Ford Model A Motor Oil

[Oldwolf]

I’ve wanted a Ford Model A (a T would be OK but a more modern A would be the cat’s meow) for a long time.

I got to thinking if I had one, what kind of oil would be the best for it? HDEO, Synthetic or “anything is fine because everything sold today is way better than oil sold in the 1920’s.”

I’m inclined to think M1 15W50 or Delvac 15W40 would be the best, but really I don’t know.

What do you guys think I should use in my fictitious Model A?

PS-Differential and transmission oils are a whole 'nother discussion!

 

[Johnny]

Funny you should ask. My cousin and I are in the process of restoring a Model A, and our oil of choice is Shell Rotella 30wt. No synthetic, no multi-vis oils. Straight 30wt.

I also would like to have a Model T. One can only dream.

 

[sangyup81]

Go for any HDEO

Cheaper and doesn't have an add pack adjusted for Catalytic converters like many of the PCMOs

 

[oilcoholic]

I use Mobil 1 15W-50 in both of my Model A's. I have a 1930 2 Door Sedan that was used in the CBS Mini-Series "Chiefs" in the 80's and also a 1931 Model A Roadster that was judged out a 1st place car at the Model A Restorer's Club National Meet in 1998. My Dad helped me work on both these cars. The Sedan was his and I bought the Roadster out of a barn in the lower part of South Carolina. Dad and I completely restored it before he was confined to a nursing home. He was a Senior Master Judge for AACA and MARC. He has forgotten more about Model A's than I will ever know.

 

[oilcoholic]

By the way, I'm trying to find a 1931 Model A or AA Truck. I want a truck!

 

[Oldwolf]

There are a lot of Model A's on Ebay. Lot's of fun to look at and the prices don't seem that bad to me.

Do Model A's generally go for less that more modern restored cars?

Seems like it.

 

[Oldwolf]

What did the original Ford manual call for weight wise? Anybody have a scanned copy of one?

 

[oilcoholic]

I've got a bunch of Dad's old manuals @ home. Check back later and I'll post what I can find. As far as prices go, I really don't look for other stuff because I grew up with Model A's in my blood. Yeah I like looking on Ebay. I did find a truck about 2 yrs. ago that I drove 420 miles to look at. The guy swore to me that it was original but when I got there and started looking at it, it was half fiberglass. I was ILL. I'll find a truck when I least expect it.

 

[oilcoholic]

Just a side note. Original Model A tires were Firestone. When the tires were put on the rim, the "s" in Firestone lined up with the valve stem.

 

[Kestas]

If you were to buy a Model A, you'd need to know the condition of the motor... original?... rebuilt?... rebored?... repaired?

 

[oilcoholic]

Most of the time if you find a restored Model A , the motor is in good shape as in rebuild and rebored. My suggestion also would be to convert the electrical system to 12 volts and balance the driveshaft.

 

[Oldwolf]

Where you able to find your manual?