Passenger Bus Work Day 10/24/2019

Prior to the October 24th Model AA Passenger Bus workday a few of our members were busy with prepping parts. This bus project is so fortunate to have many great people to donate hard to find parts (Thank you Bill, Ken, Steve to name a few).  Also the remanufactured parts are greatly appreciated. The front springs were donated by Model 'A' Springs (please click on the link) and many parts have been donated by Bratton's Antique Auto Parts and Snyder's Antique Auto Parts. This project is truly a Model A community effort and we all thank you for the cash donations and the purchase of the Raffle Tickets.


Below is a little repair to one of the U-Joint covers.
As you can see one of the mounting holes has been clipped.

The old cover from the Bus was damaged and was used as a donor.

This little piece was welded together to make the U-Joint cover complete.

The next series of images show the emergency cross shaft mounted back on the Bus Frame.

You will notice that we beefed up this third cross member by adding some welded flanges. The condition of this cross member showed us that the cross member was weak and we chose to strengthen it versus keeping it original. After all this bus will be used and put into service.

The following images depict the final assembly of the donated front spring. As many of you know new springs need to be primed and painted, then greased and assembled.

The Wishbone and Front Axle were powdered coated for the utmost durability and a little paint had to be removed for proper fitting.

Next we assemble the new front spring (all greased up).

And peened the end of the bolt. 

Getting ready to lift the whole assembly to the chassis for installation.

Then we installed the spindles.

And a picture of the front axle all assembled.

Next we start the reassembly of the rear springs to the chassis that had been already reconditioned by Ken Ehrenhofer prior to us receiving the chassis.

And a few other 'doo-dads'

And we have refurbished the "Helper Springs" that will be assembled later on the chassis.

Our next goal is to assemble the rear end, torque tube and drive shafts, all the backing brake plates and brake cross shaft. The wheels are currently being worked on taking out all the rust pits for final painting. We are in need of some better split locking rings for the wheels if anyone knows of a source please let us know. (I know ..... everyone needs better split locking rings! ....but I had to ask!)

Ford's Garage

Bob and Geri recently ventured to Florida this month and happen upon the Ford's Garage restaurant. Its a very interesting venue especially for people who enjoy old Ford automobiles -- like us!


Below are a few pictures from the Lakeland, FL location.

I almost didn't notice the Happy Hour ! 

Who can guess what year and model? 

I always thought we only rented the beer! 

As I understand they do a hose clamp check on your way out. 

Whoa! That's a lot of beer to choose from. 

The following pictures Bob & Geri captured in Floral City, FL of an interesting Model A:

September 28, 2019 Kenansville, NC Tour

After many delays and attempts, our Kenansville, NC Tour was quite a success. Because our Club is spread across the coastal area of North Carolina, some rendezvoused in New Bern, some in Beulaville and some in Kenansville, but we all met at the Liberty Hall Museum around 10:30 AM.

Liberty Hall traces its roots to the late 1730's when Thomas Kenan immigrated from Ireland and built the first home on what became known as Turkey Branch Plantation. This first home burned to the ground around 1800, the present Liberty Hall was built around 1860. The Kenan family was well known for their leadership and participation in the American Revolution and the Civil War. Probably the most famous people to occupy Liberty Hall was Henry Flagler ("Father of Miami") who married Mary Lilly Kenan at Liberty Hall August 1901. Henry Flagler was one of the richest men in America at that time, part owner of Standard Oil and constructing a railroad through Florida to Key West. 

Following are some pictures of our time a Liberty Hall.

Next on our Tour was a visit to Mike's Farm. This is a local public tourist farm in Beulaville, NC and on this day they were hosting antique tractor show. They also have a restaurant that serves family style set menu of Fried Chicken, Pork, Ham Biscuits, Green Beans, Mac n Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Corn of the Cobb -- all you can eat -- plus desert.

 All our cars parked at Mike's Farm

 For $2 you can ride out to the pumpkin patch and find your pumpkins for fall decorations.

 There were a lot more antique tractors, but by the time we finished eating many participants had left.

That's it until our next outing or bus update.