Ford Model A FAQ #1 - (Frequently Asked Questions). 

0:00 Idea came to Tina 1:34 1929-31 differences 2:40 fuel problems? 3:36 available colors 4:30 reliability 5:33 model A parts 5:48 double clutching 6:24 gasoline 7:26 cruising speed 8:45 top speed 9:15 changing oil 9:53 no restoration 10:03 buyers guide 10:37 using the crank 11:09 timing the car 12:00 ride 13:05 reliability 14:00 Drive and brakes 14:29 rumble seat 15:44 parts suppliers 16:25 is it safe? 17:21 death trap? 17:36 regular ride? 18:31 another opinion 19:09 fluids 20:05 greasing the chassis 20:29 focusing headlights 21:26 playing around 22:24 pager and flip phone 23:58 spark advance 25:32 antique radios 26:52 ‘31 sport coupe 28:23 oils 10W-30, 10W-40 29:36 fuel economy 30:45 Doug DeMuro impression

After watching this video, I have to question why half the people are watching. If they are trying to convince you modern cars are better and safer, they obviously don’t get why we love driving the simple and beautiful Model A.

Well done! Never heard of Doug DeMuro either.

This video is meant to be helpful and fun. Please be gentle in the comments!

We love your videos Paul. Dad and I bought the 1930 coup in 1963 and had a ground up restoration completed about 20 years ago. Dad passed away 10 years ago and Mom a little over a year ago. As a result I brought it to our home now. It is such a joy and calming to be around. I have learned many things from you in your videos. Thank you so much.

Well if it makes you feel better, I know who Paul Shinn is and never heard of Doug DeMuro!

Paul, you are a great guy and a brave man. Love your channel and all Model A's.

A funny anecdote about the ruble seat: In Germany its called - a stepmother seat

I could relate to a lot of these comments! Even though I daily drive a much newer car (1975 Jaguar XJ6) I still get all the comments about safety and all that. Keep up the great work! Hope to try out a Model A some day

Paul, Ive always wanted a Model A. Now after watching your videos, I have never wanted a Model A more than I do now. Love your videos, full of great information. Currently own a 42 & 48 Dodge trucks. Drive and enjoy as much as possible.

Thank you so much Paul! Love all of your videos and your positive attitude. I now see why I can relate to your videos so much. Not only do I own and love Model A's, I also collect and restore tube type radios! Don't let anyone bring you down. You're doing a fantastic job of sharing information and entertaining as well as teaching and preserving history. Some can't relate, but that is why there are other hobbies and interests. You're appreciated!

New subscriber here. I just wanted to say, thanks for the brilliant content. I’m 19, from Canada and I’m completely obsessed with Model A s, I hold you mostly responsible for that. I’m on the hunt for one now. Anyway, I didn’t expect to find much information about these cars on RU-vid, especially not an entire channel dedicated to the car, but I’m glad I found your channel. It’s bloody brilliant! The idea of having a nearly 100 year old car and having it last another 100 years is pretty incredible in today’s throwaway world. It’s sad that that era came to an end, perhaps that’s why I’m also interested in mechanical timepieces and wooden sailboats. 👍🏻

enjoy your vids Paul. I recently bought a 28' runs like a top mechanically. I am going to restore it soon!! Lots of great ideas and info. Thanks for doing what you do!

Absolutely loved this video as I do all of your videos. I have a goal to own a model A someday. I have learned SO much from you. Thank you!

You and your wife seem to have a really fun, cute relationship. I love to see that :) I love your videos because they’re low-key. Very informational, but mostly just fun to hear somebody talking about a hobby/passion.

I never thought twice about the wheel color on your Modle A. All these people who complain secretly wish they owned one. Beautiful cars.

Thanks for the video, Paul. I enjoyed it very much and it made me think about all the questions I am asked in my 1929 Model A Roadster. Number 1 is, "Do you know that your right tail light is burned out?", and I always smile and thank them. If we are going to be stopped for a while, I will explain that there isn't one. Keep up the informative videos. I think you are helping people get interested in these fun old cars.

Such a great video! I’m planning on buying a ‘31 Tudor in a year to use as my daily driver.

That is interesting how many confuse the Model T and the Model A.

Love all your videos Paul. I really appreciate the time you take to post content. The Ford Model A has a special place both in automotive history, and my personal experience! Thank you! When my 28 Tudor is back on the road, hope to meet you some day at a meet!

Paul, Thank you for the tip on adding the extra ground and how to adjust the gas mixture. I done both and the car runs a lot better and starts a lot better.

This is quality humor 😂 Thanks for this !

Yeaaa! We got to see your radios! You are such a good sport.

Honesty and integrity,that's why I like your videos,my best friend's dad had owned both a Model T at one time and a Model A,after he sold the T.I have fond memories of both cars.Thank you Paul.

HI Paul, just wanted to say that I really appreciate your videos, I watch them all and learn something each time. I once had a 31 sports coupe just like yours and absolutely loved driving it. It had been my father-in-law's car and I did all the maintenance on it for him and it was a pleasure to work on . When he could no longer drive he gave me the car. I owned it for three years and then Father-in-law needed the services of Medicaid ....They came after my car and forced me sell my Model A to pay his medical bills. I simply didn't have the cash to buy her....one of the saddest days of my life. I hope one day I'll find another that I can afford and put to use the valuable tips you share on your channel. GREAT STUFF and thank you very much !!!

Love your videos,I am a young new owner of a 30, can’t wait for spring so I can go for a ride:)

Keep doing what you're doing. I am amazed at the interest in old cars among the millennials and even younger people. I've also experienced much annoyance from the same age group when I drive my old cars. Nonetheless I'm happy there is interest and happy you're promoting the hobby. Don't change anything!

love your humor keep up the great videos. working my way through them all TY

Heading to my local machine shop today, getting the original brake drums turned for my ww2 Jeep The shop owner was the one who turned me onto your channel Hes a model A owner as well And that comment at 9:25 Alot. Alot of people have Model A s You dont realize how many classic cars live around you until the first and last day of Antique season

What a great video. THANKS

Your restoration hobby: Thank you Paul for the quick scan of your radio collection, I’ll try not to ask any radio related questions in the future. If I live down the road I tried to trade you something for one of the un-restored sets. You’ve got a great personality perhaps you should of been on the other side of the AM transmitter. 73 Mack

Paul, great video! Love the channel, and you’ve got a great way of presenting and making it funny, thank you.

I am really enjoying these videos. I don't own a Model A (I have owned a 1940 Ford Fordor Deluxe for 48 years), but I am learning a lot! I get a lot of the same comments from people (old Fords are not reliable, are hard to drive, the drum brakes (hydraulic on my car) are not reliable, etc.). People don't understand that if the car is in good shape and properly maintained, it is both reliable and safe. Please keep up the good work! I will continue watching and learning about the Model A.

Another awesome video. Some people need to get a life and mind their own business. Doug Demuro? Never even heard of the person until now. Keep up the great videos!

Paul you do a great job with your videos!! I watch a lot of them, this one was a good one also. I’ve owned 2 model a’s. These make me want one again.keep up the good job

Paul, Excellent video!!!! True Ford Model A class. Keep making videos, congratulations. In time: I followed your advice and bought the Les Andrews book. I changed the collector and exhaust gaskets, with correct tightening of the screws, according to your video. Big hug, Enzo /Florianópolis / Brazil

Hey Paul, just wanted to say thanks for all your videos as they are a big help. I own a 1928 Model A Tudor and Love everything about it,I'm sure I'll be asking for advice down the road... Keep the faith brother! Be well, Sonny

Great to hear from a guy who obviously knows what he's talking about. Thanks for setting the record straight on all sorts of issues about these wonderful classics.

Great channel. Love the color of the wheels. Thank you for all the useful information to help me keep my Model A road worthy.

Hi there. I love your videos and the knowledge you have for Ford A's and radios. I know nothing about radios but I love music and the beautiful cases they are in of yesterday. Thank you for your videos.

Thank you for the video and answering questions. Unlike, Doug, you seem to care more about your followers than publicity. Alot of insightful info there. I just purchased my very first classic vehicle in Oct. of 2020. Its a 1929 Tudor that was sitting on the side of a country Highway with a Wal-Mart "For Sale" sign in the window. My son and I both enjoy it very much and I love working on it. Im a disabled firefighter with PTSD and I have to say this 29 has been an absolute blessing. Helps me keep my mind focused on the present and positive. Thank you again for your videos. Keep em comin!!

I'll give you one thing Paul, you do a great job on these videos. BTW, the number plate on my '31 Slant Window Town Sedan here in Australia, still carries the same California number plate it had in 1931...7V2276, yellow letters on a black background, similar to the two cars in your vid. And yes, 70mph is too fast, even with a Mitchell Overdrive, simply because the transverse spring setup front & back was never meant to carry that speed. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for all your great videos. I don't have one yet, but I'm thinking a Model A would be great and you do so much to help me understand the vehicle better. Again, thanks so very much

Love your show and your enthusiasm for your classic automobile and your patience. Please keep up motoring.

Beautiful cars and radios, keep having fun!

Really enjoy your videos. Lots of information and a little bit-o-fun! Keep it up.

Thanks Paul for the interesting video. A friend had a Model A coupe in high school.

Hi Paul! Love watching the channel, I learn more about my A all the time with your videos. Would you consider doing a more in depth video about the brakes, replacement, adjustment, parts options and such? There’s a lot of opinions out there and I’m curious about yours.

I never comment on videos, maybe I should. I'm pretty sure I've watched every single one of your Model A videos. I didn't find a cough in a carload. That one goes way back, ask your Dad. I followed your brake adjustment video and nearly gave my daughter whiplash. Wish I had a photo of the day we checked my post video brake adjustment by firmly stepping hard on the pedal. I told her to be ready, but sort of tongue-in-cheek based on past experience. I was shocked myself when ole Phaeton shut down and skidded in a perfectly straight line. Best antique brakes I've ever had. And I NEVER wonder if something's going to happen when I hit the pedal. That's happened in other old cars - it's a really bad feeling. Looking forward to watching you "sort out" that new Roadster. By the way, cranking with your right arm, your thumb will be the least of your worries when it's attached to a broken right arm. But I digress. Hope you use your left arm on "strange" cars.

Thanks for all the answers. I just recently stumbled across your channel. I've had a fondness for older technologies since I was a kid. I have a few phones from the '30s through '50s that do work, and a couple of tube type radios and a TV that don't work. I love older black and white TV shows and moves, and would happily watch them on my tube type TV, which I think is from the '40s, if it worked. I doubt I'll ever be able to afford a Model A, but I'll be looking forward to your buyer's guide. So far, the oldest vehicles I've owned were from the '70s. You mentioned sorted Model A's a few times. Do you sort them alphabetically, or chronologically? :-) Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I'm a fellow boomer who loves your positive attitude and happy demeanor. With a lovely and fun wife plus a beautiful collection of classic cars, I can see why you're enjoying life. Congratulations! Keep up the videos and ignore the haters. It is so sad they can't enjoy what really matters.

You have great videos on the model a. Very informative and helpful. I hope to find one some day and when and if I do I plan on driving it as much and long as possible. I love the durable practical simplicity. Being a mechanic and seeing how cars and trucks have evolved (and sometimes not for the best) I couldn't think of a better car. Thanks for the video. By the way you might have covered it but when hand cranking an A especially cold how do you use the choke?

As a late arrival to your channel I just watched this video. First of all I have to say I like your attitude. Life is too short to make everything a life or death issue. I have probably watched a dozen or so of your videos and learned something in each an every one. If I was 20 years younger I would be looking to get me a Model A to adopt. Well done on all your content. Keep those videos coming.

Great video !!! I also do old tube Radio ( have many around the house ) and have a '29 Pick-up that I truly love. Keep up the good work.

Great video. Just found your channel. I had a 1930 coupe way back. They are out of my price range now but I still enjoy em. Thank You!

When growing up back in the late '60's and '70's, my uncle built/restored his own Model A's. He had a '30 coupe, '31 truck (think that was the correct year) and his prize was a '28 Phaeton (a real beauty). He drove the coupe and pickup daily everywhere, had no other cars and did all his maintenance. I loved going for rides with him which fortunately was a couple of times a week back during those days. He passed away recently (96 yrs old) and the vehicles are still owned and driven by my cousins. What a wonderful legacy. Wish I lived closer to see these today. Watching your videos brings back so many memories and are inspirational. Thank you and here's to hoping I'll get my own "A" in the future.

Thank you for all this info!! 👍👍

Good clean fun video. So refreshing. I have wanted a model A for soooo long. Maybe one day.

I love your videos. Very interesting and informative. I now want a Model A because of your videos. Keep 'em comin'

Thank you for the Q and A. I can’t believe what some people say! Keep up educating us and ignore the silliness.

Dear Mr. Shinn, Thanks so much for this and all your videos. My earliest childhood memory (age 4) is of my sitting on my late mother's lap, with my late favorite aunt holding my late older brother on her lap, riding in the rumble seat of my favorite uncle's 1930 Model A Deluxe Roadster, with him in the passenger seat and my late father driving. It had yellow spoke wheels, chocolate brown fenders and a tan body. Stunning car. My uncle, now 81, still has it, but it has sadly deteriorated to the point where a complete, frame-off restoration is needed. In one of your videos, you mentioned how often you are asked what your cars are worth, and your response truly resonated with me, that it's the experience of driving or riding in a Model A that is the true value which can not be measured in dollars and cents. That said, I have been inspired to part with my show-quality 1980 MGB and acquire an early 1930 Fordor, well sorted, in the very near future. I absolutely love my MGB, but alas, I can not resist the call and desire to sit behind the wheel and look over that long, steel hood at a chrome swan pointing the way, and lifting my spirit under its wings. Keep up the great work!

So much new information! Love learning about old fords!

Very Good! Very well answered. Facebook is full of people who think,well without being rude,that they are better than anyone else and that they have all the answers to all the questions.I live in Norway and its like this here to. Once i had a 1930 Fordor Sedan Delivery and its still alive today,with bright red wheels! Looks stunning. I only know of two of those in my country,my ex '30 and one 1928/29.Looking forward to your next video!

Thank you for the video! I would love to own a Model A some day and all your videos are enjoyable and educational. Regarding the color scheme on your Cabriolet, I love it! I was surprised to hear the comments. My favorite one you own is your olive green Tudor. Keep up the videos, they’re great! I always look forward to seeing new ones.

Love your videos!! Very professionally done. Lot’s of good detail. Made me want to buy a Model A . . .

Hi Paul! Love your content! I am a college student and my father is a huge model a enthusiast who absolutely loves your videos! I think yours may be the only RU-vid videos he views on a regular basis😀. I actually learned how to drive on his 1931 Tudor when I was 7-8 years old and no other car have I quite the fondness for like I do the Model A. Please continue to publish such informative and entertaining content as it makes “boomers” like my dad and even old-souled millennials like myself extremely happy. Happy Motoring! John

Great video, Paul! I learn something with every new video.

Well Paul, I have really (again) enjoyed, in this case the fantastic way you where throwing back the ball to those Hmmmmm questions and comments. You can rest assure, that I am learning a lot from your videos, and one has to be very grateful to have a person like you that produce these video’s. I am here in the Caribean with my 1930 model A, and you are so many miles away, teaching us all your experiences and beautiful video’s. Paul thanks, these comments all you serviced, with great respect, I admire your patience 🧐. Regards Myron Jacobs

Great site, I admire the work and care you give to your vehicles, definitely a fan !!!

Love the video and I love your attitude and spot-on response to some of your questions. Keep up the great work and thank you very much for sharing your vast knowledge with your viewers!

Here in NZ there are umpteen clubs specialising in UK and American cars...take your pick. Years ago when we had a bit more money we bought a bright blue 1960 Morris Minor 1000..... Bit of money and some rust repairs later...it would carry all 5 of us, buzzing around New Plymouth...out into the mildly hilly countryside, even in 2nd gear around the seriously steep and twisty mountain road up to the snow at 700m. It cruised happily at about 75kmh... developing speed shudder past 80.Great car..started first time every time and a light touch joy to drive.

Paul, thank you so much for your most sensible, informative videos. I am getting my first Model A today..it has been well restored, it’s a beauty, runs great, stops great and I’m going to have fun! I appreciate your time and effort to produce great videos. While haters gonna hate, lovers of Model A’s gonna love. They are wonderful cars!

Your videos are the best! Most inspiring on RU-vid. Thanks brother. -David Gillespie

Love your comments about mechanical breaks being dangerous. I have a 47 Monarch and had a mechanic tell me I should upgrade to disk brakes. My answer was it only has 100 horsepower and enough braking power to bounce your head off the dash. Take care love the videos

Love the wheels and the radios!

Excellent Video and helpful! - Thank You Paul!

First time watching. Excellent presentation, entertaining and very informative. Old Tube radios & old cars is something we both have in common. Thank you.

After several months I finally got my 1930 Model A Coupe back from the Model A Garage in Luray, VA. It is pretty close to yours except mine has a red pin strip and black wheels to match the finders. I had the Model A Garage go completely through my Model A and they replaced the drums and brakes. If anyone has never driven a vehicle with mechanical brakes the brakes will take some "getting use to". You can't compare them to power brakes but the brakes will lock up if you can put about 40 pounds of pressure on the brake pedal; definitely not a brake for weak legs. I changed my ignition to electronic to avoid the "weeping" head gasket and also just to make driving it easier. I don't regret that one bit! It is rough riding and definitely made for a generation with a smaller girth (try fitting two people in that jump seat today). I drive mine because it is a "time capsule"; I love history and .... because the Model A is a work of art! Thanks for keeping us educated on this living piece of American history.

Paul, Watched this again. I loved your answers...all of them. I am a mid-aged Boomer with a 1928 Model AA Truck (acquired 2016) well sorted w old but very nice restoration, and in 2021 a 1931 Deluxe Phaeton out of California (tired of not being able to travel w/ Model A club as AA is a 28-30 MPH vehicle) and it looks good from 10 ' and has had a lot of issues that I have been fixing (springs, shocks, junk in fuel tank, clogged pressurized radiator, etc.). Oh by the way I was am not offended...at all... laughed often at the things that matter to some people and again at your great answers... ;

Thank you for all the information, the humor, and for being Paul.

I swear some people have just nothing else to do but be miserable. I absolutely love the colors that Ford used on it's model A's. I think the Hessian blue color is outstanding!! and I love the pale yellow with your green model A. In fact it was something that delighted me when I found out that these colors were the original. I think we all have it in our minds that life was in black and white 100 years ago, because of the old film we see of these cars. I am so happy I found your channel!! I am ready to buy a model A. I was initially looking at a model T, perhaps I might have to get both.lol 😊

Great video! Loved how you handled the "unsafe car " comments.You made me appreciate my 30 A all the more.(and I'v owned it 25 years!)Have to wait a bit to drive it again here in NJ with almost 20 inches of snow out there.

Great info on adjusting the timing correctly! I was wondering about the starting procedure as well. I think it may have been Jay Leno that got everyone worked up on the way to hold the crank.

The comment about holding the crank 'properly'... I saw that video and remembered my uncle saying a Model A Ford crank broke my grandmother's wrist one winter during WWII... I asked her about it, her answer was simply... 'I didn't set the advance right.... and the crank was frozen in a the catch'.

Thanks Paul, another great video.

Thanks on so much for what you do!!!!!!! I bought mine and was basically on my own. No club membership. No mechanical experience. And honestly freaking out because I had fell in love with a car had it shipped to me 1000 miles . And was afraid I had made a mistake. You are helping so many like me keep the confidence to keep working and keep these cars we love. Im a big fan!! Keep up the great job!

Great video Paul. Thanks again...

I subscribed to your channel. I like your outgoing honesty. My father rode in patched together model A's as a kid. I still remember the stories.

Got one of the last Harley Davison sidecars made mounted on a FLHT08 bike. Love retro. Cool vid

Great video, Paul. Good on you for being yourself and being such a great advocate for the Ford Model A. There are many, many misconceptions about the road worthiness and safety of pre-war cars. Pre-war brakes on most makes are fine when properly maintained and adjusted. Like your Model As, I can lock the wheels on my Pierce Arrow and it weighs just under 5,000 pounds! And my Pierce has rod actuated brakes just as your Fords do. A properly sorted pre-war car is safe to drive in modern traffic as long as some idiot in a jelly bean doesn't smash into you while texting.

Paul, just listening to you about the cars and the radios. This reminds me of when I was a kid. My grandmother had a cathedral style radio. As a youngster, I was very curious about everything and I was fascinated by the fact that a program would flow out of this unit. So, I had to find out where the voice came from. Not plugging the radio in, I took the back off and proceeded to take the tubes out, removed the chassis, flipped it over, and removed every component out of it. Guess what, I never found the magic voice. BTW, I used my granny's best sheers to cut out all the resistors and capacitors. She was a seamstress. Lets just say my deed didn't go over well. I got a whipping for two transgressions. As an engineer, I'm sure you've seen a lot of updates over the years. I've been a sound guy myself for many years and volunteer at the local senior center as their audio guy.

Never heard of this guy Doug, only Paul Shinn. I appreciate this piece of Q&A as I could never figure out why my 30’ roadster was choking when running it at top speed. I guess it is being starved of lubricating oil?? It gets jerky when the pedal is to the floor in 3rd. I haven’t installed an OD yet. Thanks Paul!! Russell - SFV, CA Chapter Pres.

Man you've got a video for darn near everything! Very helpful information 👍

Great video, I am currently building my first model A, a 1930 pickup, and always come to your videos to help.

Thanks a bunch great information.

Excellent video! I am looking forward to the buyers guide video, as I want to purchase my first drivable model A. (35 years ago or so I owned a 30-31 converted with a tractor back end for farming. )

I like your down to earth thoughts on all things model a. I have watched several of your video’s and liked them all. Greetings from Canada.

Paul Thanks for your videos and your knowledge. I have learned a lot from you and your videos. A lot of the guys in our club highly respect you. Thanks Bob

Got some laughs on this. Comments on the brakes were great. In my teens I remember driving my 1970 Impala with all drums hard to the point of losing stopping capabilities - now that was scary! Big car, bigger horsepower, and when the drums were overheated from overuse THAT was scary. Look forward to the next series sorting out the next car, as sometimes I think I bought a hooptie.

I really enjoyed the video, great job!