I'm a third generation Bell System (long retired) employee. This would've been the truck for my grandfather. Thanks for showing it. The fact that it was purchased by the guy who drove it it's entire career doesn't surprise me. Once upon a time we were a fiercely loyal employee family. working for Ma Bell wasn't a job, it was a career.
My father’s 1931 Model A Ford truck (I assume) still is a one-ton flatbed with duelies. I learned to drive in this truck. I drove for hours at 35mph when moving from Buena Park (Knott’s Berry Farm) to the Palos Verdes Peninsula (Sea World). Couldn’t replace the broken light switch rod because in this truck rod was 6” longer than the sedan rod.
A special thank you for covering this. I've mentioned it before (forgive me for repeating myself). But my grandfather worked for Ma Bell from the 20s to the 60s. This truck would have been a contemporary of his earlier years. I've seen it in the museum several times, but getting to see it in action was awesome. Thanks for all you do, have a great week ~ Chuck
One of the things I keep getting pleasantly surprised by with your videos is seeing how many unique variations of the Model A there are. This is a really cool one at that.
I love Gilmore's. I would invite anyone who happens to be in Barry County Michigan to stop in. Every Wednesday you can drive in with whatever old jalopy you want and just hang out. I live in the Northeast corner of the county and Gilmore's is in the Southwest corner but it's well worth the drive every time.
I’m sitting here enjoying yours and Tina’s video (vintage truck lover here ) I had to laugh at the end, I’m recently out of the hospital nursing my left borrowed left kidney of 33 years! Happy for you, that you got your dream ride.
Oh, well bless you, man!! Will is talking about my left kidney because that's the one that was blocked and had surgery to remove a tumor. Now it is working again! Notice how I'm not all fat from retaining water anymore. I pray that your borrowed kidney and you stay healthy!
Awesome Model A truck and the tool chest is impressive!! Great video Model A Guy. Looks like you and Model T had a great time and kept busy. Time to go home, take a nap and back to work.
Paul & Tina, it’s a Saturday two’fer videos. Two cups of coffee and seeing a great truck, my grandfather worked for Bell South in WV for 40 years. The Gilmore is a gem, hopefully I’ll be back next year, KY Ken.
Paul, Well you continue to put a smile on my face. A Saturday morning delight. Looks like you’re having way too much fun! Thanks for sharing! See you down a country Road! Steve
"Tonight, tonight, the world is full of light!" A little West Side Story music in the background. Nice touch! Great video my friend. Hope you are having a great weekend. Make it a good one. Love the phone truck. How good it has lasted through all the years! And the phone still in the box as well :) Ma Bell would proud! Great to hear all the awesome stuff you did at MAFFI. Have a great day and God bless my friend!
In 1933 my dad went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He said that they had 1931 Model A roadster pickups for telephone trucks. Imagine what just the body and frame of one of those would be worth today. He said that the roadster pickup was purchased because it was a few dollars cheaper than the regular cab. He was a Telephone Pioneer. He started by cutting brush and clearing the right of way for "Toll Lines". They then set the poles and strung the wire. Hard for us today to think of how back then every phone conversation came through a wire. Many phones then didn't even have a dial. Any call you made went through a switchboard operator.
Hi Paul! Thanks for showing off the beautiful Model A Phone Truck! Sweet! Any Model A is my dream car right now, but am still partial to the 400A! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
No worries, you are too trustworthy. If there's anything in the museum you want to drive, I'll do my best to make it happen for my brother from another mother.
@jerrydennany4737 Dude, that phone truck is my absolute favorite Model A in the whole place. Nothing can ever top that!! And I have you to thank. Thank you, brother.
Paul, I have been told my 1930 pickup is also a Northern California telephone company truck. It has the black painted headlight buckets and radiator cover and thicker radiator. I also have the "P" over "C" 1930 California license plate. Engine stamp matches frame but can't confirm that is the original plate for the vehicle. Mine is also a work truck. It goes to the hardware store and garden center. The bed (box) was not part of the truck when it was started to be restored in the 1990's. The restorer obtained the pickup box from a neighbor I was told. That kinda explains why the paint doesn't quite match the cab.
Wow, that beautiful Model A has a unique story! Thank you for sharing it with us Paul. As an antique collector, I have a ton of glass insulators from the early 1900s. I can’t help but think that the telephone repairman would’ve seen those same insulators while on the job 😁
Hey!! I have quite a collection of glass insulators also, but I have never bought one. Just ones I came a ross at various transmitter sites, etc. They are so interesting!
@@ModelA very cool! You’re right about glass insulators being interesting. Companies such as Hemingray, Armstrong, and Brookfield had countless variations amongst their insulator designs. Some designs/colors are common while others fetch a hefty premium. I have both telegraph and regular power line insulators. Comparing the two types is really fun since the telegraph examples are a lot smaller. On a hike in Los Gatos, CA I found a massive ceramic insulator and its mounting post. The maintenance crews essentially tossed it in the woods. Weighing in at roughly 20lbs, the insulator proved difficult to carry. But, I did it for six miles and got it safely in my car 😂
The Gilmore is my happy place - Beautiful restoration by a guy that would have known every inch of that Truck. It is much more impressive out of the museum where it's in the the other cars so kind of hard to get a good view of the proportions.
The yellow busses, you can see at 5:09 , do they base on Ford Model A as well? t is awesome to see, how many Ford Ts and As are still arround? Plus the old Beetle, I guess they all the other surviving classic car together do not match together these 3 car models in terms of numbers.
That’s a neat piece of history. Thanks for telling us all about it. I thought the late ‘31s had metal roofs. Was that change not done at the same time as the indented firewall?
Paul, interesting that there is no door handle on exterior of drivers door. Is there a block off plate on the exterior or was the door skin smooth ? Although restored was the inside door panel only showing the window crank ? was the lock slider present inside? .Was the door somehow pinned or fixed in place by some hardware?.
I agree; that would be the ultimate Model A Ford! Please tell me that's going to California with you. There can't be many of those left. How many were built?❤😊
The kick is .. we're car guys ... the primary purpose of this model A was to get to a location and service phone operations ... the vehicle itself only was to get to place and service phones .. not to drive around and appreciate the motoring function that we celebrate today. Now it could be used to go door to door and service cellphone failures!
The only problem with that is, in order to fully understand and fix a modern cellphone malfunction, you need to be 12 years old. The technicians would still need a legal aged driver.
It was a work truck, which means it likely got dents/dings and wear from dragging cables and stuff like ladders across the fenders. I own a tree farm, and we 'retire' our trucks after 8 years. They're pretty beat up by then.
I have to say it still seems doubtful. I can believe a ten year old truck being sold off but it the term "restoration " that sounds unbelievable. Fixed up to use for personal use, sure that's makes sense but not a restoration.
@@danielbuckner2167 My job isn't to argue over the definition of the word "restoration" or how it was applied to this truck. I don't care. My job is to share how awesome this piece of rolling history is, how incredible it looks and drives, and where to see it for yourself. I nailed it.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a third generation Bell System (long retired) employee. This would've been the truck for my grandfather. Thanks for showing it. The fact that it was purchased by the guy who drove it it's entire career doesn't surprise me. Once upon a time we were a fiercely loyal employee family. working for Ma Bell wasn't a job, it was a career.
My grandfather was a phone company man (SNET) for almost 50 years and a Model A guy. He sure would have loved this truck.
My father’s 1931 Model A Ford truck (I assume) still is a one-ton flatbed with duelies. I learned to drive in this truck. I drove for hours at 35mph when moving from Buena Park (Knott’s Berry Farm) to the Palos Verdes Peninsula (Sea World). Couldn’t replace the broken light switch rod because in this truck rod was 6” longer than the sedan rod.
A special thank you for covering this. I've mentioned it before (forgive me for repeating myself). But my grandfather worked for Ma Bell from the 20s to the 60s. This truck would have been a contemporary of his earlier years. I've seen it in the museum several times, but getting to see it in action was awesome. Thanks for all you do, have a great week ~ Chuck
Thank you, Chuck!! Let's go for a spin in it next year, man. I'm sure Jerry will give us permission.
@@ModelA I don’t have the words to describe how awesome that would be!!
One of the things I keep getting pleasantly surprised by with your videos is seeing how many unique variations of the Model A there are. This is a really cool one at that.
It seems limitless
I agree with you Paul, that phone truck is a rock star, a beauty of the highest class! Have a great weekend and God Bless you and Tina.
Thanks, you too Dan! God bless
We are all watching this glowing just like you two guys! What a fine fine Ford.
Thanks. Iam 82 and have always wanted a Model A and I love looking at them
Thanks Jerry
Hi Paul the sound of a model A is like music......unique.
Absolutely! Who needs a radio?
I love Gilmore's. I would invite anyone who happens to be in Barry County Michigan to stop in. Every Wednesday you can drive in with whatever old jalopy you want and just hang out. I live in the Northeast corner of the county and Gilmore's is in the Southwest corner but it's well worth the drive every time.
I’m sitting here enjoying yours and Tina’s video (vintage truck lover here ) I had to laugh at the end, I’m recently out of the hospital nursing my left borrowed left kidney of 33 years! Happy for you, that you got your dream ride.
Oh, well bless you, man!! Will is talking about my left kidney because that's the one that was blocked and had surgery to remove a tumor. Now it is working again! Notice how I'm not all fat from retaining water anymore. I pray that your borrowed kidney and you stay healthy!
@@ModelA modern medicine is something, best of health to you.
Awesome Model A truck and the tool chest is impressive!! Great video Model A Guy. Looks like you and Model T had a great time and kept busy. Time to go home, take a nap and back to work.
I was back at work the next day! Draggin butt...
Paul & Tina, it’s a Saturday two’fer videos. Two cups of coffee and seeing a great truck, my grandfather worked for Bell South in WV for 40 years. The Gilmore is a gem, hopefully I’ll be back next year, KY Ken.
Dude, we have to go for a spin together in this truck. Next year, mark it in sharpie!
Love that truck too. My grandpa had a toy/model of one like it on his shelf when I was a kid. MEMORIES!
I wish I had one! Dang, that would be sweet
Truck Awesome Paul. Love watching U & Tina channel. The Model A is such a cute vehicle, I love the sound of the engine. 😂
Glad you enjoyed it!
Paul, this would be the perfect work truck for your transmitter repair and maintenance biz.
If it was 4x4, I would be hocking my house to buy it already!
That truck is awesome!
I think so too!
Paul, Well you continue to put a smile on my face. A Saturday morning delight. Looks like you’re having way too much fun!
Thanks for sharing!
See you down a country Road!
Steve
Not as much fun as you and Steve had, but close! God bless.
"Tonight, tonight, the world is full of light!" A little West Side Story music in the background. Nice touch! Great video my friend. Hope you are having a great weekend. Make it a good one. Love the phone truck. How good it has lasted through all the years! And the phone still in the box as well :) Ma Bell would proud! Great to hear all the awesome stuff you did at MAFFI. Have a great day and God bless my friend!
Thank you, pastor!! Yep, that truck is special. But it is lousy for ordering food in a drive thru.
@@ModelA Well, with that vehicle, you can just "call it in!" Problem solved :)
That’s a cool truck, and green is my favorite color on model As
Thanks for slinging the camera
@@ModelA Anytime!
It's a beauty! And a great story.
Hey Rick. You and I need to take some laps in this thing next year, man.
In 1933 my dad went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He said that they had 1931 Model A roadster pickups for telephone trucks. Imagine what just the body and frame of one of those would be worth today. He said that the roadster pickup was purchased because it was a few dollars cheaper than the regular cab. He was a Telephone Pioneer. He started by cutting brush and clearing the right of way for "Toll Lines". They then set the poles and strung the wire. Hard for us today to think of how back then every phone conversation came through a wire. Many phones then didn't even have a dial. Any call you made went through a switchboard operator.
Where I grew up, it was still that way!!
Hi Paul! Thanks for showing off the beautiful Model A Phone Truck! Sweet! Any Model A is my dream car right now, but am still partial to the 400A! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
As a New Englander I love this video! Drive it like you know how to fix it !!!
Excellent!
Beautiful truck! Great story about it too.
Paul and Will, anytime you guys are at the museum, I'll make sure to get the truck out for you both to drive.
And THAT kind of caring is why I love you, man!! Thank you. Better have some security near the gate though!!
No worries, you are too trustworthy. If there's anything in the museum you want to drive, I'll do my best to make it happen for my brother from another mother.
@jerrydennany4737 Dude, that phone truck is my absolute favorite Model A in the whole place. Nothing can ever top that!! And I have you to thank. Thank you, brother.
Paul, I have been told my 1930 pickup is also a Northern California telephone company truck. It has the black painted headlight buckets and radiator cover and thicker radiator. I also have the "P" over "C" 1930 California license plate. Engine stamp matches frame but can't confirm that is the original plate for the vehicle.
Mine is also a work truck. It goes to the hardware store and garden center. The bed (box) was not part of the truck when it was started to be restored in the 1990's. The restorer obtained the pickup box from a neighbor I was told. That kinda explains why the paint doesn't quite match the cab.
Whoa! Your truck sounds awesome!! Any pictures of it?? Would LOVE to see it.
I see why it’s your favorite.
Pretty awesome truck with a very cool story.👌
The story is SO good, right?
Hi Paul! Beautiful truck and a history to go with it. Love to see some "old guys" having WAY too much fun ,acting like teenagers!Haha
Right on Charles!!
Wow, that beautiful Model A has a unique story! Thank you for sharing it with us Paul. As an antique collector, I have a ton of glass insulators from the early 1900s.
I can’t help but think that the telephone repairman would’ve seen those same insulators while on the job 😁
Hey!! I have quite a collection of glass insulators also, but I have never bought one. Just ones I came a ross at various transmitter sites, etc. They are so interesting!
@@ModelA very cool! You’re right about glass insulators being interesting. Companies such as Hemingray, Armstrong, and Brookfield had countless variations amongst their insulator designs. Some designs/colors are common while others fetch a hefty premium.
I have both telegraph and regular power line insulators. Comparing the two types is really fun since the telegraph examples are a lot smaller.
On a hike in Los Gatos, CA I found a massive ceramic insulator and its mounting post. The maintenance crews essentially tossed it in the woods. Weighing in at roughly 20lbs, the insulator proved difficult to carry. But, I did it for six miles and got it safely in my car 😂
That was really cool Paul!! Thank you for sharing that!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Michael!
Не перестаю восхищаться твоими автомобилями, Пол.
I can't stop admiring your cars, Paul.
Model T with PTO and all the tools that were available is my dream truck .i like this Model A also
A wonderful piece of American history.
Awesome truck!
Excellent Video Paul :) also enjoy the Ford Model A cars plus Trucks and Farms ones CELE Trac made back then ! Always cool see!
Glad you enjoyed it, Andrew!
Telco in Albuquerque used to have a Model A or Model T that had a large back box but I do not know what ever happened to it
Great video, love the enthusiasm you two have.
You can tell how much Will and I love the Model A! Glad you think like us!
The Gilmore is my happy place - Beautiful restoration by a guy that would have known every inch of that Truck. It is much more impressive out of the museum where it's in the the other cars so kind of hard to get a good view of the proportions.
Agreed. That truck is absolutely stunning when it is outside and amongst the rest. I just can't stop looking at it!
What a wonderful old rig.
I thought the truck was cool, but the story behind it is just as cool ❤
Absolutely!!
That's a beautiful truck and has a great story
I think so too!
The same wire wheel over the rear right fender still in use to this day.
That is so cool!
Thanks for sharing beautiful part of history!
Glad you enjoyed it Gary!
Don`t know about "sexy," but it sure is CUTE as heck !! Thanks for posting.
Great video thanks for showing .
Love the truck ! Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
This a very nice truck, WOW. 👍👍👍
Absolutely spectacular! 😃👍
Thank you, my friend!! By the way, the drawers in the box are FULL of 1930's tools.
Amazing and beautiful truck.
Absolutely!
Man, talk about cool! Love it.
I remember in the 70’s Bell Canada trucks were the same color!
How cool!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
awesome truck. nice video.
Thanks Paul!
Awesome truck
The yellow busses, you can see at 5:09 , do they base on Ford Model A as well?
t is awesome to see, how many Ford Ts and As are still arround? Plus the old Beetle, I guess they all the other surviving classic car together do not match together these 3 car models in terms of numbers.
Those are built on the AA chassis
That’s a neat piece of history. Thanks for telling us all
about it. I thought the late ‘31s had metal roofs. Was that change not done at the same time as the indented firewall?
No. Some indented firewall trucks and AA vehicles still had the soft tops through end of production in early 1932.
Paul, interesting that there is no door handle on exterior of drivers door. Is there a block off plate on the exterior or was the door skin smooth ? Although restored was the inside door panel only showing the window crank ? was the lock slider present inside? .Was the door somehow pinned or fixed in place by some hardware?.
Normal door except for block off chrome bit on exterior and non working handle inside
These trucks were ubiquitous in the Bell System.
I agree; that would be the ultimate Model A Ford! Please tell me that's going to California with you. There can't be many of those left. How many were built?❤😊
I am guessing only a few were built. No, it is staying at the museum in Michigan. Dangit.
@@ModelA Paul, Is this truck anything like the truck your restoring. To the novice eye, they do look alike or at least close. Thanks!
Paul, looking for info on installing body wood in 1930 Roadster
I haven't done a video on that yet. Thankfully, not much wood in a roadster! What part are you replacing?
Nice. If it was a Reo you could say it's the reo deal.
Indeed
The kick is .. we're car guys ... the primary purpose of this model A was to get to a location and service phone operations ... the vehicle itself only was to get to place and service phones .. not to drive around and appreciate the motoring function that we celebrate today. Now it could be used to go door to door and service cellphone failures!
The only problem with that is, in order to fully understand and fix a modern cellphone malfunction, you need to be 12 years old. The technicians would still need a legal aged driver.
Beautiful car but it is basically the great granddaddy of your F-150 😉
Now that you mention it... You're right!
Do those dates sound right? Who would "restore" a 9 year old truck? It seems more likely that he bought it and then decades later restored it.
It was a work truck, which means it likely got dents/dings and wear from dragging cables and stuff like ladders across the fenders. I own a tree farm, and we 'retire' our trucks after 8 years. They're pretty beat up by then.
Like Noah said. It was a work truck and was pretty used up after 10 years.
I have to say it still seems doubtful. I can believe a ten year old truck being sold off but it the term "restoration " that sounds unbelievable. Fixed up to use for personal use, sure that's makes sense but not a restoration.
@@danielbuckner2167 My job isn't to argue over the definition of the word "restoration" or how it was applied to this truck. I don't care. My job is to share how awesome this piece of rolling history is, how incredible it looks and drives, and where to see it for yourself. I nailed it.
So Paul, what did Matteo think of this particular truck? Also, how much trouble was it getting all of the equipment that is in the box together?
Matteo was like "meh". Hahahaa! Nah, he thought it was cool.
Late 31 had a steel roof.
@@patrickquirk-qz8ri Only of it had a Budd built cab.
Do you happen to know what ever happen to the Model A that Mr. Rogers owned?
I wish I knew
@@ModelA That would be interesting.
So why did the model A come after the model T. I guess the alphabet wasn't invited yet?
Henry decided to start over.
ONLY IN AMERICA 🇺🇸 THX MR S.
Thanks Dean! USA!!!