How to charge cellphone in a Ford Model A with 6-volts

[@billebobb]

Paul, I’ve finally decided what is the most impressive thing about your videos is: no cussing! Unlike the rest of us who while tearing the hide off the backs of our hands come blue clouds of obscenities!! It’s either that or you’re quite good at editing❗️lol 😉

[@ModelA]

Ha ha! You're right Bill. I just don't use that sort of language in general. Especially mindful if a lady is present. Since a great number of people viewing these are ladies, I keep that in mind.

[@brentderksen6576]

I totally agree. Much more enjoyable without unnecessary language!!

[@pjcsmo]

I agree with each of you. I think that working at our hobbies should be possible without bad language. BTW, I now keep bandages in the garage to avoid getting blood on the new floors inside!

[@k6aaq64]

#1 is that he is a good man and #2 he is Professional

[@christianmccollum1028]

I didn't know the phones were capable of charging at less than 6v. You learn something new every doggone day. Thanks for the video, Mr. Paul.

[@ModelA]

Glad to help!

[@dykker5502]

The battery in the appliances are typically 3,6 volts, so.....

[@BarracudaBoy]

USB sockets made for boats work well for the Model A's 6 volt positive ground. Been using it in my car for almost 10 years now. Started by running my TomTom in it years ago.

[@patriot3431]

Now I got my grandson onboard for a model a Ford.

[@ModelA]

Excellent!!!

[@leahbarnacle6138]

thanks Paul great video! one thing to remind your readers is that once the power cord in plugged into the to the socket the phone end of the cord outside metal is still Negative and the Model A frame is positive. So do not have the phone end of the cord touch any metal it may be positive and will short and blow the fuse and or melt the end of the plug. Talking from experience. I have also added Blue tooth and a navigation to my A. Works great. Mama is happy!

[@ModelA]

Excellent point, Leah. Thanks for adding this!

[@AdamTillontheWeb]

What did you use for Bluetooth Leah, if you don’t mind my asking?

[@williamforbes5826]

Now why didn't I think of this? Kudos to you Paul! Now I can buy one AND keep momma happy!!

[@ModelA]

YES!!!!

[@williamforbes5826]

Wow! A response to a video from one year ago... Have you read any Robert A. Heinlein? He was the godfather of science fiction back in the fifties going into the sixties. His last book was published posthumously. This was by design. The title? 'Grumbles From the Grave'. Yup, we know that USB's are 5.0-5.2 or so. And we charge our cell phones from USB chargerd at 5 vdc! Right in front of my face! Thanks again! Razor blades, pool of alcohol! The info is useful, the humor is priceless!

[@ModelA]

Thanks Man!

[@paulscountrygarage9180]

Well done Paul. Don’t know how many times I’ve tried to explain that 12v isn’t necessary to charge a modern electrical device. My ‘non-relative’ and fellow Model T owner, John Hunter, is an electrical wiz and can explain it beautifully as you did. John has fitted a valve radio to his ‘26 T tourer. Oh, I just fitted an iTimer to my T. Wow, does it pull well now in top gear. I’ll do a driving video with the car soon to show the difference.

[@sparkplugguy8164]

I'll use this technique on my trabant 601 which is also a 6 volt. Thanks for the idea, I would have never thought of this.

[@ModelA]

Great! Please let us know how it worked out.

[@vayabroder729]

Such a cool car too!

[@1marcelfilms]

I want a Trabant!!

[@modeladenny1218]

Paul I have a dumb flip phone, an old insurance company road atlas to tell me where to go, and no longer a wife to keep happy. Why did I even watch this? Well, because I enjoy looking at your Model A's, watching you work on them, and talking fancy about things we all need to know! Thank you and happy motoring.

[@ModelA]

Thanks Denny!

[@khyghar]

Hey Paul! More then ayear ago i decided to get my driving liscense. Then Covid hit and I could not take lessons. In the meantime i looked for cars and saved some more money. I came across your channel in my search of a classic car and I am hooked on the Model A! I have a long way to go but I do know now for sure that one day it will be my first car, thanks for all you do!

[@AstraWerke]

Exactly what I did - I'm hoping for the Model A to be the first and last car I'll ever own

[@khyghar]

@@AstraWerke Yeah I hope so too! Haha I watched your video on the story on your car yesterday what a coincidence, hou have a nice ride!

[@ModelA]

Good work, Robin!! I hope that works out for you!

[@AstraWerke]

@@khyghar Thanks and good luck finding a good car :D

[@TheMercMen]

Paul!! It also charges my "Pilot" dash cam, from NAPA. Way more important than a "smarty phone". Lol. Thanks for your help.

[@ModelA]

Yes!! Glad it worked well for you Sean!

[@jayoneill1533]

Thanks Paul for this great video on how to easily bring a Model A into the 21st century. BTW, I covet your Tudor !

[@ModelA]

Thanks! Pop in and let's take it for a spin!

[@dwilliams8365]

Hi Paul I just fished installing a transistor inverter that converts 6 volts to 12 volts and it works great- charges my iPad, iPhone, GPS and everything else

[@ModelA]

Cool!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Thanks for the info! I’m binge watching your videos as I wait to pick up my 1929 Tudor 👍😎. I’m gonna have the coolest SLOW car in town 😂😂

[@ModelA]

Yes you are! Good work.

[@deanehill9730]

Who would have thought that possible. Good one, thanks.

[@ModelA]

You're welcome Deane!

[@markmaron8132]

Very Nice Paul, We did a seminar at Gilmore on this, I do what i think is an easier way. Ground one wire to a bolt behind the kick panel and attach the the other to the left side of the junction box and install the coated 12 volt to the left Kick panel to be able to reach it anytime.. Thank you

[@markmaron8132]

Its also important to note that the setup will work with a GPS also...

[@ModelA]

Good idea! Thanks Mark!

[@BeetTheRush]

This sounds like something I would appreciate in a model A 😂

[@Dan-qy1rg]

Great video Paul! I really enjoy your videos, their informative with the detail needed to address the issue(s) on the topic. I may never use the 6 volt battery system, but it's nice to know it, just in case. My first cell phone was a Nokia, which I still have. I liked it because it had large numbers, which helped me see the numbers I wanted to dial, at over 40, back in the day. The one I liked the most was a MotorRola which was very versatile and held a charge like nobodies business. Sadly I had it in my pocket, the screen broke and I couldn't use it. Thanks for sharing, I hope you and your wife have a great day and a fantastic weekend!!!

[@jimmccann3234]

I put an 6v to 12v inverter in and hidden the outlet in between the dash and the dash trim at the windshield vent

[@mackfisher4487]

I was thought that positive ground was a better idea considering that negative flows to positive in a DC circuit thus less deterioration of vehicle grounds. Mack truck were positive ground until the mid-70s. Paul I thought your installation was excellent weatherproof fuse holder soldered connections correct color code A+ buddy. (You can plug your radio into the socket too)

[@ModelA]

Thanks, Mack! I agree with you on positive ground. I'm an electrical engineer, so figured I had better do it right so nobody at work makes fun of me.

[@timmitchell9030]

Great video Paul !! People are always amazed when they find out I have a Logolite usb plug for a cell phone up under the dash. They wonder how it can run on a 6 volt battery. Lol

[@rickpederson]

Hey Paul, once again you saved the day. Momma will be very happy. I am sorry we were unable to connect after speaking at the Gilmore this last weekend. You seemed very busy and I did not want to disrupt your time. There will be next year of course. If you remember Saturday was VERY foggy and my wiper decided to quit working on the way to the Gilmore. Made driving very challenging! A rag accompanied by long arms helped. Is there a way to clean or repair the vacuum wiper motor? What else can I look for? I am certain I am not the only one who had this issue.

[@ModelA]

Yes! Unfortunately, I think everyone is still out of stock on the rebuild kits. If the rubber parts in yours are still OK, then a good cleaning and light lube might be all it needs.

[@BillHarms-k3w]

I love the video, installing the Car Cigarette Lighter Socket is a great idea. I wonder however, if there are differences in the chargers themselves. The one you used could handle the Model A 6 V voltage. But I understand that not every charger (made for 12 Volts) can handle low voltages. I would like to know what would be the best or better chargers to use. Bill H in Western New York

[@ModelA]

I suppose any charger that uses a simple zener diode and resistor as a voltage regulator would work.

[@eugenelevin8314]

Hey there Paul Another “shockingly” great video very “energized” and informative!!! I use my cell phone as a speedometer in my A as mine is not accurate ( future project ......) Have you done a video on the speedo/ cable / gears?? The inside of those speedometers is a real work of art!! Thanks again for the great video

[@ModelA]

Thanks! Not yet, but one is in the works.

[@rickjolet1453]

Paul, I love your videos. Your video quality is better than most other Model A videos out there. They are entertaining and I always learn something or get new ideas. I watched this video multiple times because I'm always confused with the whole positive ground thing. I noticed you moved the fuse to the negative cable and I do understand that in the positive ground system. But, am I wrong in my thinking that you are connecting the power outlet as a negative ground setup so it will work with your cellphone since it is connected directly to the battery and is not using any connections to the car chassis. So, why fuse the negative cable to the cellphone?

[@ModelA]

Good question! So, in this setup, the power outlet has no ground, it is "floating" as it is called. The charger, cable, whatever plugged in to the socket is also floating. However, as soon as the "ground" from the device is allowed to contact the vehicle body or anything else bonded to the vehicle ground, there could be a difference in the ground reference. If so, the fuse will blow instead of melting the wire coming from the charger to the device or worse.

[@kennethswain6313]

Brilliant! It looked as if it would a conflict of culture (old v new tech) Great solution! Greater still is the eternal quest to keep mama happy.

[@dellaemckenzie4060]

Logolites make a very nice kit with USB outlets - installs up under the dash using the electrical box mount screws and has space for other devices.

[@ModelA]

Yes! However, that electronic unit says it senses when the motor is running and turns itself "off" when you shut the motor off. How does it do that? Lots of electronic components that are running ALL the time so it can sense the motor running. It's also expensive and can break. My solution is inexpensive, super simple, and doesn't draw anything when nothing is plugged in to it.

[@jryer1]

Happy wife, happy life. Another great video!

[@Rob-hw5wr]

you said to make sure you get the polarities right when you connect to the socket. So, do you do everything the opposite of the instructions because the A has a positive ground?

[@ModelA]

I meant, connect battery + to socket + and battery - to socket -

[@craigdixon4113]

Paul, you’re a God. Think of how many Women you’ve made happy. But, it’s my job to keep mine satisfied…Thanks.

[@davewilson5997]

Another "Home Run" video - Great Info. Nicely Done - Thanks

[@lexiekensington1408]

This is really inspired. Good Engineering this. I see what you mean though with using a cigar lighter assembly that has no metal ground path. it would be a good way to croak a battery or worse. Keep the good ideas coming!

[@ModelA]

Thanks, Lexie!

[@VisuaLpauL]

Theoretically, the 7805 voltage regulator (installed in most of these things) requires a minimum voltage of 7V to produce 5V DC required by the USB standard. I am kinda curious whether you can charge phones directly from the Model A electric system, 6V is not that much different from 5V (or maybe add a voltage divider if really necessary). You can probably just wire it to a USB-A or USB-C socket.

[@ModelA]

If you look inside most of these cheap chargers, they don't even use a 7805, they just use zener diodes and resistors. But a LDO 7805 only needs 5.5 volts. A standard 7805 will start to regulate at just over 6 volts. When the motor is running, the Model A charging shstem is putting out close to 7 volts.

[@garylcampbell9964]

Thanks Paul

[@brentderksen6576]

Always good content. I'm hoping to get a Model A in the next year or two as well!

[@ModelA]

Go for it, Brent!! Then make a video about it and share it with all of us, please.

[@jamestate9180]

Great detective work on finding out these chargers can work at 5V. Did you happen to check if that phone battery charger was able to deliver a full current draw of 2Amps to the phone at the 6V input because if not some folks may get the warning on phone that the charger is insufficient? Also I could imagine that since these car chargers are usually low-cost bottom-dollar items I could imagine that some charger designs may not work at all and some folks may have to try experiment with different chargers but since they're cheap it's easy to try.

[@ModelA]

I did not measure the current capability of the charger. I saw it charging the phone and called it good. It charges the phone from 20% to 100% in just over an hour, same as at home.

[@jamestate9180]

@@ModelA That kind of charging rate sounds pretty nominal. Good news.

[@jamestate9180]

@@ModelA BTW, I've never been interested in cars, but after watching a couple dozen of your videos in the last week I now find myself thinking I need to get a Model A.

[@ModelA]

@@jamestate9180 Hahaaa!! Well, if you get one, you won't be sorry! We got our first one because we wanted an EMP-proof bugout car. Now, we look at them as so much more than that.

[@jamestate9180]

@@ModelA Hmmm, didn't think of that little nugget. I'm heading into retirement and this seems like something fun to tinker with since I'm an engineer and woodworker.

[@brianmartin7226]

Paul, great video. What size fuse did you add to the negative side?

[@ModelA]

3 amp

[@brucepeterson1586]

Paul, I may have missed the long string of responses, but where can I order the parts, etc. - I think this is something I can do, and my mama will be happy too.

[@ModelA]

The links to the products used are in the video description. Just scroll down

[@brucepeterson1586]

@@ModelA Many thanks!! My wife will be thrilled.

[@davethoma3457]

Paul, another excellent video,! Thank you

[@ModelA]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@williamsharp7362]

Paul. I don't understand why you connect your hot wire to the ground side of the plug for the phone. I have used this set up for my phone for years and my hot wire, the negative on a Model A, goes to the positive terminal on the plug. Love your videos.

[@ModelA]

Model As have a positive ground, not negative.

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

Fantastic video. Well done. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.

[@ModelA]

Thanks, will do!

[@shelbysolomon5796]

I'm curious... would there be a difference in performance/consistency between running an original generator vs. a modern alternator because of the fluctuations of power?

[@ModelA]

As far as charging a phone? Same.

[@sam-tp6pq]

Will this 6 volt power a GPS ?

[@ModelA]

I don't know

[@tttco]

Do you use the copper ground strap or the braided ground strap? I like the idea of the braided ground strap to make it easy to disconnect however I was told the copper ground strap is what Ford used originally

[@ModelA]

The copper is original. My fordor has a copper ground strap, the others have braided

[@Rottingboards]

Thanks for your time making these videos.

[@ModelA]

Glad you like them!

[@danielhomant2832]

Some smart phones can last a long time on a single charge. Two I have had that last a week or more are Sonim and Cat. Yes, Cat as in Caterpillar the construction equipment company. I have had a Sonim and on my second Cat phone now, the S62. The batteries on these ultra durable, utility oriented phone brands have massive capacities. Additionally, they have lower spec hardware when compared to other modern smart phones. That means they draw far less power and last much longer than their popular counterparts. Mine can go a week on a single charge with regular usage. The Sonim I had would go 2 weeks between charges. For you, much like myself, having a regular camera and display that isn't 4k 3d capable is perfectly fine, as well as having a phone that is "good enough" rather than loaded with all the bits and bells. I love them because I don't have to be afraid of hurting it. It is as much of a tool as any actual tool I own. It's durable and sealed build ensures that falling into oil, or solvents, or handling them while greasy is not an issue. Setting them somewhere for lighting, them falling or as an emergency hammer. Rain, hot or cold, I don't have to worry about them at all. The Cat line of 60 series phones have a built in thermal camera that while I don't use it often, it has been extremely useful when needed to help diagnose and test issues. It is how I know which tire is running hot and is going to fail internally before the cap comes off. It is how I know that my hubs run better with certain oils over others. Finding out real time which cylinder is running hotter or colder, overheating wires from excess resistance, fluid levels in tanks, etc. Even around the house I use it to chase down areas of drafting and poor insulation. Pardon my long posts. I get on a roll with a topic and it just gets out, heh. Part of why I don't do KZbin. Short version, there are good, long lasting and useful smartphones out there that even you might find beneficial, heh. Though I agree about not liking to replace things with newer versions as long as what I have still works perfectly fine. Though, like adding the oil filter and 2 speed gearbox, even what works can at times be improved upon.

[@ModelA]

Thanks, Daniel! Long but informative.

[@kentpalazzo927]

Paul, will this also work on my Model T w/6 volt system?

[@ModelA]

I bet it would

[@scottjackson1194]

Where do I buy the kit? It is what I am looking for. Great!!

[@ModelA]

In the description

[@manuelstarr3602]

Thanks Paul, by the way I like the music. Cheers

[@ModelA]

Glad you like it! I had it written and performed just for this youtube channel so I don't end up with those ridiculous copyright strikes. The composer is a musical genius.

[@vayabroder729]

Second that; music is super cool!

[@ModelA]

@@vayabroder729 Thank you!

[@danielhomant2832]

A second, and more relevant note, is that most chargers have a broad range of power they can deal with. Most small device chargers, can handle input ranges from 5v to 24v. Most larger portable devices, like laptops, have power bricks that can work anywhere from 90v to 240v. Also, since plugs are becoming more universal, the device getting charged automatically takes appropriate charge as long as their input is close enough.

[@captainrecycle4672]

Sr. Paul Shinn l having problem with my clutch, l would like have you experience to adjustment for my self the clutch thank you sr. Paul.

[@ModelA]

That requires some hands-on work. Is there a Model A club in your area that can help?

[@captainrecycle4672]

Thank you senor Paul l don't know but I'm going to looking for l live in south Carolina.

[@tazareal]

Those switching 5V DC/DC phone charger/USB supplies make a lot of noise right in the FM band (I believe the switching frequency is 100 Mhz or something that creates a lot of harmonics on the FM band), so I built a linear regulator with a 7805. I suppose you could just use a rheostat in series and manually adjust the voltage. Of course this is pointless if you don't listen to FM!

[@ModelA]

I have never seen a Model A with a factory FM radio in it.

[@jonathangardner4475]

GOD DAMMiT, had head phones in turned up all the way because a quiet video and the first second is the loudest bit it the video!

[@quailstudios]

This is great Paul. But I've got to get back to work instead of binging on your videos. LOL

[@ModelA]

Oh drat. I'm sorry for making you a juvenile delinquent now! haha

[@rev9fan1]

With this while positive ground deal, if i get a Model A im probably going to screw something up as im always use to negative ground

[@ModelA]

Nah. You'll be fine

[@TheMercMen]

Question: Paul, gave it a try. Have power at the socket. But nothing charging.🤔. Any thoughts? Power pin to Neg, on car. Ground pin to positive,on car.

[@ModelA]

Assuming stock positive ground electrical system: The socket + needs to go to chassis ground (or + terminal on battery) and the socket - connection to battery - terminal. I think you have it backwards. Hope it didn't damage your charger.

[@TheMercMen]

@@ModelA I had socket positive to car negative, for power and socket negative to cars positive ground

[@TheMercMen]

@@ModelA Ok,....all straightened out.🙄. The car is getting up to snuff. Waiting on new tires before I go too far. Other wise, a great sedan. Have a good day. And thank you.

[@TheMercMen]

@@ModelA PS: ya, blew the charger, hah.

[@mnrebel4ever]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I thought you put a 6 volt alternator on that car. Will this method still work with a generator?

[@ModelA]

Yes

[@truthreigns7]

The smart phones also help a person watch the "Paul Shinn" Videos just in case you get broke down and need to repair the Model A

[@AnthonyMartinez-ke8jy]

I was wondering on the model a running board step to those go centered in the middle right by kind of right in the middle from where the doors are cuz I have a male all just wondering I bought some steps

[@ModelA]

I'm very sorry, I do not understand your question.

[@AnthonyMartinez-ke8jy]

My question was on the running board step whereabouts does it go ahead when you install the the the step

[@ModelA]

Oh! gotcha. The answer is- It is different for everybody. Stand in some powdery dirt, then get in your car normally. Wherever the footprint is on the running board, that is where you mount the step.

[@miguelangelsimonfernandez5498]

Inserting a low dropout 5V or 6V voltage regulator would be a nice safety measure.

[@ModelA]

The cheapo chargers just use zener diodes and a resistor.

[@James-xo4uv]

Could an UBS outlet also be used,instead of a power outlet

[@geoffwatson6207]

They have "cigarette lighter" (this outlet) to USB adapters.

[@ModelARickLasCruces]

You didn't mention what you used to plug into the outlet that lets you connect your mobile phone cord. I have an iPhone I'd like to charge.

[@ModelA]

Just the regular car charger. Both this one and the one that Apple sells will work on 6 volts.

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

BRILLIANT!

[@ModelA]

YES!!

[@BrandonRStevens]

There is no need to change the side of the circuit that the fuse is on. The fuse on the red wire (which is the positive on the phone circuit) is still where you will want the fuse. It won't hurt anything moving it to the other wire, but for conventional fuse protection leave it alone and on the red wire that is hooked to positive terminal of the battery.

[@ModelA]

In this case, fusing the negative battery terminal protects the car.

[@BrandonRStevens]

@@ModelA that's ok that you changed it, but the fusing on the negative terminal does nothing different to protect the car than it would on the positive side. Leaving it on the positive terminal just allows for users to buy an off the shelf item and install it without several modifications.

[@ModelA]

@@BrandonRStevens Fusing the negative side means that if the wire or the socket were to rub through from vibration or whatever, that you don't have a fire.

[@lelandrogers1078]

The reason this works is that the charge device has a voltage regulator chip that takes any input voltage and steps it down to 5 volts. You can get one of those devices that plug into the lighter socket and have a USB port and you can use any USB charging cable with it.

[@ModelA]

Yes. FYI- I'm an electrical engineer and work in audio and RF electronics at my day job.

[@lelandrogers1078]

@@ModelA Cool. Coals to Newcastle I guess. LOL

[@ModelA]

Haha! Haven't heard that expression in forever! Your comment will surely be helpful to some people though. Glad you chimed in. Thanks!

[@a68k_de]

but why in the floor board ... you will break the usb plug soon sure if the charger is correct designed, that works.

[@ModelA]

That's just where I wanted it. Mount yours wherever you want. Most people opt for a position below the gas tank

[@huseyinuguralacatli5064]

I already know that lighter socket charger works anything higher than a 5v because I used one of them on my bicycle with 6v dynamo and it worked (but current is too weak so I changed it to 12v dynamo)

[@ModelA]

Ha! Nice!

[@gt69440]

The real question here is how do you still have a razr, mine was a 3G, verizon kicked us off years ago.

[@ModelA]

When this was recorded, that was my phone. When 3G went away, they deactivated it. Monsters...

[@gt69440]

@@ModelA haha, well I am just getting caught up on your videos. I lost mine in about 2019 though, so consider yourself lucky. Thanks for the great videos.

[@jockeyjeon9532]

I'm glad you changed "most boomer oriented car channel" to "bridges the generation gap". Also, "spouse unit" at 1:18 😂😂😂 I cringed at the charger that will probably stick out like a sore thumb from the carpet, but whatever. Greetings from South Korea!

[@ModelA]

Greetings!! The charger is only there when charging a phone. It's very out of the way. No problems.

[@dangeroustoman]

Cool. Have to tell a friend he can charge his phone from his tractor.

[@ModelA]

Hahaaa'

[@timdiehn6276]

Let us know how this works long term, please. Car/wall chargers do more than just convert 120v AC to 5v DC. They limit charging when the battery is full and condition the voltage. Not sure over time how a cell phone battery will last with constantly varying voltage (and often higher than 5v on a Model A generator) and never going into maintenance mode when fully charged. Creative idea, but not sure I would trust it on a $900 cell phone! Wish you luck!

[@ModelA]

Thanks Tim. FYI, the charging regulation circuitry is in the smartyphone device, not in the charger. All the charger does is put out a regulated voltage. No cutoff or anything. Many new smartyphones even use lines of computer code to tell their internal charging circuits how to behave.

[@brucecar100]

I have to say it but I think the cell phone is one of the better tools I keep in the A.

[@chrispop99]

I understand it was sensible to add a waterproof fuse, but from an electrical point of view it didn't matter whether it was in the positive or negative cable. Phones can be charged from a standard USB port, which only supplies 5 volts, so it's pretty unsurprising that a 6 volt supply works. The only limitation would be the type of voltage regulation in the charger.

[@ModelA]

Thanks Chris. Actually, it DOES matter, from a protection of the car point of view. If you have the fuse in the wire that is grounded and the hot wire touches ground, you have a fire. If the fuse is in the hot wire, you just blow the fuse. The purpose of fusing the hot wire is in case the phone charger plug has a ground and it touches the shifter or something in the car that is at ground potential. Make sense?

[@chrispop99]

@@ModelA If the hot wire from the battery to the fuse shorts, the fuse won't blow. If there is a short within the socket, it won't matter where the fuse it; it will still blow. The only extra protection gained by moving the fuse is the few inches of cable from the fuse to the socket. Slightly better, but not in my opinion really worthwhile. If anything after the charger shorts, good quality chargers have a much lower value fuse within the charger will blow before the one in the supply to the socket. If it's a cheap charger, the electronics in the charger will blow open circuit before the supply fuse blows. Of course, electricity doesn't care what colour the wire is, so you could have swapped wires over! Glad you did it the best way, as you do all your work. I would love to have the facilities you have to work with!

[@ModelA]

@@chrispop99 That's why I kept the wire between the battery and the fuseholder short. But again, I'm protecting the car from whatever gets plugged in more than anything. Also, I know I could have just swapped wires, but the comments for the video would have been full of people telling me how I did it wrong. For the record, I have a degree in electrical engineering, one in physics, and work in broadcasting as an engineer. If any of those people saw me do it wrong in a video, I would never hear the end of it

[@kd1s]

Just a 7905 Voltage regulator. It'll step 6 volts down to 5 volts no issue.

[@ModelA]

Most of them use a zener and a resistor. Pretty cheap.

[@johnnyreyes3129]

You are the best is perfect 👍

[@ModelA]

Thank you!

[@MicroRotors]

Something far less intrusive is to take the guts from a cigarette lighter charger and install it into the top portion of the passenger side kick panel UNDER the dash. It's completely invisible unless you look under the dash.

[@kyleboronky1324]

Hey Paul - love the videos but your tag line always confuses me. I know you take pride in “where ok boomer is a compliment” but I think you don’t fully understand the context that it is normally used. So I thought I’d comment on this video as you demonstrate it perfectly. When saying things like “smarty phone” and being proud of not liking smart phones that’s the perfect situation when someone would respond with “ok boomer.” It’s the sense of dismissal to new technology from the boomer generation that causes young people to use the phrase. To put it into context that matches this video perfectly: old farmers at the turn of the 20th century who were not fond of these new “automobiles” used to yell “get a horse!” to people purchasing new fords. In today’s society we would say “ok (fill in their generation)” because it speaks to their lack of interest in keeping up with the times. Anyway hope that helps I enjoy the videos and keep them coming!

[@ModelA]

Thank you Kyle! Yes, I am fully aware of the typical use of the term "boomer", as in "OK boomer". I enjoy making fun of myself and society fads in general, so I decided to just embrace it and wear it like a badge of honor.

[@geyser3445]

Henry Ford is probably wondering what a cell phone is.

[@ModelA]

Hahahaaa!!

[@henrygraf7860]

Computer chips run at 5 volts, therefore the phone battery is charged at 5 volts.

[@caroldecker9522]

It is much easier to buy one of those new 12 volt chargers that will start your car over 50 times if the battery is dead. They can be charged from 120 volts & last a long time & are not expensive. This keeps a person from drilling a hole in the floorboard. They can also charge your cell phone if needed & no drilling into a Model A Ford floorboard. Sorry, but I am a purist at heart

[@ModelA]

Those "jump boxes" need to be charged up themselves. How will you do that on a long trip? Unless you stay at hotels, etc.

[@richardt2k1]

Awesome

[@andy41417]

hid the socket behind left side of dash.

[@ModelA]

Good plan!!

[@AstraWerke]

I scavenged the base off a busted 6V lamp, soldered a DC Converter with USB output to it, hot-glued it into the base and plugged it into the 2nd dashlight socket. I don't need it anyways and this way, I can wedge the phone in between the windshield and dashboard, have it display the route AND get charged.

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

How about creating a short video on how you did that? :)

[@AstraWerke]

@@mafcawebmaster4237 I've collected a couple of smaller jobs that needed doing (replacing gaskets, hunting squeaks & rattles and so forth) which I intend to combine into an update video - I might just sneak the 6V Adapter in there

[@mafcawebmaster4237]

@@AstraWerke I'm looking forward to that!

[@AstraWerke]

@@mafcawebmaster4237 Might be a couple of months until then, though

[@ModelA]

Did you run into any issues with the polarity?

[@BaronVonPurp]

Gotta ask, do you ever worry about driving into a puddle with the battery exposed like that? I'm a firm believer in "if our ancestors could do it, than so can we" so I'm looking forward to hearing if such a thing would be possible without something going haywire

[@ModelA]

Haha! Not worried at all. You can submerse a car battery, it won't care.

[@BaronVonPurp]

@@ModelA Well glad to hear! Coming from someone who drives a VERY tempermental Jaguar, that's a welcomed statement!

[@JEDaoust91]

Not all 12 volt chargers will work, some are set to charge at around 9 volts

[@ModelA]

But have you ever tried it yourself on a variable power supply to see if that is true?

[@2metercrew389]

Smarty phone 😂😂😂😂

[@rupe53]

Who'd a thunk it was possible? I mean, I knew the phone didn't need a full 12 volts but never gave it a second thought!

[@ModelA]

Taddaaa!!!

[@MrJeep75]

You just hook POS to POS and negative to negative

[@ModelA]

Yes

[@gpclipner]

Just found this Tube and have shared with my T Forum buddies and an old Jeep man. Glad you cleared up the + to +, - to- question , had me thrown also. .

[@cjoe5977]

I think the the name of the video shouldn’t be about “cellphones” it should be “cellular telephones”

[@brianhiles8164]

Somehow, somewhen, please _please_ do a video of how to mount and power a portable GPS in a Model A. _Hilarious!_ (This begs the question that any smartphone will run the software to do GPS turn-by-turn navigation. _Now_ do you hate smartphones any less?)

[@ModelA]

I don't own a portable GPS. I have maps of places I go. But, if you want to mount one, you could install the plug like I did here and see if your GPS will run OK.

[@vincentlallo6543]

if i ever get lucky and hit the lottery i will build a dream garage the buy a model a roadster to put in it.

[@ModelA]

Model As are cheap. No need to win the lotto. Just give up Starbucks for a year and you will have enough.

[@michaelbesler7469]

I sent you a Facebook message, is it best to ? Email?

[@ModelA]

I don't do Facebook. Just ask here!

[@michaelbesler7469]

I’m looking to buy a 1930 Tudor with a 32 engine, I was planing on driving it 160 miles home. What’s your thought?

[@ModelA]

@@michaelbesler7469 If the car is in good enough shape, then why not?

[@michaelbesler7469]

@@ModelA I will let you know how the trip works out. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@clydeb7788]

The model a ford cell Charger how too what's next yes we all can use that but I think it is a way to get away from our modern world a ride in the countryside no need for a cell phone just enjoy the ride

[@ModelA]

You're right. However, if you listen to the first part of the video, it's for the spouse unit.