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October, 2006

2100 Walnut Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

Local Chapter of MAFCA and MARC

NEWS

‘A’

LETTER

Heart of America Model A Ford Club

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Certificate of M erit” 2004

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A ward of

Continuing Excellence, 2005

S B G

Driving an authentic, or stock Model A is both enjoyable and challenging. It is challenging because the driver

has to stay “on top” of the car at all times. For example; driving a Model A on a two-lane, turtle back road de-

mands constant vigilance so the car will not go off the road on the right or cross left into the oncoming traffic.

Another challenge is driving the car long distances in hot weather without stopping. After a period of time the

road vibration begins to feel like a Swedish massage in a steam room. However, one of the most extreme chal-

lenges in driving the Model A has nothing to do with distance, road conditions or outside temperature. The

most extreme challenge is driving in a parade. The parade line starts, and begins to pick up momentum. Soon it

is time to shift into second and let the car idle along with a little help from the hand throttle. You get settled in

to a nice quiet slow speed roll and then for some unknown reason, the parade line slows down necessitating

quick clutch and shifting response. More times than not, the parade line stops for a moment. Why bother put-

ting the car in neutral and taking your foot off the clutch to give your foot and leg a little rest? As soon as you

do, the parade line starts again and you have to push in on the clutch, bring the car into first gear and slowly let

out on the clutch so you won’t run over the clown in front of you who is throwing candy to kids. Flattening a

clown on the parade route is traumatic to children and loses points for the club.

Some enterprising folks attack this challenge in two ways. First, they install a synchronized transmission. Then

they put in a V-8 clutch and shave several pounds off the flywheel. (I won’t touch on the obvious ethical and

moral issue involved in making these conversions.) There is no doubt about it; these alterations or modifica-

tions make the car much easier to drive in a parade or slow speed environment. Can’t argue that point. How-

ever, as is almost always the case, a simple and more cost effective solution can be easily attained.

Let me illustrate with a purely hypothetical situation. Let say a man lives in a very nice home overlooking a

beautiful lake. He is looking forward to driving his car in a significant MAFCA event. One day, prior to leav-

ing on this journey, our hypothetical man walks across the road and upon reaching the other side, stumbles and

breaks his foot thereby negating any opportunity to drive his Model A at this prestigious event. Not to worry!

Most reputable parts stores stock something called SHIFT-BE-GONE. This stuff is so slick it makes STP and

any other lubricant seem like sandpaper. So, all you need to do is fill your transmission with a quart SBG,

match engine RPMs to transmission speed and slowly nudge the shifting level into any gear you want up or

down letting the Shift-Be-Gone do its work. If you are a bit nervous about this solution perhaps option two is

best for you. Let your wife drive.

Keep Your Car Rolling Down the Road.

Chris Launer – Club President