Expert: jack bahm - 6/19/2011

Question
The spring (about 2" long) that is mounted on the firewall that pulls the throttle lever back to "idle" broke.  I have purchased the correct replacement spring, but cannot figure out how or where to attach the one end, in order to create tension.  Can you assist? Vehicle is 1930 Model A Ford Tudor.

Answer
I just looked at mine.  I can send a video of mine if you want.  Let me know your e mail address.  The end toward centerline goes behind the pivot base.  The end toward the rt side of car goes down the arm and wraps around it.  This part pulls the arm rearward closing the throttle.  You should also have a secondary spring for safety.  I have a video of that also.  I will put the new video I will make on youtube so you can see both.  Go to youtube.com and search for jackbahm  (no space).

Model A Tip

With all of the concern of throttle return, I realized that the Model A did not have a redundant throttle return spring like all modern cars.  To add a second spring, I devised a simple method of adding a coil spring to make sure the throttle returns if the main return spring fails.  I have seen only one fail, and the system did go to wide open throttle.
Take a small piece of that metal strapping with holes in it that you can get at any hardware store and a coil spring about 4 to 5 in. long.  Use a piece of strapping about 2 in. long and attach it to the underside of the hood brace as shown in the picture.  Attach the spring to the throttle adjustment screw as shown and to the piece of strapping.  Make sure the spring is not too aggressive.  All it has to do is return the throttle to the closed position and not add a lot of effort to the throttle system.  
This makes your "A" a little safer.
Jack Bahm Oakleaf Region  3-2010

Good luck
jack