@@DimitrisTheodopoulos before like 1988 or so..... no car had a check engine light. and before 1996... (aka, when OBD2....On-Board Diagnostics) came out..... the OBD1 system was USELESS! . OBD1 only really cared about emissions stuff..... it would tell you if an oxygen sensor was bad...or coolant temp sensor was shorted to ground but would not tell you stuff like "misfire on cylinder 2" . pre-OBD..... you just had a temp, oil pressure, and alternator gauge.... and you knew if their was a misfire by feeling it in your butt / listening to the motor . to find your missfire.... you wound unplug a spark plug wire if the engine ran worse.... that cly was working if you un-hooked a wire.... and got no change.... that was your bad cylinder . or, if all cylinders had spark.... you would spray water on the exhaust manifold..... and where ever it didnt turn to steam..... that was your bad cly . im 26 years old.... but own a LOT of older stuff (68 impala, 77 chevy pickup, 74 kawi motorcycle) on a v8.... its kinda hard to tell if one clyinder is missing . but you will notice a SLIGHT shake at idle.... vastly reduced MPG.... and less power. the exhaust will also sound different.... but you need to "have an ear" for that .
basically.... if it ran smooth, had good power and fuel economy....wasnt making noises that were not their yesterday.... and all your gauges were "in the green" it was running perfectly. . now days.... your lucky to get a temperature gauge....
There's so much misinformation in other videos and you went over everything perfectly. I also really like the "driver" condition you left the car in. It looks decent, but it's also not a museum piece that you have to worry about every little ding or paint chip, either. You're driving the car and enjoying it as a driver the way it was intended. Great video, man. Thanks.
When we don’t share the knowledge we have it gets lost, and a whole line of generations can miss out. Thanks for sharing so the next generation can enjoy these simple yet complex interactive machines.
your government are gonna take away your car and give you a remote controlled washing machine, and when your grandson asks where's the car grandad, you can tell him it's locked in the garage with his freedom.
A lot of countries in Europe place lots of emphasis on mechanical ins and outs as part of curriculum in driving school, and many such questions pop up on the written exam. Oh, and forget about automatics in driver's ed. Everything is done on standards.
Ironically, the model T actually had the more advanced transmission design, but otherwise was quite the antique, how true! Dad used to call the model A the Modern A, it was in every other way a huge advancement over the T. The T had a top speed of around 45 or 50 mph, I forget what the A could do... Maybe 80?
@@chuckkottke True, the planetary-band Model T transmission didn't have what we call a "clutch " today and was the basis for modern automatic transmission design!
My Pontiac Fiero has a similar shift pattern, but R is up, then 1st is to the right, down to second, up to third, down to fourth. I've almost backed into people before lol.
@@hehexd8089 No 1st gear has always been forwards where reverse is on this one. Driven at least 10 different vehicles in the UK in the last 10 years and has been in the same place on every one.
I recently got a '28 Model A, and am learning how to shift it smoothly. Quite a feat for a guy used to syncromesh transmissions. I almost gave up and thought the trans had problems, until a friend came by and took it for a spin. He upshifted/downshifted like he had one for 20 years, though it was his first time ever driving an A. Why did he do so well? He's a retire truck driver, starting in the early '70s on B model Macks which had a non-synchro sliding spur gear tranny just like the As have. He said it drives very similar to an old truck, so he knew how to do it. He gave me a couple of lessons so far, and I'm pretty good with upshifting - still need practice for the tricky 3-2 downshift. Fun car, will be more fun when I am better.
Double clutching is a great thing to learn for any car. You don't need to do it for upshifts but even modern cars you should always rev match and double clutch to preserve your syncros and tranny.
@TF C Are you saying to not use the clutch while down shifting from 3rd to 2nd, just give it a bit of a rev and feel for 2nd? That's the trickiest gear change, and the one I have had the most trouble with.
I learned to drive without the clutch, just in case, didn't actually take long to learn, even downshifting, double clutching is essentially the same, except you clutch before neutral, then again before putting it into gear. To get a feel for it, try bringing it to higher speed in 2nd gear so you can hear how fast the engine needs to be going at a few different speeds and rev it slightly beyond that point in neutral so that they drop to roughly the right speed by the time you get it in gear, it becomes intuitive and you have a bit more lee-way than with clutch-less shifting, which I can do very consistently without hitting the wall or grinding gears, if I can do it, anyone can!
@@mattfarahsmillionmilelexus With a truck you can float, but not on one of these...the correct way to downshift would be to clutch in and go to neutral, blip throttle, then clutch in and put it into gear. Thats how these were intended to be shifted, and will slide into gear effortlessly once your timing is right. Its how manual trucks must be shifted for CDL tests here too so it made getting in one of these and shifting EASY
Love to see someone who's passionate enough about something that so little people know about today and actually teach it to others. Great watching for 26 year old whoa never driven anything older than 1992
my favorite thing about this car is how you do all the tuning on the go, if something isnt right you just adjust spark or fuel, no need to get your laptop out and re-flash the ecu.
@@danielslobodyanyuk6067 Most piston aircraft run this exact same way. Minus the spark control. It's absolutely fine and safe. Your engine is highly unlikely to overheat. If anything your plugs would foul from forgetting to lean the engine. If your engine begins to heat up, just cut back the throttle and make the mixture a bit richer.
@@danielslobodyanyuk6067 It's called a thermostat bro. They've been in use for the past 100 years. My 66 Chevy pickup is my daily driver. I have this thing called a radiator. If you pay attention to your gauges you'll be fine.
What an incredible advancement over the Model T. You no longer need to be an octopus to drive it! What is truly incredible is that just about everything today is based up improvements to machines from the past. These automobiles were based upon pure imagination and engineering. Although, I suppose they copied the wheels from a horse buggy. Wonderful video. Thanks!
Probably the biggest advance over the model T was the brakes. In the model T, the "brakes" (or brake) was a band in the transmission, so it was rear wheel only, and very poor braking even for rear only. The model A had four wheel drum brakes. They were mechanical, rather than hydraulic linkage, but worked pretty well provided shoes were in good condition and they were adjusted properly.
@@russlehman2070 HeyRuss, that reminds me… I need to redo the brakes on my Suburban. I keep forgetting, and every time I drive off, there’s that scrubbing sound on the right rear. Dang it!
My friend and his dad found a 1930 Model A coupe in what are referred to now as "barn finds" around 1968 or '69. They spent a few weeks tinkering on it and when it was time to try and start it it sputtered then started right up. I used to tease him that it was merely a tractor with a "car" body on it. I had a 1946 Willy's at the time. Talk about a street going tractor:) 45 mph top end. RIP you two, and thanks for the great fun we had and for the memories.
There was a very large catalog of attachments and farm implements for the Willy;s. Farmers were their target demographic. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, eh?
Thanks I am 65yrs old and have driven stick shifts off an on since I was 18 I never knew what double clutching was since every car and motorcycle I have driven was full syncro thanks for the clear tutorial.
There are about a dozen or so "how to drive your Model A" vids on You Tube. This is the very best I have seen. Technically you are on point at every item and you don't miss ANY important issues. Video and Audio are very good and your Play by Play is just awesome as well. Thanks for a job very well done!
Its whatever you get used to, its all muscle memory. I'm sure somebody that drove that car everyday could be so shitfaced that they couldn't walk straight but would flawlessly shift that transmission.
i'm sure there are many hours in history where people have been trying and failing to start on of these things completely drunk after a dinner party lol
I used your instruction to help me get a '28 Model A running after 35 years of sitting; it's a wreck but you can bet my choke, mixture and spark advance was correctly set! She fired right up and ran strong. The oddly dust-smelling smoke cleared quickly and an eager running motor was left doing its thing.
It looks like you have converted it to AC. My father had one , 1929 model, that he drove from 1956-1960. It wouldn't go more than 50 MPH. He would carry my mother and four of us kids in it. I remember the mechanical brakes and clutch that required adjusting . Sometimes my father would start it by hand cranking. Driving an old car like that is such a thrill.
I had the exact same one from 1970 to 1990. I drove it to work several times including on the Interstate. Mind would go 65 mph and people would raise their thumb in approval. But would push the coolant out the fill cap until slowing down to 50 mph.
You mean to alternator? I noticed it had an alternator (with a label stating 6 volts positive ground), but I really don't think it had an air conditioner.
An alternator produces alternating current (hence the name) but they have built in rectifiers to convert their AC output to the DC that a car needs. I expect what the OP meant was "It looks like you have converted it to an alternator". I've done that myself on a Studebaker that I needed to get running to drive to work, but oddly while you can get a single wire alternator at any parts store 50 year old generator parts are harder to come by!
it was a necessity rather than a feature. the old cars coudn't do this themselves and had to rely on the driver to set them up properly. now these adjustments still happen, but a computer takes care of them for you.
This is the only video that actually made sense to me. Thank you for posting this, explaining everything clearly, and showing your feet and pedals while driving.
alwcurlz, the model A had a curb weight of 2,265 pounds (US). The average mid sized sedan these days have around a 3,600 pound curb weight. The fact that newer cars added the weight yet they actually get slightly better economy, and can drive faster is pretty good if you ask me. Oh yeah, and newer cars are much safer too.
06MustangGT4.6L 2A I read an article years and years ago by Peter Egan about the demise of courtesy with modern conveniences. He was talking about abs at the time making everyone a tailgating fool. It's only gotten worse. You know Vw was almost done in the states in the early 90s? They weren't sellin cars, and a study showed it was because of a lack of cupholders.
I did get a chuckle when he said "you should always start it totally retarded" That seems to sum up so many drivers today, they just keep driving that way. Anyway, really cool video. really enjoyed this.
Appreciate you taking the time to correctly describe the starting and driving techniques of your Model A ! I am paralyzed from my neck down, and it is very difficult to correctly explain how to start and drive my 1929, I inherited it from my dad some years ago, but after my injury. Much easier to visualize what I have been trying to explain ! Thank you again !
@@danzeldiaz7447 Unfortunately, due to my obvious limitations, my Senior mechanic God love him, he had been able to take my coaching, and translate my instructions, word by word and bring my dad's 29 Ford back to life ! ( Along with every one of those wonderful memories as I sat next to my dad ) !!! Sadly now, unfortunately, both my dad, and Elmer, have since passed away ! 😢 I can't begin to express how badly I miss them both ! Thank you so much for your comment !
Thanks for the great videos Jason. It helped me make the decision to buy a model A. Now that I have one I can say your video shows exactly what it's like!
Thanks for explaining ignition timing and advance, and also for demonstrating double clutch. Driving was so involved back then..., nearly a hundred years ago now!
I think you did a wonderful job.Im getting a 1929 ford Model A ,left side drive soon and I'm learning a lot from you.I just have to do it opposite arm.....wish me luck.I drive standard now and double clutch looks real easy to me.Thank You for the video.Beautiful Car by the way.
Jason, The car sounds really good and runs strong. Great brake adjustment. If I might make a few observations. I used to have just a fuse block sitting on the starter motor and used to remove the fuse when not running the car. Ultimately, because of the repeated in and out, the fuse in the block did not make a good connection. Once having added the cut off switch under the hood as you have, removing the fuse is no longer necessary. I'm a little confused about the constant need to adjust the spark. I've hung around with a lot of old-timers who rarely adjusted the spark once it was started. Depending on the set of your points, your sweet spot is about 2/3rds to 3/4 s advanced. And as you said, it rarely goes down all the way (50 and above). Great car, everyone should have at least one Model-A in their garage.
I just love these old cars. A friend of mine has a 1932 Chevy and it is similar to this. I have helped him work on it and some of the mechanicals are amazing.
Beautiful car sounds and runs sweet and you drive it well. Great presentation which clearly shows how to successfully shift a "crash" box. If I was being critical I would suggest down shifting a bit more, especially when approaching a stop to give more engine braking and control but the old car does pull pretty nicely in top gear from low speed so maybe no real need.
I was a porter back on 2008; for a friends eclectic car collection. I can’t remember what I drove but this seemed the most familiar instructions I received. Awesome video.
Jason, I have to say you have done the best instructional video ever when it comes to helping someone understand more about the works of the Model A. I would sure like to connect with you to pick your brain. Thank you again
Well produced video. Probably the best tutorial on starting and driving the Model A correcting some misconceptions on RU-vid. The choke - fuel mixture control was thoroughly explained which isn't the case with other Model A videos. Was 240W gear oil standard on Model A's? It does seem to shift very smoothly with it though.
@@laurenquartzdibiancafrye2250 Wow! I never knew that the recommended weight for transmission oil was so high. I could see why you'd have to warm up the engine and transmission of cold days to operate them.
Nice video the correct way to start. Hey! I can drive this (truck driver), it's like a mini semi shifting with only 3 gears (double clutch) Semi's have on average 9 - 10 gears and go up 13, 15 & 18. This is so cool.
Thanks for the video. I am picking up my first Model A tomorrow. Also a 1929. It is a Coup with rumble seat. I drove my dad's model A about 10 years ago. Only 4 miles out in the rural farm country. I drive semi trucks but seldom have to double clutch those as they are easy to "Float shift".
Model A was a revolutionary car, it was one of the first mass produced cars to have the shifter, brakes, clutch, gas pedal etc standardized to what we know today. IE if Mr Burton had been in the passenger seat and explained to me how to start it, how to work the hand throttle and spark advance, I have no doubt I'd be able to drive that car and have it figured out within a couple miles. Something like a Model T or other old car from the 1900's/1910's, well I'd struggle, there is a lot more of a learning curve.
Thanks !! Super Helpful, Super informative. I just got a 29 Roadster, and Start/Drive was a mystery. Throttle/Jet knob helped a bunch too !!!! I'm a 60's era guy. Many thanks for your video, and the shifting as well. No Synchro's is a skill for sure, but no better pure,Raw Auto history than this Era. I'm proud to own her.
went on a road trip with my grandpa the other day with his model a club. he let me drive and i think i got everything, except for the downshift... you made it look too easy.
After watching this it really made me admire vacuum advancing on distributors. I never really thought about manually having to do it while you drive. We really had made it to a set it for your application and forget it milestone with vacuum advancing in points type and HEI distributors.
1/17/23 We live in northwest Massachusetts and in a few months will move to Assisted Living where we went to look at their accomodations last fall. They have a garage which is a great big barn and at the front was a beautiful dark green 1930 Model A owned by an elderly lady who no longer can drive it, but she told me it had been in her family since new up in the Adirondack mountains of northern New York. I told her I'd love to get a ride in it and see how it operates as they had largely disappeared in the late Forties when I was a young boy. Apparently there are two younger men in her family who visit from time to time and they would be willing to take me out. While much of it seems similar to later vehicles of the era, there clearly are items I am unfamiliar with unless they had been changed by 1930. Most informative.
That was really interesting. I had no idea you had to go through so much just to get those classic cars started. It doesn't take much more to start a helicopter
not quite true - - there were "cars" before Henry Ford's but he is the one that came up with the production line idea to mass produce them. Original cars were referred to as horseless carriages because makers of horse drawn carriages modified their carriages to be self powered with steering and brakes
Ha! I learned double clutching on my '97 Miata, after I wore out the syncros in 4th and 5th, from being lazy and clutchless shifting into those gears for many years.
This is a great demo. In a way, it does help why I bought a 1927 Chevy Capitol AA series touring car. Don’t know if this was factory standard. But a Delco 635B distributor with the automatic spark advance came with it. Still had the manual control on the column for start-up, but that was according to the manual that then wrote to advance it slightly and let the 635B distributor take over. The Chevy also had the Stewart Warner Vacuum Pump on the manifold, sucking gas from the tank at the back-end. Plus it had the 3-speed “Standard”.
Very well guided indeed.......how I wish I could own one of this Beauty......we can't see any of this machine in the Far East.....once again Well done buddy......appreciate for sharing the great experience............!
Wow, love those brakes! Mine almost falls into that "scary to drive category" that you mentioned lol. It's good to know that they can be adjusted to be that good. I have heard that the high compression heads lead to rod bearing failure, which is what yours sounds like at idle. Definite knock on one cylinder.
"Now, remember folks: Most cars from the '20s were still equipped with internal combustion engines since electrics had a very limited range and were more expensive back then. Auto-drive was also still in its infancy, so you had actual humans steering those cars in public traffic. Countless lives were cut short because of human drivers and toxic exhaust fumes. Anyway, instead of thinking about your destination and having you car drive you there, you had to do pretty much everything by yourself. Granting yourself access to the car via remote key, opening the door, applying a safety belt, starting the ignition, the entertainment systems and the transmission..."
Great video! Have my eye on one and just days away from final decision. Have a model T already but not as cool as this mint model a I found with a rumble seat. Enjoyed watching and leaning
My Pops bought a coupe and a tudor before I was born in 68 and cobbled the parts from the coupe which was much worse than the tudor into the car we have today. I still say we but he passed last year and now I am working on keeping it going as long as I can. I got it started today for the first time since he last ran it himself before he died. Funny after sitting for over a year it fired off and ran great on the 2nd try. I did have a cheat sheet for all the settings but I had never did it myself and it felt pretty good to get it up and running. Battery tenders are GOLD. Now I need to check the brakes and address the tires as they are pretty old and showing some cracks. It just took me some time to warm up to the idea of having this car as my own. Ive had a foxbody Ive ripped around in and built on for years and never thought this A would interest me. I guess just took getting a little older. Cool old machines these are.
That was most enjoyable! I once delivered a '28 Graham Paige, that I had rebuilt the engine on, 207 inch six with a centre gas pedal, and was worried about that! However, I made a superb job of it from the get go, didn't crunch a gear once, and it made real good progress in modern traffic. No A/C or music tho' lol!
Jason Burton you're the first one that I heard your model A shifting and didn't cringe Great Job. Looks like it has a more modern Alternator an improvement over the old generators. I recently filmed a 1931 Ford Model A at Black Bear car show in Chatsworth GA
