Defective Cutout

During a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest, I found myself in a situation with a defective cutout on my vehicle, and I was many miles away from any help. After giving it some thought, I came up with a solution using a 10-gauge wire loop that I connected to both sides of the cutout and ran into the cockpit. I incorporated a switch mounted on the driver’s side kick panel, positioned so that if it accidentally touched my leg when dismounting, it would be turned off rather than on. Once the car is started, all you have to do is flip the switch, and you’re “genning.” However, it’s crucial to be vigilant and remember to turn it off at each stop since leaving it on can quickly drain the battery. Perhaps this tip is worth sharing with others.

Answer:

This is valuable information. I’ve personally kept a cutout jumper under my seat for years. I’ve since transitioned to using an alternator for increased dependability, although I understand it may not be recommended for purists. – Lyle Meek, 1997 Technical Director

Did You Know …

One Hundred Years Ago

Did You Know

One hundred years ago, as 1923 ended, Ford had produced 2,011,125 Model T’s that year alone. This is still today the highest figure ever achieved by a single model in a single year. Thanks to these production numbers, Ford was able to sell these cars at a low price. For example, you could buy a Runabout for $260, the equivalent of $4,815 today.

Model A Ignition System

Did You Know

Basically, the points fire the coil, the coil fires the plug, the spark at the plug starts the flame and the ignition systems job is done for that cycle. But of course, now for a few more details.

Georgia O’Keeffe and her Model ‘A’ Ford

Did You Know

O'Keeffe's Model ‘A’ Ford became an integral part of her artistic process, serving as both transportation and a mobile studio. It provided her with the means to venture into the desert and capture the es- sence of the Southwest, which became a significant influence on her art. The car's simplicity and reli-ability allowed her to travel to remote locations, enabling her to create her iconic paintings of the New Mexico landscape.

Why Did Ford Only Sell Black Cars

Did You Know

Henry Ford once said something of this nature: "A customer may have a car in any color he desires, so long as it's black." Today, many people have taken this quote to mean that every Model T Ford, the car which undoubtedly made the American automobile affordable and "put America on Wheels," was painted black.

1932 Ford Model 18 V-8

Did You Know

Henry Ford had been experimenting with unusual multi-cylinder engines even before the Model A. He rejected an inline six as being a copycat, seeking something distinctly different to perpetuate the image of Ford as the automobile innovator. A more powerful V-8 for a low-priced car offered that innovation.

The Morgan Traffic Signal

Did You Know

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877–July 27, 1963) was an inventor and businessman from Cleveland who is best known for inventing a device called the Morgan [...]

Mary Brooks Picken’s Contribution to Fashion

Did You Know, Fashions

A relatively unknown yet highly influential woman in the Model A era was Mary Brooks Picken. Mary transformed millions of women from clothing vendors to seamstresses capable of improving their lives and making money with their sewing machines. Mary published 96 books on sewing, needlework and textile arts.