Three Lessons Learned from Getting My Model A Out of Storage

Storage management is a common task for car enthusiasts in Northern Michigan, particularly when dealing with harsh winters that necessitate shelter for cherished vehicles. Recently, I faced trials while retrieving my 1930 Ford Model A after four years in storage. Here’s an overview of three critical mistakes made and the lessons learned.

Failing to Prepare Properly

The Model A is perhaps the simplest car in my collection, a label that speaks volumes given my affinity for more intricate vehicles. Its reliable 40-horsepower flathead four engine has a long history of dependable performance. Therefore, when I contacted the building owner to arrange pulling the car from storage, I naively assumed everything would work perfectly on the first try. I only packed essential tools from my Chevrolet Express van along with a floor jack for lowering the car from its jackstands, underestimating the need for a thorough pre-check.

Before attempting to start the car, a fundamental step should have been to ensure that the engine could turn over smoothly. While four years in non-climate-controlled storage might not seem dire, I’ve encountered instances of engines becoming stuck in similar conditions. A bit of fogging oil could have gone a long way in safeguarding the engine during its dormant period. Thankfully, when I manually rotationally checked the crankshaft via the V-belt, it turned with reassuring force, indicating that the internals might still be in good shape.

Expecting Immediate Success

With a free-turning engine, I proceeded to the driver’s seat, lifted the floormat, and checked the battery access panel. Confirming that both battery terminals were secure, I was ready to ignite the Model A’s engine. Trusting in its past performance, I allowed myself to hope it would start up without issues. Yet, turning the ignition key resulted in nothing but silence from the six-volt battery. Even the starter button produced no response, leaving me puzzled and somewhat trapped.

Now, I had an unresponsive car that needed to be hoisted up onto a trailer. With no winch available, I begrudgingly accepted that I’d have to make a 40-minute round trip to fetch a new battery. Just as I resigned myself to this inconvenience, Bruce, the building owner, came to the rescue. He secured two tow straps together and used them in conjunction with his truck to pull the Model A up the ramps. With the car finally on the trailer, I drove home, consumed with thoughts about the unexpected power failure.

Uncovering Hidden Problems

Back at home, I connected jumper cables to a second six-volt battery, hoping it would coax the Model A to life. Yet, once again, there was no response—almost as if a rodent had taken a fancy to gnawing through crucial wiring. Upon inspection, I discovered that the heavy-duty 00-gauge main battery cables I had painstakingly crafted years prior didn't seem damaged. This raised my suspicion about a possible disconnection somewhere in the system.

In search of answers, I grabbed a multimeter to assess the battery’s condition. While it showed some charge, it lacked sufficient power to perform any functions, which further pointed to a connection issue. At that moment, a realization struck me: I had overlooked the battery cutoff switch I had installed for safety. Beneath the driver’s seat, it had become an out-of-sight, out-of-mind detail that hadn’t crossed my mind despite having been a critical part of the starting procedure.

This lapse illustrated the importance of routine checks and the necessity of a mental checklist when preparing to operate or service older vehicles. When I eventually turned on the cutoff switch and gave it another try, the Model A roared to life on the first crank—an outcome that affirmed my love for this classic car, despite my earlier blunders.

Concluding Thoughts

This experience of retrieving my 1930 Ford Model A from storage was enlightening. I've learned to treat every process seriously, from preparation to execution. Having backup tools ready, confirming equipment is operable, and establishing a mental checklist are crucial practices. Reflecting on this episode, it’s evident that these lessons not only apply to vintage car owners but to any collective experience in caring for automobiles. It's a reminder that even when it feels straightforward, proper diligence can prevent unnecessary setbacks and ensure an enjoyable ride on the road ahead.

While these moments can be frustrating, they serve as valuable insights for every car enthusiast. Embracing the learning opportunity that each attempt provides ultimately enriches the ownership experience.