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Kevin in NJ · 11-13-2015, 01:59 PM

No they are not going to be fixing the brakes and all the other stuff for just $2000.

They may make it work different, but safe?

To fix brakes properly you need specialized tooling and a lot of new parts. If they do not have the tools to arc the shoes to the drums and replace the drums with cast iron then it is not fixed. They may sort of stop, but there is a reason why a lot of people complain about the poor braking ablitliy of the A.

It is important to know and understand.
The Model A was designed from the factory to run 60 MPH.
The Model A has very good brakes (the limits are the tires) and can stop very good.
The Model A is a very confident car to run 60 MPH with factory parts.

If they tell you the car is only good for 45 MPH do not let them work on it. Do not believe anyone telling you different. Do not believe me, research the history of the car and how people drove them. You will have a new respect for the cars abilities.

I believe $4000 for a running driving tudor that is not rusty (and has not had bad fixes) is a good deal if it is not completely wore out. BUT you must expect to have to redo most all the mechanical parts to have a safe to drive car. This can be done over time as you get the cash and understand how to do a proper rebuild.

For a perspective, the Model A was mostly a precision built car. That was how Ford was able to build them so cheap and be so durable. You have to restore that precision to get a very very reliable and capable car.

11-13-2015, 01:59 PM	#33
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Purchase Advise: 1930 Model A Tudor No they are not going to be fixing the brakes and all the other stuff for just $2000. They may make it work different, but safe? To fix brakes properly you need specialized tooling and a lot of new parts. If they do not have the tools to arc the shoes to the drums and replace the drums with cast iron then it is not fixed. They may sort of stop, but there is a reason why a lot of people complain about the poor braking ablitliy of the A. It is important to know and understand. The Model A was designed from the factory to run 60 MPH. The Model A has very good brakes (the limits are the tires) and can stop very good. The Model A is a very confident car to run 60 MPH with factory parts. If they tell you the car is only good for 45 MPH do not let them work on it. Do not believe anyone telling you different. Do not believe me, research the history of the car and how people drove them. You will have a new respect for the cars abilities. I believe $4000 for a running driving tudor that is not rusty (and has not had bad fixes) is a good deal if it is not completely wore out. BUT you must expect to have to redo most all the mechanical parts to have a safe to drive car. This can be done over time as you get the cash and understand how to do a proper rebuild. For a perspective, the Model A was mostly a precision built car. That was how Ford was able to build them so cheap and be so durable. You have to restore that precision to get a very very reliable and capable car.