The Ford Barn

ScriptunasPhoto · 08-03-2020, 03:21 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have had a desire to purchase a Model A since I was a kid. I just came across this one for sale and the price appears quite good. I would really appreciate hearing from the experts here on the forum!

Here is the information. What should I be concerned about, what questions should I ask? For an older restoration, the condition looks nice. Thank you!

Price $10,500

1930 Ford Town sedan Murray coach works with a green Lebaron Bonney Interior with lap rope, side pulls, and window shades and was the first year for the rear seat middle pull down armrest. It has ~150 miles on a 40 yr old frame-off restoration which included new roof and frame wood, and safety glass. The car has been in storage for ~20 years and has developed a rusty leaking gas tank, I have a new head gasket for a head that is seeping outside. The shocks, steering box, transmission were never rebuilt. It will need a battery, a speedometer cable, and a differential leak repaired.

chrs1961815 · 08-03-2020, 03:27 PM

Welcome to the Barn!

My roadster was kind of similar deal with your car, but worse. Older restoration, mechanical things never restored, bad quality work, bad paint. Point is, you will have to take apart the things that are not restored because 90 years of wear is too much. So you have to factor that in. I would be weary about what else they did/did not do if they didn't rebuild that stuff. You can get older restorations like this, drivers, all day long from 7,000 to 9,000. For what the car is, the asking price is too high.

McMimmcs · 08-03-2020, 04:06 PM

Take your time and enjoy the new acquisition. Hopefully you can get your family and friends involved. You are going to be surprised how much fun it really is.

Ruth · 08-03-2020, 04:18 PM

From a few pictures it is hard to tell but I like it. I didn't see it mentioned but does the engine turn (not frozen)?

The wood is a major thing with the sedans and if it has been replaced you are ahead of the game.

What is your location? That may effect the price?

Charlie Stephens · 08-03-2020, 04:20 PM

Get someone from a local club to look it over. How does it run? What is your general location?

Charlie Stephens

ronn · 08-03-2020, 04:42 PM

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I would keep looking. The car looks nice, but do you really want to deal with a rusty leaking gas tank?

spend a little more and get much more.

alexiskai · 08-03-2020, 05:10 PM

I concur with others that $10,500 is too much for a car in this condition. For $12K (and often $10K) you'd be able to get one that you can drive home.

warhorseracing · 08-03-2020, 05:52 PM

Agreed with the other comments and I own a 1929 Briggs. Same type of major wood construction and I have replaced all of my roof wood. The remainder of my wood is good and I will document the condition with pictures in case I decide to sell it prior to installing the interior. At any rate you do not know the condition of the wood and it has been covered by the interior and now not visible. Good wood or not. That is the question.

jb-ob · 08-03-2020, 06:03 PM

An old New York advertising slogan, "An educated consumer is our best customer".

Take your time & enjoy doing your home work about all the different body styles. I would narrow the the field by looking at 1930-31 Fords with stainless steel bright work.

The leaking gas tank is more of a project that you, a first timer needs to tackle as well as possible transmission issues.

I never like a restoration that has the cheapest 'zig-zag' tires, says the restoration was done on the cheap. For your first experience, spend a little more for more car, one which you can wash & drive immediately. Plenty of time later to learn to being a mechanic.

Hope this was helpful, best,

WHN · 08-03-2020, 06:06 PM

I would wait for a car that has had its running gear gone over. Front end, brakes, Springs, shocks, engine and trans.

I would want a safe driving car. You could end up paying $14,000.00 to $18,000.00, but unless you are going to do the work your self. The extra money spent will be well invested.

I would be very concerned about what’s under that paint, and why no one has driven it for so many years.

Good luck.

Jacksonlll · 08-03-2020, 06:35 PM

I would not pay more than $6000. For $10,000 you can get a very nice driver that you don’t have to work on. No. No. Not $10,000.

Gil Sissons · 08-03-2020, 07:05 PM

You have gotten some very good advice in the above postings.
I would for sure find my closest Model A Club. If you need help
finding that look on the MAFCA website. I am pretty sure you
will find a willing and educated Model A owner to help you.
The leaking gas tank is a blinking RED light you should observe.
Many good running Model A's available in the $12,000 range.
Any car that has been sitting for years will have issues.
Good luck and enjoy the journey.

Gil. NoCal

Mike Peters · 08-03-2020, 07:52 PM

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ighlight=sedan
Compare this with the '30 Murray you are looking at. Your '30 Murray has red flags from bumper to bumper. All advice above is spot on. Keep looking.

ScriptunasPhoto · 08-03-2020, 08:54 PM

Thanks everyone for all of the great info! It is extremely helpful and gives me a good starting point.

I am located in Charleston, WV.

Are there any preferred market places I should keep an eye on for model A's?

I am in no rush and will definitely keep looking and doing my research. I enjoy a good project, but this time I'd prefer a car that that is ready to go or close to it.

chrs1961815 · 08-03-2020, 09:24 PM

I would get in contact with a local club (MAFCA or MARC) and see if any members are selling. In our newsletter, someone is always selling a Model A. Then you are dealing with people who know the cars and probably won't try to decieve you. If all else fails, you could check craigslist in your area.

30 Closed Cab PU · 08-03-2020, 09:59 PM

Before even tuning over the motor.
Drain/clean gas tank (do not want to suck varnished gas/rust into the carb), flush/replace all fluids since oil/grease turns bad sitting for that length of time, grease all fittings/zerks, make sure to oil generator and distributor. If stored with water coolant may have rusted radiator/block.

Charlie Stephens · 08-03-2020, 10:44 PM

One problem with the straight (vertical) window 4 door sedans is that they were built with an extremely large amount of wood. If the wood is bad it is very time consuming and expensive to replace. First place problems will show up is with the fit of the doors so check them carefully. In 1931 they came out with a 4 door sedan that had a slant windshield and very little wood.

Charlie Stephens

Gil Sissons · 08-03-2020, 11:27 PM

Look at Craigslist Lexington KY
Cars for sale..... type in Ford Model A
Here is a very reasonably priced 1931 Tudor sedan.
Comes with rebuilt motor.... Mitchell overdrive and improved brakes.
Not my car.... do not know the owner.
Just looks like a much better starting point.
Good Luck

Gil. NoCal

Charlie Stephens · 08-04-2020, 12:00 AM

Contact all of the Model A clubs close to you and see what it takes to be put on distribution for their newsletter with "for sales" in it.

Charlie Stephens

shew01 · 08-04-2020, 04:22 AM

Here is a link to a Model A chapter list.

https://www.mafca.com/chapters_list.html

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

shew01 · 08-04-2020, 04:24 AM

Here is another link to a different chapter list.

https://model-a-ford.org/regions/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ronn · 08-05-2020, 03:31 AM

here is an example of one on the swap here- I know it is in Cali, but look at the price 6900. and compare. the owner is willing to help with shipping

1929 Ford Model A Sedan

30 Closed Cab PU · 08-05-2020, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronn

here is an example of one on the swap here- I know it is in Cali, but look at the price 6900. and compare. the owner is willing to help with shipping

1929 Ford Model A Sedan

Does not open.

ronn · 08-06-2020, 06:52 AM

1929 Ford Model A Sedan

LISTED IN SWAP- CANT SEEM TO PASTE

ScriptunasPhoto · 08-06-2020, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronn

here is an example of one on the swap here- I know it is in Cali, but look at the price 6900. and compare. the owner is willing to help with shipping

1929 Ford Model A Sedan

Thanks Ronn, sure wish it was closer!

Mulletwagon · 08-06-2020, 03:12 PM

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From what I have seen, the price is about right for what you are getting. You can typically find a turn-key driver for $12 - 14K. There is an occasional better deal but not usually near by. Would recommend avoiding the "barn find" since they are usually about $6K plus but requre big $$ to make them presentable and roadworthy. The most important factor (IMHO) is to ensure the VIN number on the title agrees with a physically visible number on the vehicle - preferably on the engine block. If there is no title or an issue with the VIN be sure you are completely familiar with the laws in your state and check with DMV in advance. Be prepared to pass if securing a title is an issue. In general, no title - SHIELDS UP !!

ryanheacox · 08-06-2020, 03:30 PM

Fordors are slow movers so you may be able to get it for well under the asking price. That being said, I love mine and I think that body style is one of the most practical for an A. If it’s got new wood and the job was done well, I’d say it’s worth it.

WHN · 08-06-2020, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulletwagon

From what I have seen, the price is about right for what you are getting. You can typically find a turn-key driver for $12 - 14K. There is an occasional better deal but not usually near by. Would recommend avoiding the "barn find" since they are usually about $6K plus but requre big $$ to make them presentable and roadworthy. The most important factor (IMHO) is to ensure the VIN number on the title agrees with a physically visible number on the vehicle - preferably on the engine block. If there is no title or an issue with the VIN be sure you are completely familiar with the laws in your state and check with DMV in advance. Be prepared to pass if securing a title is an issue. In general, no title - SHIELDS UP !!

I would just add to this good advise. That there are some states that do not title cars after a certain age. New York and Connecticut as an example. You would only get a bill of sale. Keep looking.

Enjoy.

ronn · 08-06-2020, 04:21 PM

The seller on that 29 will "help" with shipping, so dont just look at distance. that car looks very nice for the $ and no, I dont know the fella.

Kevin in NJ · 08-07-2020, 02:45 PM

My perspective.

If the wood work and paint work and interior are decent and everything fits well together then it is likely not that bad a deal.

My assumption is that most A's are not restored. They get paint and interior work done and then a mess of 'interesting' rebuilding on the mechanicals. Without proof work was done right you can just assume that the car needs all the mechanicals gone though. I have seen in all price levels of cars. So ya, pass on this car and buy the one for $5000 more and it may be even work mechanically.

My suggestion is to learn how to tell of the body and interior was done right and when you buy assume you will have to have all the working parts properly rebuilt over time.

Price wise, well people are paying $5000 to $10,000 for unrestored cars. You can not even hope to pay less then $10,000 to put the paint and interior on the car if you can do the work yourself. So a car with all the done half decent may not be a bad deal.

FWIW, I know of 2 people who have purchased cars redone by well known A shops. Each person spend over $10k getting the "professionally restored" car reliable and safe to drive.

bdtutton · 08-07-2020, 09:19 PM

I think the parameter I would look at is WHY you want to be involved with old cars. Are you looking for a project to restore because you love bringing vehicles back to life or do you just want to drive an old car? I have a full time job and a family so it would take me years to restore a car that needed even a moderate amount of work. I realized this when I bought my Model A and decided to buy a car that was mostly restored so I had a little work to do, but could enjoy driving it right away...because I wanted to drive it...not work on it.
....Don't worry, even a good model A requires a ton of work to keep it running well.

08-03-2020, 03:27 PM	#2
chrs1961815 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Spring Grove, Illinois Posts: 1,371	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Welcome to the Barn! My roadster was kind of similar deal with your car, but worse. Older restoration, mechanical things never restored, bad quality work, bad paint. Point is, you will have to take apart the things that are not restored because 90 years of wear is too much. So you have to factor that in. I would be weary about what else they did/did not do if they didn't rebuild that stuff. You can get older restorations like this, drivers, all day long from 7,000 to 9,000. For what the car is, the asking price is too high. __________________ "The more things change, the more they stay the same."

08-03-2020, 04:06 PM	#3
McMimmcs Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan Posts: 2,296	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Take your time and enjoy the new acquisition. Hopefully you can get your family and friends involved. You are going to be surprised how much fun it really is.

08-03-2020, 04:18 PM	#4
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,336	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! From a few pictures it is hard to tell but I like it. I didn't see it mentioned but does the engine turn (not frozen)? The wood is a major thing with the sedans and if it has been replaced you are ahead of the game. What is your location? That may effect the price? __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

08-03-2020, 04:20 PM	#5
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,030	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Get someone from a local club to look it over. How does it run? What is your general location? Charlie Stephens

08-03-2020, 04:42 PM	#6
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,785	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I would keep looking. The car looks nice, but do you really want to deal with a rusty leaking gas tank? spend a little more and get much more.

08-03-2020, 05:10 PM	#7
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 2,350	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! I concur with others that $10,500 is too much for a car in this condition. For $12K (and often $10K) you'd be able to get one that you can drive home.

08-03-2020, 05:52 PM	#8
warhorseracing Member Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Cameron WV Posts: 59	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Agreed with the other comments and I own a 1929 Briggs. Same type of major wood construction and I have replaced all of my roof wood. The remainder of my wood is good and I will document the condition with pictures in case I decide to sell it prior to installing the interior. At any rate you do not know the condition of the wood and it has been covered by the interior and now not visible. Good wood or not. That is the question.

08-03-2020, 06:03 PM	#9
jb-ob Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 638	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! An old New York advertising slogan, "An educated consumer is our best customer". Take your time & enjoy doing your home work about all the different body styles. I would narrow the the field by looking at 1930-31 Fords with stainless steel bright work. The leaking gas tank is more of a project that you, a first timer needs to tackle as well as possible transmission issues. I never like a restoration that has the cheapest 'zig-zag' tires, says the restoration was done on the cheap. For your first experience, spend a little more for more car, one which you can wash & drive immediately. Plenty of time later to learn to being a mechanic. Hope this was helpful, best,

08-03-2020, 06:06 PM	#10
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,821	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! I would wait for a car that has had its running gear gone over. Front end, brakes, Springs, shocks, engine and trans. I would want a safe driving car. You could end up paying $14,000.00 to $18,000.00, but unless you are going to do the work your self. The extra money spent will be well invested. I would be very concerned about what’s under that paint, and why no one has driven it for so many years. Good luck.

08-03-2020, 06:35 PM	#11
Jacksonlll Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Michigan-- Member of Oakleaf of MARC Posts: 1,686	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! I would not pay more than $6000. For $10,000 you can get a very nice driver that you don’t have to work on. No. No. Not $10,000.

08-03-2020, 07:05 PM	#12
Gil Sissons Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: No Cal Posts: 224	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! You have gotten some very good advice in the above postings. I would for sure find my closest Model A Club. If you need help finding that look on the MAFCA website. I am pretty sure you will find a willing and educated Model A owner to help you. The leaking gas tank is a blinking RED light you should observe. Many good running Model A's available in the $12,000 range. Any car that has been sitting for years will have issues. Good luck and enjoy the journey. Gil. NoCal

08-03-2020, 07:52 PM	#13
Mike Peters Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: South East Wisconsin Posts: 1,279	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...ighlight=sedan Compare this with the '30 Murray you are looking at. Your '30 Murray has red flags from bumper to bumper. All advice above is spot on. Keep looking.

08-03-2020, 08:54 PM	#14
ScriptunasPhoto Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 3	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Thanks everyone for all of the great info! It is extremely helpful and gives me a good starting point. I am located in Charleston, WV. Are there any preferred market places I should keep an eye on for model A's? I am in no rush and will definitely keep looking and doing my research. I enjoy a good project, but this time I'd prefer a car that that is ready to go or close to it.

08-03-2020, 09:24 PM	#15
chrs1961815 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Spring Grove, Illinois Posts: 1,371	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! I would get in contact with a local club (MAFCA or MARC) and see if any members are selling. In our newsletter, someone is always selling a Model A. Then you are dealing with people who know the cars and probably won't try to decieve you. If all else fails, you could check craigslist in your area. __________________ "The more things change, the more they stay the same."

08-03-2020, 09:59 PM	#16
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Before even tuning over the motor. Drain/clean gas tank (do not want to suck varnished gas/rust into the carb), flush/replace all fluids since oil/grease turns bad sitting for that length of time, grease all fittings/zerks, make sure to oil generator and distributor. If stored with water coolant may have rusted radiator/block.

08-03-2020, 10:44 PM	#17
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,030	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! One problem with the straight (vertical) window 4 door sedans is that they were built with an extremely large amount of wood. If the wood is bad it is very time consuming and expensive to replace. First place problems will show up is with the fit of the doors so check them carefully. In 1931 they came out with a 4 door sedan that had a slant windshield and very little wood. Charlie Stephens

08-03-2020, 11:27 PM	#18
Gil Sissons Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: No Cal Posts: 224	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Look at Craigslist Lexington KY Cars for sale..... type in Ford Model A Here is a very reasonably priced 1931 Tudor sedan. Comes with rebuilt motor.... Mitchell overdrive and improved brakes. Not my car.... do not know the owner. Just looks like a much better starting point. Good Luck Gil. NoCal

08-04-2020, 12:00 AM	#19
Charlie Stephens Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,030	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Contact all of the Model A clubs close to you and see what it takes to be put on distribution for their newsletter with "for sales" in it. Charlie Stephens

08-04-2020, 04:22 AM	#20
shew01 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Roanoke, VA USA Posts: 1,908	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Here is a link to a Model A chapter list. https://www.mafca.com/chapters_list.html Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08-04-2020, 04:24 AM	#21
shew01 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Roanoke, VA USA Posts: 1,908	Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Here is another link to a different chapter list. https://model-a-ford.org/regions/ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Last edited by shew01; 08-04-2020 at 05:12 AM.

08-05-2020, 03:31 AM	#22
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,785	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! here is an example of one on the swap here- I know it is in Cali, but look at the price 6900. and compare. the owner is willing to help with shipping 1929 Ford Model A Sedan

08-06-2020, 06:52 AM	#24
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,785	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! 1929 Ford Model A Sedan LISTED IN SWAP- CANT SEEM TO PASTE

08-06-2020, 03:12 PM	#26
Mulletwagon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 585	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) From what I have seen, the price is about right for what you are getting. You can typically find a turn-key driver for $12 - 14K. There is an occasional better deal but not usually near by. Would recommend avoiding the "barn find" since they are usually about $6K plus but requre big $$ to make them presentable and roadworthy. The most important factor (IMHO) is to ensure the VIN number on the title agrees with a physically visible number on the vehicle - preferably on the engine block. If there is no title or an issue with the VIN be sure you are completely familiar with the laws in your state and check with DMV in advance. Be prepared to pass if securing a title is an issue. In general, no title - SHIELDS UP !!

08-06-2020, 03:30 PM	#27
ryanheacox Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Northwest CT Posts: 1,092	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! Fordors are slow movers so you may be able to get it for well under the asking price. That being said, I love mine and I think that body style is one of the most practical for an A. If it’s got new wood and the job was done well, I’d say it’s worth it.

08-06-2020, 04:21 PM	#29
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,785	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! The seller on that 29 will "help" with shipping, so dont just look at distance. that car looks very nice for the $ and no, I dont know the fella.

08-07-2020, 02:45 PM	#30
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! My perspective. If the wood work and paint work and interior are decent and everything fits well together then it is likely not that bad a deal. My assumption is that most A's are not restored. They get paint and interior work done and then a mess of 'interesting' rebuilding on the mechanicals. Without proof work was done right you can just assume that the car needs all the mechanicals gone though. I have seen in all price levels of cars. So ya, pass on this car and buy the one for $5000 more and it may be even work mechanically. My suggestion is to learn how to tell of the body and interior was done right and when you buy assume you will have to have all the working parts properly rebuilt over time. Price wise, well people are paying $5000 to $10,000 for unrestored cars. You can not even hope to pay less then $10,000 to put the paint and interior on the car if you can do the work yourself. So a car with all the done half decent may not be a bad deal. FWIW, I know of 2 people who have purchased cars redone by well known A shops. Each person spend over $10k getting the "professionally restored" car reliable and safe to drive.

08-07-2020, 09:19 PM	#31
bdtutton Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Southwest Michigan Posts: 113	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! I think the parameter I would look at is WHY you want to be involved with old cars. Are you looking for a project to restore because you love bringing vehicles back to life or do you just want to drive an old car? I have a full time job and a family so it would take me years to restore a car that needed even a moderate amount of work. I realized this when I bought my Model A and decided to buy a car that was mostly restored so I had a little work to do, but could enjoy driving it right away...because I wanted to drive it...not work on it. ....Don't worry, even a good model A requires a ton of work to keep it running well.