Hello from Oregon!

[NWRustyJunk]

Hello Ford Barn! I just joined the forum a few days ago. I don't actually own a Model A yet....but I plan to in the near future. I'm 39 and have messed around with old cars my whole life.....but never an A. Do you all have any advice for a newbie to the Model A world? Thanks, Mike

[Roger Green]

NWRustJunk,
My advice:
1. Join a local club.
2. Join one of the national clubs (MAFCA or MARC).
Random ROG
Ridgefield, Washington

[1930artdeco]

Welcome to the barn.

Besides the above here is what I would ask you.
-What are your intentions - parades, touring, occasional use?
-kids?
-how big are you- coupes can be on the small side for big guys
Prewar cars are their own beast compared to 60's cars.
Sedans have lots of wood in them.

Just a few questions that need to be answered...


Mike

[NWRustyJunk]

I've heard that coupes are pretty tight for a bigger guy. I'm 6'2" so I might have to go with a Tudor? Is it true that 28-29 are overall smaller than 30-31?
I like to drive my cars as much as possible. I live in a fairly rural area, so there are still plenty of country roads I can enjoy.
Honestly, I don't have much experience with stuff from the 20s and 30s, I've only worked on early 40s and up. I do have a 30 Plymouth model U, but there isn't much left of it. (just a body to use for a future hot rod project) It has some wood in it also. (mostly door frames and along the roofline)

[TerryO]

[QUOTE Do you all have any advice for a newbie to the Model A world? Thanks, Mike ][/QUOTE]


My advice...turn around and run...It is an addiction and you can't stop with just one 'A'


TerryO

[TerryH]

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Roadsters, coupes,and pickups are all on the smaller side for a Model A. Fordors or Town Sedans are roomier and have great seats, but you have to be sure the underlying wood is in good shape. Tudor’s are very popular and also roomy.
As others have suggested, try and join a club first, see what other members have, and ask for a ride, so you can experience each style first.

[Bill G]

I agree. Join a club. Best thing I ever did. (other than marrying my wife, who also likes the Model A)

Greetings from SE Washington State.

[redmodelt]

Where are you located? There are several clubs in the Portland /Vancouver area. Along with some down south and Eastern Oregon.

[Bill G]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

Where are you located? There are several clubs in the Portland /Vancouver area. Along with some down south and Eastern Oregon.

Yep, there's a great club in Pendleton.

[chap52]

I am 6'4" and have a 30 Tudor, a friend custom fabricated me a set of brackets with an additional 3" reach. I still had to make an adapter that moved the drivers seat back another couple of inches so I could get my petite size 15 foot from the gas to the brake without having to contort my leg under the steering wheel.
With the seat in the stock position a sudden stop was about 12 seconds of foot transition from gas to brake.... But, I love the looks and the ambiance of the car and adjusting is what life is all about.
If you join a club, or just "guest" attend a gathering and you can ask a few members to let you sit in theirs, they may even let you drive it. Took me 72 years to get my first "A", so don't panic...Chap

[Corley]

The first response got it right, join a local club. Attend some meetings, and get to know the guys. Why? First, you will gain a lot of model A knowledge, and get exposed to a variety of cars and styles. If you are nice, they might even let you drive one or two of them. Next, you might find the car of your dreams right there in the club, with a for sale sign on it, or get a good lead on one. Lastly and most importantly, you will make some great friends, many willing to give advice or a helping hand when you do get your dream model A and need help getting aquointed with her.

That Random Rog guy, he got it right in post #2, so now I guess he is "Always Right Random Rog". If you are near SW Washington, I highly recommend the Volcano As club. Check out the website, and come join use this Monday at the annual Christmas party. You won't find nicer people (except for this one asshole, thats me).

[Jacksonlll]

Don't buy the first A you come across. Take your time and get a good driver. You will love this hobby. There is nothing like the A. Good luck and have fun.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

Don't buy the first A you come across. Take your time and get a good driver. You will love this hobby. There is nothing like the A. Good luck and have fun.

x2, When searching/buying an A, have someone trusted/experienced go with you before paying for an A. You do not want expensive surprises after you get it home.

[whirnot]

I am 6'1" and have a roadster. It is a little snug, you don't want to drive it great distances Because it has no windows, weather can be an issue. The solution, of course is to have more than one. As asked above, where you at?

[NWRustyJunk]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm located in the little town of Banks, Oregon. West of Portland, going out towards the coast.
Yeah, I'm in no rush. I'd like to find a nice driver quality car. Something mechanically sound. It doesn't have to be perfect, but not a full on project car. I have enough of those already. lol

[Steve Plucker]

So join the local club and you will soon "find a nice driver quality car"!

Pluck

[mhsprecher]

I am 6'2" and have a Fordor. I love it. A little tight, but very doable. I also have a roadster, but it is less versatile.

[NWRustyJunk]

I love the look of Roadsters, but being in Oregon I wouldn't get much use out of it. Even in the summer it would get mighty chilly in an open car.

[Jacksonlll]

Don’t buy a klugged up A. Hold out for a real A without any changes from standard. If it’s not areal A, not many people want it. It’s value is only to the guy who screwed it up.

[41plym]

I've got a decent 31 Tudor for sale here in Ridgefield Wa. if you're interested. Mark (360) 904-0956