Chris Wickersham’s Tech Articles
A Note From Chris Wickersham:
My approach to these cars has always been to keep them basically original and for the most part the way Henry built them. The Model A is a simple car but very well designed and engineered. It was Ford’s philosophy to build a car that was an affordable, reliable and could be easily repaired with simple tools. When properly repaired and maintained, these cars are still reliable and fun to drive and enjoy. It is not necessary to make a lot of modifications or changes to Ford’s original design and for the most part just returning the car to the way it was originally built will give you a car that is dependable and enjoyable.
Future columns will deal with issues involving dependability, reliability, drivability, safety and overall usability of our cars. The enjoyment of the hobby is being able to drive our cars with confidence and that we will not be having ongoing problems with reliability. However, if we do encounter a problem we will have the ability to solve it in an efficient manner. I plan to also deal with questions about sources for information, parts, component repair and restoration and repair work by others. Hopefully, you will find this column to be interesting, informative and helpful.
Happy motoring in your Model A Ford.
Articles published from the Santa Anita A’s Spoken Wheel’s Newsletters:
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Are Your Wheels in the Right Directiion November 2023- CW
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Cleaning the Working Parts of Your Model A, October 2023
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Common Problems with the Model A Light Switch, CW, August 2023
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CW – Repairing the Model A Distributor
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The Dangers of Using an Original Model A Fan, May 2023, CW
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Spring has Sprung – CW March 2023
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Keeping the Engine Frame Compartment Clean – CW, February 2023
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Does Your Model A Engine Suffer from Cam Slap? – CW, January 2023
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Adjusting Valves – CW, December 2022
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Wheel Bearings – CW, November 2022
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Don’t Forget to Oil – CW, October 2022
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Does Your Model A Have Spark When it Is Needed CW-9-2022.pdf
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Care and Feeding of the Thrust Bearings
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Parts Cleaning and When Not To Use a Bead Blaster – CW
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The Dreaded Vapor Lock – CW
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Let There Be Light, CW
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Model A Ford Ignition System – CW
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The-New Terry Burtz Model A Engine- CW
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The New Burtz Model A Engine (Part 2) – CW
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The New Terry Burtz Model A Engine (Part 3) – CW
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Looking into the Future, CW December 2021
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Staying in Your Lane, CW November 2021
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The Last Word About Fluid Leaks, CW October 2021
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More About Fluid Leaks, CW September 2021
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Re-occurring Inferior Replacement Parts CW May 2021
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Model A Brakes and Oversize Drums April 2021
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Paint Like A Pro – Installments 1-3, 2021
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What Should I Put in the Radiator, November 2020
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Better Tire for Your Model a Ford, July 2020
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What Sealers Do I Need for My Model A, June 2020
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Good Information on the Internet about Ford Model A’s, May 2020
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Maintenance on the Ford Model A, Now What Do We Do, April 2020
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New Developments in the Model A World, March 2020
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Happiness Is a Clean Gas Tank in Your Model A, February 2020
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Time to Repair the Electrical System, January 2020
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Headlight Maintenance and replacements, December 2019
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Bead Blasting and Sand Blasting Model A Parts, October 2020
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Timing Your Model A, September 2019
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Summer Driving in Your Model A, August 2019
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Electrical and Non-electrical Fires, A Word about Safety, July 2019
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Does Your Exhaust Manifold Leak, June 2019
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Modifying the Ford Factory 4 Blade Fan, May 2019
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Tools and Supplies for Touring, April 2019
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Time to Get Your Model A Ready for the Road, March 2019
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Options for the Model a Ford Ignition System, February 2019
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Automatic Ignition Timing Control, January 2019
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The Spark Lever and What to Do with It, December 2018
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A Word about Tires for Your Model A, November 2018
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COOLING SYSTEM, October 2018
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POOR QUALITY PARTS, September 2018
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More Volts for Your Model a Ford, August 2018
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ALTERNATORS or GENERATORS, July 2018
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A Word About the Glass in Your Model A, June 2018
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Do You Have Seat Belts in Your Model A, May 2018
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ARE YOU READY TO GO ON A TOUR, April 2018
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MY MODEL A QUIT RUNNING, NOW WHAT DO I DO, March 2018
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DRIVING WITH A TACHOMETER, February 2018
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THE MODEL A STEERING GEAR, January 2018
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The Model A electrical System, December 2017
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LED Lights and Quartz bulbs, SEE AND BE SEEN, November 2017
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Does your Model A keep its cool, October 2017
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The Best Operating Temperature for Your Model A Ford, September 2017
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The Best Oil for my Model A, August 2017
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The Challenge of today’s Fuel or What happened to the good old gasoline we used to buy, July 2017
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Most Bang for Your Buck or Easy Upgrades for Your Model A Engine, June 2017
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The shocking Truth All you need to know about the Model A Distributor, April 2017
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All Replacement Parts Are Not Created Equal, March 2017
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MODEL A, February 2017
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Santa Anita A’s new Technical Director, January 2017