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09-09-2018, 08:04 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
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Thinking of buying a model A
Thinking of buying a model A. I know nothing about these cars. I don't want to restore one I want to buy one that is ready to drive. We farm with old equipment so I get enough shop time keeping that running. What should I look for when buying? The only thing I have done is sat in one. Are they just a 3 speed transmission and do they have a rust problem?
This is my first post on this form. Thanks for the info. Mark |
09-09-2018, 08:14 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
First determine which body styles you are interested in. Next, check all wood carefully.
do the doors open and close well or do they sag? Then be concerned with rust. Finally go to the mechanical and as you would check a tractor, do the same with the A. Clutch brakes, engine etc. determining your budget and what style you want is the first thing though...... Tudors tend to be the cheapest and roadsters the most expensive, wo going into rare models. |
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09-09-2018, 08:17 AM | #3 |
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Mark, I sent you a private message.
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09-09-2018, 08:33 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 3
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Jackson how do I see that?
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09-09-2018, 08:47 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Hi Mark, welcome to the Ford Barn Model A forum.
Private Message sometimes is also called a PM. At the top right of this page it will display in small type say "Welcome MarkW". 2 more lines down it displays "Private Messages", click on that and another page display concerning private messages, just click and explore. My advice, like post above recommends figure out model you want, then find someone mechanically familiar with As locally to help you. |
09-09-2018, 08:51 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Sep 2018
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
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09-09-2018, 09:05 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 216
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Where are you located ? Find a local club. The members will be more than happy to provide information and help. Do not rush into a purchase. Look at a few cars to get a feel for the body style and condition that fits your budget. There are plenty of A’s for sale out there that are already done.
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09-09-2018, 09:24 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,815
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
No matter the body style, find one that has had as few owners as possible.
If you can find a car that has been owned and loved by the same family for 25 or 30 years. It mostlikely has seen reasonable care. Just like a used car today. Start with the running gear. What has been done to the front end, brakes, steering box, springs, shocks, engine, clutch, transmission, tires. History of ownership. Paint and interior speak for themselves. If it has a lot of jewelry on it. I would walk away. There are some very nicely maintained cars out there that might not be show winners, but they are a lot of fun. Enjoy. |
09-09-2018, 09:58 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Lynden, Wa
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Welcome to the club Mark. Here is my two cents worth:
-Join a local club to pick their brains -Get Les Andrews books and as shameless plug the DVD set on how to repair your model A-MAFCA etc. -Even though you have tractor experience (I don't) the Model A is Totally mechanical and designed to be rebuilt as things wear out. Like the brakes-any little slop and they degrade quickly. -and lastly, have fun in the hunt. Try out various body styles after you decide what you want. Mike
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09-09-2018, 10:43 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 702
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Be sure to find a model you can fit into! Size varies. I always wanted a '29 roadster pickup, but found I just couldn't fit into one comfortably, and there is no seat adjustment other than the thickness of the rear seat cushion. I ended up with a regular '29 roadster, and even then had to bend the gearshift lever in order to be able to get my foot on the brake pedal. We are apparently much larger than they were then!
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09-09-2018, 05:27 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: South East Wisconsin
Posts: 1,279
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
You can buy an older restoration, or even a very nice original car for less than the cost of restoring a Model A. Instant gratification. To me, a low ,mileage orginal unrestored Model A is perfect. I bought a 29 Fordor once that had been repainted with a brush in the 50's, 60,000 original miles. Tight car that drove like a dream.
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09-09-2018, 07:19 PM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fairfield, Virginia
Posts: 615
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Quote:
Really good advice. Get some rides in different ones. Get to know the members. They are great people and will guide you. Google MAFCA and MARC and find your nearest chapter. |
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09-09-2018, 07:35 PM | #13 |
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Location: New York
Posts: 943
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Listen to all of the above, and you might not end up like me.
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09-10-2018, 09:02 AM | #14 |
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 2,086
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
To help you decide what body style appeals most to you, buy this inexpensive booklet, which contains factory-fresh Model A's just hours after being built: https://www.etsy.com/listing/5450393...SABEgJ7GfD_BwE
As others have recommended, keep practical considerations in mind while mulling over what body style to buy: family size, YOUR size, climate in your area (roadsters are not so good in northern Michigan!), budget, proposed purpose (parades, touring, putt-putting around town), etc. We've all seen it time and time again when a newbie buys the first Model A he finds or one nearby, and ends up selling it because it doesn't meet his needs after all. Example: a 1930 Coupe is nice looking and fun to drive, but not much good in a family of six. Think ahead to how you'll be using the car, now and in the future. Marshall |
09-10-2018, 10:25 AM | #15 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 7,018
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
I put together an answer to your question several years ago and Jim Mason was nice enough to host it on his site. I think you would find it interesting: http://jmodela.coffeecup.com/wherestart.html
You will also find the rest of his site interesting. Charlie Stephens |
09-10-2018, 12:22 PM | #16 |
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Shawnee, Ok
Posts: 3,471
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
[ATTACH][ATTACH]Attachment 373342[/ATTACH][/ATTACH]I was in the same place as you, that is, wanting one but never having driven one let alone sitting in one or touching one, just always wanted one.
One of the best things I ever did, found out I love working on them as much as driving them. Mine was an unfinished restoration, started in early '60's and ended in about '63 unfinished and in pieces, learned about Model A's by putting it back together. You've made the decision, now all you have to do is follow-thru. Listen to the folks above, take your time and get what you want, and you'll be a very happy man. Welcome to the Barn...
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09-10-2018, 01:38 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Quote:
Hi Mark. you have got some good advise off other Model A owners on this post. You have gone about this in the correct way. I only wish I had sort advise prior to buying. The restoration cost me 35K and you will no doubt know that's about twice the purchase price of an already restored vehicle. I'm not into mechanics so it's not as if I have had pleasure from the restoration. good luck, gary
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09-10-2018, 03:10 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Quote:
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09-11-2018, 12:08 AM | #19 | |
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Quote:
What he said!!
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09-11-2018, 08:48 AM | #20 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,835
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Re: Thinking of buying a model A
Definitely take another set of eyes with you, mayby not even a friend but someone who has been through these cars.I bought my first Model A 54 years ago and just recently bought my second one after many years of Early V-8. My 9 year old grandson pointed out about 3-4 descrepancies within 5 minutes of seeing the car. I am not sorry I bought it but could have done better.
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