Overdrives, synchronized transmissions, high-compression heads, or higher geared differentials are allowing our old cars to keep up with traffic on modern roads. With the addition of turn signals, LED tail lights, seat belts, and not to mention cup holders, the Model-A’s are more enjoyable to drive. Unless you are an absolute purist of course.
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However, outside of the car is a different story. Here are a few important safety guidelines to keep in mind while touring with our club.
● Maintain extra distance between yourself and the vehicles around you. This is especially important with mechanical brake cars as stopping distances are much longer in these vehicles. ● Ensure that your Model A is adequately prepared for your next tour. Double-check your brakes, engine oil, transmission fluid and make sure the U-joint is greased. Also make sure to lubricate the water pup and chassis, check the water level in the radiator, pack and adjust the front wheel bearings, test your ignition components, check your tire pressure, and make sure that safety features like your headlights and horn work correctly. ● Always make sure to carry spare parts, a jack, a spare tire (with air) and other safety equipment (such as a fire extinguisher and/or a small first aid kit). |
Roadside Safety and Staying Together
Sometimes it might be necessary to pull onto the side of a busy road during a tour. This might be necessary if a car in encountering mechanical issues, or to wait for part of the group to catch-up after being stopped at a red light. This might happen on a quiet country road, or on a busy highway. While needing to stop on the side of the road isn't usually a big deal, getting back on the road and up to road speed can be challenging or even dangerous.
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1. When a tour begins, the club will establish a “Sweep Vehicle.” The sweep vehicle is responsible for assisting any vehicle having problems. All other vehicles should continue to a single location to wait for the other vehicles to catch up, such as a parking lot. The rest of us can pull off at the next exit, or where safe to do so. There are many capable shade-tree mechanics in our club that are capable of the simple side-of-the-road fixes. Make sure you look at the traffic before you get out of your car.
2. For longer tours, the tour group may break into smaller groups to avoid the traffic light problem that we often face. 3. The tour leader, is the tour leader. 4. Always make sure to communicate with the rest of the tour group via CB radio. This is often the most effective way to communicate with the rest of the tour group and the tour leader. |
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General Tour Guidelines
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● The club uses CB radios to advise of any unscheduled information such as break-downs, or road conditions. CBs are tuned to channel 14.
● As we travel, try to keep the car behind you in sight. This will help to keep the group together. ● When a turn is made, ensure the car behind you sees you turn. Please wait to ensure the group behind you knows where we have turned, and can follow the route. ● Highway speeds will be approximately 50 mph (climbs permitting) by the tour leader’s speedometer. ● If you have trouble, someone will stop with you. Notify the tour leader via CB radio. The tour leader may pull the tour off and wait or continue to the next stop. Everyone need not stop to assist. The designated “sweep vehicle” will stop to assist, and advise the Tour Leader. ● Leave enough spacing between the cars to allow modern traffic to pass safely. Don’t “bunch up”. ● If you leave the group or have to make an unscheduled stop (for sightseeing, photo shoots, etc.); please let someone know so we don’t lose you along the way. ● If you are driving a modern car, please drive behind the “A’s” in the tour. |
Milestone Awards
The Model A Ford Club of Colorado has a unique award that honors, not the owner of a car, but the car itself. Each year, club members are asked to report their current mileage, and as various milestones are passed, a Model A is awarded a radiator plaque which is meant to stay with that particular car until the next milestone is reached. The plaque is the property of the club, and if a car leaves the club, the plaque may be purchased by the owner or it must be returned to the club.
This 1929 coupe, owned by Ted and Linda Ackerman, sports a 95,000-mile Milestone plaque.
For more information on the Milestone Program, contact Fred Binkley at [email protected]
Click here for the Milestone Program Registration Form
This 1929 coupe, owned by Ted and Linda Ackerman, sports a 95,000-mile Milestone plaque.
For more information on the Milestone Program, contact Fred Binkley at [email protected]
Click here for the Milestone Program Registration Form