Restoration of the worst Model A/AA part ever...

[Steve Plucker]

Most of us look at Model A/AA parts that look like junk and pass them up.

However there are those, such as our friend Flop who comes on here once in a while showing his great tallent in taking something that most of us would pass on, and restore it to perfection...Where are you now-a-days Flop?

What stories do you have or know of, in the "Restoration of the worst Model A/AA part ever" that has been a huge challenge to you? Did you complete the job or turn it over to someone else or just said to heck with it and there it sits today?

This should be interesting.

Pluck

[Mike V. Florida]

Mr. Scott Owens, Please post your before and after pictures.

[George Miller]

Here is a pickup that I done a couple of years ago. It was one of the worst ones that I have done.

[Mitch//pa]

George I always enjoy seeing your before and after pictures
Excellent

[George Miller]

A couple more. Before and after. A 1929 Roadster pickup and a early 1928 pickup. I left the 28 a little on the ragged side. A lot of people though it never had been worked on much. That truck got more people looking at it than any other car I did.

[Elcastor]

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You can Flop on Facebook at "Tom Flopcustom"

[George Miller]

My second Model A. A 1930 Tudor. Not that bad. This was at my Farm in northern Mich. 1970
I have always done all my own work. Except for my Sport coupe and a real nice 4 door. I had the upholstery done by a very good upholstery guy.

[John Stone]

I have posted this before but it should serve as a reminder to some of the guys to not give up. With enough patience, you can accomplish your goal.

[Scott Owens]

Awww. everyone has seen that pile of junk!!!!!

[ronn]

Wow, I'm pretty impressed with some of the projects on here.
you guys are remarkable.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I decided I should pass on posting some, as mine are probably not in the spirit of what Steve was asking HOWEVER, it does make me wonder, why/what is it that makes someone shy away from projects like these?

FWIW, this very topic was why I hosted the Fordbarn Workshops where we all gathered and shared knowledge & techniques on doing restoration of Model-A parts. I had always hoped these type of workshops would catch on within the hobby. Will Cronkrite & I traveled all the way to Rochester, MN to assist in one workshop however to my knowledge, there has not been another workshop held anywhere else. I guess the interest in learning about Model-A restoration really is not as popular as one might believe.

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I decided I should pass on posting some, as mine are probably not in the spirit of what Steve was asking HOWEVER, it does make me wonder, why/what is it that makes someone shy away from projects like these?

FWIW, this very topic was why I hosted the Fordbarn Workshops where we all gathered and shared knowledge & techniques on doing restoration of Model-A parts. I had always hoped these type of workshops would catch on within the hobby. Will Cronkrite & I traveled all the way to Rochester, MN to assist in one workshop however to my knowledge, there has not been another workshop held anywhere else. I guess the interest in learning about Model-A restoration really is not as popular as one might believe.

Brent I think you are right. We have tried many different workshops. I think most would rather have some one do it for them.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by George Miller

Brent I think you are right. We have tried many different workshops. I think most would rather have some one do it for them.

The "true" restorer is getting few and far between.

Pluck

[pgerhardt]

It took two years, but I finished!

[Tom Wesenberg]

I sure admire the fantastic body work you guys can do.
It's nice to see rust returned to a thing of beauty.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

The "true" restorer is getting few and far between.

Pluck

But why is that? Knowledge has never been more "affordable" than now for us to obtain information on how to do restoration tasks.

[SSsssteamer]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

But why is that? Knowledge has never been more "affordable" than now for us to obtain information on how to do restoration tasks.

I find now that even doing all of my own work, the cost of restoration usually exceeds the worth of the project when it is finished. You see it all of the time: Asking $15,000. Have $25,000 worth of receipts spent on the restoration. Anymore, any restoration that I do is for the love of doing it, not the monetary gain. Keep the model A restoration photos coming it. It gives me inspiration.

[Indiana A. Lover]

I have come to a sad conclusion most of the Restorer in our circle are getting up in years, and I notice just have not the stamina we had just a few years ago. I am retired now and extra money plays into everything. Thank Goodness for the Barn and all the great people, who help me.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by SSsssteamer

I find now that even doing all of my own work, the cost of restoration usually exceeds the worth of the project when it is finished. You see it all of the time: Asking $15,000. Have $25,000 worth of receipts spent on the restoration. Anymore, any restoration that I do is for the love of doing it, not the monetary gain. Keep the model A restoration photos coming it. It gives me inspiration.

Originally Posted by Indiana A. Lover

I have come to a sad conclusion most of the Restorer in our circle are getting up in years, and I notice just have not the stamina we had just a few years ago. I am retired now and extra money plays into everything. Thank Goodness for the Barn and all the great people, who help me.

Again, I will say it again, ...the cost of how to restore has never been more affordable. It costs nearly nothing to learn how to do a restoration task with all the how-to articles & videos floating around.

[John Duden]

AA before and after