The Ford Barn

CB919ER · 07-14-2016, 08:57 AM

Hey guys!

I've recently become the owner of a 1929 Model A. While I'm in my mid 30's this car has been a part of my life in I was around 2. I have pictures where I'm just a chubby checked little toddler helping my grandpa restore the car.

The car hasn't been on the road since the mid-90s and I'm excited to get it rolling again and relive the memories of my grandpa and the old ford.

Be prepared for me to pick your brains as I get into the re-rebuild.

Here's a picture of the car as it sits now...

james hitchcock · 07-14-2016, 09:09 AM

Very nice. Model A's are great time machines . They bring back memories that you didn't even know you had and they are lots of fun. You'll find help here on just about any question you have. The A is the one car that I myself can figure out and do most work. Have fun and I look forward to updates on getting yours out on the road. James.

burner31 · 07-14-2016, 09:16 AM

Very, very nice, be prepared to have the time of your life driving it.
Video your attempts to start her, trust me, the first time she fires up for you, you'll want to see that moment again and again...and it only happens once.
I watch mine every now and then...just to keep the juices flowing.

And welcome to the "Barn"

Barber31 · 07-14-2016, 09:22 AM

Welcome. Great looking car.

C26Pinelake · 07-14-2016, 09:49 AM

Welcome to the barn! Why restore it ? Make it safe and driveable and enjoy it as your grandpa left it to you. Wayne

CB919ER · 07-14-2016, 10:10 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thanks for the warm welcome. Of all the antiques my grandpa had this is the only one I never got to drive, and it was always my favorite. I'm going to photo/video document as much of the repair as I can to have those memories along with the old photos of me as a kid.

So far I know the gas tank is in terrible shape as it was parked with gas still in it. But, once I can get that off and repaired/replaced I'm hoping the rest is easy. Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel about working on and driving this car.

Nabco · 07-14-2016, 10:20 AM

She looks great, good luck getting her running.....

Tom Wesenberg · 07-14-2016, 10:40 AM

Welcome. You mentioned rebuild, but as nice as that car looks, I think you just meant "restart".
Grease and oil all the moving parts, and this means everything from spring leafs to door hinges, flush the gas tank, install new fuel and a good battery, and you might be on the road. Removing the gas tank is a fair size job. Are you sure you can't drain and flush it as is? I've done a few that way.

1930artdeco · 07-14-2016, 10:52 AM

Welcome CB, glad you are keeping the car in the family. If you absolutely have have to remove the tank-and I mean absolutely have to 'Vic in 10 a see' (I probably misspelled his screen name) can repair it for you correctly. I recommend what Tom said and just flush the heck out of it. Change all fluids and grease her up. Then let the fun begin.

Mike

SwansEarlyFord · 07-14-2016, 11:57 AM

Welcome.

CB919ER · 07-14-2016, 12:14 PM

you guys are correct, restart more than rebuild. The car is still solid. The tank has a nice layer of rust on the bottom of it. I haven't taken a bore scope to it yet to really see the extent of the damage, but I know it will need to be cleaned. I've had some old hotrodders talk about using everything from gravel to bbs and cleaning it out...

I've reached out to a couple places about repairing the tank as that's about the only part I feel is outside my realm of knowledge for repair. I'm hoping to be able to clean and seal the tank so I don't have to try and color match the paint for a respray...

Big hammer · 07-14-2016, 12:17 PM

Wecome to the Barn! Please think about what Tom said in post #7 ! Have fun getting it started and running! If you have been reading here at the barn, most agree you need to ask before you jump into a job.

CB919ER · 07-14-2016, 12:21 PM

I've lurked around some, and I'm already friends with the search button. There is a lot of great information here that I fully intend to utilize.

james hitchcock · 07-14-2016, 03:04 PM

Would be great if you can drain and seal the tank. Of all the tasks I've done working on Ol Walter, removing and re installing the tank was my least favorite.

callcoy · 07-14-2016, 07:25 PM

CB919ER;
Maybe I read faster then my brain could process, but I don't believe I read that you have joined your local Model A Club, The Smoky Mountain MAFCA club. You may find right in your backyard, help and guidance that you need right now and most likely later. Members of my Calif. club, Sonoma A's, the Mitchell's, Sue has told me that the Smoky Mountain club may hold the record for Mitchell O/D installations, at less than 2 hours. With their skill level I am sure that they can assist you with your tank cleaning project. If you join, you will have many new friends! When in the Nashville area, contact me, I talk Model A, will be back in Tenn. Sept. 8th.
Steve

31 Model A · 07-14-2016, 09:42 PM

Welcome to the Barn.............

H. L. Chauvin · 07-15-2016, 06:36 AM

FWIW: Thanks for posting your very interesting project; and just one humble bit of advice for Model A First Timers:

As you encounter Model A problems, after inquiring about same on a Model A Forum, and furthering your investigation under Forum "Search", you may find, for example, hundreds of ways to time a Model A engine, adjust fan belts, align front ends, install head gaskets, which oil to use, which coolant to use, types of electrical systems, fuses or circuit breakers, etc., etc.

Best advice is, regardless of who advises what, just pick the one you think that will work best for "You", "Your" situation, and best for "Your" Model A.

If you ever attempt to try each and every recommended Model A method of adjustment and Model A repair procedure explained herein thus far, you may get bogged down and may be receiving your 35th Social Security check before you are able to drive around the block for the first time.

Good luck with everything!

CB919ER · 07-15-2016, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callcoy

CB919ER;
Maybe I read faster then my brain could process, but I don't believe I read that you have joined your local Model A Club, The Smoky Mountain MAFCA club. You may find right in your backyard, help and guidance that you need right now and most likely later. Members of my Calif. club, Sonoma A's, the Mitchell's, Sue has told me that the Smoky Mountain club may hold the record for Mitchell O/D installations, at less than 2 hours. With their skill level I am sure that they can assist you with your tank cleaning project. If you join, you will have many new friends! When in the Nashville area, contact me, I talk Model A, will be back in Tenn. Sept. 8th.
Steve

I fully intent to find a local club, I know there is one in Knoxville, I'm a fan of finding the right club and joining as I know the information I've been able to get from my jeep has proved priceless, as well as making some truly great friends!

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Best advice is, regardless of who advises what, just pick the one you think that will work best for "You", "Your" situation, and best for "Your" Model A.

Good luck with everything!

Thanks for the heads up. I have a tendency to read multiple advice threads and see what I can find that will work with my skill level and knowledge. I try not to go off on a project half-cocked.

Steve Plucker · 07-15-2016, 08:02 AM

Welcome to the Barn.

It would be nice to know just what assembly plant your car was assembled at.

Review this for the area of the codes:

http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/studie...ND%20CODES.pdf

Pluck

CB919ER · 07-15-2016, 08:07 AM

The car is still in a garage in Chattanooga. Once I can get it to Knoxville or get the VIN I'll be sure to check it. I'm guessing there is a difference between the assembly plants?

07-14-2016, 08:57 AM	#1
CB919ER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 114	A new member Hey guys! I've recently become the owner of a 1929 Model A. While I'm in my mid 30's this car has been a part of my life in I was around 2. I have pictures where I'm just a chubby checked little toddler helping my grandpa restore the car. The car hasn't been on the road since the mid-90s and I'm excited to get it rolling again and relive the memories of my grandpa and the old ford. Be prepared for me to pick your brains as I get into the re-rebuild. Here's a picture of the car as it sits now...

07-14-2016, 09:09 AM	#2
james hitchcock Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Visalia Ca. Posts: 617	Re: A new member Very nice. Model A's are great time machines . They bring back memories that you didn't even know you had and they are lots of fun. You'll find help here on just about any question you have. The A is the one car that I myself can figure out and do most work. Have fun and I look forward to updates on getting yours out on the road. James.

07-14-2016, 09:16 AM	#3
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: A new member Very, very nice, be prepared to have the time of your life driving it. Video your attempts to start her, trust me, the first time she fires up for you, you'll want to see that moment again and again...and it only happens once. I watch mine every now and then...just to keep the juices flowing. And welcome to the "Barn" __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

07-14-2016, 09:22 AM	#4
Barber31 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 687	Re: A new member Welcome. Great looking car.

07-14-2016, 09:49 AM	#5
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: A new member Welcome to the barn! Why restore it ? Make it safe and driveable and enjoy it as your grandpa left it to you. Wayne

07-14-2016, 10:10 AM	#6
CB919ER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 114	Re: A new member Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for the warm welcome. Of all the antiques my grandpa had this is the only one I never got to drive, and it was always my favorite. I'm going to photo/video document as much of the repair as I can to have those memories along with the old photos of me as a kid. So far I know the gas tank is in terrible shape as it was parked with gas still in it. But, once I can get that off and repaired/replaced I'm hoping the rest is easy. Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel about working on and driving this car.

07-14-2016, 10:20 AM	#7
Nabco Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Dublin, OH & Clyde, NC Posts: 494	Re: A new member She looks great, good luck getting her running..... __________________ 1930 Deluxe Coupe "Sister"

07-14-2016, 10:40 AM	#8
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: A new member Welcome. You mentioned rebuild, but as nice as that car looks, I think you just meant "restart". Grease and oil all the moving parts, and this means everything from spring leafs to door hinges, flush the gas tank, install new fuel and a good battery, and you might be on the road. Removing the gas tank is a fair size job. Are you sure you can't drain and flush it as is? I've done a few that way.

07-14-2016, 10:52 AM	#9
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,552	Re: A new member Welcome CB, glad you are keeping the car in the family. If you absolutely have have to remove the tank-and I mean absolutely have to 'Vic in 10 a see' (I probably misspelled his screen name) can repair it for you correctly. I recommend what Tom said and just flush the heck out of it. Change all fluids and grease her up. Then let the fun begin. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

07-14-2016, 11:57 AM	#10
SwansEarlyFord Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Virgina Posts: 18	Re: A new member Welcome.

07-14-2016, 12:14 PM	#11
CB919ER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 114	Re: A new member you guys are correct, restart more than rebuild. The car is still solid. The tank has a nice layer of rust on the bottom of it. I haven't taken a bore scope to it yet to really see the extent of the damage, but I know it will need to be cleaned. I've had some old hotrodders talk about using everything from gravel to bbs and cleaning it out... I've reached out to a couple places about repairing the tank as that's about the only part I feel is outside my realm of knowledge for repair. I'm hoping to be able to clean and seal the tank so I don't have to try and color match the paint for a respray...

07-14-2016, 12:17 PM	#12
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: A new member Wecome to the Barn! Please think about what Tom said in post #7 ! Have fun getting it started and running! If you have been reading here at the barn, most agree you need to ask before you jump into a job.

07-14-2016, 12:21 PM	#13
CB919ER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 114	Re: A new member I've lurked around some, and I'm already friends with the search button. There is a lot of great information here that I fully intend to utilize.

07-14-2016, 03:04 PM	#14
james hitchcock Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Visalia Ca. Posts: 617	Re: A new member Would be great if you can drain and seal the tank. Of all the tasks I've done working on Ol Walter, removing and re installing the tank was my least favorite.

07-14-2016, 07:25 PM	#15
callcoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hendersonville TN Posts: 180	Re: A new member CB919ER; Maybe I read faster then my brain could process, but I don't believe I read that you have joined your local Model A Club, The Smoky Mountain MAFCA club. You may find right in your backyard, help and guidance that you need right now and most likely later. Members of my Calif. club, Sonoma A's, the Mitchell's, Sue has told me that the Smoky Mountain club may hold the record for Mitchell O/D installations, at less than 2 hours. With their skill level I am sure that they can assist you with your tank cleaning project. If you join, you will have many new friends! When in the Nashville area, contact me, I talk Model A, will be back in Tenn. Sept. 8th. Steve __________________ Steve - Santa Rosa

07-14-2016, 09:42 PM	#16
31 Model A Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Here I am in front of Todd's Grocery in 1931 selling Grit newspapers Posts: 2,548	Re: A new member Welcome to the Barn............. __________________ "Bullshit and Brilliance Comes with Age and Experience" "Hey Lady, ya wanna buy a Grit?" "If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old" Will Rogers

07-15-2016, 06:36 AM	#17
H. L. Chauvin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,179	Re: A new member FWIW: Thanks for posting your very interesting project; and just one humble bit of advice for Model A First Timers: As you encounter Model A problems, after inquiring about same on a Model A Forum, and furthering your investigation under Forum "Search", you may find, for example, hundreds of ways to time a Model A engine, adjust fan belts, align front ends, install head gaskets, which oil to use, which coolant to use, types of electrical systems, fuses or circuit breakers, etc., etc. Best advice is, regardless of who advises what, just pick the one you think that will work best for "You", "Your" situation, and best for "Your" Model A. If you ever attempt to try each and every recommended Model A method of adjustment and Model A repair procedure explained herein thus far, you may get bogged down and may be receiving your 35th Social Security check before you are able to drive around the block for the first time. Good luck with everything! Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 07-15-2016 at 06:39 AM. Reason: typo

07-15-2016, 08:02 AM	#19
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: A new member Welcome to the Barn. It would be nice to know just what assembly plant your car was assembled at. Review this for the area of the codes: http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/studie...ND%20CODES.pdf Pluck

07-15-2016, 08:07 AM	#20
CB919ER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 114	Re: A new member The car is still in a garage in Chattanooga. Once I can get it to Knoxville or get the VIN I'll be sure to check it. I'm guessing there is a difference between the assembly plants?