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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1929 Modal A Ford Head

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Expert: - 5/14/2009


Question

1929 Modal A
How to change the Head on a 1929 Modal A.

Answer
First, get the Les Andrews book, Handbook for the Model A Mechanic, or some name like that.  It is a great book for about $35 from MARC or snyders or other parts supplier.  It will tell you more than I can in this note.  
Drain the water and remove the goose neck, distributor, and other things in the way.  Remove the head nuts and now the fun starts.  It will come off, but you may have to "worry" it off.  Some people try to fire the engine and make the head pop up.  That works sometimes.
Some say to remove the plugs and stuff a rope into the cylinders and try to rotate the crankshaft to force it up.  My last one, I had to use 92 screw drivers and thin scrapers and work them all around the head until I got it off.  Stay with it, it will come off.  Don't break the head while you are doing this. The corners are the strongest part of the head.
Good luck
jack

jack bahm

Expertise

Only repair type questions on the 1928-1931 Ford Model A.

Experience

Owned one when I was 15 yrs old, and now have owned 5. Still own and play with 2 of them.

Organizations
Oakleaf region of MARC. Model A Restorers Club. I have put several Model A videos on the Oakleaf site that may be of help. Things like how to start the A, how to Time it, how to troubleshoot it.. Go to oakleafregion.org and you will find them. jack

Publications
"More than you need to know about cars." Just a small book for Car Nuts. Blurb.com "Model A Ford Tips and Hints" Blurb.com 2010 Many Model A movies that can be found on youtube.com/jackbahm

Education/Credentials
BSME LSU, 1958, Masters of automotive engineering from the Chrysler Institute of engineering, 1960, MBA Mich State, 1976. Worked as an engineer at Chrysler from 1958 to the end of 1991.

Awards and Honors
Two patents while working in auto industry.

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