Meet Us
President - Bruce Hawley -
Growing up with my dad, he would often say "I'd give my right arm for a MODEL A". In about 1985 my dad and I attended a car show and there it was - The 1931 Model A Coupe - FOR SALE! I suggested my dad start cutting off his arm! A couple weeks later my dad owned that car. He was one proud papa! 1990 came along. I was now on the Fire Dept when my dad passed after a short illness. I started the Model A when I visited my mom and eventually started taking it for rides, a little further each time. I was hooked. Luckily, Frank Ezolds Model A Garage was nearby. When I retired, me and the 1931 Coupe headed to my dream retirement in Florida, and far away from Frank's Garage.
One day when my coupe didn't want to start a neighbor suggested I contact the local NAPA store in Bunnell. They provided the number for Warren Schmidt, a member of the Crankin A's. Warren had my car going in about 20 minutes - yes, it was the condensor! He invited me to join the club. He also became my adopted dad. 2 years later he nominated me for club president (2020 - 2021, The Covid Years). Within 2 months we were shut down. To keep the club together I started having meetings outdoors at Lake Diaz, 6 ft apart, etc. During that time, we began talks with the Pioneer Settlement (Thanks to Fred Clark and Harvey Willis) and Herman's Garage started to happen. The coupe was now running well, and I decided to add a 1930 Tudor "Odie" to my family. So, after 4 years (and 2 great presidents, Kim Ziffra and Paul Howes) I am happy to be back as president! ~Bruce Hawley~
Vice President - Kevin Duffy -
As a newer Model A owner, Kevin has been rescuing and restoring older Porsche 944's for about thirty years. However, Kevin has neglected a decades-old desire to own a Ford Model A until recently. Now with a wonderful 1930 Standard Tudor - named "Mr. Gillis" - Kevin and his wife Barbara are discovering a whole new world with the greatest car folks they have ever met. Thirty years with the Porsche Club of America has taught us a TON about all phases for car club operations and culture, and now he brings that background to the Crankin' A's. Oh, yea - he also bring over forty-five years of experience in public safety, namely policing in Volusia County and surrounding areas. And Barbara, his wife of fifty years, brings a lifetime of nursing, healthcare administration and risk management to us.
Secretary - Elaine Lowe -
My husband and I joined the Crankin A’s Car Club in 1999 owning just a Model A chassis. Soon we were informed that if we wanted to join in all the fun activities we would need to buy a Model A. It is hard to express the joy and fulfillment we experienced touring around in our 1931 Red Model A Roadster with this newly acquired family of Model A enthusiasts. I learned to drive one also, which added to the enjoyment. Being an active member for many years, I’d like to invite you to join us in our fun, alive family and share our love for adventurewhile preserving our 1928 – 1931 Model A’s for generations to come. - Elaine Lowe -
Treasurer - Ed Hart -
My earliest recollection of Model A Fords is with a neighbor's car in the 1950's, a 1930 coupe. I just liked the way it looked and the fact that it was a car that you could see your reflection on the back of the headlights when your rode in it. I purchased my first Model A, a 1930 Town Sedan in April 1964. My dad was a great weekend mechanic, and I learned a lot from him getting this car on the road. I purchased this car as a "basket case". The chassis left the factory as a Tudor Sedan but was terribly rusted by the time I purchased it. The deal also included all the rust-free Town sedan body parts. I refreshed the chassis, removed the Tudor Sedan Body and mounted the Town Sedan Body. The engine was in good condition. I managed to complete the assembly and paint the car in time for Karen and me to be married in 1966. We drove away from the church in the Town Sedan. Karen and I owned that car until 1998. Since then, we have purchased and still own a 1932 Coupe, a 1914 Model T Touring and a 1931 Cabriolet which are at our home in Maine. In Florida we have a 1931 Victoria.
Another point of interest is that most of you are using a distributor modification that I thought of and was published in the Restorer Magazine "Tiny Tips", July & August 1973 issue. I suggested that if the distributer shaft was drilled under the rotor that a few drops of oil from time to time would lubricate the upper bushing. This modification was first used in a 1930 Town Sedan! - Ed Hart -
Director - JB Barnes - 2025-2027
Director - Ed Hart - 2025-2027
Director - Fred Ziffra - 2025-2027
Alternate Director - Joe Filakosky - 2025-2027
Director - Larry Antonelli - 2026-2028
Director - Steve Anderson - 2026-2028
Director - Glenn Jewell - 2026-2028