1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

I am new to the model a world. And just picked up a 1930 blindback. It is original with number matching title. It is good enough shape to restore I believe, but I was wondering if I should take it back original. I usually like to customize my cars in some areas, but I'm noticing there are not many of these out there for sale. I'm not especially crazy about the blindback as compared to another fordor, this is just what I have come across. I became a member on here to try and get some good advice on how to proceed with this car. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Please post pictures.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Be VERY careful as the whole body is made of wood. They look great restored, kinda like a limo style. that however is my opinion. Since you are new I would join a local club, by Les Andrews books and post where you are located as there may be a local barner near by.


Mike

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Blindbacks are the only sedans that I like the appearance of. they look sleek compared to the windowed cars.


If it isnt your favorite, maybe sell it and buy one you like.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Guess I'm not very computer savvy. I'll try to get pics uploaded later this evening. I'm about 2 hrs Northwest of Branson MO. So I may check for some local clubs. Thanks again!

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

My vote is to go original.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Likely more room than a 28 or 29 version for your feet on entry and exit.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

here are some pics of it hope this works!

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

It appears to be a solid car. However, how complete is it? Do you have all the seats? Hood? radiator and shell?
This car as it stands will be a total money pit to restore. If you are missing pieces, it'll be just that much more expensive to restore.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Judging by the way the doors are hanging, that car is going to need wood replacement. Agreed, that one is going to be a money pit.

The one in my picture above required all new wood. It took years to complete it. Total money pit! Restore yours out of love, ignore the cost if you want to remain sane.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

I agree it will be a money pit. I do however have the radiator, shroud, seats ect. Just missing a few items like half of the door handles and some glass that I can tell. The wood will all need replaced. The previous owner had already started taken it apart for rebuilding and had to stop due to health reasons. I was wondering if there is any special place to buy a wood kit or is that not the way go. Also the rear seat has an armrest in it, is that normal and if so is it hard to find an upholstery kit for? I really appreciate all of the feedback. I just didn't want to be the guy that changed a car that was too rare to customize to their own liking. Thanks again everyone!

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Classtique can make the upholstery kit for you.


I think Classic wood is the name of the company that makes wood kits.


Bert's, Bratton's, and Snyder's all have free parts catalogs for many of the needed parts.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

wood kits can be expensive, so determine if you need all of the wood or just a few pieces.
better to do a complete analysis on the car, before you just start wildly spending..........


what is your end goal?

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Your initial post says that you are "new to the Model A world". In another post, you said that this car will need the wood replaced. Unless you have experience with other antique cars that required extensive wood replacement, I would advise you that this is not the Model A for your first restoration. I have restored many Model A's, but replacing all of the body wood in a Fordor is probably the most challenging restoration I have ever attempted. (See my avatar photo.) If you are not "especially crazy about the Blindback as compared to another Fordor", then why not spend your money and efforts on a car that is more your liking?:confused:

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Looking at the doors on that car I would be looking at something else.
Wood for the body, doors and top is over $5000 and it will still require a lot of skill
to get it to fit.


Bob

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

I guess I should have made my original intentions a lil more clear. I have 3 daughters that like to help me in the shop when working on cars. We decided we would pick up a model a and make it a project for all of us. I came across this one and decided we could work with it.( Several we looked at we're way worse). My biggest fear is that this car is desirable more than others, and it would be a mistake to do anything other than bring it back to original. If it is not that desirable then Im not the least bit concerned about tackling as a project. I do realize this will be a money pit, but we enjoy the work and time invloved, and that far out weighs the monetary cost to me. I really do appreciate the helpful hints everyone has offered. Thanks Again!

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

Best of luck to you, and your kids! Time well spent, indeed.....

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

I may have missed this, but does it still have the body tag. If so you can get an idea if it is a low number unit. The 170-b is low production and others are not real high.

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

here is a pic of the body tag, and it says 167 not 170 so I'm not sure, hopefully someone might know what it means. any help is appreciated as always!

Re: 1930 Blindback Restore to original?
 

One thing that I noticed from the pics. no valence between the rear fenders. Might interchange with other fordoors, might not.Add to that, spare tire mount and R.bumpers and arms. Actually all of these might be specific to this body or only a few donors. Need chassis and body parts books to find out.