Want to Introduce Myself

[pterzis]

New to the forum - just wanted to say hi. Worked on a lot of Fords over the years and am in the process of picking up my first Model A. It's a 31 5 window coupe. Going to see it this coming weekend. Is there anything I should pay close attention to when I go to look at it, beside the obvious body rust/frame condition? Or anything that may help me negotiate a fair price?

Thank, Guys. Look forward to talking cars with ya.

Pat

[tbirdtbird]

let us know how you make out

[bobpo1]

Welcome to the Greatest old Ford website on Earth. Getting on here is like enrolling in Model A Ford 101. These folks can help you on anything related.

Again, welcome aboard, enjoy it.

[Michael M]

Welcome to the Ford Barn and Model A's. You'll find some very knowledgable guys on here who will be very helpful with any questions. The advice is always well thought out and will prove useful to you.

Enjoy your A!

[pterzis]

Thanks Guys ~ This is my first Ford vintage. Before this I have only worked on 60s muscle, galaxies, mustangs, even a maverick. I have read about those wood sills. TBH I am not sure the condition of the interior and will have to see. I do believe it has the period 4 cylinder L motor. He did mention that the shifting was rough and I know that it is easy to break a tooth on these cars. I'll have to master the double clutch I guess. I will post pics ASAP. Thanks for the advice so far.

[James Rogers]

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Coupes don't have wood sills, they are steel. The only wood in the coupe is the header and anywhere the interior is nailed. That won't be an issue for you. Inspect extensively for rust underneath and in any hidden area. An ice pick can be invaluable when inspecting for wood rot by simply inserting it into the wood in inconspicuous places. The tranny is like a tractor in that it has no sincro's and the gears are straight cut. Shifting can be a challenge for anyone and even old hands will occasionally scrape one.

[John LaVoy]

Welcome to the hobby. I think you will enjoy the information you receive here. Hope you feel you got a fair deal on the car and get into the hobby.

[Hicktick]

I think a lot of guys get in a hurry to buy . Drive it 15 miles and see if it runs hot , skips , vibrates bad , check steering .

A long drive will tell you all you need before buying .

[Fred K-OR]

Welcome to the Barn. It is a great site. Do ask for help because you will get it here.

In checking the rig, run it awhile and see if it leaks oil out the back of the engine. Sometimes the rear main will leak and be a pain.

[ericr]

don't most of you guys carry a magnet with you to see if the body has had extensive bondo repair?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by ericr

don't most of you guys carry a magnet with you to see if the body has had extensive bondo repair?

Grab one of the refirigerator magnets. They work great. With the weak pull you can feel for bondo easier than if the magnet is strong enough to pull through a thick layer of bondo.

[Terry,NJ]

Check the gap between the hood and the cowl at the bottom of the hood. If it doesn't match the gap at the top the frames is sagged. Very common on Mod. A s.. Check door fits and glass. My coupe came with a lexan side window. Check the wobble in the front wheels and the play in the steering wheel. How hot does it run? Any pinholes in the radiator? It's all commonsense really.
Terry

[Skibb]

Pterzis welcome to the Hobby and the Ford Barn. Lots of excellent advice and folks here. It seems more than a hobby somehow.

[Fred K-OR]

The above items mentioned above are things that can be wrong with your A. But, if the price is right, if you like what you see then go for it! After all the best way to learn about your A is to fix some of the things mentioned. Good luck

[Mike V. Florida]

Welcome to the Model A. "rules" for buying an A are a\the same as any other old car. Just remember the tranny is NOT synchronized so "hard" shifting is not a problem with the tranny.

How's the body, how does it run and stop? We can help with the rest.

FYI When I bought my A it sounded like there were rocks rolling around in the engine. One afternoon of tightening the bearings and replacing the timing gear and it was purring like a kitten.

[Charlie Stephens]

Be sure the paperwork is clean. When the car was originally registered the engine number was used. This number was also stamped into the top of the left frame rail in a location covered by the body (you have to lift the body to see it). If the engine was replaced the person was supposed to notify the DMV of the new number but this sometimes did not happen. Most recently states will assign a number and rivet (epoxy?) it to the door jam. You might call your local DMV and see what they will want to see. Search the archives here and see the problems people have when the numbers don't match.

Charlie Stephens

[Willie Krash]

Welcome, drive it..

[bikejunk]

Hey Pat where in Jersey are you?

[jimalabam]

WELCOME... You will enjoy this site. Many of your questions will be correctly answered. jiml...

[Duffy1]

Welcome ; Find someone that knows about Model A and have them look it over . Contact your local Model A club . Best to join a club. Majority of these folks in these clubs will be glad to help you .