How rough is to rough? What did you start with?

[Paperman]

Picked up a decent running driving A. Its been gone over by an amateur in the past. The paint is runny and the bondo starting to flake. Not many holes just skim coats near as I can tell. Where did you all start? It runs and drives. Interior is trash, wiring almost non-existent but it does run and stop.

[George Miller]

This is one i did a couple of years ago.

[George Miller]

After picture.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Paperman

Picked up a decent running driving A. Its been gone over by an amateur in the past. The paint is runny and the bondo starting to flake. Not many holes just skim coats near as I can tell. Where did you all start? It runs and drives. Interior is trash, wiring almost non-existent but it does run and stop.

Hey Paperman,
Good question , i.e.- 'where did you start' !
IN OVER MY HEAD in my case,eh ! That is, I do not know metal/paint work, at all. Irony is, that if I'd gotten what I thought that I'd paid for...'a driver', then I'd still have been driving ..not doing much else except maintenance.
Bottom line is that , in over head, meaning what skills and how much money do you possess to do the product wanted. And/or how much to have others to do same same ?

In other words, I started with a rusted out body and I shouldn't have.

[2manycars]

Anything is restorable, it just takes time, talent, and money. Depending on how much of each you have, you will need to chose if it is a wise choice.
I restored a few cars where I told the customer up front that the car should be junked, and find a better one. The cost was more than the car was worth, by a lot.

[Aok]

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Mine was pretty easy body and interior were in good condition, engine had a cracked block, replaced that and car had no top so put on a new on.

[ronn]

sometimes it pays to step back and say-is this what I really want?

if not, flip it and put it towards what you really want............ only you know the answer to that.............

[DJ S]

This is my car... doesn't run all that great and has very poor braking power. The body is loaded with bondo and was painted with a spray can. The interior looks like it was done by someone's wife back in the 70's. But hey, it's fun to play with!

[John Stone]

You guys don't know rough. I started with this.

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by ronn

sometimes it pays to step back and say-is this what I really want?

if not, flip it and put it towards what you really want............ only you know the answer to that.............

This is also my opinion ! Wayne

[Spokes]

I bought a 1929 CCPU that was very rusted with holes. I drove it for 4 years and loved to slide it around corners. The Joy of youth, before I took it all apart. Good thing I didn't wait any longer. The Frame was cracked all most in half on the passenger side. Fenders were welded together. I had the whole kit and kaboodle media blasted primed and sealed . Collected parts the last few years, buying better parts when ever I can. Now it is slowly going back together with a few upgrades I.E. Speed and Power that were available back in the day.I can do a lot of the work myself ( Self Taught by watching others and a lot of Books. The rest I farm out to shops.Your project does Not need to be Nice and Shiny as long as it is save to drive. Learn how to do things on your car You will be amazed at what you can do and Join a Model A Club

[Rowdy]

Look at my picture album. I think that about says it all. Still a long way to go, but you will see the shell of the body and that is a starting point. Chassis, fenders, hood etc came later, but not that much of a challenge to find affordably. Rod

[Brian in Wheeling]

Always buy the best car you can afford...much cheaper in the long run!
Brian W.

[SeaSlugs]

Heres my project the day it was pulled from the weeds and brought back to the farm grounds. If it didnt have family ties I would have started with something that just needed work not entire frame off resto. This may look better in the pictures but this is one of those cabs that the closed doors are a support wall. I opened both doors at once and the cab almost caved in on itself...BUT having said that ive learned a whole lotta about these trucks and their inner workings by tackling such a basketcase. When I started this I knew absolutely nothing about model A's, have worked on my own modernish cars though so i had general knowledge of cars.

Once I'm done I can literally say ive taken every nut and bolt apart and all but rivets on the frame have been removed, cleaned, restored/replaced. Most things restored and put back in use unless it was worn (like bushings, kingpins, bearings, seals, gaskets, etc). Sometimes i would have to venture states away to locate parts but thats half the fun! Ive met so many great wonderful people out there.

Sometimes it helps to take a step back and breathe in deep and focus on JUST ONE aspect. I couldnt bring the truck to my parents house due to no room so we pushed it into the tool shed so it was at least dry. Then when i could id go up and remove an assembly and bring it home. First day was the starter(seemed like a logical way to "start" this restoration) then literally focus on just the starter, learn how it works check and see what you need (mine amazingly only needed a new starter cover band) and restore it best as you can as money allows. If you don't have the skills learn them! Once that item or assembly is done, store it in the garage and start the next assembly. If you try to take on a whole project all at once it gets overwhelming. THink of it as remodeling a house, do you do every room at the same time? No you take it one maybe 2 rooms at a time and before you know it the whole house is done!

[DJ S]

Seaslugs, any recent photos?

[SeaSlugs]

pretty much current, steering column and box are done with new worm and sector and bearings. New balls welded on all steering components. Engine is done sitting on a test stand, trans is done sitting on the frame but HOPEFULLY have the trans bolted to the engine then lower it all in here this weekend. Dont ever want to take apart another worm drive or spring pack haha. Was interesting to see the ford script on every leaf tho. Brakes everything has been welded up to specs and worn parts replaced or cherry picked from what I have that isnt reproduced. So yea it takes time but she gets there! (no those arent the rims i plan to use, thier junk but are round so they roll...)

[Drive Shaft Dave]

I like seeing these thing's going together from the ground up.

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Drive Shaft Dave

I like seeing these thing's going together from the ground up.

I do too! Now I'm paranoid the top of the cab + frame height = taller than the garage door opening...

[DJ S]

Excellent work Seaslugs! You'll be an expert when you're done!!!

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by DJ S

Excellent work Seaslugs! You'll be an expert when you're done!!!

ive usually seeked assistance from the "been there done that" guys, i have made my own mistakes along the way and have learned from them.. new motto: study twice, pry once... or study twice and dont pry.. learned that one too! best to let others do the prying to see the best way to remove/insert something, then you learn the DO's and DONT's and can pass that along.