FAQs

Who are the TarWheel A's?

The TarWheel A’s was founded in 1982, and serves the Model A hobbyists of the Triangle Area in central North Carolina.   We have members in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Clayton, Fuquay, Hillsboro, Durham, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest and other surrounding communities.  Our current roster includes some 45 families, and almost 65 vehicles.  As with any organization, we have those that are just getting started, and those that are the “old hands”.  We have a few award-winning cars, several cars that are in pieces, and everything in between.

How Do I Become a Member?

Becoming a member of the TarWheel A's is simple.  We do not require proof of membership in MAFCA, however, it is strongly encouraged. If you are interested in becoming a member of MAFCA, a membership form is available here.  To become a TarWheel A, please fill out our application form, and mail it to the Club Treasurer at the address listed on the bottom of the application.

Are the TarWheel A's associated with either of the National Clubs?

Yes, the club is affiliated with MAFCA.  MAFCA: the Model A Ford Club of America. 

How much are dues?

The clubs dues are $25 a year, and are due on January 1st.  The dues cover 6 issues of the Club newsletter, "The Dispatch", and help to defray the cost of some club events like "Lube Day".

Do I have to be a member of the National Club?

No.  Since we are a Region of MAFCA, we strongly encourage all members to be members of the National Organization. Not only does it provide you access to additional publications and resources, it helps support an organization that has the interests of the Model A enthusiast at heart. These national organizations work to ensure we are able to continue to drive these beautiful vehicles on our city streets and highways.

Where are the meetings?

We generally meet at members homes or public picnic shelters based on need, or willingness of a member to host a meeting.  We also meet at restaurants or on special occasions, with other clubs.  Tours do sometimes replace regular meetings. The December meeting is our annual Christmas dinner, and we usually hold that on a Sunday evening at a local restaurant.

When do you meet?

We meet once a month, usually the first Sunday of the month at 2:00pm.  This can change based on tours or other special events.

My car is not exactly a show car....

Neither are most of the cars in the club.  Your car is your car, do whatever makes you happy.  Most of the folks in the TarWheel A's are the driving and touring type, but we do have a few show cars too.  It's pretty simple with us;  if it's a Model A, come on in.

I'm not very mechanical

That is probably the single best reason to join the club.  We all bring very different skill sets to the club, but as a group you can rest assured that someone has already solved your problem - at least once.  We happen to have a few top notch Model A mechanics who can help you our of most any situation.

Does the Club Tour?

YES! We typically have a day tour about once a month. We also usually do a multi-day overnight tour once or twice a year. In 2014 the club hosted the MARC National Tour in Cary, NC. The club has also made many trips to tour the Blue Ridge Parkway lodging in Little Switzerland, NC or Volunteer Gap, VA. Other tours completed by the club have taken members to Cameron, NC; Pinehurst, NC; Oak Island, NC and South Boston, VA. Club members also participate in MARC/MAFCA National Tours and attend the Regional AACA in Hershey, PA each October.

Our tour/event schedule runs something like this:

• 1. February - Lube Day plus a short local tour to a place of interest 

  2. March: Day/overnight tour to a state historic site or other point of interest.

  3. April: Day/overnight tour to a state historic site or other point of interest.

  4. May: Club Game Day.

  5. June/July: Tours to regional events such as the Great Locomotive Chase in New Hill, NC and Pottery tour in Seagrove, NC

  6. September: Labor Day weekend tour and tour to Anderson Creek Park, Lillington, NC for picnic with other area clubs.

  7. October/November: Day/overnight tour to a state historic site or other point of interest.

  8. December: Numerous local Christmas Parades - Apex, Holly Springs, Kenly, etc. Club Christmas Dinner.

We are a very active club and many of us enjoy driving our cars. We typically have between 5 and 10 cars on our tours. And, if anyone suffers a breakdown, we have lots of talent and spare parts with us to keep you rolling. We would love to have you join us!

What is 'Lube Day'?

This is an event that we hold annually in February.  The club purchases supplies - 600 wt oil, and grease in bulk, and we all get together at a "shop" and form into "service teams".  A team will work on a car, and change it's oil, grease all of its joints and top up transmission and rear end fluids.  This event serves a couple key functions: 

• • We all need to regularly lubricate our A's.

  • Members less familiar with the process can learn from others.

    • Participants should bring their own oil and filters if so equipped

  • A chance to spot potential problems and fix them before they become an issue further down the road.

  • We all have a good time.

What is 'Game Day'?

This is an event that we hold annually in Spring or Autumn.  The club uses a wide open field and we all get together to play games which involve the cars, the driver and a passenger/co-pilot. Games include the following: 

• • Blind Driver - Driver is blindfolded and with the aid of the co-pilot navigates a short course of turns.

  • Bean Bag Toss - Driver circles a large target on the ground, while passenger tosses bean bags over the roof of the car onto the target.

  • Clothes Line - Driver drives around a clothes line while the passenger attempts to peg shop rags to the line.

  • Cup & Saucer Stack - Driver drives forward and backwards between two points while the passenger balances a every growing stack of cups and saucers balanced on a tray.

  • Loading Dock - Driver drives car towards the loading dock to get closest without actually hitting it and activating the alarm. 

These are just some of the games that we can play at this event. There are others such as Gone Fishin', Cocktails for 4, and Broom Soccer. The event provides an opportunity for families to gather and enjoy the spectacle and fun of the games.

Contact our Tour Coordinator for more information or if you have a suggestion or want more information on a tour.  ...and be sure to check out our calendar for upcoming Parades and Tours.