A400 Resto-mod

[Half_Finished_Project]

Hey everyone, I’m new to the Model A world and restoring my first one now. I have a rolling chassis with full drive train (‘31) that I’m currently restoring while I figure out a body style. Has anyone ever modified a Tudor Sedan to have a convertible top like the A400? Not trying to pass it off as one. I just love the body style but could never afford an authentic one.

[Bayou Mike]

I have a coupe that was modified years ago to a roadster before I got it. It still needs restoration so it's pretty rough. But they never put a top on it. They just did a very poor fitting of plywood around the back. You'll need to figure out a way to finish the cut edges but it's doable. The Tudor has squared back windows while the A400 are rounded. If you have good metalworking skills you might be able to re create that (or find some donors). They make universal kit for a top you might be able to get to work.

[1931 flamingo]

On the HAMB I believe there is a fellow who does that to 34's.
Paul in CT

[Half_Finished_Project]

Thanks! For the curved rear windows, was that on any other body style besides the A400? It almost looks like you could take the rear window framing of a 5-window coupe and flip it upside down (plus some modifications and swearing).

[ronn]

somebody was making the A 400 bodies out of tudors a few yrs back. so yes, it can be done. the bodies were around 15k, so the price was somewhat prohibitive.


thought they were in FL?

[Oldbluoval]

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B400 s were being reproduced. Never heard about A400 but I sure don’t hear everything
Many of these customizers are talented enough to make anything
anymore

[700rpm]

I would bet that by the time you fabricate an imitation A400, unless you are a master sheetmetal worker and body craftsman you will have spent enough money to buy at least one original, maybe two. The work you are thinking of is very, very expensive.

[Oldbluoval]

700-
For sure!

[29touring]

The other body style close to the A400 is the Victoria. However, I concur that it maybe cheaper to get an A400.

[Half_Finished_Project]

Do you mind helping me understand the work involved a little better? I am probably over simplifying it in my head, but I figured starting with a Tudor I’d be removing the roof segments and top half of the rear. I’m planning on making an all new wood kit with some plans/blueprints (this parts actually my specialty compared to metal!) The hard part would be fabricating the metal arch for the rear rounded windows, but Mikes sells the A400 rain guards, which I’d use to model the curve, and they also sell the full window sets. Either that or if need to salvage the window frames from another A400 I’m open to that as well. I just assumed they’re very hard to come by. I’m planning on doing a full tear down and repaint of the body regardless, so I’d be able to add in any clips/tie downs for the top. As for the top itself, haven’t thought that far yet so definitely open to ideas!

Another thing to note is that I don’t need it to be exact. I more so just want a 4 seat convertible with full windows that doesn’t look hacked together.

[700rpm]

I would suggest that you find a few A400s and take lots of photos and make an inventory of the multitude of parts that are unique and very hard to find for this Model, and consult (if you can) with experienced restorers like Brent Terry and John Hash. Do not expect to buy parts off of other A400s. This is a job for professionals, and if that ain’t you, this project will likely end up exemplifying your screen name. I do not think this is a good or even a feasible idea. And that will be my last word on it.

[Oldbluoval]

I have 3 a400 bodies sitting in my shop. I can tell you 700 is spot on.
Bodies are not currently for sale

[Half_Finished_Project]

Gotcha, well I appreciate the candid feedback and I think you guys have talked some sense into me. Sounds like I’ll just have to decide between a sports coupe or sedan.

[700rpm]

Maybe what you want is a cabriolet.

[Half_Finished_Project]

700, after a quick google image search I think you are right with the cabriolet. Is the main difference between the cabriolet and sport coupe the full framing on the doors, or does the sport coupe top not actually go down? Very new to this but appreciate your advice.

[Half_Finished_Project]

Oldbluoval, I realize you are not selling yours (although if you change your mind let me know!) but how much would just the body of an A400 go for? Assuming middle of the range condition.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Half_Finished_Project

700, after a quick google image search I think you are right with the cabriolet. Is the main difference between the cabriolet and sport coupe the full framing on the doors, or does the sport coupe top not actually go down? Very new to this but appreciate your advice.

Sport Coupe is a fixed top. Cabriolet folds down. I suggest you buy a copy of "The Ford Model A as Henry Built It" by George deAngelis. It shows factory photos and details of every model. Most suppliers and both national clubs offer it for sale.

[40-A Twins]

Here are 4 pics of an unrestored A-400 body that was for sale back in 2015 for $10k and discussion here on fordbarn.
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175975
Last photo is an older A-400 restoration that sold locally for around $27k.
It would be difficult to find remaining parts to make that unrestored body whole again and restore it for less than $17k
Kevin

[ronn]

that red one just sold and was a nice driver, so prices have come down a little in last few yrs. If you find a body, they want an arm and a leg for it.


the cabrio suggestion makes the most sense, as many more exist then A 400s.
If you are looking for cheap- a sport coupe can be lopped off, making it an open car
and this is done regularly by rodders. though this site doesnt succumb to that philosophy, this is what is taking place in todays mkt.

[Gil Sissons]

Here is a idea for your consideration
Look at Reno NV Craigslist...... cars for sale.
There you will find a 1931 Victoria.....that has been started in the direction you are wanting.
You might find a master in a upholstery shop to help you with the top.
If this works for you.... would seem to get you into the A very affordable.
This is not my car.... I do not know the owner.
Good luck to you. ( If you do something here let us know.)
Gil. NoCal