The Ford Barn

RemyKS · 05-09-2025, 05:03 PM

Hello all!

I'm new to owning a Model A and hope to pick up a 31 Fordor Sedan this month or early next. I found one that had been garaged since 1955 and had only three owners. It runs, stops and has no rust, the original interior is mostly intact and so is the top.

What would you tell someone new to this that is looking to own, drive and maintain a 31 Model A for the first time? What are the pitfalls to avoid, things that people frequently get wrong or need to know? I've been reading here and soaking up as much as I can but I've been trying to figure out what it's going to be like.

I probably should have joined and asked "What to look for when buying a model A" before buying one but, for $5500 only 4 hours away I quickly worked to get a deposit and secured it. Also if anyone can refer me to a manual, guidebook or reference for repair, restoration and maintenance that would be great!

Current plan is to work on the mechanical and replace the tires (from 1955!) then as time and money allows consider reupholstery and paint.

Essentially just make sure she is a reliable runner and enjoy it for a bit!

Thanks in advance!

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05-09-2025, 05:03 PM	#1
RemyKS Junior Member Join Date: May 2025 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 8	Model A Ownership: What to know? Hello all! I'm new to owning a Model A and hope to pick up a 31 Fordor Sedan this month or early next. I found one that had been garaged since 1955 and had only three owners. It runs, stops and has no rust, the original interior is mostly intact and so is the top. What would you tell someone new to this that is looking to own, drive and maintain a 31 Model A for the first time? What are the pitfalls to avoid, things that people frequently get wrong or need to know? I've been reading here and soaking up as much as I can but I've been trying to figure out what it's going to be like. I probably should have joined and asked "What to look for when buying a model A" before buying one but, for $5500 only 4 hours away I quickly worked to get a deposit and secured it. Also if anyone can refer me to a manual, guidebook or reference for repair, restoration and maintenance that would be great! Current plan is to work on the mechanical and replace the tires (from 1955!) then as time and money allows consider reupholstery and paint. Essentially just make sure she is a reliable runner and enjoy it for a bit! Thanks in advance! Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk