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Glad I paid $2 for this at a yard sale...I don't know if it's worth that but what a strange omen as I'm working on one. Found some notes and stuff inside. Only thing I learned is repo parts were cheap in the 70's.....
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And quality just that...cheap -
I was contemplating buying one of those books. Guess I won't bother.Alaskan A's
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Model A Ford Club of America
Model A Restorers Club
Antique Automobile Club of America
Mullins Owners ClubComment
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Yes, the photo quality isn't the best, but there is still some useful info in the book.. I bought mine used on eBay. I was glad I didn't pay full price for a new one.Comment
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I agree. I bought mine for $10 at a swap meet, and am also glad I didn't have to pay full price.Originally posted by ddweave View Post
As you say, it still has some useful information, and to find the book for only $2 is a real bargain.Comment
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The parts were not cheaper in the 70's ... in real money terms anyway ....Originally posted by Beauford View Post
The problem was that the money was worth much more... true story ... 45 years from now you will say the same thing about today's prices.
It is inflation that has eroded the value of the money.
Example In 1969 when got back from Vietnam I was making $307 a month (that included Combat pay, overseas pay and Proficiency pay) as a Specialist E5 in the Army.
A new 1969 VW Type III Fastback (the fancy larger model with 30 % more HP) was $2300.
In 1973 a new Type III Squareback station wagon was $3300.
In 1976 a new VW Dasher Fastback was $5200.
as you can see , the money was simply worth more back then and rapidly decreased in value.Last edited by benson; 06-14-2017, 10:13 PM.Comment
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I happen to like that book just fine, and it had a lot of good info and pics in it that were not widely available when the book was new. Mack Hils did a lot for restorers of that era.Originally posted by Beauford View Post
http://www.mackhilsmetalfabrication.com
I suppose many of you think the 'red book' is the fountain of knowledge, but I have always been put off by it and its many mistakes.
I have no use for it.
Here is the primary resource list (which is still available) which I recommend:- Ford Model A Instruction Book, 1928-31 whatever year is right for your car. (instructions)(authenticity)
- Ford Service Bulletins, 1928-31 (instructions)(theory)(heavy repair)(authenticity)
- Victor Page's Model A Repair, 1928 (instructions)(theory)(heavy repair)
- The Model A Ford as Henry Built It, by George DeAngelis and Ed Francis, several editions since 1980 (authenticity)(especially for body details)
- Restoration Guidelines & Judging Standards, 2016, MARC & MAFCA (authenticity)(chassis, body, and trim details)
- Anything by Murray Fahnestock, 1928-1966 (instructions)(methods)(theory)(authenticity)
- Anything by Lorin Sorenson, books, magazines, videos (history and context of Ford operations and products)
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I hear ya about the misinformation in the red book and totally agree. I do reference it at times but i know the good from the bad. It can definitely screw up the uninformed for sure.
I wonder why it was never revised to eliminate these issues?Comment
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Probably not corrected for the dame reasons vendors these days won't correct wrong info. I don't know how many times I have drawn to their attention things like install the big end caps with the dipper facing the passenger's side. WRONG!!! Well, at least it is wrong here. I wonder if a law suit over a destroyed engine would get their attention? There are several cases of similar poor advice given. In the example above, why not say "Install he dippers facing the cam shaft"? That would be correct everywhere. (and easier for the guy putting the motor together) The red book has it's share of boo boos too.
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I've worked around machinery all my life but this rear end job has been the dirtiest tasks I've done in a long time. Yesterday, I emptied the bucket I had used for cleaning the parts. I threw the bucket in the recycle bin rather than bother to try to clean it up. Now I have to try to clean up the slab where I'm working, it's a freaking mess! Years ago, There was someone offering, for a fee, this...03-16-2018, 11:40 AM -
I know the consensus is already established about Macs auto parts BUT they sure have a detailed illustrated catalogue that has been quite informative to my needs . FWIW.02-18-2018, 07:13 AM -
Thinking about whether or not this is a proposition. Any advice?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-A-M...vHqH:rk:1:pf:010-18-2018, 10:12 PM -
In dealing with your overall Model A experience, what one particular thing has AMAZED you MOST?
Bill W.07-21-2017, 02:32 PM -
"If the driveline on the A is properly restored to factory specs (keep in mind I'm not talking Judging Standards but Ford original specs for fit) it is a VERY reliable car."
This was a comment from a knowledgeable professional restorer, Kevin in NJ, and though I have heard similar comments before, this one caught my attention for the distinction drawn between Judging Standards...12-27-2017, 08:39 PM -
A few years ago I started converting all my Model A books, manuals, and information into a digital format. I have been scanning stuff into the computer and then creating a PowerPoint presentation for each book or article according to subject. I have several completed for my personal use.I find it saves a lot of wear and tear on my books ( which aren't always inexpensive to buy). If needed I can print...10-22-2018, 03:00 PM -
I've never liked the term 'driver'. i understand the intended meaning but I've found it too often used as an excuse for shoddy workmanship, or trying to use really cheap quality parts.
It's like saying, rather than wiring my house I'll just use drop cords. Or if I run this pipe out the side of the house I won't have to plumb the kitchen. neither matter because the house is just used for living,...09-07-2018, 08:55 AM -
Don't overpay for used parts at auctions. They are a gamble, and I'm not good at gambling. There's usually a good reason the part still isn't being used on a car. I bought this block at an auction about 20 years ago, thinking it would be good. I never saw the crack until I had it magnafluxed. Just gotta love people who use plain water.
...07-16-2017, 06:30 AM -
Mitch on the dark side you mentioned a Snap On set that you really liked. Do you a have the part number? Or is there a better used kit that I could look for ?
...01-03-2018, 10:21 AM -
If you take a small soft cloth with some Simichrome and polish the rim, I'd bet it would look pretty good.
I've done the same on a few of mine.
The crack on the side of the rim is very common and won't show when mounted.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1928-1929-1...p2055119.m1438...06-14-2018, 10:02 PM
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