Purchase Advise: 1930 Model A Tudor

[vespaholic]

Thanks again to all for the comments, support and compliments.
I was talking to my buddy this AM, he's not an A guy but went with me to the cars & coffee yesterday and to look at the car.
I left early, he stayed later.
He knows the dealer and is friendly with the guys that own the place.
His impression was that they wanted to help the owner, this was a consignment car, but it was turning into quite a project.
Essentially the owner just wanted to get rid of it.
The owner paid for an inspection and a new battery from the dealer.
There was an issue with the title (since resolved with the state - 100% for sure) that the estate took care of before the dealer would start marketing the car.
That was a 6-7 month process while this car took up space in the dealership.
Bottom line… the dealer wanted it out of his place and the owner wanted it gone.
I guess I was at the right place at the right time…..we'll have to see once I delve into it.
I was actually initially at the dealer to look at a 1930 Rumble Seat Coupe and spotted this car sitting in the corner.
Dumb luck!!

[vespaholic]

Look what showed up yesterday morning at 8AM sharp as promised!
Spent most of the day going over the car.
I'm almost 100% sure the body has never been off the frame.
Went over it with a weak magnet and it stuck everywhere.
Cleaned the fuel system (up to the carb).
Runs but I need to hold the choke.
Lights work (except the brake) so I do not know what the deal was talking about in their inspection report.
They told me they put in a battery. I assumed new, I'm now thinking otherwise.
Adjusted the e-brake but it still needs shoes.
Anyway, I really pleased!

[ronn]

glad you are having fun!
sounds like your carb might need a little cleanout

just remember, on a day when you might be getting frustrated with your A
4100. crisp bills are here waiting to buy your A!

[Tom Wesenberg]

You're lucky, you live pretty close to Mitch and his shop, so you have easy access to expert help.

[vespaholic]

Is there any way to clean the carb while on the car?
I'd like to at least get it to idle so I can exit the car while it's running.
I'll rebuild the carb later on.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by vespaholic

Is there any way to clean the carb while on the car?
I'd like to at least get it to idle so I can exit the car while it's running.
I'll rebuild the carb later on.

Sometimes you can get lucky and pull some junk through by revving the engine then slapping your hand over the carb intake, and releasing it just before the engine dies. Do this a few times and see if it helps.

This was a common quick temporary fix for MoPar 2.2 and 2.5 engines in the 80's.

[vespaholic]

@Tom
OK Thanks
I'll get some help here and give that a try.

[ronn]

Vespa,

you might want to install a couple of filters-pencil at the tank and one right before the line goes into the carb
this will help you get some of the gunk out and not keep clogging the carb.
also might just want to exchange the carb for a rebuilt one if you have too much trouble with keeping the car running.................

[vespaholic]

Update if anyone is interested:
I worked on the car Sunday.
New plugs, fixed the + battery cable, cleaned electrical contacts, MMO in the cylinders (over night), blew a can of carb cleaner into it while it was running, changed the oil, etc…….
Runs fairly well.
I no longer need to hold the choke like before but it likes a 1/4 turn of the knob on the choke lever to run nicely.
Carb definitely needs to be adjusted so I'll read some threads here on how that's done and try that this weekend.
Then I took it out for a ride on Sunday.
Other than the tires being flat sided all went well.
I'm getting 1935 wheels and tires from Tony M. next week so that should take care of that issue.
I wanted to see how it would start in the cold weather so I tried to start it yesterday morning when it was 32 degrees outside.
Started on the second try, so I guess that's good!
One thing I learned on my drive it that this car is cramped!
I'm designing brackets to move the driver's seat back about 6" so I can fit comfortably.
I'll also be installing lap belts, front and rear, very soon.
More later……..
I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

[DougT]

[QUOTE=vespaholic;1195168]Update if anyone is interested:
I no longer need to hold the choke like before but it likes a 1/4 turn of the knob on the choke lever to run nicely.
Carb definitely needs to be adjusted so I'll read some threads here on how that's done and try that this weekend.

The choke rod controls the GAV (gas adj valve). I think if you search GAV, 1/4 turn isn't hateful. Think of it like being able to adjust your main jet while driving.

[Mitch//pa]

snyders sells 6" adjusters just sayin.. or make your own as indicated.

[vespaholic]

@mitch:
I checked there and only saw the 2" units.
I'll check again.
Thanks!

[vespaholic]

Found it!
$139.00
Making my own for $10.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by vespaholic

Found it!
$139.00
Making my own for $10.

Sounds good

[Mitch//pa]

a little pricey but i have them.. they also tilt which is nice and adds extra comfort

A-47904

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Glad to hear so far so good, regular use will help smooth things out even more!

[holdover]

You did good, I would have bought it in a heartbeat! I have a '29 coupe and a '29 CCPU looking for a tudor so I can take rides with both grand kids.

[pgerhardt]

Tudors are the best if you want extra leg room. Here is how far back my 29 tudor seat is with the 6" seat brackets.

[1crosscut]

Consider jumping in and re-building the carburetor. It is not that hard of a thing to do. Get Les Andrews Volume #1 book to use as a guide. (If you own an A you should own this book)
Buy a one gallon can / carburetor cleaning kit from your local automotive store to use for soaking and cleaning it.
I would also get the pencil filter that sticks up into the tank. This will help with keeping the crud out of your re-built carburetor.
To paint your carburetor use the fuel proof spray can paint available from Hobby Town.
Just my two cents worth.
Enjoy the heck out of the car.
I'm going out to look at a 1930 Tudor tomorrow with a new club member. I hope that we get as lucky as you in finding him a good car to start with.

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by pgerhardt

Tudors are the best if you want extra leg room. Here is how far back my 29 tudor seat is with the 6" seat brackets.

That's pretty sweet. Also makes it easier to get the battery in and out.