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06-22-2022, 10:34 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
Posts: 188
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Considering Buying A Model A
Some questions regarding the different years of model A cars.
First year 1928 , last year 1931 . What are the major differences and do the later ones have any more room for the driver than the early years ? Is a pick up truck (28 - 31) tighter for the driver than a car ? My biggest fear is gas tank issues . We have a 29 in our shop now that was "asleep " in the barn for 8 years . The gas tank , line and carb were a mess. I drained and flushed the tank and then filled it with evapo rust , let it steep for a while and the pressure washed the insides with a pretty weak pressure washer . Flushed it with gas until it drained clean ( no sediment) and now it looks great inside but what if it didn't , what are you options with these cars as the tank seems to be part of the body ? So the question is how do you qualify the gas tank as sound on a car that may be for sale ? I perviously owned a 27 T roadster with model A running gear so I am Comfortable with the drivetrain, it's body , chassis and electrical that I have limited experience with on these cars. Pete |
06-22-2022, 11:33 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fountain Valley, Calif.
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
All the pickups are a tighter fit. If that’s important, then you should seek one out to try first.
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06-22-2022, 11:36 AM | #3 |
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
30-31s tend to demand a little higher pricing, as they are a little roomier and more in demand with hot rodders.
all have the same basic gas tank and yes, they can be problematic, but once youve done a couple, you become an expert. yes pickups tend to be tighter. 4 dr sedans are roomier as are vickis. vickies have a very large front door and maybe the easiest to climb into. what are your preferences? guess that is a good point to start......... |
06-22-2022, 05:47 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
My preference would be a coupe or a Tudor .
My dads first car was a 1930 coupe so that would be nice . Not looking to hot rod but rather enjoy a stock model A . At 6’ and 200 lbs I’m not huge but I’d rather not be folded up in a certain model if there are more comfortable options. |
06-22-2022, 06:23 PM | #5 |
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Location: South East Wisconsin
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
We have a 30 coupe and find it pretty easy to get in and out of. I'm 5'10". At 6 feet and 200, you won't have any trouble at all. Tudors are about the same.
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06-22-2022, 06:32 PM | #6 |
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Location: Connecticut Shoreline
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
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I’m 6’ 4”. It’s not completely your height, it’s the length of your legs. Inseam! Good luck. |
06-22-2022, 06:33 PM | #7 |
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Location: Young Harris, GA
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Pete, seek out and join a local Model A club first. Sit in different vehicles, different years, different body styles. See what fits. Get to know the people in the club, they will help you find a good car at a reasonable price. They may let you drive some of their cars, to see how steering and shifting and working the clutch fits and feels for you. Some body styles are more adjustable than others.
There is a Model A out there for everyone! Have fun!
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Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!" |
06-22-2022, 07:05 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Thanks for all of the good advise , I will be looking …
WHN I see you are from Connecticut we left Connecticut to come to North Carolina. Lived in Redding worked in Stamford. |
06-22-2022, 07:08 PM | #9 |
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Location: Ohio
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Yep, my inseam is 38". I tell people I only get in and out of it, once I'm in it's like another car. I bought the little legs to move the seat back 1 1/2" on my 28 Tudor. I guess I have figured out how to get in and out, because it's not a big deal for me.
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06-22-2022, 07:09 PM | #10 |
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Location: Ohio
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Getting an engine rebabbited and some subtle improvements can be a challenge these days. Ask for receipts on engine work. No receipts FROM A SHOP = zero value added to the seller!!!!!!!!!!!
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06-22-2022, 07:28 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
The fuel tank on all 4 of my Model As have been cleaned and sealed. The first one was done about 25 years ago and still going fine. I prefer the 3 stage sealing kits.
Stage 1: Degreaser to remove all oiliness from the tank so the next stage can get to the rust Stage 2: Phosphoric acid to dissolve the rust. Stage 3: A sealer that you slosh around in there to coat the inside with a permanent layer of fuel proof material. Follow the instructions!!
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06-22-2022, 07:30 PM | #12 |
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Location: Western North Carolina
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Pete, The Tar Wheel A's in centered in Raleigh and is a great group of people. Contact [email protected]. I sold my 1915 Model T and used the money to buy my present Model A Fordor. We moved from Mebane to Wilkesboro. If you are going to be around on Tuesday I can drive the Model A to my doctor's appointment in Mebane and stop by afterward. This car is number 6 and I have owned a coupe, roadster, pickup, an AA flatbed, and a Tudor. I sent you a personal message with my email address in it.
My present car has a lot of stuff in it that you should know about.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
06-22-2022, 07:46 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
There is a 1930 Coupe on Craigs List located south of Charlotte but they want a lot of money for it. It appears to be in good shape. It looks like a $16,000 car.
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto...499213358.html There is another one on Bring A Trailer. It looks like fresh paint but may need some engine work, etc. Current bid is $5,100 and bidding will end in 2 days. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...d-model-a-112/ Your best bet is to ask around at the Tar Wheel A's to see if someone has a car for sale.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 06-22-2022 at 07:53 PM. |
06-22-2022, 08:19 PM | #14 | |
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Location: Connecticut Shoreline
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Quote:
Enjoy your new home. Good luck finding a car. Check Hemmings. Our 29 sold on Hemmings in three days. A good car will sell quickly. Be ready! |
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06-23-2022, 07:15 AM | #15 |
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Western North Carolina
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Here is one that popped up this morning. It looks like a Tudor. Price is reasonable. It is in Richmond, VA.
https://richmond.craigslist.org/cto/...?lang=en&cc=gb
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
06-23-2022, 07:23 AM | #16 |
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
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06-23-2022, 02:33 PM | #17 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
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06-23-2022, 04:30 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
Quote:
Aside from rust, there are a couple other potential gas tank issues. The shutoff valve under the tank can leak inside the car. The steering column support is attached to the tank and less commonly can loosen, causing leaks. Both are fixable but something to be aware of. Factory fixes were made in 31 but earlier cars may have the problem(s). Some (maybe all) 30-31 coupes had adjustable seats - I don't think 28-29 did. I'm 6' and 200# with 30" inseam. I had a 30 Sport Coupe (same as 5-window except top) - with the seat all the way back, entry/exit was no problem and working the pedals and steering wheel was comfortable. I also had a 30 closed cab pickup. There is no seat adjustment and entry/exit and driving position is tighter, but still not uncomfortable. The worst part is the seat and back cushions are at almost a 90* angle and not as well padded. |
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06-23-2022, 05:34 PM | #19 |
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Location: Daniel Island,SouthCarolina/Knoxville, Tennessee/Sanibel Island,Florida
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
The '30-'31 Tudors have a wider door opening than the '28-'29 cars. Different seat brackets are readily available to allow for adjusting the front seats fore ant aft.
Here's a tool for doing web searches for cars, etc. https://www.searchtempest.com/ |
06-23-2022, 06:49 PM | #20 | |
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Re: Considering Buying A Model A
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