How to install new wiring and turn signals in a 1930 Ford Model A to make it safe to drive today!

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How to install new wiring and turn signals in a 1930 Ford Model A to make it safe to drive today!

Рет қаралды 15,414

Күн бұрын

Installing all new wiring (wire harness) in my 1930 Ford Model A deluxe coupe, including turn signals. This makes it much safer to drive an antique car in "modern" traffic (where everyone is trying to kill you).
Previous video how to install a wiring harness- • How to install a wirin...
The rechargeable tire pump I got (affiliate link)- amzn.to/3vMIKr8
This is the wiring harness I used- www.brattons.c...
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How to buy a Ford Model A- • Ford Model A Buyer's G...
What motor oil to use in a Model A- • What motor oil is best...
How to shift the Ford Model A transmission- • How to shift gears in ...
How to check and change fluids in Model A- • How to check and chang...
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How to do Model A front end alignment- • How to align Ford Mode...
How to set the timing in a Model A- • How to set Ford Model ...
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Why the Ford Model A is the best American car ever made- • They call it the "Best...
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#paulshinn

Пікірлер: 147

@Ryan_._. 4 ай бұрын

Now I want a model A myself after watching your videos

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Do it!! You will be glad you did.

@Ryan_._. 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA but where do you even find model a cars now??

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

@@Ryan_._. Here is one of many places- www.mafca.com/cl/cl-v-sale.html

@Ryan_._. 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA I’ll take a look. Thanks a lot!

@rich40701 4 ай бұрын

After watching your previous wiring harness install I purchased the exact same harness from Bratton’s and now have turn signals. I installed amber glass lens in my cowl lights with LED bulbs and no longer confuse everyone with my hand signals Lol

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Hahahaa! Good work Rich!! Yea, I have a seat of those amber cowl light lenses I bought many years ago. I had them on my tudor sedan for a while. I can't remember why I removed them. That's what I should put on Gandalf.

@chipper20 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA Even better are the amber colored LED bulbs. Installing 6V amber LED bulbs (available on Amazon) in the cowl lamps keeps them looking stock when the lamps are off, but provide a rich, bright amber color for both the turn signals and parking lights.

@williamforbes5826 4 ай бұрын

Good stuff, Paul. I feel your pain... Take care of yourself while healing.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, brother!! And thank you for the contribution!

@Dan-qy1rg 4 ай бұрын

Nice explanation on how the wiring works and what has to be done to successfully achieve the wiring harness change. You're getting Gandalf there, cool air pump, getting ready for the touring, good job. Good luck with all of it, thanks and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, Dan! Gandalf is turning into a nice rig.

@davidgrisez 2 ай бұрын

I am impressed by how simple the Model A Ford is. This is a very basic and simple electrical system that is just lights and an ignition system. Even into the 1960s car electrical systems were still fairly simple and an electrical diagram could be made on one sheet of paper. But now with all the computerized electronics and the multitude of features and accessories the electrical diagrams of a car today can be over 100 pages. Also the wiring harnesses are incredibly complex and contain a tremendous number of wires.

@ModelA 2 ай бұрын

Yep. Computer cars are scary

@davidgrisez 2 ай бұрын

@@ModelA I have an example of how Computer cars can be scary. My 2011 BMW 328i developed an intermittent engine stall problem when I would come to a stop. It took the BMW dealer about 5 days to trace down the problem to a failing engine crankshaft position sensor. With one of your Model A Fords, if it develops an intermittent engine stall problem there are only two simple items to check, the simple carburetor and the simple distributor ignition system.

@ModelA 2 ай бұрын

@@davidgrisez Absolutely!!! Here's another one for you- I had a newer pickup that would go through radiators every couple years or less. Even 12-24 months, the radiator would suddenly spring a leak. Never overheated, just smell of coolant and a puddle underneath after stopping. The rubber gaskets along the sides would fail. Aftermarket radiators would only last a month, but OEM ones at 3x the cost would past a year or two. I was so exasperated, I got a friend involved who is also an engineer and we developed a chart recorder for all the vital systems. I will make this short- About a year into it, we discovered that the computer ignition module would advance the timing SO much, that the cylinder pressures would soar and the pressure would make it past the head gaskets into the cooling system and pressurize it so much, it would blow out the rubber radiator gaskets. Since it would only do it while the truck was cruising on the highway with cruise control on, and on flat ground, there was no pinging or any other indication of timing being 40-50 degrees advanced. It was part of the software trying to increase the fuel economy, we presume. Swapped the computer (no easy or cheap task) and it has been fine ever since.

@richardbrobeck2384 4 ай бұрын

Lots of Fun Paul ! now I know what those little metal pieces in my junk are for clips for holding model A wiring to the frame !!

@deanjernstrom3760 4 ай бұрын

Very nice Mr S. The harness is in the future. If we hadn't just got 4 new tires and 4 new wheels, I'd consider that. Great job and hope you are all doing well.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I know the feeling, brother! This car is making me go broke.

@DavidKruger-hp2pi 3 ай бұрын

Amazing videos, nice to see the model a ford is still alive. I've restored a 1929 tudor in the 80's. I'm getting ready to buy another one, fun city.......

@ModelA 3 ай бұрын

Right on! Good job David!! You know the saying... If you subscribe to my KZfaq channel, your Model A won't break down on the next tour!

@patmccarthy5069 4 ай бұрын

Great video. Model A Guy words of wisdom of the day - ‘using my American made screwdriver.’ Absolutely and using it on a piece of American Ford history. Thanks to you and the others for setting up the Model A tech question email site. Good weather in Arizona for a Model A day and car show in Prescott Valley.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thanks, brother!! Please tell everyone I said HI down there in Prescott Valley!

@dougmiller9198 4 ай бұрын

You do a very nice job with this. Your ability to share is an incredible asset to the "family" of owners and future enthusiasts.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

@craigdixon4113 4 ай бұрын

Hey, Paul. There is a Story in the Wall Street Journal that mentions you. I think it great, what an impact you’ve made. He bought himself a 4 door model A.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I'm trying my best to make Model As cool again!!

@leahbarnacle6956 4 ай бұрын

Hey Paul, looks like you’re healing pretty good. Still praying that you continue to heal. Getting up and down and crawling under the car I’m impressed after surgery. See ya down a country road Steve

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

It didn't feel very good, but I managed to do it. God bless

@ronkemperful Ай бұрын

Compared to the spaghetti of modern wiring, the Model A's is a piece of cake. No removing of a dash, and a few hundred fuses less too! On my 25 years newer VW the wiring still is fairly simple, I made some modifications to it... but not as brilliantly designed as the Ford's.

@ModelA Ай бұрын

Agreed!

@quailstudios 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Paul, someday I may have to replace the harness in my 1929 Sedan.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Your shop has a nice floor. You're in good shape.

@craigroberts3982 4 ай бұрын

Always good. Checking the fuse after every step is a super good idea and btw the model a tech guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the resource.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Happy to help, Craig!

@paulschleeve5210 4 ай бұрын

Wish I had known about the Brattons harness before attempting to wire my own turn signals, looks much more straightforward!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

It is WAY cleaner!

@rynetakeuchi4382 4 ай бұрын

Turn signals, LED lights?!?Looks great and she runs nice!! I think she’s a beautiful car💕

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

This car is sweeeeeeet!! You like so far?

@andyweixler662 4 ай бұрын

just a friendly suggestion that would help people watching for your great step by step instructions, this video had a lot of limited viewing angles where we only see your shoulder and back. i know it's hard to do the task and get good filming. we appreciate all your efforts to grow the hobby to the 3rd/4th generations!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Andy. I will receive that. I know, I know... In the 2 previous wire harness videos, I did them on the lift and could show what was happening much better also.

@ModelARickLasCruces 4 ай бұрын

Just a comment about side-mounted spares and wheel wells...my 1931 Tudor didn't have a wheel well but I wanted the spare mounted in the left front fender. I purchased the side mount hardware and a wheel well and had my body man cut a hole in the fender and weld it in using the enclosed template (which you can find on the MAFCA website.) My tires at the time were Firestone 19" and I found it difficult to get the tire in and out of the well. But when I got new Goodyear tires, the tire fit in much better and it was no longer necessary to loosen the metal bracket to get the tire in and out. Goodyears must be a little bit "thinner" than the Firestones.

@ModelARickLasCruces 4 ай бұрын

Where's that wheel well template? From the left menu on the MAFCA website, choose TECHNICAL Q & A - then MEMBER TIPS.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Yes. Mentioned that in the side mount spare tire video. The Firestone tires are wider than the Goodyear tires. I prefer the Goodyear tires myself. But I had to use what was available on this car. Money got tight.

@craigdixon4113 4 ай бұрын

Thanks! Just what I needed to know. Same issue, I needed and wanted turn signals. Great video. See you in New Mexico.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

This is just one way, not the only way, for sure. But I tend to lean toward long term reliability over cost savings when it comes to safety stuff.

@CEA-zw2xt 3 ай бұрын

I didn’t know there was a wiring harness that incorporates the turn signals. I bought the logo lights LED kit. Still like it a lot though

@williamforbes5826 4 ай бұрын

For the uninitiated, all electrical devices run on smoke! If the smoke leaks out, it no longer works! Followed by, "Oops!" Then wordy dirts.

@dougmiller9198 4 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😅😅😮😮

@ModelARickLasCruces 4 ай бұрын

Impressive camera work! Could actually see what you were doing. You made it look easy. This video belongs on the MAFCA website's VIDEOS page!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Do you know who could make that happen???

@SidecarBob 4 ай бұрын

I'm a little jealous. Replacing the harness on one of my bikes would be a lot more work. Heck, just removing all the stuff to get at the harness would be almost that much work.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Motorcycles are a whole different animal. All the wires need to be stashed away.

@SidecarBob 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA Yep. Most of it is under the seat and tank, which isn't all that hard to get at but you can't just crawl underneath and get at it.

@garyaxsom1815 4 ай бұрын

Thank you Paul first i have seen this done!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Great! I have done a total of 3 wire harness videos so far. The other two, I did on the lift so you could see better.

@GesplatnaEntertainmentLLC 4 ай бұрын

Blessings. Enjoy the ride.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, I will drive it like I know how to fix it. Hahaha!! God bless.

@kenrhoda2573 4 ай бұрын

Amazing video Paul, thank you!!!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@allareasindex7984 4 ай бұрын

I’m redoing parts of the Wretched Roadster’s wiring. So your timing is spot-on! One question: Is the stuff that tastes like dirty dog food or burnt chocolate pop-tarts different for 1928-29s versus 1930-31s? David from San Antonio. P.S. Rudy says hello.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

The crud that falls off a 28/29 chassis is just slightly more minty than the crud from a 30/31. Rudy Blanco is one of my favorite people ever. Please tell him I said "Hola!!"

@romjone4801 4 ай бұрын

Paul, glad to hear of your recovery. What type of surgery did you have?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

The bad kind of growth removed from left kidney and left ureter, blockage removed from left ureter, stones removed from both kidneys, stent installed from left kidney to bladder (to be removed in May).

@romjone4801 4 ай бұрын

Wow, I will keep you in my prayers. You are a GREAT COUPLE!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, brother! I appreciate the prayers. He is risen!!

@mackfisher4487 4 ай бұрын

What gauge wire are the replacement looms using and it is it the same as what Henry used? The simplicity of the model-A is amazing and the wiring alone is a great example. Today one has to be a computer technician to troubleshoot the can bus automotive wiring system. We forgotten KIS "keep it simple stupid" i.e. reliable

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

This harness uses 14 ga. stranded (but all copper) wire. I can't stand that copper clad aluminum junk either.

@MikeLoveBuns 4 ай бұрын

Great video! Mike from Missouri

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you Mike!

@vayabroder729 4 ай бұрын

This is wonderful; I see Gandolf is sporting nice rims and tires! Like The Beatles’ song “getting better all the time”. 😉. What’s with the windshield?; it has some sort of goo or something in the perimeter?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

It's the original 1930 windshield and it is de-laminating. Pretty common for that 90 year old safety glass.

@philipvetter2251 4 ай бұрын

Nice work as usual Paul. I did notice the shifter has a bit of a different bend towards the top end. Did you get the car like that? I like it! Thanks ...Philip Vetter, Long Island N.Y.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Yes. It is an original stick that previous owner bent.

@richardwarner8315 4 ай бұрын

Like the idea of the new fuses. Where did you get the new fuse block?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

From the jungle website

@mnrebel4ever 4 ай бұрын

I like the trunk. What brand is it? I put a Steel Kote on my '31 Coupe. I made the rack for it since it is much wider than the standard racks. My local club has an annual "slow car run" here in Minnesota that is coming up in May. Our club just became a chapter of MAFCA..

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Congratulations!!! I don't know who made that trunk. It was on a car I bought about 20+ years ago.

@hammerheadshark8457 4 ай бұрын

i did not know you just posted this

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I usually publish new videos on Saturdays.

@hammerheadshark8457 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA thanks

@steveduecker9872 4 ай бұрын

I wish my wiring harness was that simple!

@williammiller2750 4 ай бұрын

Super video Thanks!! When you hook up your cowl lights as directional lights, do you lose your cowl lights as cowl lights?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Nope. They still work as cowl lights too

@duanedouse7938 3 ай бұрын

Paul , why don't you paint your alternator black? That way it would not stick out like a sore thumb.

@ModelA 3 ай бұрын

Why don't I clean out the rain gutters? Why don't I mow the lawn? I dunno.

@wellis66MA 3 ай бұрын

Paul, love your channel. What can be done if your car is a 28/29? Since we don’t have cowl lights is blinkers in the bumpers the only option?

@ModelA 3 ай бұрын

Only the deluxe models came with cowl lights, but a lot of people add them. Personally, I prefer no cowl lights. on my sport coupe, the front turn signal lights are in the bumper.

@mr_paw_t 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing the video. A couple questions of curiosity.... 1) whats the green wire under the dash leading to the kick panel? (2) what hold down the storage trunk to the car? (3) will the windshield be replaced?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Answers: 1). It goes to a door switch that someone wired many years ago to turn on the dome light when the door was opened. I think. 2). 4 1/4-20 bolts. 3). Yes.

@bradleybenson7747 4 ай бұрын

Paul, do you have a link to the LED headlight bulbs in this video? I'm looking to upgrade the bulbs in the '31 I'm getting from my grandfather. Currently, I'm not planning on driving it at night. However, I know it is bound to happen a few times. I'm not looking to break the bank on bulbs that will rarely get used.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

They are the LogoLites pre-focused ones- www.logolites.com/products/led-headlights-and-bulbs/led-headlights/focused-beam-led-headlights/

@billchuplis9460 4 ай бұрын

What LED bulbs are you using in those tail lights? Most of what I find seem like they'll be too bright. And when are the 28-29ers going to get their drum style tail lights back? They and the 26-27 Model T have been on back order for years. Thank you and get well soon!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I am using incandescent bulbs in the tail lights. Call Erich at Mike's A-Fordable parts about the 28/29 drums.

@kevinfuelling45 2 ай бұрын

I am looking to purchase this harness but noted that on Brattons website they mention 2 problems with this harness. I saw that it looked like you had an issue closing the bail when you put the cover on. Brattons states that the wire disc is too thick and will need to be thinned .035, the other is that the “off” detents are .017 too deep and need to be tapered. Did you encounter these problems? Not sure I can be that precise in addressing the issues. Suggestions?

@ModelA 2 ай бұрын

Nope. It just worked. If I appeared to struggle, it's likely my arthritis or residual left hand weakness from the stroke I had in 2015.

@JefferyHall-ct2tr 4 ай бұрын

Hi Paul! REALLY enjoyed seeing how you installed the harness and turn signal system! I do have a question, though. I think using the cowl lights on a car that has them is genius! But, once converted, can you use them like regular cowl lights, or are they only turn signals after the conversion? It would be nice to have the cowl lights still work as normal, but just flash when the turn signals are activated.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Good question, and I failed to show that. Yes, if you move the light switch lever to the left, then just the tail lights and cowl lights come on. If you hit a turn signal while they are on, it blinks the side the turn signal switch is moved to and the other stays on.

@JefferyHall-ct2tr 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA Thanks Paul! That sounds like a super great system!!

@73technite 4 ай бұрын

Nice video Paul. Thank you as always. I notice you do not have the clamp on the armored cable going to the distributor. Is this so you can easily remove the distributor? I also notice a custom bend on your shifter, is this something you did and is it designed to give you more room?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Yes, that is so I can swap the distributor faster on the side of the road. That bend in the shifter was like that when I bought the car. It's an original shifter that someone bent.

@michaelrepetto669 4 ай бұрын

Excellent video Paul 👍 Thank you for what you do for the Model A community!!!

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

My pleasure, brother!!

@arndpelzer1227 2 ай бұрын

Looks as if I should better keep my hands off 😂

@kevinfuelling45 4 ай бұрын

Can you run the turn signal wires to lights in the front bumper instead of the cowl lights?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Yes. That's how I did it on my sport coupe.

@kevinfuelling45 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA perfect. Thanks Paul!

@jeffdriver3000 4 ай бұрын

When I was a young mechanic working at the dealership an older mechanic told me how all electrical runs on smoke, if you let the smoke out it quits working. Would there be any advantage to using dielectric grease on the light switch contacts or other connections on the harness?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Electrical dielectric grease is not conductive. If it gets between the bumps and the cups in the light switch, it will cause resistance. I don't use it. A couple club members did and one nearly had an electrical fire. Had to use alcohol and clean the switches out so their lights didn't flicker anymore.

@johncolette6014 Ай бұрын

Yes. Turn signals. Not original but a REAL plus

@ModelA Ай бұрын

For safely driving in today's traffic, absolutely! They are mandatory inHawaii!!

@waynebuti4305 4 ай бұрын

What is the link to the pump for tires cant find it.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Here's a short link- amzn.to/3QePjd0

@mandolinman2006 4 ай бұрын

He's a trick. I've tried to get Project Farm to test it out to see how my trick affects the glue strength. What I've found is that, you can apply epoxy to one side and super glue to the other. They'll have a chemical reaction and set almost instantly.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

CA glues set almost immediately in the presence of about any kind of moisture. The CA accelerator is just moisture that fully evaporates and doesn't leave much residue.

@mandolinman2006 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA what I don't know is how it affects the bond of the glues. I discovered this when I needed to glue something with epoxy but didn't have a good way to clamp it.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I suspect it makes a weaker epoxy bond

@camino6431 4 ай бұрын

Paul, I rewired my 29 Tudor and I have trouble with the conduit for the headlights.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

What is the trouble?

@camino6431 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA I try to connect the conduit to the headlight pigtail and it doesn't want to go into place without fighting me hard. Also, one of the lens clamps is very difficult to fasten

@camino6431 4 ай бұрын

I have tried a couple of pigtails and conduit sets and it seems the same either way. When I saw you do it, it almost fell together. Any suggestions?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

I use all original hardware. Some of the repro hardware is the wrong size, and it will fight you. Call up Steve Becker at Bert's Model A center (tell him I sent you) and ask for some original ones. They just fall together.

@camino6431 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA thanks

@dmgraham69 4 ай бұрын

Can you possibly send a link for the trunk on Gandalf?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

It came off a car I bought about 20 years ago. I don't think they still make metal ones like that.

@dmgraham69 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA This video could not have come out at a better time. I will be replacing the harness in 'Darla' My 1929 Model A. I purchased the harness from Snyder's and got it with the cowl light wiring even though I don't have the cowl lights, will use them for the parking lights in my TwoLite buckets. As always great to see a very informative video on the Model A.

@jaiden_good 4 ай бұрын

Whats a good price for a Ford Model A for sale online?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

That's not an easy question. This video will help- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sL2qe7V7nLuqm4U.html

@jaiden_good 4 ай бұрын

Also are you going to put a overdrive in Gandalf?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

@@jaiden_good nope

@essentialjudge2279 4 ай бұрын

You should have made the brake lights the red ones.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

From the factory, the Model A brake lights were the top ones. The bottom ones aren't very bright, like me.

@edwardperryman5515 4 ай бұрын

😊COOLEST PEOPLE IN THE WONDERFUL WORLD IN COOLEST CAR EVERY

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

@ScottRuggels 4 ай бұрын

Gandalf looks better with thaat trunk on the back.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Think so? Should I leave it there? If you say so, I will!

@ScottRuggels 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA I do think so, unless you can find a more period correct trunk, But it fills in the back of the car nicely. I'd say keep it.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

OK, will do! I have another trunk, but it's too big. I could cut it down, but don't want to.

@SergLa 4 ай бұрын

Маленькие неприятности. Я имею в виду мышей. В 1943 году накануне Курской битвы мыши погрызли провода в немецких танках, чем немного помогли советским войскам. Пол, может быть, ты тоже собрался воевать с русскими? A little trouble. I mean the mice. In 1943, on the eve of the Battle of Kursk, mice gnawed wiring in German tanks, which helped the Soviet troops a little. Paul, maybe you're going to fight the Russians too?

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Эти мыши были в российских платежных ведомостях, как и семья Байденов?? Eti myshi byli v rossiyskikh platezhnykh vedomostyakh, kak i sem'ya Biden??

@SergLa 4 ай бұрын

@@ModelA 🙂

@mackfisher4487 4 ай бұрын

Paul, be careful that your liability for shipping your car in a container is insured, maritime laws are tricky.

@ModelA 4 ай бұрын

Definitely! I know a guy...