The Ford Barn

rob63mess · 10-30-2014, 11:46 PM

I bought this '30 roadster. Very solid car but could use a motor and tranny. Is this a deluxe coupe or a cabriolet...I don't know the difference. Thanks

Dave Mellor NJ · 10-31-2014, 12:16 AM

It's a 30 Standard roadster. The black windshield frame and 4 curtain snaps are different than the chrome frame and 3 snaps on the DeLuxe.Nice car.

C26Pinelake · 10-31-2014, 04:17 AM

A Cabriolet has roll up windows.
Wayne

1930artdeco · 10-31-2014, 09:05 AM

Very nice looking roadster you have there!

Mike

rob63mess · 10-31-2014, 09:20 AM

Thanks for the compliments and the heads up on exactly which model I had. I'll post more pics when I get it home. I will have to find a motor to drop in it....somewhere along the line someone started to tear down the existing motor and tranny for some reason. Not sure if all the parts are still there yet or what was wrong with it. I hate when they do that.

Patrick L. · 10-31-2014, 09:21 AM

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It looks like it may be a standard except for the spare tire.
Standards have 15" high windshields, Deluxe are 13".

John S · 10-31-2014, 09:23 AM

What about the Mustang next to it?

rob63mess · 10-31-2014, 09:51 AM

I can give you the guys number ....its for sale..His name is Phil 740-745-1147

LeroyM · 10-31-2014, 11:36 AM

Nice looking roadster. I don't know your plans for it but if you're planning on driving it and keeping up with traffic you might want to consider something other than a Model a motor and tranny. I know most on here don't want to hear it but you'll be miles ahead and money saved by going to something like a early sbc 283 or 327 with a Ford 3 speed or a T5 tranny, while you're at if you go that route swap the rear for a Ford 8 or 9 inch and you'll have a real cruiser that will turn as many or more heads.

700rpm · 10-31-2014, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeroyM

Nice looking roadster. I don't know your plans for it but if you're planning on driving it and keeping up with traffic you might want to consider something other than a Model a motor and tranny. I know most on here don't want to hear it but you'll be miles ahead and money saved by going to something like a early sbc 283 or 327 with a Ford 3 speed or a T5 tranny, while you're at if you go that route swap the rear for a Ford 8 or 9 inch and you'll have a real cruiser that will turn as many or more heads.

Bullshit.

Brother Hesekiel · 10-31-2014, 12:06 PM

Leroy, we don't discuss such things here on the Barn. The problem I have with the SBC is that it requires modifying the cowl for the dizzy to clear. A 3.8 fits like a glove and makes more than enough power for an A rolling on 19-inch rubber with a banjo rear. I had a Shay once and it hummed happily along at 75 on the freeway. Cheaper too.

Patrick L. · 10-31-2014, 02:11 PM

There is such thing as a cheap 283/327 today ?

Bulligen · 10-31-2014, 02:16 PM

I have a good running engine and trans for $800.

Pmsqrd · 10-31-2014, 02:17 PM

Copy on Ray's comment.

DJ S · 10-31-2014, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeroyM

Nice looking roadster. I don't know your plans for it but if you're planning on driving it and keeping up with traffic you might want to consider something other than a Model a motor and tranny. I know most on here don't want to hear it but you'll be miles ahead and money saved by going to something like a early sbc 283 or 327 with a Ford 3 speed or a T5 tranny, while you're at if you go that route swap the rear for a Ford 8 or 9 inch and you'll have a real cruiser that will turn as many or more heads.

Don't listen to him.

John S · 10-31-2014, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

There is such thing as a cheap 283/327 today ?

I gave away 3 or 4 when I moved. All had been stored inside and were in good condition. Of course I kept one, just in case.

bart78 · 10-31-2014, 03:03 PM

You can hop up a banger pretty good. And if he was going to put a V8 in it. I would hope it would not be a SBC.

rob63mess · 10-31-2014, 06:15 PM

Gonna stay with the stock motor. I like putting around just fine.

Gold Digger · 10-31-2014, 06:22 PM

Thank God for common since.

Brother Hesekiel · 10-31-2014, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob63mess

I bought this '30 roadster. Very solid car but could use a motor and tranny. Is this a deluxe coupe or a cabriolet...I don't know the difference. Thanks

Rob,
that car reminds me of the John Boy Walton's Coupe, although Jim Bob drove the Roadster. I know it sounds strange to hear that, but I would get all the mechanicals in good working order and leave the paint untouched. Like an orgasm, that strong patina is difficult to fake, even if it may "only" be 30 to 50 years old. Absolutely love it!

CWPASADENA · 10-31-2014, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeroyM

Nice looking roadster. I don't know your plans for it but if you're planning on driving it and keeping up with traffic you might want to consider something other than a Model a motor and tranny. I know most on here don't want to hear it but you'll be miles ahead and money saved by going to something like a early sbc 283 or 327 with a Ford 3 speed or a T5 tranny, while you're at if you go that route swap the rear for a Ford 8 or 9 inch and you'll have a real cruiser that will turn as many or more heads.

Please, get off the Ford Barn and go over the H,A.M.B. Those guys get involved in that sort of stuff.

Leave the Ford Barn for those of us who appreciate the original cars.

Marshall57 · 11-01-2014, 02:17 AM

I have the same roadster, and it is a money pit. LOL but boy is it worth it. You can drive it around and have a huge amount of fun for not too much money. If (like me) you want it better and better there is a lot of high dollar stuff that will make it even more fun to drive.
You can't drive a car like that and not have people look, smile and want to talk. Somehow for me this has led to wanting it to look better and better. Oh and if you go to a large meet, watch out.. great people and wonderful cars will make you sneak a little more money into the sock that is reserved for model A wishes.
I just hope you have half as much fun as I have had working on and driving my roadster.
And just to put my two cents in,,,, you can always drop a different motor and trans into it, try using a stock setup and see how it feels first. I have found that the sound of the original set up has some magic that sets these cars apart from the others.

rob63mess · 11-01-2014, 11:28 AM

Well....I got it home today. Really solid little car, although it's not much easier to get in and out of than my 31 ccpu...lol. Here's a couple more pics.

beechboy · 11-01-2014, 06:33 PM

Great looking roadster, enjoy

rob63mess · 11-01-2014, 09:01 PM

thanks

Charlie Stephens · 11-01-2014, 10:04 PM

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Probably your most cost effective approach would be to find out what is missing from the motor and why it was torn down. Frequently they are torn down for the wrong reasons. Will it turn over with a crank? A few close ups of the engine might help but it would probably be best to get in touch with a local Model A club (see the national sites for local clubs, mafca.com and modelaford.org) and have someone look at it. Nice car.

Charlie Stephens

Purdy Swoft · 11-01-2014, 10:33 PM

For some reason many just like to remove the head for no particular reason. Sometimes the results are a disaster. When I got my standard 30-31 roadster a few years ago, I figured that I would have to replace the engine. I had a good july 1930 engine with a B cam and F3 head all ready to install. When I discovered that it had matching engine and frame serial numbers I couldn't resist overhauling the engine that was in it , I'm very glad that I did . Model A engines are simple and very forgiving.

Oh yes, that is a good looking find!!! It looks much, much better than mine did. If I could find one that good I would just fix what was needed and drive it just like it is. Its a purty if there ever was one !!!

Mike · 11-02-2014, 09:46 AM

Rob,
Nice car good luck with it !!! Here is my 30 standar roadster when I purchased the car in 2001. I fixed what was needed new top, tires etc and been very happy with this car, Our cars are identical twins.
Mike

Jeff/Illinois · 11-02-2014, 09:49 AM

That's a nice Roadster! Have fun!

rob63mess · 11-02-2014, 10:21 AM

I have a motor and tranny ready to drop in....the frame number and engine numbers don't match in the car so I don't feel bad about dropping a new one in. My plan is to get it running and start the process of debugging everything. Paint is a long long way off. I have a shiny 31 ccpu that I can drive when I want shiny. Thanks for all of the positive comments.

Mike · 11-02-2014, 12:24 PM

This car is a standard roadster ! It has a standard windshield frame standard top and was ordered with cowl lights and dual spares ! The previous owner added the fog lights in 1947
Mike

bart78 · 11-02-2014, 04:37 PM

Man that's nice. All I would do is get it running. And get it stopping.

rob63mess · 11-02-2014, 05:48 PM

thanks Bart...that's my plan for now.

10-31-2014, 12:16 AM	#2
Dave Mellor NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 781	Re: my new roadster It's a 30 Standard roadster. The black windshield frame and 4 curtain snaps are different than the chrome frame and 3 snaps on the DeLuxe.Nice car.

10-31-2014, 04:17 AM	#3
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: my new roadster A Cabriolet has roll up windows. Wayne

10-31-2014, 09:05 AM	#4
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,552	Re: my new roadster Very nice looking roadster you have there! Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

10-31-2014, 09:20 AM	#5
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: my new roadster Thanks for the compliments and the heads up on exactly which model I had. I'll post more pics when I get it home. I will have to find a motor to drop in it....somewhere along the line someone started to tear down the existing motor and tranny for some reason. Not sure if all the parts are still there yet or what was wrong with it. I hate when they do that.

10-31-2014, 09:21 AM	#6
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: my new roadster Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It looks like it may be a standard except for the spare tire. Standards have 15" high windshields, Deluxe are 13".

10-31-2014, 09:23 AM	#7
John S Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ellis County, Texas Posts: 337	Re: my new roadster What about the Mustang next to it? __________________ John _________________________________ http://www.dmafc.com/

10-31-2014, 09:51 AM	#8
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: my new roadster I can give you the guys number ....its for sale..His name is Phil 740-745-1147

10-31-2014, 11:36 AM	#9
LeroyM Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 276	Re: my new roadster Nice looking roadster. I don't know your plans for it but if you're planning on driving it and keeping up with traffic you might want to consider something other than a Model a motor and tranny. I know most on here don't want to hear it but you'll be miles ahead and money saved by going to something like a early sbc 283 or 327 with a Ford 3 speed or a T5 tranny, while you're at if you go that route swap the rear for a Ford 8 or 9 inch and you'll have a real cruiser that will turn as many or more heads.

10-31-2014, 12:06 PM	#11
Brother Hesekiel Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Buenaventura, Calif. Posts: 362	Re: my new roadster Leroy, we don't discuss such things here on the Barn. The problem I have with the SBC is that it requires modifying the cowl for the dizzy to clear. A 3.8 fits like a glove and makes more than enough power for an A rolling on 19-inch rubber with a banjo rear. I had a Shay once and it hummed happily along at 75 on the freeway. Cheaper too. __________________

10-31-2014, 02:11 PM	#12
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: my new roadster There is such thing as a cheap 283/327 today ?

10-31-2014, 02:16 PM	#13
Bulligen Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Elgin Illinois Posts: 736	Re: my new roadster I have a good running engine and trans for $800.

10-31-2014, 02:17 PM	#14
Pmsqrd Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 216	Re: my new roadster Copy on Ray's comment.

10-31-2014, 03:03 PM	#17
bart78 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stephenville tx Posts: 1,019	Re: my new roadster You can hop up a banger pretty good. And if he was going to put a V8 in it. I would hope it would not be a SBC.

10-31-2014, 06:15 PM	#18
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: my new roadster Gonna stay with the stock motor. I like putting around just fine.

10-31-2014, 06:22 PM	#19
Gold Digger Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Arkansas & Alaska Posts: 645	Re: my new roadster Thank God for common since.

11-01-2014, 02:17 AM	#22
Marshall57 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Elko Nevada Posts: 217	Re: my new roadster I have the same roadster, and it is a money pit. LOL but boy is it worth it. You can drive it around and have a huge amount of fun for not too much money. If (like me) you want it better and better there is a lot of high dollar stuff that will make it even more fun to drive. You can't drive a car like that and not have people look, smile and want to talk. Somehow for me this has led to wanting it to look better and better. Oh and if you go to a large meet, watch out.. great people and wonderful cars will make you sneak a little more money into the sock that is reserved for model A wishes. I just hope you have half as much fun as I have had working on and driving my roadster. And just to put my two cents in,,,, you can always drop a different motor and trans into it, try using a stock setup and see how it feels first. I have found that the sound of the original set up has some magic that sets these cars apart from the others. Last edited by Marshall57; 11-01-2014 at 02:19 AM. Reason: spelling

11-01-2014, 06:33 PM	#24
beechboy Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: springfield oh Posts: 57	Re: my new roadster Great looking roadster, enjoy

11-01-2014, 09:01 PM	#25
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: my new roadster thanks

11-01-2014, 10:04 PM	#26
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,032	Re: my new roadster Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Probably your most cost effective approach would be to find out what is missing from the motor and why it was torn down. Frequently they are torn down for the wrong reasons. Will it turn over with a crank? A few close ups of the engine might help but it would probably be best to get in touch with a local Model A club (see the national sites for local clubs, mafca.com and modelaford.org) and have someone look at it. Nice car. Charlie Stephens

11-01-2014, 10:33 PM	#27
Purdy Swoft Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 8,099	Re: my new roadster For some reason many just like to remove the head for no particular reason. Sometimes the results are a disaster. When I got my standard 30-31 roadster a few years ago, I figured that I would have to replace the engine. I had a good july 1930 engine with a B cam and F3 head all ready to install. When I discovered that it had matching engine and frame serial numbers I couldn't resist overhauling the engine that was in it , I'm very glad that I did . Model A engines are simple and very forgiving. Oh yes, that is a good looking find!!! It looks much, much better than mine did. If I could find one that good I would just fix what was needed and drive it just like it is. Its a purty if there ever was one !!!

11-02-2014, 09:46 AM	#28
Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ASTON, PA. Posts: 725	Re: my new roadster Rob, Nice car good luck with it !!! Here is my 30 standar roadster when I purchased the car in 2001. I fixed what was needed new top, tires etc and been very happy with this car, Our cars are identical twins. Mike

11-02-2014, 09:49 AM	#29
Jeff/Illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,789	Re: my new roadster That's a nice Roadster! Have fun!

11-02-2014, 10:21 AM	#30
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: my new roadster I have a motor and tranny ready to drop in....the frame number and engine numbers don't match in the car so I don't feel bad about dropping a new one in. My plan is to get it running and start the process of debugging everything. Paint is a long long way off. I have a shiny 31 ccpu that I can drive when I want shiny. Thanks for all of the positive comments.

11-02-2014, 12:24 PM	#31
Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ASTON, PA. Posts: 725	Re: my new roadster This car is a standard roadster ! It has a standard windshield frame standard top and was ordered with cowl lights and dual spares ! The previous owner added the fog lights in 1947 Mike

11-02-2014, 04:37 PM	#32
bart78 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Stephenville tx Posts: 1,019	Re: my new roadster Man that's nice. All I would do is get it running. And get it stopping.

11-02-2014, 05:48 PM	#33
rob63mess Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: newark ohio Posts: 569	Re: my new roadster thanks Bart...that's my plan for now.