The Ford Barn

1930artdeco · 02-25-2015, 11:55 AM

Another thing you may want to consider is seat belts. Since you have no side protection-like a door to keep you inside.

Mike

stewwolfe · 02-25-2015, 12:36 PM

Seat belts are a really good idea. Aside from that, do whatever pleases you, but by all means drive it. Don't let it become a perpetual project. A pile of metal in the corner of the garage just takes up space. A running (maybe rusty, but drivable) car gives enjoyment!

JohnLaVoy · 02-25-2015, 07:50 PM

Welcome! Looks like you are going to have quite a project that will pass on some family history. I would look at making contact with a Model A chapter close to where you are. visit MAFCA.com there is a list of chapters there with contact information. You will find most of the people in this hobby very helpful and willing to show you how to work on projects.

jkcrosson · 02-25-2015, 08:08 PM

Central alabama model a ford club is in Montgomery. It's a great club

BamaFord · 02-27-2015, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkcrosson

Central alabama model a ford club is in Montgomery. It's a great club

I am definitely going to be contacting them. My grandfather was a member of their club here.

BamaFord · 02-27-2015, 06:00 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

And just to clarify from comments earlier in the thread, does my Model A have a one of a kind custom wooden body on it?

CWilson · 02-27-2015, 09:31 PM

The body reminds me of the trucks they use for hunting quail down south, especially Georgia. They run the dogs while hunters ride in the truck. Once the dogs go on point, the hunters hop out and have the dogs flush the quail. Might be a reason there are no sides, and 2 benches. Like this one.

BamaFord · 03-20-2015, 05:27 PM

Got the Model A all cleaned up! My next step is to clear the fuel system. I see the tank is built in right behind the instrument panel. It will need to be flushed out thoroughly. Any advice on how you guys clean out your old fuel tanks? I may either just flush it with gas/chemicals or if need be I may be able to pull it out. Also I want to get a new carburetor. Which modern version gives the best performance?

hardtimes · 03-20-2015, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaFord

Got the Model A all cleaned up! My next step is to clear the fuel system. I see the tank is built in right behind the instrument panel. It will need to be flushed out thoroughly. Any advice on how you guys clean out your old fuel tanks? I may either just flush it with gas/chemicals or if need be I may be able to pull it out. Also I want to get a new carburetor. Which modern version gives the best performance?

Welcome aboard !
Heck, you don't need any different paint on your A. It looks great with dirt cleaned off

! Must have had GOOD storage, eh !!

BamaFord · 03-20-2015, 05:47 PM

The hood on this side is the worst panel on the A. I'm not sure what to do about paint for it. Everything else on the vehicle is in great shape.

Also, check the shared album for high quality photos. I am doing this from my iPhone and can't upload high quality pictures here.

https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A1JtdOXmJ8YP2I

hardtimes · 03-20-2015, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaFord

The hood on this side is the worst panel on the A. I'm not sure what to do about paint for it. Everything else on the vehicle is in great shape.

Also, check the shared album on the first post of the thread for high quality photos. I am doing this from my iPhone and can't upload high quality pictures here.

That area of hood adds 'character' to a very beautiful vehicle...as is

!
I agree with others here, who have advised to just coat it for now and drive it , till you fully make up mind to change. As you will find it hard to change it BACK to what it is now, if second thoughts later !

Guys nowadays, pay big $ to have a 'clear coat' put over old vehicles with great 'patina'..as it's called. Your A , so just answering, eh !

1929 · 03-20-2015, 06:05 PM

beautiful piece of history, keep it in the family

Pilotdave · 03-20-2015, 07:55 PM

Since your grandfather belonged to the Central Alabama club, perhaps you can learn a fair amount about your car by talking with the members there.

Also, you asked about a modern replacement carburetor - suggest that you talk with some other Model A owners before deciding to switch out the carb. If you have a well-tuned original type carb on the car it should run just fine.

And welcome to the Barn!

HoarseWhisperer · 03-20-2015, 08:33 PM

There's probably many of us that had the urge to "tinker" with our first Model A and couldn't resist trying to improve the aesthetics. So we did, and took our shiny vehicles to shows only to become envious of the originals that drew the admiring crowds.

Mechanicals first, then maybe the rest.....maybe.

Mike V. Florida · 03-20-2015, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BamaFord

Got the Model A all cleaned up! My next step is to clear the fuel system. I see the tank is built in right behind the instrument panel. It will need to be flushed out thoroughly. Any advice on how you guys clean out your old fuel tanks? I may either just flush it with gas/chemicals or if need be I may be able to pull it out. Also I want to get a new carburetor. Which modern version gives the best performance?

There is no need for a "modern version". Get the one on the car rebuilt buy someone that really knows about the carbs. I vote for Bert's in Denver.

If for some reason your heart is set on a modern version you are going to have to decide if you want up draft carb and the original manifold or a down draft and purchase a new manifold.

Big hammer · 03-21-2015, 08:05 AM

Welcome! My vote is leave like grandpa left it! Just repair what is needed to get it running. You will get big grins and thumbs up when your driving grandpas car! Heck i'am giving you two thumbs up now :-)

jhowes · 03-21-2015, 09:16 AM

My advice is to be careful if something doesn't work. Learn to test first and locate the problem, so many start by replacing what they espect could be the issue only to find they have created more porblems. The original parts are usually the most reliable and Model A guys are always helpful. I agree that you should drive it a few years first then you will make a more informed decision. Have fun

jboggess · 03-21-2015, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

You only have to please yourself, but I would first dust it off, lube it, and drive to to a few shows. You'll soon find people like to see it just the way it is now, plus it saves you work and money.

No offense, but Its all very cute to take to a show a couple times unrestored, but after a while you get the reputation of being the neighborhood hillbilly, and also it pisses the people off who put the labor and money in to make theres nice, a little wet sanding and a cheap coat of paint wouldn't cost much.

Mitch//pa · 03-21-2015, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jboggess

No offense, but Its all very cute to take to a show a couple times unrestored, but after a while you get the reputation of being the neighborhood hillbilly, and also it pisses the people off who put the labor and money in to make theres nice, a little wet sanding and a cheap coat of paint wouldn't cost much.

i dont get pissed off or feel that way about drivers brought to shows...i enjoy it when there are more model A's no matter what the condition....

Rex_A_Lott · 03-21-2015, 10:47 AM

I think its pretty cool that you have resurrected a piece of your family's history.
Enjoy it ! As is, or whatever you decide, its yours. As far as being the neighborhood hillbilly, it aint so bad once you get used to it.

Dont worry about pissing off the ones with the super-nice cars, some of them are super-nice people too...and some are not, no matter what you're driving.
As far as the carburetor goes, a lot of times a good cleaning and blowing out all the passages is all that's needed. Certainly worth a try before you run out and buy a new one.
Good Luck!

02-25-2015, 11:55 AM	#21
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,559	Re: Starting Restoration Another thing you may want to consider is seat belts. Since you have no side protection-like a door to keep you inside. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

02-25-2015, 12:36 PM	#22
stewwolfe Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Chesterfield, VA Posts: 299	Re: Starting Restoration Seat belts are a really good idea. Aside from that, do whatever pleases you, but by all means drive it. Don't let it become a perpetual project. A pile of metal in the corner of the garage just takes up space. A running (maybe rusty, but drivable) car gives enjoyment! __________________ '31 40B '31 68C

02-25-2015, 07:50 PM	#23
JohnLaVoy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 779	Re: Starting Restoration Welcome! Looks like you are going to have quite a project that will pass on some family history. I would look at making contact with a Model A chapter close to where you are. visit MAFCA.com there is a list of chapters there with contact information. You will find most of the people in this hobby very helpful and willing to show you how to work on projects.

02-25-2015, 08:08 PM	#24
jkcrosson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pell City AL Posts: 720	Re: Starting Restoration Central alabama model a ford club is in Montgomery. It's a great club __________________ Jamie Crosson 1929 Tudor Looking for an Original 888 Key

02-27-2015, 06:00 PM	#26
BamaFord Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 8	Re: Starting Restoration Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) And just to clarify from comments earlier in the thread, does my Model A have a one of a kind custom wooden body on it?

02-27-2015, 09:31 PM	#27
CWilson Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Sunbury, OH Posts: 295	Re: Starting Restoration The body reminds me of the trucks they use for hunting quail down south, especially Georgia. They run the dogs while hunters ride in the truck. Once the dogs go on point, the hunters hop out and have the dogs flush the quail. Might be a reason there are no sides, and 2 benches. Like this one.

03-20-2015, 06:05 PM	#32
1929 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New York Posts: 943	Re: Starting Restoration beautiful piece of history, keep it in the family

03-20-2015, 07:55 PM	#33
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,229	Re: Starting Restoration Since your grandfather belonged to the Central Alabama club, perhaps you can learn a fair amount about your car by talking with the members there. Also, you asked about a modern replacement carburetor - suggest that you talk with some other Model A owners before deciding to switch out the carb. If you have a well-tuned original type carb on the car it should run just fine. And welcome to the Barn!

03-20-2015, 08:33 PM	#34
HoarseWhisperer Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,470	Re: Starting Restoration There's probably many of us that had the urge to "tinker" with our first Model A and couldn't resist trying to improve the aesthetics. So we did, and took our shiny vehicles to shows only to become envious of the originals that drew the admiring crowds. Mechanicals first, then maybe the rest.....maybe. __________________ I know a lot of things; I just can't remember them all. 1928 CCPU 82-A 1931 Roadster 40-B Dlx (Canadian)

03-21-2015, 08:05 AM	#36
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,151	Re: Starting Restoration Welcome! My vote is leave like grandpa left it! Just repair what is needed to get it running. You will get big grins and thumbs up when your driving grandpas car! Heck i'am giving you two thumbs up now :-)

03-21-2015, 09:16 AM	#37
jhowes Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: upstate NY near Mass border Posts: 789	Re: Starting Restoration My advice is to be careful if something doesn't work. Learn to test first and locate the problem, so many start by replacing what they espect could be the issue only to find they have created more porblems. The original parts are usually the most reliable and Model A guys are always helpful. I agree that you should drive it a few years first then you will make a more informed decision. Have fun

03-21-2015, 10:47 AM	#40
Rex_A_Lott Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Upstate South Carolina Posts: 794	Re: Starting Restoration I think its pretty cool that you have resurrected a piece of your family's history. Enjoy it ! As is, or whatever you decide, its yours. As far as being the neighborhood hillbilly, it aint so bad once you get used to it. Dont worry about pissing off the ones with the super-nice cars, some of them are super-nice people too...and some are not, no matter what you're driving. As far as the carburetor goes, a lot of times a good cleaning and blowing out all the passages is all that's needed. Certainly worth a try before you run out and buy a new one. Good Luck!