McCoy's Shell Service

Headlights and tailight rewired. New stock 6V bulbs installed. Need to focus the headlights next. The stock 6V bulbs are surprisingly bright. This old car is almost ready for a test drive!

Its alive! A couple of weeks ago, the Model A made some smoke for the first time in about 50 years. I was able to get it started for the first time and let it idle for a few minutes. Here is everything I did to make this possible:
1. Remove, Rebuilt, Reinstalled Carburetor
2. Replaced all ignition wiring and a new key switch.
3. Rebuilt distributor. Replaced and gapped spark plugs.
4. Installed new 6V Battery, battery cables, and battery shut-off switch.
5. Flushed gas tank. Installed filter in sediment bowl. Replaced fuel shut-off valve that leaked.
6. Replaced intake/exhaust manifolds.

Next steps are to install a new leak-less water pump and repaired radiator. Once I get engine cooling, I will be able to let it idle for a long time, so I can tune the carburetor. Once I get it idling, it might be able to go around the block! More updates coming soon!

The Wheel McCoy 13 likes, 2 comments. "1930 Ford Model A Starts After Sitting For 50 Years"

1920s Palestine Ford Dealership Tool Box

Since bringing the 1930 Ford Model A to the Shell Station, I've had a lot of folks stop by to admire it. A few months ago, fellow Palestine resident Pat Sparks stopped by to see the car and surprised me with the story of his grandfather's toolbox. Pat told me that he had an original mechanic's toolbox from the Ford dealership that we once had in Palestine in the early 1900s.

The local Ford dealership operated under a few names over the years, including the Palestine Motor Company, which sold and serviced Ford automobiles and Fordson tractors. Our Palestine Ford dealership, operated here from sometime in the 19-teens to the 1940s, I need to research to find the exact dates. But this early Ford dealer opened during the dawn of modern motoring and sold/serviced a lot of Model T's and eventually Model A's back then. Its very possible that our Model A was bought and serviced here.

This tool box was originally owned by Lee Sparks, who was the shop foreman at the Ford dealership. Over the years the toolbox was handed down to Lee's son, Bill Sparks, and to his son, Pat Sparks. Based on some paperwork found inside, I believe this box dates back to 1923 at least. Being a 100+ year old wooden toolbox, it is in remarkable condition. Aside from being in great shape, it was also stuffed with old tools, including some special tools for early Fords like our model A.

To my surprise, Pat offered to donate his tool box to the Shell Station! Its such a neat piece of history and will have a permanent home next to the 1930 Model A.

After picking it up from Pat's house, I brought the tool box back to the station, took all the tools out of it, sorted them, cleaned each piece, and repacked it. I also built a wooden stand with casters so that I could push it around the shop. My intention is to leave the tool box as-is, and leave it stuffed with old Ford tools and parts. As I learn what some of these tools are, I'm sure they will be used again as I bring the model A back to life. I will also be adding my own model A tools and parts to the tool box. Its pretty neat to have an original Ford toolbox from our local Ford dealership as the perfect companion to our Model A.

Thanks again to Pat Sparks for making this possible. I can't wait to share this old tool box with the public. I have already showed a few folks. The most common reaction I get when I open the lid is "Wow, Its Amazing!".

Thanks for reading.

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/emfUjoHOxVo