The Ford Barn

Incognito-A · 11-13-2021, 03:36 AM

There was a small family owned company in the 1970’s that was making a 100% new Model A using sourced repro parts and fiberglass body parts. Of course the engines were rebuilt originals.

With the Burtz engines, I wonder if it’s possible to make a totally 100% New Model A?

nkaminar · 11-13-2021, 06:55 AM

I suppose that you could if you can make the frame and other parts that are not currently available new. But why? It would probably cost $80,000 or more to make a car that you could buy for $16,000.

jwmckenzie · 11-13-2021, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognito-A

... I wonder if it’s possible to make a totally 100% New Model A?

Not aware of any gas tanks being made to match the original.

McMimmcs · 11-13-2021, 07:14 AM

I think you are referring to the SHAY. not quite as you describe it. Please google Shay. Wayne

marty in Ohio · 11-13-2021, 07:44 AM

Wasn't there also a replica called a Glassic?
Marty

McMimmcs · 11-13-2021, 12:08 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by marty in Ohio

Wasn't there also a replica called a Glassic?
Marty

Yes it was worse than the Shay!

Incognito-A · 11-13-2021, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

I suppose that you could if you can make the frame and other parts that are not currently available new. But why? It would probably cost $80,000 or more to make a car that you could buy for $16,000.

Of course, this is purely a hypothetical, no one would actually do it!

John Dayhuff · 11-13-2021, 02:47 PM

Yes Shay, they were made right here in Battle Creek Michigan.

Y-Blockhead · 11-13-2021, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marty in Ohio

Wasn't there also a replica called a Glassic?
Marty

Yes, Glassic then Replicar?
www.replicars.org/
http://glassicannex.org/owners.htm#161

todd3131 · 11-13-2021, 04:21 PM

Yes there was a company that was building a reproduction model a in the late 70s early 80s they were sourcing some original parts as you said. I remember they had an original tank block and may cat parts but they used a lot of reproduction parts mainly. Yes it could be done now but as previously pointed out why?

d. · 11-13-2021, 06:21 PM

I believe the Glassic was based on an International truck running gear.
They looked pretty bad.

CarlG · 11-13-2021, 06:25 PM

John LaVoy built a Roadster Pickup using all reproduction parts. He wanted to put a Burtz engine in it, but it wasn't ready when he needed it, so he went with a rebuilt engine.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-14-2021, 01:55 PM

There are WAY more parts no longer manufactured, -or never were manufactured that would make a total remanufactured Model-A impossible to do. Axle housings, differential housing and parts, torque tube and coupling components, radius rods (-both rears and front), front axle, brake cross-shaft, pedals, accelerator assy., steering gearbox, steering column, frame, actuator shaft housings, gas tank, transmission castings, etc. all makeup enough stuff that you cannot assemble a close representation or a clone of an authentic looking Model-A.

Ruth · 11-14-2021, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d.

I believe the Glassic was based on an International truck running gear.
They looked pretty bad.

I disagree, I don't think they looked that bad. Most listed have a SBF/ C-4 engine/trans.

Dennis Pereira · 11-14-2021, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth

I disagree, I don't think they looked that bad. Most listed have a SBF/ C-4 engine/trans.

Makes a nice looking Hot Rod and saves a Model A .

Chris in WNC · 11-14-2021, 07:38 PM

Somewhere in my archives, I have a newspaper clipping {Tampa Tribune, early to mid-'70s} about an outfit (family?) in north central FL that was building "new" Model As by using a combination of repro parts and restored parts.

Sometime in my copious free time (ha-ha) I'll try to track that down and report back....

nkaminar · 11-14-2021, 08:10 PM

Brent, All that stuff could be manufactured with enough money. Maybe a few million. But why? If I was going to throw that much money at a car it would be a 1927 Bugatti, which has been done, by the way. Or some other high end car.

Incognito-A · 11-15-2021, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

Somewhere in my archives, I have a newspaper clipping {Tampa Tribune, early to mid-'70s} about an outfit (family?) in north central FL that was building "new" Model As by using a combination of repro parts and restored parts.

Sometime in my copious free time (ha-ha) I'll try to track that down and report back....

Yes, I believe that’s what I was referring to in my original post. Was definitely not thinking of Shay.

Maybe I can find the article as well if it was saved.

Oldbluoval · 11-15-2021, 04:10 AM

Many classics are actually remanufactured cars. Often started with an original chassis and maybe a running gear. Then a complete new body and all else fabricated by talented craftsmen. I can name several specifically …..but won’t!

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-15-2021, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Brent, All that stuff could be manufactured with enough money. Maybe a few million. Buy why? If I was going to throw that much money at a car it would be a 1927 Bugatti, which has been done, by the way. Or some other high end car.

I agree!

Chris in WNC · 11-17-2021, 02:35 PM

UPDATE:
Tampa Tribune, 29 June 1976:
"Model A Family Begins its Own Assembly Line"
almost full page article with 2 photos.
Frank Laumer and his family in Hernando County FL were building "new" 1930-31 Model As with Roadster, Coupe and Pickup bodies.
Bodies were all fibreglass but Frank claimed they were exact duplicates (??) of factory bodies.
Engines were said to be new from a supplier in CA.
They said only 10% of the parts were restored originals because no new parts were available.
Cars were only being sold in correct 30-31 colors.
They were planning to complete 2 cars each month.
Do any of you know Frank or his family and what became of this enterprise?
I was living in Tampa in '76 and wish I'd taken the time to go visit them.......

SDJason · 11-17-2021, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris in WNC

UPDATE:
Tampa Tribune, 29 June 1976:
"Model A Family Begins its Own Assembly Line"
almost full page article with 2 photos.
Frank Laumer and his family in Hernando County FL were building "new" 1930-31 Model As with Roadster, Coupe and Pickup bodies.
Bodies were all fibreglass but Frank claimed they were exact duplicates (??) of factory bodies.
Engines were said to be new from a supplier in CA.
They said only 10% of the parts were restored originals because no new parts were available.
Cars were only being sold in correct 30-31 colors.
They were planning to complete 2 cars each month.
Do any of you know Frank or his family and what became of this enterprise?
I was living in Tampa in '76 and wish I'd taken the time to go visit them.......

Here's a link to the archive - without a subscription I can make out the headline, but can't read the text of the article...providing this on the off-chance that someone reading this thread has a subscription to the archive service and can make use of this information

burner31 · 11-17-2021, 07:31 PM

When I was young my Mom had a '56 T-bird, I loved that car...I'm sure everyone has seen how they butchered that in their attempt to "recreate" it. I cringe every time I see one on the road, which is not that often...since they are junk...Just my humble opinion

w.michael · 11-18-2021, 01:15 PM

I have a December 28, 1976 issue of “Old Cars” with a display ad for “Brand new completely original 1930-1931 Model A roadsters, a completely authentic reproduction.” Lordship Antique Auto, 5 Prospect Drive, Stamford, Conn. 06497

I’m not smart enough to post a picture of the ad. If someone will PM me with contact information, I can text you the photo of the ad so you can post it.

W. Michael

Oldbluoval · 11-18-2021, 03:09 PM

(I'm sure everyone has seen how they butchered that in their attempt to "recreate" it.)

Actually I like the 2002-2005 restart of classic T’bird. Grossly overpriced when they came out. I evaluate anything as such as to what “it” is; not what the original was. I can’t tolerate the Shay A but I know two folks that had them and had more fun with them than any of my Model A buds with their four-banger original

Some of these tribute/retro/re-dos are not meant to be the original offering. The 02-05 Tbird is actually a screamer of a car…. V8 engine is way overpowered
IMHO

Johnnya101 · 11-18-2021, 04:06 PM

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Posting for W. Michael.

Edit:

Looks like here's some more info on them?
http://www.lordshiphistory.com/GASWEBPAGE.html

Model A Ron · 11-18-2021, 05:05 PM

Why go get fake ones when the real thing looks and feels so good

Chris in WNC · 11-19-2021, 10:05 AM

I have no interest in Shays, but they work for some people.
Many folks can start with linited mechanical skills or knowledge and get up to speed appropriately.
Others can't.
A couple in our FL club had a very nice Tudor but could not wrap their heads around what it required for successful ownership, much like the recent thread here by the Roadster owner who gave up on his.
The FL couple sold their Tudor, bought a Shay and were very happy with it.
Different strokes for different folks.....

CarlG · 11-19-2021, 08:30 PM

A guy in our club has 2 Model As here and a Shay in Eastern Canada where he spends a couple of months each year.

McMimmcs · 11-19-2021, 09:08 PM

A car show I attended last year for antique pre 1960 cars refused admission to two Shays!

Model A Ron · 11-20-2021, 12:02 AM

Shays are fine for people who like fake stuff......I myself would take a free Shay but would never spend the money on one......and then I would flip it. Sorry but the Pinto was never a big thing with me.

11-13-2021, 06:55 AM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: 100% Replica Model A I suppose that you could if you can make the frame and other parts that are not currently available new. But why? It would probably cost $80,000 or more to make a car that you could buy for $16,000. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

11-13-2021, 07:14 AM	#4
McMimmcs Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan Posts: 2,296	Re: 100% Replica Model A I think you are referring to the SHAY. not quite as you describe it. Please google Shay. Wayne

11-13-2021, 07:44 AM	#5
marty in Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Elyria, Ohio Posts: 756	Re: 100% Replica Model A Wasn't there also a replica called a Glassic? Marty

11-13-2021, 02:47 PM	#8
John Dayhuff Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Battle Creek, Michigan Posts: 164	Re: 100% Replica Model A Yes Shay, they were made right here in Battle Creek Michigan. __________________ John

11-13-2021, 04:21 PM	#10
todd3131 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: cedar rapids iowa Posts: 527	Re: 100% Replica Model A Yes there was a company that was building a reproduction model a in the late 70s early 80s they were sourcing some original parts as you said. I remember they had an original tank block and may cat parts but they used a lot of reproduction parts mainly. Yes it could be done now but as previously pointed out why?

11-13-2021, 03:36 AM	#1
Incognito-A Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Left Coast Posts: 211	100% Replica Model A There was a small family owned company in the 1970’s that was making a 100% new Model A using sourced repro parts and fiberglass body parts. Of course the engines were rebuilt originals. With the Burtz engines, I wonder if it’s possible to make a totally 100% New Model A?

11-13-2021, 06:21 PM	#11
d. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 510	Re: 100% Replica Model A I believe the Glassic was based on an International truck running gear. They looked pretty bad.

11-13-2021, 06:25 PM	#12
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: 100% Replica Model A John LaVoy built a Roadster Pickup using all reproduction parts. He wanted to put a Burtz engine in it, but it wasn't ready when he needed it, so he went with a rebuilt engine. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

11-14-2021, 01:55 PM	#13
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,509	Re: 100% Replica Model A There are WAY more parts no longer manufactured, -or never were manufactured that would make a total remanufactured Model-A impossible to do. Axle housings, differential housing and parts, torque tube and coupling components, radius rods (-both rears and front), front axle, brake cross-shaft, pedals, accelerator assy., steering gearbox, steering column, frame, actuator shaft housings, gas tank, transmission castings, etc. all makeup enough stuff that you cannot assemble a close representation or a clone of an authentic looking Model-A. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

11-14-2021, 07:38 PM	#16
Chris in WNC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spruce Pine, NC Posts: 1,458	Re: 100% Replica Model A Somewhere in my archives, I have a newspaper clipping {Tampa Tribune, early to mid-'70s} about an outfit (family?) in north central FL that was building "new" Model As by using a combination of repro parts and restored parts. Sometime in my copious free time (ha-ha) I'll try to track that down and report back.... __________________ our next Model A is out there in the unknown......

11-14-2021, 08:10 PM	#17
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: 100% Replica Model A Brent, All that stuff could be manufactured with enough money. Maybe a few million. But why? If I was going to throw that much money at a car it would be a 1927 Bugatti, which has been done, by the way. Or some other high end car. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 11-15-2021 at 08:28 AM. Reason: correct typo

11-15-2021, 04:10 AM	#19
Oldbluoval Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN) Posts: 2,370	Re: 100% Replica Model A Many classics are actually remanufactured cars. Often started with an original chassis and maybe a running gear. Then a complete new body and all else fabricated by talented craftsmen. I can name several specifically …..but won’t!

11-17-2021, 02:35 PM	#21
Chris in WNC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spruce Pine, NC Posts: 1,458	Re: 100% Replica Model A UPDATE: Tampa Tribune, 29 June 1976: "Model A Family Begins its Own Assembly Line" almost full page article with 2 photos. Frank Laumer and his family in Hernando County FL were building "new" 1930-31 Model As with Roadster, Coupe and Pickup bodies. Bodies were all fibreglass but Frank claimed they were exact duplicates (??) of factory bodies. Engines were said to be new from a supplier in CA. They said only 10% of the parts were restored originals because no new parts were available. Cars were only being sold in correct 30-31 colors. They were planning to complete 2 cars each month. Do any of you know Frank or his family and what became of this enterprise? I was living in Tampa in '76 and wish I'd taken the time to go visit them....... __________________ our next Model A is out there in the unknown......

11-17-2021, 07:31 PM	#23
burner31 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Shawnee, Ok Posts: 3,471	Re: 100% Replica Model A When I was young my Mom had a '56 T-bird, I loved that car...I'm sure everyone has seen how they butchered that in their attempt to "recreate" it. I cringe every time I see one on the road, which is not that often...since they are junk...Just my humble opinion __________________ Keith Shawnee OK '31 SW 160-B

11-18-2021, 01:15 PM	#24
w.michael Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 418	Re: 100% Replica Model A I have a December 28, 1976 issue of “Old Cars” with a display ad for “Brand new completely original 1930-1931 Model A roadsters, a completely authentic reproduction.” Lordship Antique Auto, 5 Prospect Drive, Stamford, Conn. 06497 I’m not smart enough to post a picture of the ad. If someone will PM me with contact information, I can text you the photo of the ad so you can post it. W. Michael

11-18-2021, 03:09 PM	#25
Oldbluoval Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN) Posts: 2,370	Re: 100% Replica Model A (I'm sure everyone has seen how they butchered that in their attempt to "recreate" it.) Actually I like the 2002-2005 restart of classic T’bird. Grossly overpriced when they came out. I evaluate anything as such as to what “it” is; not what the original was. I can’t tolerate the Shay A but I know two folks that had them and had more fun with them than any of my Model A buds with their four-banger original Some of these tribute/retro/re-dos are not meant to be the original offering. The 02-05 Tbird is actually a screamer of a car…. V8 engine is way overpowered IMHO

11-18-2021, 04:06 PM	#26
Johnnya101 Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 43	Re: 100% Replica Model A Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Posting for W. Michael. Edit: Looks like here's some more info on them? http://www.lordshiphistory.com/GASWEBPAGE.html Last edited by Johnnya101; 11-18-2021 at 04:16 PM.

11-18-2021, 05:05 PM	#27
Model A Ron Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Troutman, NC Posts: 717	Re: 100% Replica Model A Why go get fake ones when the real thing looks and feels so good

11-19-2021, 10:05 AM	#28
Chris in WNC Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spruce Pine, NC Posts: 1,458	Re: 100% Replica Model A I have no interest in Shays, but they work for some people. Many folks can start with linited mechanical skills or knowledge and get up to speed appropriately. Others can't. A couple in our FL club had a very nice Tudor but could not wrap their heads around what it required for successful ownership, much like the recent thread here by the Roadster owner who gave up on his. The FL couple sold their Tudor, bought a Shay and were very happy with it. Different strokes for different folks..... __________________ our next Model A is out there in the unknown......

11-19-2021, 08:30 PM	#29
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: 100% Replica Model A A guy in our club has 2 Model As here and a Shay in Eastern Canada where he spends a couple of months each year. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

11-19-2021, 09:08 PM	#30
McMimmcs Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan Posts: 2,296	Re: 100% Replica Model A A car show I attended last year for antique pre 1960 cars refused admission to two Shays!

11-20-2021, 12:02 AM	#31
Model A Ron Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Troutman, NC Posts: 717	Re: 100% Replica Model A Shays are fine for people who like fake stuff......I myself would take a free Shay but would never spend the money on one......and then I would flip it. Sorry but the Pinto was never a big thing with me.