FInally I got some time to start on the front brakes of the chassis. I first pulled the 4 bolts holding the whole assembly to the front axel. I then very carefully took pliers and removed the 3 springs holding the brake pad liners. It's easier to get at them if you have the adjusters all the way out. If they are stuck, I would suggest breaking them and replacing them with brand new ones. Next I took the brake liners and knocked the roller pins out of the brake shoe roller. Make sure you inspect all of these for any type of cracks or wearing of the metal. Next was to knock out the brake shoe wedge by undoing the nut on the back of the front brake plate.  Once everything is cleaned I will sandblast and inspect everything. In the coming posts I will explain how to take the old rivets out and install new liners on them
 
Today it was the 31 Tudor Sedan's turn in getting up and running. I first changed out the exhaust as the old one was getting worn and tired. Replaced it with a new one and started it up. I will try and upload a video of the difference in sounds between the two mufflers. After it was installed we took it for a good run around town. Noticed for some reason that the newly rebuilt transmission wants to grind in gears 2 and 3. We adjusted the clutch to make sure it was good and checked to make sure the fluid was topped up with 600W. Seemed to get better but will keep an eye on this.  
 
Today May 11th (Mother's Day) marked the first time to get the Model A's out for the season. This year we got hammered by snow and the weather hasn't been nice. In the morning I woke the 31 Roadster up, checked all fluids, air pressure in the tires, points and filled it with gas. After a few turns of the engine it started and ran good. For some reason when my dog hears the Model A's  she automatically things she's doing for a ride and won't stop barking until we take her. Also took the afternoon to stop in to visit my Mom on Mothers Day! Next on the list is getting the 31 Tudor out and the garage in order to start working on the Speedster again.
 
Engine is installed into the frame. Went very easy with no body on! Less than 5 minutes. Starter and alternator were then installed next.
 
September comes around and that means it's time for the Automotive Flea Market in Barrie Ontario.They usually run one in the spring and fall. This year the Fall show was full of Model A's and parts! We happened to find many untouched parts that will be used for the Speedster.Some items included: Waterpump set, Carbs, starter switches, "Ford" scriped cutout, original set of kingpins, points and many more parts. We also hit the gold mine with an original aftermarket stone guard. In all a very good day with Jim in Barrie Ontario!
 
On the 21st of Aug we took the 31 Tudor and the 30 Roadster for a small road trip! Although it was a nice day I decided to keep the top up to try it out. Hitting the highway on a windy day you can sure feel it!
 
The Engine has been completed other than me painting the water inlet and installing the exhaust. All bearings and rods have been checked and are in spec. No movement up or down. Installed the rear main cork seal, side gaskets and rebuilt waterpump. I also added some permatex on the ends of the gaskets to make sure no oil slipped by. Notice that the head was warped so I had to get it machined to insure it was flat. Ended up taken 15 thou off of it. Installed the new copper head gasket but before I installed it I made sure to give it 3 coats of copper spray. Once the head was on I torqued it down starting from the middle out and did it in stages. 35ft.lbs, 45ft.lbs and then 55ft.lbs.  Once the engine is run and warmed up I will ret
 
Completed the oil pan awhile ago and just got time to upload the photo's. It took a long time to get all the years of crud and oil out of it. I was surprised to see little to no sludge in the bottom of the pan. Started out degreasing it and pressure washed the outside. Next I scraped off all what I could. Final step was to take the wire wheel and bring back the metal. After if was done I make sure to check for straightness on the pan and noticed one of the corners was bent. Took a hammer and block of wood and made it flat again. Too knock out the dripper tray from the pan I first put the pan in a plastic bag and turned it upside down and dropped it on the shop floor. This took several attempts but then popped out with success!
 
August long weekend came and we decided to take the 30 Roadster and 31 Tudor out for some fun! Right before we headed out we had to change out the roadsters manifold gasket that happened to split and was leaking air. This photo taken was at the family names factory..Bogdon and Gross!
 
I have been busy the last while with other things and finally found some time to get the engine put back together. I inspected everything and was surprised it all looks good. Cleaning out the valve chamber was the part that took the most time because of all the sludge over the years. Timing gear and crank were in amazing shape and all valves moved how they should. Had to rebuild the oil pump,and install a new pump drive gear and spring.  Next I will

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    Born and raised in Walkerton, Ontario and started working on Model A's at a very early age. My father Jim, Grandfather and uncle all restored their Model A's 25-30 years ago. Knowledge was learned from these fine gentleman throughout the years. My father and I now have 2 restored cars. Our 1931 Tudor Sedan and 1930 Roadster Deluxe

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