To rebuild or not to rebuild - that is the question.

[daddymikey1975]

My fiancé and I are considering picking up a 1929 2 door. It's got 64k miles. Body is mint but missing a few panels. Needs an interior. The engine runs and it drives. Has new brakes. Radiator leaks and still needs restored.

I don't mind putting the time and money onto it but when budgeting for a project like this (this will be my first) should I rebuild the engine anyway or see how well or runs and check compression and make a decision based on the perceived health of the engine? (I'm very mechanically inclined).

Thanks for the input.

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[daveymc29]

I would first get to know my car. Make it drive as well as your abilities can and take it for a few runs to see how it behaves. Do change all of the fluids first and check the timing and all the electrical needs. Make sure the brakes, brake and the accelerator accelerates. If all those things happen and the car fits your needs, then delve more into the interior. I'd get compression readings a couple of times, once as is and once more after re-torquing the head to 55 psi. Pull the pan and tray out of pan and clean and check the clearances. If all if good drive it some more to make sure you really want to spend the time, effort and money into a restoration, or just clean it up and enjoy it the way it is. What do you really want out of the car? But by ll means get to know it before plowing thousands into a rebuild and maybe years into a restoration only to find it is not a fit for what you were looking for in it in the first place. Good luck. Unless you don't count your labor as anything but entertaining yourself and learning about your vehicle, you will probably find this to be a hole in the road you throw money into.

[copgib]

I to would drive it and get to know it well. A compression test will give you some idea of the condition of the engine. I am in the process of restoring my 1930 Model A Coupe and things are getting done slowly as money allows. If you plan to restore it for show, make sure you have plenty of money ready, if it's going to be a daily driver, then I would say use it and fix when you can. Good luck and put up some pictures when you can. Hugh

[Gil Sissons]

Since this is your first go with a Model A.....
Find the nearest Model A club. Go to a meeting and make
a connection there. In almost all clubs there are true experts
with these cars. Ask if one of them will come and help you
evaluate the car you are considering.
Time and effort will definitely pay off.
Buying lunch always a good idea.
Wishing you well

Gil. NoCal

[Charlie Stephens]

Add your general location to your profile, you can never tell when it will pay off. How about some pictures?

Charlie Stephens

[McMimmcs]

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You might want to contact your local Model A club to first establish a relationship. Request that someone in the club assist in a valuation. If you’ve never restored a Model A before you may be shocked at the cost of restoration. It is not a cheap venture. They can also give an opinion concerning the condition of the engine. Welcome to the hobby and the FordBarn!

[dumb person]

I tend to check an engine over and get it running. If they need repairs, sometimes they're not dramatic. If they are, technology still exists to fix them, for now.

[Mike V. Florida]

I'm with the others, see how it drives before you tear into it. The sad reality is it will take far more money to do a complete restoration then it will be worth at the end. Now if you plan to keep the car for many years you might be good, but if you are already looking at money then see how it runs first.

[desotoguy]

If you are in the "fiancé" stage of your relationship, and new to the Model A cars, I suggest you shop for a complete driver Model A. Restoring a car can be time and money consuming and a strain on a fresh relationship.

[Harpkatt]

Originally Posted by desotoguy

If you are in the "fiancé" stage of your relationship, and new to the Model A cars, I suggest you shop for a complete driver Model A. Restoring a car can be time and money consuming and a strain on a fresh relationship.

This guy is a genius.

[Sunnybrook Farm]

Try and find out the history of the car, it could be a survivor that has been kept running for years or it could have been restored with a rebuilt engine a few decades ago, an engine rebuild would be a big plus. I restored a 29 tudor and they are pretty simple but there is lots of wood in the top, something to check. Just depends on what you want to do but try and find out the history if you can. Take lots of photos before you work on it. Look up the number on the motor to make sure it matches the title and look it up to see if it is a 29.

[daddymikey1975]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrook Farm

Look up the number on the motor to make sure it matches the title and look it up to see if it is a 29.

The current owner said they didn't require a title back then so he has no title.

Does this sound right?

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[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by daddymikey1975

The current owner said they didn't require a title back then so he has no title.

Does this sound right?

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It doesn't sound right but I am basing this on California. Without the general location in your profile you could be anywhere in the world. Contact your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or equivalent and ask them what you are going to need. It is different everywhere and again where in general are you?

Charlie Stephens

[daddymikey1975]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

It doesn't sound right but I am basing this on California. Without the general location in your profile you could be anywhere in the world. Contact your local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) or equivalent and ask them what you are going to need. It is different everywhere and again where in general are you?

Charlie Stephens

I'll update my profile. Sorry

I'm in south bend Indiana.

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[rotorwrench]

These cars are remarkably resilient. Get it running and see how it goes from there. It might surprise you. If it does show to have problems such as bearing knock, piston slap, or other malady then you can start planning for an internal engine excursion. It's not uncommon to stick valves but a good oiling of cylinders and a compression test will let you know about that.

[40 Deluxe]

We had a couple safety slogans at the shop where I worked that apply here: "Expect the Unexpected", and "Trust But Verify". Are the brakes really new (ALL wear components replaced or rebuilt? Or just new lining?)? You will need to pull all the drums and check. The engine is another unknown. Since you do your own work, for the price of a pan gasket set you can have a guaranteed sludge free pan and properly adjusted bearings.
Are you familiar with how to use the timing lever? It's not a set and forget deal. Ignition timing is totally controlled by that lever; there is no advance mechanism inside the distributor. Running full advance (lever all the way down) at low RPMs can shorten bearing life due to detonation, and running at higher RPM's with the lever too far up (retarded timing) leads to overheating and possible burned exhaust valves.

[TerryO]

On the positive side of the equation it sounds like your fiance is a keeper since she also wants a Model A...


TOB

[burner31]

Originally Posted by TerryO

On the positive side of the equation it sounds like your fiance is a keeper since she also wants a Model A...


TOB

Ditto...Can she turn a wrench?
Working together on a car can be very bonding in a relationship.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by TerryO

On the positive side of the equation it sounds like your fiance is a keeper since she also wants a Model A...


TOB

[77Birdman]

Perspective from a want to be owner... I have bought dozens of antique motorcycles over the years, many dating from the 20's. The first thing I did with everyone regardless of condition was to sort out the motor. This may be easier on a one or two cylinder m/c engine but probably not any cheaper! So if it were me, I would take the engine out and do a once over. That way you KNOW what its made of and its capabilities. Nothing like having a new to you car that you think runs ok, take it out for a sunday stroll and end up on a rollback. That would sure put a sour taste in my mouth!! You said car was mint but some panels missing, is that int. or sheet metal. Wood is another weak point with these cars, and replacing and repairing is not for the faint of heart. Not knowing your price point, but consider that for not much more than the price of a lot of 'projects' you can get a pretty decent, older restoration that may need less work. Good luck with your venture.