With autumn colors in abundance and temps more bearable, this is a great time of year to get our Model A’s out on the road and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. And I hope your local chapters are doing just that. But what of those members of your club who are having difficulty keeping ‘ole Betsy running? Whether it’s the widow or single lady (or guy) who needs help, or the Newbie who just feels lost when it comes to working on their Model A, there are many of us that need that assistance.
I want to take time to acknowledge a couple of chapters that have come up with a great way to serve their fellow MAFCA members. First, the Diamond Tread chapter of Downey, California where my cousin, Chuck Mayhew, is a member. Several years ago Chuck and a few other club members decided to band together and visit folks in their chapter who needed help in getting their cars running. They would plan a Saturday morning or afternoon and schedule visits to various members to ‘checkup’ on them. And whatever was needed, whether it was an oil change and lube job, front end alignment or ignition issue, they would get the car on the road again. They call themselves “Henry’s Helpers” and endeavor to do just that. Another such group is the San Fernando Valley chapter where Arthur Bender and Wade Ratzlaf and their group of volunteers, calling themselves the ‘A Team’, assist folks in a similar fashion. I’m sure your local chapter may have ‘Helpers’ like this so don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
I’ve heard firsthand accounts from MAFCA members who were helped by these groups, to get their Model A’s functioning and on the road again. And some have volunteered to do the same and join in the fun. Kind of a ‘Pay It Forward’ attitude. Of course there is an ulterior motive at work here, any guess what that might be? And no it isn’t that “Misery loves company”! Tours are so much more fun when everyone’s cars are in working order. Fewer breakdowns mean more miles traveled and sights seen. And of course more time to sit and enjoy that meal that we never seem to miss…
In closing, I just returned from the Model A Days at the Gilmore Car Museum near Kalamazoo Michigan where the Model A Ford community helped celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Expansion of the Model A Ford museum. What a wonderful testament to the hard work of Model A enthusiasts all over the world. And kudos to the Model A Ford Foundation and their efforts in putting together a museum worthy of Henry’s Lady! The vignettes and displays showcasing our beloved automobile are well presented and they also have a spectacular ‘Learning Area’ where seminars can be given. This museum truly is wonderful and a great place to share our hobby with family and friends. I’ve said it before; everyone should schedule time for a vacation to Michigan and visit this grand museum of Automobilia. And finally, mark your calendars for a big party in September of 2028 where the Model A Ford Club of America will join the Model A Restorers Club and Model A Ford Foundation in celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Model A Ford.
Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down and don’t forget to honk that horn!
Ed Tolman
