Another newbie to Model A's
 

Hey all,
Just want to do a quick introduction:
Had a friend give me a ride in his Tudor last summer, what a blast!!
I got the bug! Joined the Twin Cities Model A club here in Minneapolis. Still searching for the "right" car for me. Looking for a 5 window coupe, w/o the rumble seat. Most likely will be throwing down some serious coin for the Burtz block and Mitchell overdrive.

Former Ford dealer auto technician (back in the 90's), 25 year ASE master certified, 10 years field engineer for VW. But I feel like I still have a lot to learn about Model A's. Currently Parts and Service director for 9 dealerships - counting days to retirement (YAY!!) - I'll be 62 in March.

Primary goals for the cars are 1) driving, 2) cruises, 3) with reliability and safety.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Welcome to the Barn 1953M100. You have come to the right place. Do not be afraid to ask questions, someone here will either have the answer or point you in the right direction.

If you haven't checked out YouTube check out Paul Shinn, he has a ton of videos on the Model A.

And there are the usual suspects for suppliers:

Snyders
Brattons
Mike's 'A' Fordable
CW Moss

Again, Welcome aboard and just take it slow and easy. You will find that out in the various threads here in the forums!

Dave

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Indeed, welcome to the 'Barn!

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Welcome to the Ford Barn fellow Minnesotan!

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

BTW, as long as you're shopping you should check out Unique Classic Cars in Mankato. https://www.uniqueclassiccars.com/


I'm not affiliated nor do they pay me to endorse them but they helped me in my search. Very friendly, low pressure folks. They don't have much for A's right now but If you let them know what you're looking for they get quite a few in, mostly in the spring.


Regards,
Bruce

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Agreed! Have recently watched several hours Paul's YouTube channel (it's become addicting). :o
He actually Zoom called into the last "tech session" meeting of the Twin Cities Model A club.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Thanks for the helpful info, I was kinda wondering about this.
Time to start my Christmas shopping early... ;) :D

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Add Bert's in Denver CO to you parts supplier list.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Thanks Bruce! I'll make sure to reach out to them... ;)

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Welcome to the Barn! Good luck with your search! You did the right thing by joining in the local A club. Most of the clubs that I have seen have a huge wealth of experience and knowledge. If you can't find an answer here or from your club, then you definitely have a problem!

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Good call on finding a coupe with a trunk. Henry should have retired the rumble seat with the Model T.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Not to hijack the thread, but I thought Model 'T's didn't come with rumble seats. Did they? They do seem more trouble than they are worth. Look cool, granted. But...

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

I am looking at a coupe tomorrow that was converted from trunk to rumble seat. I'm thinking if I buy it, I'll convert it back to trunk. Rumble seat is useless to me, I would never let anyone ride back there (too dangerous), plus I want the truck space.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Go onto the MAFCA and MARC websites. Find all the clubs within a reasonable distance. Take a look at their newsletters and see what's for sale locally. There are enough club people selling cars you don't need to put money into a flipper/dealer pocket.
I finally found my Coupe 200 miles away.


We need to rename the rumble seat for it's new use - grandkids parade seat.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Great suggestion! That's exactly what I did. After searching nationwide on Marketplace, I actually found the best deal on a really nice '31 Coupe in the local club newsletter ads. Turns out it was just 20 minutes from my house! :D
The trunk was converted to a rumble which is not ideal, but the car is SOOOO nice (complete body off restoration) and a beautiful dark blue - I can overlook the rumble. Thankfully the seller is also willing to continue storing it until after the roads clear up from Minnesota salt. Hoping to drive it home in April (??).

Super excited...!! :) :)

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Add your location so people close can help you.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Join a club. Add safety belts and put dem kids in the rumble. (Good luck fitting yer smiles on your face!!!
Clem

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Welcome to the best hobby in the world and to this wonderful forum. Drive it and enjoy it!

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Just a thought on rumble seat. My '31 Coupe has a rumble seat that my grandkids just love to ride in around their subdivision. I made 2 changes in an attempt to improve safety. 1) I installed seat belts. 2) I used a piece of aluminum angle that I mounted on the side of the metal by the seat that fastened to the side of the lip around the opening that prevents the seat from closing. I figured that if I had to stop suddenly, the heavy seat would not be able to close and trap them, plus the seat belts would keep them on the seat. Since all of my driving with them has been in the subdivision with 25 mph speed limit, I've had no problems and they've been very happy to ride in grandpa's old funny looking car.

Re: Another newbie to Model A's
 

Most 28/29 standard coupes were trunk types. The 28/29 special coupes can go either way but they are semi soft tops types. In 1930 & 31, the coupes can go either way as well. The soft top sport coupes were all rumble seat types due to the opening back window flap but the similar business coupes were all trunk types in 28/29. The more solid top type coupes are easier to restore since there is less wood and more metal in them.

The sheet metal to convert the tail end metal is available. The change in the deck lid would require relocating the door handle. There can be some differences in the triangle shaped metal braces at the rear of the body but it likely can be a work around on that.