The Ford Barn

Colin Farquhar · 08-13-2014, 08:11 PM

Hi Everyone:
I know these sorts of questions are pretty much a shot in the dark, but I'm wondering if anyone might be able to throw out some (very) rough numbers for the following:

I'm looking/dreaming about finding an A or AA, body style is not really important to me, in decent running condition. I'd like to use it as a work/support truck at our local museum (I'm an engineer for one of the steam traction engines, I'd like to have something for carrying tools/firewood/supplies), so "showroom quality restoration" is definitely not high on the priority list.

From my reading, checking of eBay sold listings, etc, I'm thinking I'd probably have to budget somewhere around $5k? Is this doable, do you think?

Thanks,
Colin

Joe K · 08-13-2014, 08:28 PM

Do-able perhaps. But don't expect a Henry from it.

I had much the same thought about 10 years ago. I found someone selling a 1930AA chassis with 26K original miles on it, bought it for $1200, and brought it back to Cow Hampshire to complete the rest of the truck and use it for trips to the dump, getting wood at the lumberyard, or getting firewood.

A project added to my many other projects, it sat in my garage for like 10 years until I could see the visible signs of deterioration (rust) setting in on a chassis that had formerly showed signs of original paint. Seeing my chance to get out of this with a whole shirt slipping away, I sold it to a person from Texas who had much the same interest - but had the time and money to do it up right.

The AA is "heavy iron." Everything weighs from 2 to 2-1/2 times what the equivalent Model A part weighs. And the AA truck is "non-conventional" in cantilever construction. Rebuilding in this area requires "in place machining" or other ingenious methods of reconstruction. The Model A suspension, by comparison, is ground well mapped in the literature, and the parts are readily available.

Still, particularly if you are in the western states, you may be able to come up with something in your price range. Rufus Ranch ALWAYS seems to have almost exactly what you want at your price point - assuming you can truck it home from there?

But beware the ides of AA trucks. "Man sized" is an understatement.

And you won't be going over 45 mph unless you plan even more investment.

Joe K

Colin Farquhar · 08-13-2014, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the insight-whats a "Henry"?

Joe K · 08-14-2014, 05:36 AM

"Henry Award" for highest point score in restoration. Marco's roadster got a "Henry" IIRC.

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/henryaward.htm

Joe K

ronn · 08-14-2014, 05:49 AM

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Agreed, an AA is a more reasonable truck to buy. An A will be pretty well worn out in that price range, though possible.

I missed a completely redone AA on the NH CL 3 years ago. It was only 2500. The guy promised to hold it for me, got so many calls that he sold it out from under me just a few hours later.......... oh well.

08-13-2014, 08:11 PM	#1
Colin Farquhar Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 16	Truck values? Hi Everyone: I know these sorts of questions are pretty much a shot in the dark, but I'm wondering if anyone might be able to throw out some (very) rough numbers for the following: I'm looking/dreaming about finding an A or AA, body style is not really important to me, in decent running condition. I'd like to use it as a work/support truck at our local museum (I'm an engineer for one of the steam traction engines, I'd like to have something for carrying tools/firewood/supplies), so "showroom quality restoration" is definitely not high on the priority list. From my reading, checking of eBay sold listings, etc, I'm thinking I'd probably have to budget somewhere around $5k? Is this doable, do you think? Thanks, Colin

08-13-2014, 08:28 PM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,610	Re: Truck values? Do-able perhaps. But don't expect a Henry from it. I had much the same thought about 10 years ago. I found someone selling a 1930AA chassis with 26K original miles on it, bought it for $1200, and brought it back to Cow Hampshire to complete the rest of the truck and use it for trips to the dump, getting wood at the lumberyard, or getting firewood. A project added to my many other projects, it sat in my garage for like 10 years until I could see the visible signs of deterioration (rust) setting in on a chassis that had formerly showed signs of original paint. Seeing my chance to get out of this with a whole shirt slipping away, I sold it to a person from Texas who had much the same interest - but had the time and money to do it up right. The AA is "heavy iron." Everything weighs from 2 to 2-1/2 times what the equivalent Model A part weighs. And the AA truck is "non-conventional" in cantilever construction. Rebuilding in this area requires "in place machining" or other ingenious methods of reconstruction. The Model A suspension, by comparison, is ground well mapped in the literature, and the parts are readily available. Still, particularly if you are in the western states, you may be able to come up with something in your price range. Rufus Ranch ALWAYS seems to have almost exactly what you want at your price point - assuming you can truck it home from there? But beware the ides of AA trucks. "Man sized" is an understatement. And you won't be going over 45 mph unless you plan even more investment. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

08-13-2014, 10:17 PM	#3
Colin Farquhar Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Winnipeg, MB Posts: 16	Re: Truck values? Thanks for the insight-whats a "Henry"?

08-14-2014, 05:36 AM	#4
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,610	Re: Truck values? "Henry Award" for highest point score in restoration. Marco's roadster got a "Henry" IIRC. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/henryaward.htm Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.

08-14-2014, 05:49 AM	#5
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 7,647	Re: Truck values? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Agreed, an AA is a more reasonable truck to buy. An A will be pretty well worn out in that price range, though possible. I missed a completely redone AA on the NH CL 3 years ago. It was only 2500. The guy promised to hold it for me, got so many calls that he sold it out from under me just a few hours later.......... oh well.