North Penn Model A Ford Club
Minutes of the Meeting – April 6, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Carol Allen. There were 33 in attendance.
Secretary’s Minutes – The March minutes were accepted as issued.
Treasurer’s Report – The treasury decreased by $5, for a balance of $11,461.82.
Member News
Past Activities
Upcoming Activities (NPMAFC-sponsored activities in bold)
Program
Jim Ford gave an informative presentation on shock absorbers. He talked primarily about shocks installed on the front. British shocks (on British sports cars – Austin, MGB, Triumph) work well and are still available from a British parts (Rimmer Brothers) but can be expensive. Other (cheaper) sources are eBay, Marketplace. (Also check out vendor tables at local British car club shows.) Jim uses MGB rear shocks on the front of his Model A. The MGB rear shocks fit perfectly; the arm configuration makes this simple. The Triumph TR6 rear shocks are needed to scavange the ball mount. The bushings in the shocks seem to go first. Jim will be putting Triumph TR6 rear shocks on the rear of his car – the arm is longer to link the arm to the axle. Several members who have shocks on their cars agreed that shocks do make a difference – more control and a better driving car. If anyone has questions, Jim is happy to help.
Jim’s “Model A Front Shock Substitution” list is posted on the Club website. Here is the link to access the list directly – www.npmafc.com/front-shock-absorber-substitution-parts-list.html
There was additional discussion about the type of engine oil. Detergent-free oil should be used in the Model A. If you put detergent oil in an older car, the car will smoke like crazy. However, if the engine has been rebuilt or is new, you can use detergent oil.
The next meeting will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, May 4, at Trinity UCC Church in Skippack. Refreshments will be provided by Allen, Wright, Dixon and MacIlwain.
Minutes prepared by Diane Hall
Members celebrating April birthdays: Carol Allen, Margie Elsing, Jim Decker, Brian Geyer, Rhonda Geyer, Fred Coyne
Minutes of the Meeting – April 6, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President Carol Allen. There were 33 in attendance.
Secretary’s Minutes – The March minutes were accepted as issued.
Treasurer’s Report – The treasury decreased by $5, for a balance of $11,461.82.
Member News
- Doug Emerson printed the updated member roster. Copies are available at the meeting.
- Former member Charlie Kerper passed away recently. His car (1928-29 Phaeton) is for sale. It is a right-hand drive. The car needs work. The body is off the chassis. See Carol Allen for details.
Past Activities
- March 28 – Three Dog Garage, Boyertown. Twelve members toured this wonderful collection of vehicles, followed by lunch. Thanks to Karl Beers, Jim Reed and Steve Sensenich for organizing a great day.
Upcoming Activities (NPMAFC-sponsored activities in bold)
- April 11 – Tour of Carson Helicopter (952 Blooming Glen Rd, Perkasie) – 11am. Followed by lunch at the Crossroads Tavern at 12:45pm. There will be 15-18 aircraft to view.
- April 26 – Steve Ryan Model A/AA Show and Swap (Goodwill Vol. Fire Co., 7723 Hamilton Blvd., Breinigsville, PA 18031). 9am-3pm
- April 26 – Wheels of Wayne car show (North Wayne and West Wayne Aves, Wayne, PA) 12:30-3pm.
- May 4 – Club meeting, 7pm, at Trinity UCC Church (2009 Church Rd, Skippack 19474)
- May 14 – North Penn High School 29th Annual Auto Show (1340 S. Valley Forge Rd, Lansdale 19446) 9:45am to 1:30pm (rain date Friday, May 15). Lunch will be provided. Model A’s and other vintage vehicles are welcome. Contact Diane Hall.
- May 16 – Tour Valley Forge Park. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10am. View the video presentation at 10:30am; tour around the park and caravan to Sprng Hollow Golf Club for lunch. Contact Perry Rogers.
- May 25 – Collegeville-Trappe Memorial Day Parade. The theme is “Celebrating America’s 250 – Collegeville-Trappe’s Role in the Birth of Our Nation”. Details regarding our Club participation being finalized. Decorating cars is encouraged!!
- June 13 – Annual Picnic at Green Lane Park (Deep Creek Stone Lodge, 2115 Snyder Rd, Green Lane 18054), 11:30am-3pm. (Food set-up at 10am) The Club provides hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, condiments and beverages. Attendees bring assorted side dishes and desserts. Car tour to the picnic pending.
Program
Jim Ford gave an informative presentation on shock absorbers. He talked primarily about shocks installed on the front. British shocks (on British sports cars – Austin, MGB, Triumph) work well and are still available from a British parts (Rimmer Brothers) but can be expensive. Other (cheaper) sources are eBay, Marketplace. (Also check out vendor tables at local British car club shows.) Jim uses MGB rear shocks on the front of his Model A. The MGB rear shocks fit perfectly; the arm configuration makes this simple. The Triumph TR6 rear shocks are needed to scavange the ball mount. The bushings in the shocks seem to go first. Jim will be putting Triumph TR6 rear shocks on the rear of his car – the arm is longer to link the arm to the axle. Several members who have shocks on their cars agreed that shocks do make a difference – more control and a better driving car. If anyone has questions, Jim is happy to help.
Jim’s “Model A Front Shock Substitution” list is posted on the Club website. Here is the link to access the list directly – www.npmafc.com/front-shock-absorber-substitution-parts-list.html
There was additional discussion about the type of engine oil. Detergent-free oil should be used in the Model A. If you put detergent oil in an older car, the car will smoke like crazy. However, if the engine has been rebuilt or is new, you can use detergent oil.
The next meeting will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, May 4, at Trinity UCC Church in Skippack. Refreshments will be provided by Allen, Wright, Dixon and MacIlwain.
Minutes prepared by Diane Hall
Members celebrating April birthdays: Carol Allen, Margie Elsing, Jim Decker, Brian Geyer, Rhonda Geyer, Fred Coyne