The Ford Barn

supergnat · 09-11-2018, 09:26 AM

I would recommend that in addition to the other suggestions it is critical to inspect the gas tank for rust. I can be challenging since there are baffles. Do a searchon this forum since there are probably tips on how to do an inspection. My car had a very rusty tank. No one makes replacements unless you go to saddle tanks which require a pump. It was difficult to find a good one but I finally did. Good luck. Replacing the tank on a fordor car is challenging.

30 Closed Cab PU · 09-11-2018, 11:50 AM

Shocks- expensive, lots of times they missing, or are leaking, or have leaked so much they are dry/bad.

Cooling system - Radiator, expensive for a good one, can run over $800, Quickest way to check cooling system is to run it for 30 min at 45 mph or more on a hot day to see if it overheats. Look into the radiator fill, inspect what you can see. Also see if core/tubes are visible, 2 rows of tubes are known to have issues, 3 row design are generally good. Look at the bottom of the radiator cap for build up of rust. After running,drain a little coolant through the lower hose petcock, you can use a cut off water bottle to catch it, if it is a really a dark brown and/or there are little particles - there is rust.

gary678* · 09-12-2018, 07:28 PM

I was a newcomer to the Model "A" scene and bought a restored and road ready 1930 Cabriolet almost 2 years ago. Although there are many honest A owners out there, do not consider buying unless you visit, see and test drive the car. If the car has no plates and the owner says it cannot go on the road that is a RED FLAG. Before buying mine was test driven 10 miles on local roads without registered plates. If you use an inspector do not use one that the owner recommends or pays; you select and pay the inspector to avoid a biased evaluation. If you can, bring a knowledgeable "A" person with you. Local Model "A" clubs are a great resource; our local Hudson Valley club has many knowledgeable people which serve as a great resource for novices like me. Many owners keep paper records of their work; ask to see them. Two problems that I had were 1) gas smells- the owner assured me it was simply a gasket problem. After buying it turned out that the gas shut-off leaked, the gas line leaked, the sediment bowl leaked, and the carburetor was faulty; I had to replace all. 2) Coolant use- the owner said it used a little water. Once I owned and drove it, a 1/2 gallon was used every 30 miles. Turned out it was a blown head gasket that I had to replace. There is a kit available for loan from Autozone that is easy to use which can immediately test for a blown head gasket. Bring the kit along if it is running vehicle. One other recommendation is to bring a small magnet when you go to see the car. Wrap it in a handkerchief and run it along all parts of the body to check for fillers, Bondo, etc. The handkerchief prevents scratching the paint. Fortunately I did not have the filler problem. I must also say that I was happy with my purchase and love my car, but with a little more knowledge I could have been able to negotiate a better price. Good luck but do not suffer from love at first sight. It took me 5 months to locate the car I wanted; search area was anywhere east of the Mississippi, Quebec and Ontario.

Jeff/Illinois · 09-12-2018, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oakhurst

This just what I was going to say. I had several coupes and fit in them fine, but never had the money to finish them. 50 yrs later, saw a 28 roadster, wow, had to have it. Now I can't fit in, probably being 76 years old is a factor.

A friend died years ago who had a '28 Roadster Pickup fully restored. His son asked if I'd drive that vehicle to the cemetery behind the hearse. 'Sure glad to do it that would be an honor.'

Never had been in a Roadster Pickup before. I learned that at over 6 feet tall, forget about it what a giant pain I could barely get in the thing.

I like those Model A's but I wouldn't want one as a gift. There's no way I could ride in it or get in and out of it. Bill's friend, another WWII vet who was very short about 5'4" asked if he could ride. I said 'Sure'. He opened the door and hopped right in no problems whatsoever

09-11-2018, 09:26 AM	#21
supergnat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Palmyra, NJ Posts: 475	Re: Thinking of buying a model A I would recommend that in addition to the other suggestions it is critical to inspect the gas tank for rust. I can be challenging since there are baffles. Do a searchon this forum since there are probably tips on how to do an inspection. My car had a very rusty tank. No one makes replacements unless you go to saddle tanks which require a pump. It was difficult to find a good one but I finally did. Good luck. Replacing the tank on a fordor car is challenging.

09-11-2018, 11:50 AM	#22
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Thinking of buying a model A Shocks- expensive, lots of times they missing, or are leaking, or have leaked so much they are dry/bad. Cooling system - Radiator, expensive for a good one, can run over $800, Quickest way to check cooling system is to run it for 30 min at 45 mph or more on a hot day to see if it overheats. Look into the radiator fill, inspect what you can see. Also see if core/tubes are visible, 2 rows of tubes are known to have issues, 3 row design are generally good. Look at the bottom of the radiator cap for build up of rust. After running,drain a little coolant through the lower hose petcock, you can use a cut off water bottle to catch it, if it is a really a dark brown and/or there are little particles - there is rust.

09-12-2018, 07:28 PM	#23
gary678* Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Middletown, NY Posts: 165	Re: Thinking of buying a model A I was a newcomer to the Model "A" scene and bought a restored and road ready 1930 Cabriolet almost 2 years ago. Although there are many honest A owners out there, do not consider buying unless you visit, see and test drive the car. If the car has no plates and the owner says it cannot go on the road that is a RED FLAG. Before buying mine was test driven 10 miles on local roads without registered plates. If you use an inspector do not use one that the owner recommends or pays; you select and pay the inspector to avoid a biased evaluation. If you can, bring a knowledgeable "A" person with you. Local Model "A" clubs are a great resource; our local Hudson Valley club has many knowledgeable people which serve as a great resource for novices like me. Many owners keep paper records of their work; ask to see them. Two problems that I had were 1) gas smells- the owner assured me it was simply a gasket problem. After buying it turned out that the gas shut-off leaked, the gas line leaked, the sediment bowl leaked, and the carburetor was faulty; I had to replace all. 2) Coolant use- the owner said it used a little water. Once I owned and drove it, a 1/2 gallon was used every 30 miles. Turned out it was a blown head gasket that I had to replace. There is a kit available for loan from Autozone that is easy to use which can immediately test for a blown head gasket. Bring the kit along if it is running vehicle. One other recommendation is to bring a small magnet when you go to see the car. Wrap it in a handkerchief and run it along all parts of the body to check for fillers, Bondo, etc. The handkerchief prevents scratching the paint. Fortunately I did not have the filler problem. I must also say that I was happy with my purchase and love my car, but with a little more knowledge I could have been able to negotiate a better price. Good luck but do not suffer from love at first sight. It took me 5 months to locate the car I wanted; search area was anywhere east of the Mississippi, Quebec and Ontario.