondering about the engine heat. I haven't been doing to leather on the radiator. So I think it's good to do that, as my engine runs very cold too. Is t a very big issue to run it cold for a while? I hope I didn't ruin the engine :( Also, my car runs 5 liters per km :( so that's pretty bad if you call 11kmph bad.