New guy seeking advice

[juanvaldez]

I want a Model A. I want to use it as an almost daily driver. I want an all stock car just like it left the factory, no upgrades such as hydraulic brakes, 12v electrical system, etc. I am partial to roadsters and roadster pickups. I live in South Texas where there is not much cold/wet weather. I am looking for advice on what to look for and where. I'm not looking for a museum piece or concours winner but I don't want a project either. I am a car guy and do all my own maintenance so I would enjoy a solid car that needed some TLC. I'm on a budget, $20k absolute tops but would like to keep it under $15k. Good mechanical is more important than shiny paint. I don't really care for the tudor/fordor body style, coupe, closed cab pickup would be O.K.

[Russ/40]

How big a guy are you? The trucks are rather tight.

[ronn]

28-29 models tend to be a little more reasonable then 30-31.


a coupe goes for a little less then an open car.


15k should get you a decent car. 10-12 will get you a good coupe.


what Russ says on room is true. My 29 RPU is very tight and I am 6 '.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

See if there is a Model A club close to you. They will be willing to help. Lots of things to be aware of. Condition of gas tank (rust/leaks), condition of cooling system/radiator, condition of the motor (Babbitt bearings/compression/Head gasket), original style shocks (not cheap to have rebuilt, even more expensive to replace), really good tires are not cheap. These are some of the high cost items.


If you can find a club, or perhaps a swap meet, or meet/show somewhere you can ask to sit in other's As and see if you fit.

[juanvaldez]

5'9", 170 lbs.

[Charlie Stephens]

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Originally Posted by juanvaldez

I want a Model A. I want to use it as an almost daily driver. I want an all stock car just like it left the factory, no upgrades such as hydraulic brakes, 12v electrical system, etc. I am partial to roadsters and roadster pickups. I live in South Texas where there is not much cold/wet weather. I am looking for advice on what to look for and where. I'm not looking for a museum piece or concours winner but I don't want a project either. I am a car guy and do all my own maintenance so I would enjoy a solid car that needed some TLC. I'm on a budget, $20k absolute tops but would like to keep it under $15k. Good mechanical is more important than shiny paint. I don't really care for the tudor/fordor body style, coupe, closed cab pickup would be O.K.

Add your general location to your profile. It may shake loose some cars that are available.

Charlie Stephens

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by juanvaldez

5'9", 170 lbs.

Late 30 -31 pickups have bit more room than the 28-mid 30 trucks. I was 6 foot, 240 lbs. and was able to get in and out. On the Pickups the trick is getting your feet in and out, not much room between the corner of the seat riser and the door frame. Have lost 40 lbs., fit is a lot nicer. You will have tendency to want to pull/tug on the steering wheel to get in/out - a big no no. On the vast majority of As the steering is clamped to the gas tank. Over time this stresses the steering wheel bracket causing the gas tank to leak.

[Jim M]

I have a 29 Roadster. I am 5'9 and 220. Have NO problem getting in and out when the top is down. I only put the top up in the rain which is not very often but it is NOT a daily driver so that will certainly weigh a lot on your decision. I LOVE my Roadster. It is easy to work on and also has a sentimental value to me. What ever you pick you will soon fall in love with it. A little aggravating some time but very simple, parts readily available and easy to work on. One serious piece of advice - if you have room don't throw ANYTHING away. I made the tragic mistake of throwing out bolts, nuts, etc only to find the replacement parts ARE readily available but for the most part are not as good as the original. Enjoy!!!!!

[whirnot]

I too have a 29 roadster, it was our first and we have always loved it. 6'11 190, no problem.
Be patient, keep looking. You budget should get you a good looking, good driving car. Don't forget car shows, usually one or two for sale there.

[Chuck Dempsey]

Whirnot - 6 ft, 11 inches, and 'no problem'? Amazing......

[Jacksonlll]

Check your private messages

[Jim/GA]

There are a lot of great cars available in the Houston, Victoria, San Antonio areas. I can help connect you with people, drop me a PM or an email through the FB.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If you want to carry friends, then a Tudor, Sedan, or Phaeton fits the bill nicely.
If you like to go it alone, then any model will do, but the pickups are tight. At your size and weight, a pickup should be no problem. I'd expect to find a good driver for about 6 to 7K. At least I saw some a few years ago in that price range.

[chap52]

I am 6'4" and 225 pounds. I have a 1930 Tudor and even with the extended seat brackets found that I had to relocate them for a more comfortable driving position. Works great for my wife and I and even room for two rear seat passengers.
Driving these cars/trucks is fun, but sharing it with others is even better.
As advised, find a club, sit in a few different style vehicles and most importantly decide how you will be using your new acquisition. Be patient in your search. If you have questions ask here. Enjoy the adventure and keep us posted. Chap

[Mulletwagon]

Being a new Model A owner of only two months, I can assure you that driving it is a great experience. Model A is much more than an old car that is a challenge to drive, but instead, truly is a time machine. It was born when Lucky Lindy flew across the Atlantic in 1927. It has since carried humanity through war and peace, depression and prosperity, triumph and tragedy. It was running strong when Neil Armstrong made his small step for man on the moon and will be transporting happy passengers well after the Starship Enterprise is mothballed. I have heard old heads describe the warm feeling of satisfaction they have every time they look at their Model A in the garage. I now understand that – like waking up a long time ago and noticing for the first time ---- you are not alone ! Maybe it is just me but every time I start the old shaker I can sense 1.6 gigawatts of power as the flux capacitor kicks in --- or maybe I am just getting a jolt of stray voltage through the starter button. Welcome to the Model A community; you are in for a thrill !

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Chuck Dempsey

Whirnot - 6 ft, 11 inches, and 'no problem'? Amazing......

Oops, make that 6'1"the

[juanvaldez]

Man, ton of good feedback! With my newfound knowledge I'm leaning toward '31 Coupe or Roadster. I haven't ruled out pickups. I'm going to try and go to one of the A functions in San Antonio and check out the options in person. I would also like some recommendations on reading material. What are some good books on Model A history and maintenance?

[30 Closed Cab PU]

A good starting point is the Model A owners/instruction book/manual. Also the 1st Les Andrews book (Red), provides in depth details. That's enough to get you more than started. There are other books once you get familiarized.


San Antonio looks like it has at least 1 club, the San Antonio A's.


Here is a link to Texas Model A clubs


http://www.lonestarmaf.club/Link_EX.php


If you have questions, ask, we love to get newbies on the Barn, and updates how they are doing.

[katy]

http://www.palmbeachas.com/Model-A-I...ion-Manual.pdf

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Here is an other club list - for MARC, Model A Restores Club


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