Technical Articles

Practical tips and technical articles for maintaining, repairing, and enjoying your Model A Ford.

200 Model A Articles and Technical Guides

Our collection includes 42 Tom Endy articles, 29 Shade Tree Mechanic articles by Wade Ratzlaff, and 129 additional articles and guides linked on this page.

Browse the 100 newest additions, visit the libraries, or choose an article below. Authors and publishing clubs are credited with their work.

Newest Additions

Model A Technical Articles from Around the World

Explore twelve technical articles hosted by Model A clubs in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Each link opens the source article or PDF, with credit to its author and publishing club.

Canada — Lions Gate Model A Club

New Zealand — North Island Model A Ford Club

Australia — Model A Restorers Club of Western Australia

Great Britain — Quail Technical Research Index

Quail Magazine Archive Index, 1988–2020 — compiled by John Barrett, Model A Ford Club of Great Britain. Search the engine and cooling, drive train, brakes and steering, fuel, and electrical categories. This is an index; article copies must be requested from the club and may have a cost.

Our thanks to the authors and clubs for preserving Model A knowledge worldwide. Article rights and illustrations remain with their creators and publishers; these links take you to their original material.

Article Library

Tom Endy Articles
Browse 42 Model A Ford technical articles across eight topics, including engine and cooling, carburetors, electrical systems, brakes, rear axles, transmissions, overdrives, and workshop reference. Links open the original PDFs hosted by the Santa Anita A’s.

The Shade Tree Mechanic
Explore 29 Model A articles by Wade Ratzlaff, from maintenance and repairs to garage stories. Read online or download the PDF collection.

Need help with your A? Contact the A-Team.

Model A Chapters Beyond California

Explore 15 Model A clubs and chapters outside California. Find technical tips, workshop notes, newsletters and fellow Model A enthusiasts. Each link opens the chapter’s own website in a new tab.

Chapter / ClubStateWhat you’ll find
Tucson Model A Ford ClubArizonaVideo library catalog (loans for club members)
Natural State Model A ClubArkansasChapter website and restoration workshop information
Southside A’sGeorgiaSafety checklist, touring guidelines and resources
Naper A’s Model A Ford ClubIllinoisChapter website
Model A Ford Club of New JerseyNew JerseyChapter website and garage clinic activities
Model A Ford Club of Long IslandNew YorkTechnical documents, tips and repair presentations
Ohio Valley Region Model A Ford ClubOhioNewsletter archive with restoration tips and technical articles
Scioto Model A ClubOhioModel A resources and reference links
Penn Ohio Model A Car ClubOhio / PennsylvaniaTechnical tips and touring preparation
Sooner Model A ClubOklahomaSooner Scuttlebutt newsletter archive
Tulsa Model A Ford ClubOklahomaTechnical tips, starting and touring advice
Cedar Creek Model A Ford ClubTexasTechnical Topics page
Dallas Model A Ford ClubTexasWorkshop notes and technical library
Utah Valley Model A ClubUtahNewsletters with technical articles
Evergreen A’sWashingtonChapter website and seminar information

Links include public technical resources, newsletter archives and general chapter websites; availability varies by club.

More Technical Articles from Model A Chapters

Read these articles at their original source. Each creator and publishing club is credited below. Our thanks to the authors and clubs for sharing their knowledge.

Smoky Mountain Model A Club — Knoxville, Tennessee

Publisher for all six: The Rumble Seat Reviewer, Smoky Mountain Model A Club. Explore their complete technical archive.

MARC Research Resources

Model A Technical Index (PDF) — compiled by Tom Sieffert, January 2025; hosted by the Model A Restorers Club. Find topics in Model A News, The Restorer, and Model A Times.

MARC digital archive — original technical writing preserved by MARC. Archive access may require MARC membership.

Article rights remain with their creators and publishers. These links provide access to the originals; SFV has not reproduced their articles.

More Model A Technical Reading

Eight additional articles from The Rumble Seat Reviewer, published by the Smoky Mountain Model A Club. Select a title to read the original PDF.

Credit belongs to the named authors and the Smoky Mountain Model A Club. Full articles and illustrations remain at their original source. Browse the club’s technical article archive for more.

100 More Model A Technical Articles

Choose a collection below to explore practical workshop articles from the United States and Australia. Each title links to the publisher’s original article. Our thanks to every author and club for sharing their work.

United States — Smoky Mountain Model A Club (50 articles)
  1. Installing a Fordor Top – Mark Heavner (September 10, 2024)
  2. Minnie’s Fancy Lock – Steve Wickizer (December 1, 2020)
  3. Trailer Hitches for Your Model A – Vic Varady (June 1, 2010)
  4. Vacuum Windshield Wipers – An Overview – Bob Wyrick (February 1, 2005)
  5. Model A Brake Adjustment Using a Thermometer – Vic Varady (May 1, 2009)
  6. The Tillotson F1b Carburetor – Richard Lorenz (April 10, 2024)
  7. Carburetors for Model A Fords – Richard Lorenz (April 10, 2023)
  8. Simmons Carburetors – Bob Wyrick (March 1, 2023)
  9. Sunk Carburetor Float – Bob Helsel (October 1, 2022)
  10. Restoring a Rayfield R-I-F Carburetor – Bob Wyrick (April 1, 2020)
  11. How the Zenith Carburetor Secondary Well Functions – Richard Lorenz (September 1, 2019)
  12. The Tillotson X Carburetor – Bob Wyrick (January 1, 2010)
  13. Tillotson F-1B Careburetor – Baetke, Skinned Knuckles Sept 2008 (September 1, 2008)
  14. More of Uncle Bob’s Carburetor Tips – Bob Wyrick (May 1, 2004)
  15. More on Carburetors – Bob Wyrick (March 1, 2004)
  16. Zenith Carburetors – Bob Wyrick (December 1, 2003)
  17. Insulating the Plate Connector Tab in the Modern Distributor – Will Mcalexander (July 1, 2025)
  18. Distributor Jig – Will Mcalexander (May 1, 2025)
  19. Something About Model A Ford Distributors – Richard Lorenz (January 1, 2022)
  20. Distributor Upper Plates and Points – Richard Lorenz (August 1, 2013)
  21. Distributor Cams – Model A and B Cam Differences – Richard Lorenz (July 1, 2013)
  22. Distributor Testing Device – Richard Lorenz (June 1, 2006)
  23. Light Switch Spider Retainer Tool – Bob Wyrick (July 1, 2020)
  24. A Halo on a Model A – Jerry Gilpin (September 1, 2018)
  25. A New Look for the Plywood Pickup – Richard Lorenz (March 1, 2017)
  26. 95% of Ignition Problems are Electrical – Richard Lorenz (September 1, 2010)
  27. Report on My Electrical Seminar at Williamburg – Richard Lorenz (August 1, 2007)
  28. Does Your Model A Need an Oil Filter? – Vic Varady (January 1, 2025)
  29. New Model A Block – Vic Varady (October 1, 2021)
  30. The Cranky Starter – Bob Helsel (May 10, 2021)
  31. Fans Fail In Two Separate Incidents – Vic Varady (July 1, 2019)
  32. Model A Air Filters – Jerry Gilpin (November 1, 2018)
  33. Convenient Crank Modification for Timing – Vic Varady (November 1, 2017)
  34. Balancing a Flywheel, Part 2-The Spinning Wheel – Richard Lorenz (March 1, 2011)
  35. Balancing a Flywheel, Part 1-The Slow Roller – Richard Lorenz (February 1, 2011)
  36. The Rest of the Muffler Story – Richard Lorenz (June 1, 2010)
  37. What Kind Muffler Do I Have – Richard Lorenz (May 1, 2010)
  38. Setting the Timing, Timing for Power-Saving the Babbitt – Vic Varady (November 1, 2009)
  39. Blown Head Gasket – Vic Varady (June 1, 2009)
  40. Dealing With Oil Leaks – Bob Wyrick (December 1, 2008)
  41. A Diaper for Your Baby – Bob Wyrick (February 1, 2007)
  42. Dynamic Balancing Story – Richard Lorenz (December 1, 1997)
  43. Something About Exhaust Valves – Richard Lorenz (October 1, 1986)
  44. Fuel Shut Off Valve – Vic Varady (July 1, 2018)
  45. Gasoline – Vic Varady (July 1, 2010)
  46. Steering Problems – Vic Varady (January 1, 2019)
  47. A Different Front Seat – Jerry Gilpin (June 1, 2017)
  48. Steering Wheel Renovation – Bob Wyrick (December 1, 2010)
  49. Noise Makers – Richard Lorenz (March 8, 2024)
  50. Where Did That Dang Washer Go – Bob Helsel (April 1, 2020)

Published by The Rumble Seat Reviewer, Smoky Mountain Model A Club. Author names and publication dates accompany each title.

Australia — Model A Restorers Club of WA (50 articles)
  1. The Electrical System Pt.1
    Ray Mahony, Western Model A News, Dec/Jan 2014/15
  2. The Electrical System Pt.2
    Ray Mahony, Western Model A News, Feb/March 2015
  3. The Electrical System Pt.3
    Ray Mahony, Western Model A News, Mar/Apr 2015
  4. The Electrical System Pt.4
    Ray Mahony, Western Model A News, Apr/May 2015
  5. Dashboard Lamp
    Jim Cannon, 2017 MAFCA Technical Director
  6. Reading the Ammeter
    Paul Moller, The Restorer, as reprinted in Western Model A News, Jan 2016
  7. Points
    John Moorehead, MARC WA Newsletter, February 2012; additional spark-gap tip by Ray Mahony, Western Model A News, June 2013
  8. Spark Advance
    Jim Cannon, MAFCA Technical Director, Script A News July 2018
  9. Modern Condensers
    Nev Pearce (MAFC Qld), Western Model A News, July 2018
  10. Terminal Box
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News, Nov 2015
  11. Fuse Installation
    Jim Cannon, MAFCA, Western Model A News, Aug 2020
  12. Horn Rod Clip Tool
    Dick Przywitowski (taken from The AaaaOOOgah! LaFayette, Colorado ), as appeared in Western Model A News, March 2021
  13. Ignition Cam Screw
    Jim Cannon, MAFCA, as appeared in Western Model A News, May 2022
  14. LED Headlight Flickering
    Jim Conaway, Script A News Aug 2023, as appeared in Western Model A News, Feb 2024
  15. Ignition Misfires
    Jim Canon, MAFCA, as appeared in Western Model A News, April 2024
  16. Fuse Block Terminal Shorts
    Ted Lobley, Stampede City A’s (Script A News, Aug 2023, as appeared in Western Model A News, Dec 2024
  17. Horn Maintenance
    Paul R.Modlin, modelabasics.com, as appeared in Western Model A News, Nov 2025
  18. Distributor Shaft Lubrication
    Willie Priaulx, Central Iowa A’s, Script A News Feb 2026, as appeared in Western Model A News, April 2026
  19. Head Stud Lengths
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News, April 2013
  20. Bearing Clearances
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News, July 2014
  21. Head Gaskets
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News, April/May 2014 ?
  22. Head Stud Tensions
    John Watson, Western Model A News, March 2012
  23. Blocked Oil Breather
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News, May 2018
  24. Sump Removal – In Vehicle
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News, Sept 2013
  25. Manifold Gasket Repair
    Richard Bates, San Diego, California, as appeared in Ford Torque (MAFC of Vic), March 2020
  26. Ring Gear Fitting
    Dexter L. Blether, Longview, Texas, MAFCA On The Road via Ford Torque and Western Model A News, Feb 2022
  27. Ring Gear Repair
    John Wyld, Quill & Quail, Feb 2021 and Western Model A News, March 2023
  28. Defective Transmission Roller Bearing Design
    Tom Endy from Ford Torque Jan-Feb 2025 and Western Model A News, March 2025
  29. Clutch Pressure Plate – Locking-Down the Adjustors
    Tim Diehn, from NIMAFC May 2026, as appeared in the Western Model A News, June 2026
  30. Clutch Pedal Free Play
    Jim Cannon, Western Model A News, June 2020
  31. Tyre Changing
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News Jan 2012
  32. Newly Painted Wheels
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News Dec 2011
  33. Old Wheels
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News Sept 2012
  34. Wheel Cleaning
    Ray Mahony, Western Model A News June 2013
  35. Wheel Nuts
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News Dec 2012
  36. Rear Axle Thread Repair
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News Nov 2017
  37. Shock Absorber Servicing
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News Oct 2017
  38. Headlamp Bar Fitting
    Ron Andrews, Western Model A News December 2019
  39. Convex Mirrors
    Ian Steer, Western Model A News March 2022
  40. Types of Fans (to avoid!)
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News May/June 2015
  41. Fan Removal
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News Aug 2013
  42. New Hose Installation
    Jim Cannon, MAFCA, Western Model A News July 2020
  43. Coolants
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News Aug/Sept 2018
  44. Radiator Bolt Installation 1
    Ron Andrews, Western Model A News Feb 2020
  45. Radiator Bolt Installation 2
    Jim Cannon, MAFCA, Western Model A News, April 2021
  46. Wheel Alignment and Balancing
    Paul Kelly, Western Model A News, November 2025
  47. Front Wheel Bearings
    Western Model A News, January 2020, courtesy of Jim’s Tech Tip, Jim Cannon of MAFCA
  48. Early Brake Cross-Shafts
    John Moorehead, Western Model A News, Jan 2017
  49. Cast Iron Brake Drum Info
    Lynn Sondenaa, Volcano A’s, Western Model A News,, September 2020
  50. Brakes Description & Adjustment
    Alan Jeffree, Western Model A News, Feb/March 2014

Hosted by the Model A Restorers Club of Western Australia. Original authors, newsletters, and reprint sources are credited above.

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