How to lubricate a Ford Model A.

[@chesterfranklin2642]

After watching several Model A videos, my compliments on the camera work. I'm sure you know what I mean.

[@brookside5045]

As a new Model A owner "Thank You" I'm glad I found your channel.

[@ronprickett8039]

His videos and descriptions are just perfect and thank God no music

[@bradleyhood5611]

Paul,I am new to the model A world, I had I love and fascination with the model A since I was a kid and was finally able to acquire a 1930 Coupe. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your videos you're incredible camera work and the detail that you provide when explaining something. You've been a big help in guiding me through this new and exciting Adventure. Thanks so much

[@ModelA]

Thank you so much! Very glad to have helped you.

[@myronjacobs5014]

Hi, Paul, I am Myron Jacobs, live on the island of Curacao here in Caribean, and I am to purchase next week my Model A. I do enjoy and learn or refreshing a lot with your videos and very well explanation during your presentation. Will continue and stay with you during all your new releases. Regards!

[@shawnn6926]

Congrats on your A. I'm a bit jealous since you'll get to enjoy your A all year round. I live in Michigan and I just bought mine 4 weeks ago. Snow will be coming soon so I'll have to put her in storage for several months.

[@tamianderson539]

Just got a 28 model A sedan tudor and your vids are an excellent way to get us off on the right foot! Thank you.

[@ellieprice3396]

Thanks for another great video. I recall my 1941 Super Deluxe Ford V8 had 17 fittings serviced by the gas station with their pneumatic grease gun. Of course they never, ever wiped off the excess grease. I lost count of how many but I believe you serviced at least 30 on your beautiful A.

[@JimLBon]

My mom bought a restored 1930 coupe we are going through as it hasn’t been driven in 15+ years. I discovered through the process that we have a Model A- as the engine and distributor are Model B. I do like the manual timing of the Model A but that’s just a simple dizzy and linkage change. For now, I’m letting it be and it sure runs great! Your videos are a treasure trove, so thanks man!

[@Lolo-mx4sc]

Excellent. Thanks for posting.

[@237cooter]

Again thanks for making such a detailed video. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[@jameshickman5299]

I encourage you to make more videos on maintaining Model A Fords. Videos are interesting to those who want to understand their cars, as well as those thinking of getting one. I’m curious about fitting zerks in place of the stock fittings. What are the advantages of each, and why replace only some of them? Going to one or the other would seem to simplify your toolbox. I realize you believe in keeping the cars as stock as possible, but maybe you could discuss the pros and cons of some common modifications. I’m thinking of 12 volt conversions, LED lights, high compression heads, alternative ignition systems, and “touring” cam grinds. I’m not talking about hotrod builds, rather “warm up” modifications, to get output up from 40hp to the 60hp range. Thank you for your time. Let’s be careful out there.

[@ModelA]

Modifications are usually ways of asking for trouble. The 12 volt conversion is totally un necessary unless tour goal is to install a stereo or something. "Alternative ignition systems" as you called them are always failing. We got to the point where we won't even stop as a group when people running electronic ignition break down. We just tell them to have a road service and a cellphone. The other "modifications" you mentioned are acceptable. But why? Experience the car for what it is first before you go changing it. Then decide if it's worth it.

[@stephenabraham6787]

Is there a particular type/brand of grease you use for the Model A? Also, do you know of anywhere besides the typical online retailers where you can pick up a Model A style grease gun fitting?

[@bradyoung7115]

Paul as always plenty of great to say the least advice and tips for care..!! Have a 1930 5 window coupe and more reliable than my Mercedes... 91 years old and always running strong..!

[@ModelA]

Good work, Brad!

[@shawnn6926]

Thanks again for your video. I have a PDF chart I found on the internet and was looking at each point that you lubed to get familiar on each spot. Keep up the good work, I have so much more to learn.

[@tobeornottobe9071]

I recently purchased a Town Sedan. Your videos are really helpful. If I may, this brings to mind a couple of suggestions for future videos, what to look for when purchasing a Model A and maintenance steps one should follow after purchase. Thanks for your videos!

[@ModelA]

On it. Thank you!

[@dalemettee1147]

This reminds me of my 1966 Buick Riviera. It had 13 grease points. The front end and the universals and CV joint in the rear.

[@druegillis1744]

This was a learning video for me. Should an owner change the Model A grease fittings over to conventional zinc fittings? Anyhow, thanks for a truly informative video!

[@ModelA]

Totally personal choice.

[@coyotealtavista]

Buen video, interesante. Agradecería pudiera indicar que grado de aceite se debe usar en motor, caja cambio y diferencial. Saludos

[@ricardovelchani2530]

O Sr. é muito dedicado e caprichoso. Ótimo professor. Ricardo Rio Grande do Sul Brasil.

[@amontgomery3391]

Nice job! Truthfully, I never thought about applying oil to the brake rod pins. Great idea! BTW, I did get a good look at the "underneath side" of the Tudor with his video. Thanks. With all this social distancing stuff we have to deal with now a days, lubricating the "A"'s is a great idea. It will give one something to do!

[@ModelA]

Some of this was shot under the tudor, some under the coupe. If it was clean, it was probably the tudor. Although, after a few thousand miles since its last thorough scrubbing, it isn't as clean as it usually is. I need a lift!

[@festerhairball6588]

I got to help in a frame off restoration a 1912 Buick (23 years ago ) & all the Brake rods were completely worn out!! All the rods needed to be drilled out, have bushings installed & machined to fit the new brake pins. A proper lube job like Paul's will go a long, long ways. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it & look forward to owning a model A someday.

[@Michael_Scott_Howard]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos... benefits all..

[@markmaron8132]

Very nice paul, the only difference i use not the brake rods, cross shaft, accelerator linkage is white lithium grease brush on.. Holds good and stays put...I also noticed you did not mention the throttle, and spark rods inside the caps to lubricate. I use lithium also...Hope all is well with you and the family.

[@ModelA]

I lube them in the 10K video. Thanks!

[@bobnoe4615]

Hey Paul, I just started watching your videos and I am learning a lot. Thank you so much for giving back the hobby. You mention the next video where you go thru the interior of the car. Have you posted that video? I am not able to locate it. Thanks, Bob

[@ModelA]

I did. There are a few videos where I did that now, including the Operation Hooptie series. Thank you!

[@angelhelp6819]

Good evening Paul you should have a creeper to go under the model a or have a lift

[@ModelA]

I have both

[@peteacher52]

:-) I drive, as a hobby vehicle, a 1950 car. The club (Jowett) recommends 20 - 50 non-synthetic for the engine as the least expensive in that range, being far superior to 1950 oils. Modern grease is also much stickier than the 70 year old counterpart, meaning that twice yearly is sufficient for both oil change and chassis lube. I'd appreciate your take on that.

[@ModelA]

I re-read your comment a couple times, and I think I understand. Not knowing anything about a Jowett, I cannot comment on oils. However, I do know that modern grease is more pure than older grease, and today's roads are a lot smoother than the roads when your car was made, so less frequent lubrication might be OK.

[@richgelber]

Thanks!

[@ModelA]

Thank YOU very much!

[@jonpoteet5455]

Thanks for the great video, I just knew that glob of grease was gonna land on the camera haha. Im a new model A owner so this gives me a good idea on grease locations. I dont think its been greased in over 10 years so some components are in need of replacement.

[@ModelA]

Oh, that's a bummer. Well, at least it's in good hands now!

[@JohnnyJalopyArt]

hey paul this ep was amazing so much to learn here, love it! hey is there a certain parts house you have used successfully that is your go to?

[@truthreigns7]

Thank you Mr Paul

[@chriscorfield2233]

My family finally brought back my grandfathers model a from storage and we need to lube it up what grease, engine oil, oil, and transmittion fluid do you use I know this might be a stupid question but I want to do it right. Also do we just use normal gas or do we need a additive or to look for a certain kind of gas. Also what are the things we should do if we haven’t started the car in 10+ years besides change spark plugs and lube it up/ change fluids.

[@chriscorfield2233]

Also I would prefer if it was all available on Amazon

[@ModelA]

Call Bert's Model A center in Colorado. Tell them what you're doing and they will hook you up with everything you need. A Model A uses special size spark plugs, for example. Not available at your local auto parts store. Also Amazon does not sell some of the lubricants you need. Be sure and lube that distributor!

[@aaronmiller112]

Thanks for the video!

[@eeidbo7169]

Hi Paul, Thanks for posting your instructive videos. They have really helped me work on my 1930 Fordor. I'm a new owner and haven't been able to find a video that contains instructions on down-shifting with the A. Have you put one out or could you? Thanks, Eric

[@ModelA]

Yes, many. Here is one- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXWme2V3h62Eras

[@beattydave]

My 29 Tudor does not have the original distributor. The distributor cap is red and I believe it is an electronic model. Does it require lube also ?

[@ModelA]

I only know about the stock factory components. Sorry man. Once you modify it to something I have never seen or messed with, you're out of my league.

[@TombsoneLuke-im1sd]

I was unable to find the follow up to the this video about "internal" lube and T/O bearing. Can you provide a link please?

[@jeffrose133]

I have never seen the red grease. Is it similar to a white lithium grease but stays on longer? What about attracting dust/dirt? Thanks

[@ModelA]

The red grease seems to be a little thicker, but mainly I use it because it doesn't get thin in the California summer heat. It stays put.

[@JustSayin993]

I sold my Model A 40 years ago and I’m missing it! Hey, watch for cracks in that two-blade fan, mine came apart and popped a dent in the hood. That wasn’t so bad as the repair shop not securing the spindle nut resulting in the repaired fan burying itself in the radiator.

[@ModelA]

I have the new 2-blade fans on my cars.

[@ray_pilot6707]

you comment on your drilled center shaft and how you can oil it thru there. I do not have that. Something I need to order or do I just have to drill a hole in mine? But, love your videos and I also have a 30 Sport Coupe.

[@ModelA]

Hi Ray! The drilled upper distributor shaft is available from all the Model A parts suppliers. Yes, it allows easy oiling of the top distributor shaft bushing.

[@TheSchmed]

I was always thought in auto shop in HS to grease until you see it seep out a bit.

[@ModelA]

If you're greasing the brake actuator shafts or the rear end shaft bearings and keep greasing, the grease will come out into your brake shoes. Your HS autoshop class didn't cover everything, just gave you a jumpstart is all.

[@alucardws6878]

Hello there Paul, I must say thank you so must for all these video it’s very helpful especially since I know nothing about the model A , and am looking into purchasing my own , would you happen to know where I should start looking for a 1931 model A , am not looking for a show piece nor Something that needs a complete restoration but something I can take my dad for weekend drive or to a car shows in town, I know it maybe hard but am looking for a fordor in dark green body with black fenders, If any help or advise will be grateful appreciated . Thanks Ian..

[@ModelA]

Start by poking around your nearest Model A club, then MAFCA.com classifieds, etc.

[@alucardws6878]

Thanks again I’ll look into it., keep the great videos and knowledge coming..

[@ModelA]

Will do

[@beattydave]

My 29 Tudor has hydralic brake upgrade. Is oil of linkage needed ?

[@ModelA]

I have no idea. I don't know anything about hydraulic brakes.

[@luisarnaldorodriguez1238]

Hi Paul! Like and enjoy your video’s. Question: what do you use to lubricate the chassis? Thanks

[@ModelA]

Regular red grease

[@Brucenewyork]

Good morning, I am watching your video and thank you for the information. I have a question though. Is that automobile an original Ford model a or is it a Shey? I recently bought a model a Shey and want to have all of the service done. Does anyone have any recommendations. Thank you

[@ModelA]

All of mine are Ford Model A's. I don't know anything about the Shays, I am sorry. Since they use Ford Pinto drivetrains and components, you might ask your local Ford dealer.

[@mikedanielson2114]

I have 2 simple, maybe silly, questions. Where did you get the small bottle for oiling the distributor? How do you clean your shop rags once they are greasy?

[@ModelA]

The little oiler bottles come from the hobby shop. They are used for R/C cars and crafts. I have a rag service.

[@palletcolorato]

I heard there was a lot of greasing / oiling to do on Model A'a, but wow, that's crazy.

[@ModelA]

It's not that bad. Labor of love

[@PhillsGarage]

Great video thanks

[@sreethampan]

Quite informative my dear friend , thanks a lot

[@Fjant]

Hi! Very good video. I have a question. I have reasently bought my first model A that I’m in the progress of getting roadworty. The two levers on the steering column (gas and timing) sits quit hard. Is there a way to lubricate these? Or is there another way I have to make them a little easier to control? (Sorry for my bad english)

[@ModelA]

Yes, they require lubrication. Both at the top of the column and also down below where they exit the column just above the steering box. Check my Model A lubrication videos.

[@Fjant]

Paul Shinn thank you! I’ll will look at the vids again. I think I most have mised it.

[@joejuppe]

Paul, How come you didn’t change all the grease fittings to zirk?

[@ModelA]

I like the stock ones better now.

[@The411]

Are the zerk threads the same as the originals for swapping them out or did you need to tap the hole?

[@ModelA]

same.

[@cathymunoz8420]

On your little oiler, do you just use clean leftover 10w30 motor oil from your oil change?

[@ModelA]

No. It's synthetic 10/30 motor oil

[@cathymunoz8420]

Hi, what grease gun do you recommend to get or use?

[@ModelA]

Red & Tacky

[@cathymunoz8420]

@@ModelA I was wondering for the grease gun, not the grease.

[@nathanbloch6993]

Paul, this is an outstanding video. It helped me locate some of the more challenging fittings that I am sure I have overlooked in the past. One point you did not address is lubrication of the throw-out bearing (I’m pretending I know what this is). One of the guides I follow suggests “remove inspection plat over the bell housing and grease the throw-out bearing.” My question: what to lubricate with? Where to apply the grease? What surface am I looking for to place the grease on? Do I use a lube gun or something else? Thanks for your guidance.

[@ModelA]

I covered that in the 10,000 mile service video. The bearing is sealed, all you're lubricating is the bearing carrier where is slides on the shart. Regular grease will do.

[@pat_mangus23]

Paul, which grease-less water pumps are you using? Trying to find one for my 1930 model A, as my old water pump just started leaking on me.

[@ModelA]

I use the leakless rebuild kits from Mike's A-Fordable and Bert's

[@pat_mangus23]

@@ModelA thanks Paul!

[@joezephyr]

So, the service was every 500 miles? is that correct? More precisley, was it, 500 miles or 12 months????

[@ModelA]

500 miles

[@markzimmerman7279]

@@ModelA were the under carriage on those painted on the factory originals or was it bare metal?

[@ModelA]

@@markzimmerman7279 Painted

[@markzimmerman7279]

@@ModelA You've got some very nice cars there.

[@BillSprague]

It’s fun to lube a car you don’t have to jack!

[@shawnn6926]

Use to have an Audi TT. It was so low a cat couldn't even get under it.

[@danielhomant2832]

I've found that a general rule of thumb applies to most any vehicle, and only more so the older one is. If it moves it needs 1 of three things. A bushing, grease or oil. It is just as applicable to modern vehicles, but thanks to better metallurgy, advanced lubricants, better seals, and of course planned lifespans, one can safely ignore modern cars for the "life" of one. I wonder how long a modern vehicle would last if built with the same degree of planned maintainability as their ancestors.

[@joezephyr]

As the video started, you switched into your old clothes. When the video ended you forgot to switch back again!

[@ModelA]

Oh, I switched into "no clothes" mode after that, and KZbin won't let me show that, so.... Ha ha!!

[@brandtmagolon454]

How often do the springs need to be lubricated do they have to be removed from the car to do so

[@ModelA]

The best way to do it is remove spring from the car, disassemble the spring pack, clean and grease each leaf, and reassemble and reinstall. NOBODY does that, we all just slather grease around the sides of the leafs and let it work its way in. The spring should outlast both of us.

[@brandtmagolon454]

@@ModelA I shall prepare the grease thank you I'm so excited about my 31 Tudor it runs and drives but I just want to do some maintenance I already corrected the pull to the left because the breaks were misadjusted I also want to get rid of the the thermostat housing that was added for idk what reason. Other than that it's a really nice drive car

[@ModelA]

Excellent!! Yep, slather grease all over the front and back of the springs, then wrap them tightly with some plastic and rock the car side to side a bunch of times. Done.

[@PD-iz2ws]

I do not have the drilled center shaft, How can i lube the upper distributor bushing? Best wishes from Holland

[@ModelA]

Keep the lower one well lubed and a little bit will flow up to the upper bushing. I talk about this in a few different videos.

[@PD-iz2ws]

@@ModelA thanks for the reply, keep up the great work👍

[@1marcelfilms]

Its never going to rust with all that grease

[@ModelA]

That's the idea

[@Gord19]

Thanks for the great video

[@rickshawphilippines]

I think that would be fun doing

[@fixitman347]

So very helpful

[@ModelA]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fixitman347]

@@ModelA Yes sir

[@JDvintagemi]

Is it worth changing the Model A over to modern fittings? Or should I just keep using the old ones?

[@ModelA]

Not worth it in my opinion.

[@JDvintagemi]

@@ModelA Good to know. Cuz I wasn't looking forward to it there's what 485,000 fittings on that car?

[@ModelA]

Hahaa! Dern near.

[@brentsinger2205]

Can I remove the top screw in the distributor as I do not have the hole in the top

[@ModelA]

If you have the drilled shaft, just replace the screw on top with one that has the hole in it also

[@sreethampan]

Thank you

[@SidecarBob]

Imagine having to go through all of that every 500 miles. The average car owner in 2020 drives about 10,000 miles per year so that would mean crawling underneath every couple of days year round (not fun in winter). I drive a 37 year old motorcycle (with sidecar) in the winter on Ontario, Canada. I've always thought it was enough work to naintain but I'm glad I didn't live in the '30s... ;-)

[@ModelA]

People really took care of their stuff during the depression because otherwise, they had nothing. When the depression was over and the Model A's were put aside by the V8, people stopped maintaining them properly, and that's a big reason why so many are so worn out today.

[@SidecarBob]

@@ModelA I've often commented that if most people treated their vehicles the same way in horse & buggy times they'd be charged with animal cruelty. BTW: My Mom was driving a Model A roadster in Toronto into the 1950s and I'm told my first car ride (home from the hospital) was in it. Apparently, Dad didn't appreciate having to sit in the rumble seat in the winter so my aunt could sit inside so they bought a '39 Dodge sedan not long after that.

[@v8man19]

great great video !!!

[@layeredchip3220]

Man road-trips must have sucked in this thing. Every day you’d have to check and change all the fluids, then grease every moving part. It would be two hours of maintenance before eight hours of driving.

[@ModelA]

I have taken many road trips in these. Didn't have to do any of the sort. Your assumption is understandable but incorrect

[@justplanesense]

What type of grease are you using?

[@ModelA]

Res

[@jroe8739]

What grease do you suggest I use?

[@ModelA]

Red Lucas grease

[@jroe8739]

@@ModelA Many Thanks, sir!

[@ModelA]

Glad to help, my friend

[@cathymunoz8420]

@@ModelAis it the red and tacky by Lucas?

[@TheSchmed]

Did it come with a mechanic ?

[@ModelA]

Yes, YOU! Ha ha!

[@stevesnyder8895]

Hi paul, I can't grease to take on the old style zerk. What should I do?

[@ModelA]

There is an adapter that the Model A parts places sell that fits the original style grease fittings. If you have one that is clogged, nothing will work though, you need to replace or clean out the grease fitting. All the parts places sell them.

[@patxile.361]

please , subtitle , please , please , please . thank you from Spain

[@ModelA]

I don't know how

[@patxile.361]

Yours videos are very interstin and grest help ir Thank you very much I have Ford A double phaeton 1928 Thank you

[@ray_pilot6707]

drilled center shaft in the distributor. Sorry.

[@alicewertz9311]

V

[@agostinodibella9939]

We take for granted how infrequent maintenance is on today’s cars!

[@ModelA]

I still maintain my modern car like I do the Model As. That's probably why my modern cars go 1/2 million miles without any failures.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

We also take for granted that today's cars are built to wear out and be replaced much sooner than the Model As. Almost nothing is built to last these days.

[@kiritanJ]

I feel terrible.. I mean I love mechanics, and I would love to have had a childhood with a grandpa like you...Nevertheless my teacher Seth McFarlane says it is ok. Creampie.

[@paularnold4981]

Seriously, how many people have model A's? This is one of the most unnecessary videos ever!

[@ModelA]

It isn't for everybody.

[@billmercer1229]

Actually a lot people have Model As . I have 2 and I find the video helpful . So bugger off .

[@VictorySpeedway]

I'm a future Model-A owner, and I'm fascinated with the care and feeding of these amazing automobiles. When I finally find one I love, I'll be as happy taking care of it as I will be driving it. P.S. Your post is pretty rude. Work on that.

[@shawnn6926]

Not every one has a cat but look at how many cat videos are on youtube. I just bought a Model A and find Paul to be very helpful in keeping part of american history alive for our next generation We are losing too many to hot rodders.