The Ford Barn

keithb7 · 05-09-2017, 11:21 PM

Hi folks. I may be your newest member. I'm a BC Canada resident.

I tried to seek out a great web site and forum for Vintage Model A Fords. After cruising through the posts for the past few days, I am pretty sure I found the right place.

I have come to a point in my life where I am ready to throw some play money into an old car. I have always had a car fascination, but life events keep getting priority. Marriage, mortgage, kids, university, etc. On it goes. Well it's time.

I am looking for a fun car to drive. Not to show. Something I can share with my sons. They are 18 and 20. Sunday drives for ice cream with my wife, or my son with his girlfriend out for a cruise. Not necessarily long distance cruising, mainly around town. Not looking to win any trophies. Just fun times in a neat old car. I like meeting people and talking about cars, a common interests.

While searching through ads for used cars for sale, a 1930 Model A coup has caught my eye. It's been fully restored and looks great! A real head turner for sure. It seems priced right based on what I have learned so far about the car. It's about $14,800 US dollars.

My concerns are not about the reliability, parts availability or maintenance of the vehicle. I am experienced and pretty sure I can fix anything on the Model A comfortably.

I have some concerns more about drive-ability, comfort and safety.
I have never owned or ridden in a Modal A ford. I'm 6'1 and the seat has been moved back 4". I hear that helps a lot. The antique controls, manual brakes, no turn signals, finicky starting(?), raise questions.

The throttle appears to be a button on the floor. Does it work well? Is this a car you might go for a relaxing cruise in? I am doubtful. The rear brake lights seem small. Are they adequate? Is in town traffic, not a comfortable place to drive a Model A? I am thinking the open back country road is more in line with a Model A. I wonder if the Model A keeps you busy as a driver? Maybe that's all part of it's charm?

Maybe I am off base here. The model A is no big heavy cruiser. I am asking for your experience and feedback as owners. I am trying to come to realize what I want in an old car.

Today I went and looked at a 1953 Chrysler. My son and I had a ton of fun checking it out and driving it. It rode very smooth and floated it seemed. A big car, tons of big chrome and a heavy-weight. A 4 door with big sprung bench seats. Definitely felt like a comfortable cruiser. Lacking the charm of a Ford Model A I might think.

We plan to go look at the 1930 Model A on Saturday. I'm sure it'll show great. I bet its a really neat car. I am wondering if I buy it, what I may have after the honeymoon stage is over?

Thanks in advance for your responses. I hope I've not offended any loyal Model A owners. I want to research before I buy. Your comments are appreciated - Keith

05-09-2017, 11:21 PM	#1
keithb7 Junior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 3	Newbie Intro & 1930 Model A Coupe Thoughts Hi folks. I may be your newest member. I'm a BC Canada resident. I tried to seek out a great web site and forum for Vintage Model A Fords. After cruising through the posts for the past few days, I am pretty sure I found the right place. I have come to a point in my life where I am ready to throw some play money into an old car. I have always had a car fascination, but life events keep getting priority. Marriage, mortgage, kids, university, etc. On it goes. Well it's time. I am looking for a fun car to drive. Not to show. Something I can share with my sons. They are 18 and 20. Sunday drives for ice cream with my wife, or my son with his girlfriend out for a cruise. Not necessarily long distance cruising, mainly around town. Not looking to win any trophies. Just fun times in a neat old car. I like meeting people and talking about cars, a common interests. While searching through ads for used cars for sale, a 1930 Model A coup has caught my eye. It's been fully restored and looks great! A real head turner for sure. It seems priced right based on what I have learned so far about the car. It's about $14,800 US dollars. My concerns are not about the reliability, parts availability or maintenance of the vehicle. I am experienced and pretty sure I can fix anything on the Model A comfortably. I have some concerns more about drive-ability, comfort and safety. I have never owned or ridden in a Modal A ford. I'm 6'1 and the seat has been moved back 4". I hear that helps a lot. The antique controls, manual brakes, no turn signals, finicky starting(?), raise questions. The throttle appears to be a button on the floor. Does it work well? Is this a car you might go for a relaxing cruise in? I am doubtful. The rear brake lights seem small. Are they adequate? Is in town traffic, not a comfortable place to drive a Model A? I am thinking the open back country road is more in line with a Model A. I wonder if the Model A keeps you busy as a driver? Maybe that's all part of it's charm? Maybe I am off base here. The model A is no big heavy cruiser. I am asking for your experience and feedback as owners. I am trying to come to realize what I want in an old car. Today I went and looked at a 1953 Chrysler. My son and I had a ton of fun checking it out and driving it. It rode very smooth and floated it seemed. A big car, tons of big chrome and a heavy-weight. A 4 door with big sprung bench seats. Definitely felt like a comfortable cruiser. Lacking the charm of a Ford Model A I might think. We plan to go look at the 1930 Model A on Saturday. I'm sure it'll show great. I bet its a really neat car. I am wondering if I buy it, what I may have after the honeymoon stage is over? Thanks in advance for your responses. I hope I've not offended any loyal Model A owners. I want to research before I buy. Your comments are appreciated - Keith