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Old 06-15-2021, 02:13 AM   #1
Lightman7
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Question Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Hi All,

Newbie here. First Post. I fully expect to get a lot of "use the search" and "that's been discussed a million times" but since this involves a specific Model A, I'm posting this anyway.

Backstory:

I have really liked the Model A since I was a boy, but not enough to memorize stats, etc. I just thought it was a great looking car from a time when driving was an adventure. My dad passed on when I was 8, and I didn't know until decades later when I came across these pictures that his first car was a Model A. Now I realize I have the space for one, and although I haven't really wrenched since my college days, it would be great to have something I could work on myself again.

SO . . .

Here is my dad's Model A, these are the only pictures I have. What I THINK I know about it (feel free to tell me how wrong I am):

- 1930 Model A Cabriolet, would have been 9ish years old when purchased.

- Dad is 16, pictures taken Nov-Feb timeframe in 39/40 due to the snow in the pictures. Although I'm considering he might have bought it before he turned 16 in April of 39 due to the lower license plate numbering. In that case the picture would be Jan/Febish of 39. But since it is customized I'm leaning more toward later in the year.

- I think its very telling that at a time when used model As were plentiful, he went with a cabriolet instead of a roadster.

- Picture taken in Essex County, NJ as you can tell from the license plate.

- Spare on rear - don't know if this was standard and if side mounts were the option or vice versa.

- I have no idea what factory color exterior/interior combinations were, or if you could get any/any.

- Color unknown but probably black. Might be Washington Blue, but I have no way of knowing.

- Interior and top look to be a cream color, wheels look wheat, rumble seat probably brown.

- Modified with initials on radiator (I shudder to think how they are attached), aftermarket horns, antennae which probably means there is a radio in it, third headlight which I assume might utilize the original horn wiring.

- I love the fact that the tires are mismatched and the spare is bald.

- License plate would have been bright orange lettering on black background.

- My only mechanical knowledge of this era is a friends 1915 Model T Brassy Speedster. And driveline looks different for a Model A.

So I think in the next year or so I might be in the market. I wouldn't want a concourse vehicle, I would want to make it something my 16 year old dad would have wanted (higher compression heads, overdrive, etc.). And maybe try and re-create the car in the picture. I do realize there were only about 25K 1930 Cabriolets made, and side mount spares appear more common, so my choices are going to be limited.

My question for you is: What can you tell/correct me about this particular Model A, what the horns might be, what the likely radio might have ben, what the third headlight likely was, etc..

And is there a way to tell from the chassis number what color it was when it rolled out of the factory?

I Look forward to interaction on this forum.

Thanks for any information!

Jim



https://photos.app.goo.gl/boXz7F2i754oCPke9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/eNLjkYxrYjEhXP1p9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1yckigFr3LKcoqJx9





Last edited by Lightman7; 06-15-2021 at 02:35 AM. Reason: Trying to get pics to post
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Old 06-15-2021, 02:16 AM   #2
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A




Last edited by Lightman7; 06-15-2021 at 02:24 AM.
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Old 06-15-2021, 03:10 AM   #3
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

From what I can see here is what I can tell you:

Horn-air horns?
3rd light is possibly a fog light
Radio-after market, Model A’s did not come with radios. You could get one after market wise. There is no way of knowing the maker.

Other than that you seem to have most of the I do correct. The problem is that in the 90 years they have been around they have been messed with quite a bit. If you would like to get one to copy your dads car, then I suggest getting ahold of a local club and doing research. The right one will come along.

Mike
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Old 06-15-2021, 05:51 AM   #4
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

He had a nice car then. In those days, cars were beat to death in no time and that one looks quite nice. A cab is more formal car than a roadster and better in bad weather, so a good car for New Jersey.

Was that his choice or just a random find? No way to know. Also no way to know the color from the serial number.

I lost my dad when I was 8, too. Changes your life in a big way. I was just thinking last night about how I wish that I had known him. I guess you are in the same boat, to get a car like his to get a little closer to him in some way.

My mother's family was from Essex County, NJ, too. Bloomfield and Orange, fwiw.

Good luck in your quest. Start looking now. You will gain a better understanding of what is out there. Join a local club chapter, too, as Mike suggested.
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Old 06-15-2021, 06:11 AM   #5
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

I joined our local club months before purchasing a Model A, and the folks were quite helpful in helping locate a very nice car.


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Old 06-15-2021, 06:20 AM   #6
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

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There are many ways to search for a specific car model. I have used Craigslist in different parts of the country with nearby areas included to expand the search. I have also used Google and have included the key word "Craigslist" when wanting to search that site. Including "1930 Model A Cabriolet" in quotes will limit the search to that model. You can also use Ebay, Hemmings, and the Model A clubs, such as https://www.mafca.com/ by placing a wanted ad.

Your dad's car was really nice. It may still be around somewhere. Good luck with your search.
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Old 06-15-2021, 08:53 AM   #7
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by mhsprecher View Post
My mother's family was from Essex County, NJ, too. Bloomfield and Orange, fwiw.

This was taken in Upper Montclair
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Old 06-15-2021, 12:53 PM   #8
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1930artdeco View Post
From what I can see here is what I can tell you:

Horn-air horns?
3rd light is possibly a fog light
Radio-after market, Model A’s did not come with radios. You could get one after market wise. There is no way of knowing the maker.
I figured out the horn is a Trico vacuum horn. First Trico Patent I could find was filed in 1931. I see several possibilities on Ebay, all would need extensive reconditioning/rebuilding.

I realize there is no way to know the radio without a picture.
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Old 06-15-2021, 01:31 PM   #9
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

It may take more than a year to find your car. The best deal is the one that needs very little work or none at all. People put more money in restoring their cars than they ever get out of it, not counting the labor. It is a labor of love. If you want to have the enjoyment of restoring a car then you can buy one that needs a lot of work.
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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.
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Old 06-15-2021, 04:00 PM   #10
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by nkaminar View Post
It may take more than a year to find your car.
Thanks. I have no expectations of the search being a short process. And am well aware that for almost any car, restoration costs, even minus labor, are rarely recouped.
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Old 06-15-2021, 05:57 PM   #11
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lightman7 View Post
- Spare on rear - don't know if this was standard and if side mounts were the option or vice versa.

- I have no idea what factory color exterior/interior combinations were, or if you could get any/any.

- Color unknown but probably black. Might be Washington Blue, but I have no way of knowing.

- Interior and top look to be a cream color, wheels look wheat, rumble seat probably brown.

To add to what's already been posted...

Rear spare standard, side mount(s) optional on Cabriolet - same on all but a few DeLuxe models. There is a tendency to (over)restore cars with side mounts - I suspect there are more now than ever came from the factory.

MAFCA color chart here: https://www.mafca.com/tqa/p-30cab.html

I believe there were a few options for upholstery and top materials - they all would look tan/brown, especially in B&W photos.

The wheels are a puzzle. Black was the standard color except for a few DeLuxe models - dunno if that applies to Cabriolet. Course, they could have been repainted sometime in the car's then 9-10 year life.
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Old 06-16-2021, 12:20 PM   #12
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Oops, my bad
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Old 06-18-2021, 02:19 PM   #13
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Lightman7, I sent you a personal message (PM).
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Screen Shot 2021-06-18 at 3.17.44 PM.jpg (20.1 KB, 37 views)
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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.
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Old 07-27-2021, 11:55 PM   #14
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Evidently my "So I think in the next year or so I might be in the market" turned into a month or so, and I found the Trico Clarion vacuum horns on Ebay too!. Now I have to figure out a safe way to do the radiator letters.

She is set up for touring, which works out well as my local club tours once a month:




https://photos.app.goo.gl/86yEVNcTcvheBuYr8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/N5GFArRbsFGo2n7G8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GX4j1ggW4xKQphG77

Last edited by Lightman7; 07-28-2021 at 12:05 AM.
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Old 07-28-2021, 05:22 AM   #15
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Brass letters? Solder copper wires to the back, insert through radiator, then bend over. The copper wires can be taken from house electrical cables.

Congratulations on the car. Nice. You will enjoy it.

There are companies that make reproduction license plates.
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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.
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Old 07-28-2021, 07:48 AM   #16
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

The Cabriolet cars were low production cars and all use wood extensively for body structure. They require a good bit of care to maintain condition. I hope your car has been well cared for. Make sure the car has a protective fuse for the electrical system to further protect your investment.
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Old 07-28-2021, 09:42 AM   #17
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Yes, It has been very well cared for, the previous owner gave me tons of documentation and records, and it has an Electric kill switch installed for safety.
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Old 07-28-2021, 04:29 PM   #18
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Default Re: Information/Opinion wanted on a specific Model A

Lightman7
Welcome to the world of Model A's. I want to extend a invitation to join the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of MAFCA. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. Currently we are meeting on Zoom. Please go to our website "https://www.scvcma.org/" or send me a private message.

President of SCVC
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Old 07-28-2021, 04:39 PM   #19
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Bill, already attended two meetings and my application is submitted! ��
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Old 07-28-2021, 09:05 PM   #20
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Best of Luck! Good on you for keeping with family tradition. Car looks great.
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