Need help! Just bought my first classic car

[jonathan2014]

Hello everyone!
I bought a 1929 Ford Model A Tudor and I dont know what I got myself into.
The direction I want to go with my build is a rat rod style. Possibly channeled and definitely chopped later down the road. Im planning on throwing in a 305 with a 700r4 transmission. I’d love to throw a flathead in there but thats just a bit out of my budget. I know I’d have to box in the frame also and I would need to throw a Ford 9inch rear end in it. I also just removed all the fenders on the car.

With that said, I have an opportunity to buy a frame that is powder coated, boxed, includes a Ford 9in rear end, has 4 link in the rear end and is set up for disc brakes in the rear. He’s selling that frame for 1500. Is that a good deal? Or should I just stick to my rear end and find someone to do all that work for me?

The chassis on the car is all original model A parts so Id have to box in my frame. The car has a 4 banger engine.

I’ve never worked on cars in my life so im slowly learning. I know people say building a rat rod and not having any mechanical/welding skills might be a mistake but I’m willing to learn.

Does anyone have any advice or tips on where to start with my car?

[CB919ER]

What condition is your car in currently?

[Dick Steinkamp]

Sell it and buy a completed one. You'll be money ahead and avoid lots of frustration.

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

What condition is your car in currently?

The engine is in good condition and the car drives. The car has the patina look to it (which is why I bought it) I don’t want to paint it. I don’t want any chrome on my car.

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp

Sell it and buy a completed one. You'll be money ahead and avoid lots of frustration.

I’ve been told that a few times. I just want something that I can say I’ve built. I’m only 25 and I’m in no rush to get the car built. But I do understand the money aspect that you mentioned

[tinkirk]

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Originally Posted by jonathan2014

The engine is in good condition and the car drives. The car has the patina look to it (which is why I bought it) I don’t want to paint it. I don’t want any chrome on my car.

why not just drive it as is
don't destroy a perfectly good model a

[jhowes]

Where are you located?, people on this site would be interested in the original parts that you don't want or use. There are better sites to address the questions that you have. Most here are opposed to altering an original car.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by jonathan2014

The engine is in good condition and the car drives. The car has the patina look to it (which is why I bought it) I don’t want to paint it. I don’t want any chrome on my car.

Patina is good. Chrome is not necessary. Rat rod is bad. I would be embarrassed to be seen in a rat rod. Just so we know that we are on the same page I have attached a couple of pictures of what I consider to be classic rat rods. Please think long and hard about it before you destroy a good car.

Charlie Stephens

[Charlie Stephens]

As others have noted this site is mostly for original or restored cars. When you start modifying you would find better information here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ssage-board.5/

I caution you not to say "rat "rod" if you go to the other site or you will be getting off on the wrong foot.

How about adding your general location to your profile and posting a couple of pictures showing what you are starting with?

Charlie Stephens

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by jhowes

Where are you located?, people on this site would be interested in the original parts that you don't want or use. There are better sites to address the questions that you have. Most here are opposed to altering an original car.

I’m located in Los Angeles and would be interested in selling some parts if anyone was interested

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

As others have noted this site is mostly for original or restored cars. When you start modifying you would find better information here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...ssage-board.5/

I caution you not to say "rat "rod" if you go to the other site or you will be getting off on the wrong foot.

How about adding your general location to your profile and posting a couple of pictures showing what you are starting with?

Charlie Stephens

I posted some pictures to my profile album. Like I mentioned before I wouldn’t be opposed to going back to complete original form but from what I have I believe it might be too much work

[CB919ER]

I look at that car and I see a lot of potential to be a great driving car. ultimately its your car and your money, do with it as you will, but I hate seeing a good restorable car cut up. I would try and find a project someone started and just continue to build on it. That's just my opinion though.

[burner31]

I'm confused.
You bought a "classic car"...and you want to cut it up"
No disrespect intended...But why?
Re-read post #3 and post #6
I'm a post #7 kind of guy.

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by CB919ER

I look at that car and I see a lot of potential to be a great driving car. ultimately its your car and your money, do with it as you will, but I hate seeing a good restorable car cut up. I would try and find a project someone started and just continue to build on it. That's just my opinion though.

I see what you mean. So you recommend keeping mine as it as and work on it slowly and keep it as original as I can?
And instead buy a project that’s been cut up already and work off that?
That completely makes sense and thanks for the help! I honestly hadn’t thought of that route.
A lot of my friends/family are pushing me to keep it as original as I can.

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by burner31

I'm confused.
You bought a "classic car"...and you want to cut it up"
No disrespect intended...But why?
Re-read post #3 and post #6
I'm a post #7 kind of guy.

That’s why I came to this forum to get different opinions. Post #12 makes the most sense. Keeping mine as is and find another project car that’s been cut up to mess around with.

Like I mentioned before I had a strong feeling against cutting it up but post #12 definitely made some sense.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by jonathan2014

That’s why I came to this forum to get different opinions. Post #12 makes the most sense. Keeping mine as is and find another project car that’s been cut up to mess around with.

Like I mentioned before I had a strong feeling against cutting it up but post #12 definitely made some sense.

Agreed, #12 makes sense. My thoughts are if you cut it up and make it the kind of car you mention, it will forever only be that - something you made and there are LOTS of people who think just like you and want to drive a car they can say they made. Your car won't interest them when the time comes to sell it. On the other hand, no one makes them like yours is now any more.
If it is the attraction of more power that is what lures you, learn to take your time and enjoy the car as it is. Ever noticed how the guy who takes off from the lights like a startled rabbit will be waiting for you at the next set of lights? What's the point? Anyone can drive a car with powerful engine, automatic transmission, disc brakes etc. There is no achievment in that!
It's your car but it would be a shame to see it destroyed.

[Jacksonlll]

Keeping it as a running A is just the start of your fun. You will soon realize the the A is very unique in the world of old cars. Join a club and you won’t believe the fun you will have being part of 10 or 12 A’s winding around country roads. Just keep it as a driver and you won’t spend much. Great car to become a mechanic on. Good luck.

[Bob C]

Your 1929 looks like it has a 1930-31 AA truck radiator shell on it.
It also appears to have a dropped axle on it, does it have hydraulic brakes?



Bob

[Jw]

leave it stock, trust me leave it stock,

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

Keeping it as a running A is just the start of your fun. You will soon realize the the A is very unique in the world of old cars. Join a club and you won’t believe the fun you will have being part of 10 or 12 A’s winding around country roads. Just keep it as a driver and you won’t spend much. Great car to become a mechanic on. Good luck.

Yeah I think that’s what I’m going to do. Just keep it as stock as possible. Seems like the car might be too complete to go the other way. Thank you guys for the help!

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Your 1929 looks like it has a 1930-31 AA truck radiator shell on it.
It also appears to have a dropped axle on it, does it have hydraulic brakes?



Bob

Yes it’s a 30 AA truck radiator shell on it.
Yes it has a 4 inch dropped axle. Not sure about the brakes. Like I said I’m new to this car world so I’ll definitely be picking everyone’s brain on this forum. Especially now with the decision to leave it stock. I’ll post a pic of the brakes on my board so you can let me know

[zzlegend]

I looked at it and say,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,leave it as is. Except, maybe find a stock original looking 29 hood and radiator. I saw this body on craigslist and went and looked at it. The kid who had it liked rat rods and had a 29 pickup sitting there next to this body. You could just step in to it over what use be doors. He was going to hack up this 27 body but i talked him out of it. It is a perfect body and i bought it just to save it from being hacked. Sorry. Not a rat rod lover here.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by jonathan2014

Yeah I think that’s what I’m going to do. Just keep it as stock as possible. Seems like the car might be too complete to go the other way. Thank you guys for the help!

Wise decision! Look up a local Model A club. Plenty of guys there to give you a helping hand. Have them check the car over for you. As you drive it, I'm sure it will grow on you! As you cruise down a lightly traveled back road, you will discover that life back then wasn't all bad!
The club guys will also know where various bits and pieces are that you can use to build your rat rod type rig.

[40 Deluxe]

Another point: You can fit only one other person into a rat rod. Your stock two door will hold 5 (if they're thin and friendly), so you can load up 4 friends and enjoy going nowhere-just driving. You may get far more positive interactions with people than with a rat rod, too.

[geoford41]

I just looked at the profile pictures and I believe that going "RR" is a mistake especially if you have limited experience. I bet the car has been modified with a dropped front axle, modified rear spring 16" wheels and MAYBE hydrallic brakes (i bet you do have the Hydrallic brakes installed) get it running & stopping well with the stock engine then get in touch with local LA rodding clubs that will be glad to help a newbie out in updating the car.
Get glass in it clean up the interior. Go to the H.A.M.B. and you will get a wealth of information AND encouragement There are young guys in LA to help you LEARN!

[jonathan2014]

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Originally Posted by zzlegend

I looked at it and say,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,leave it as is. Except, maybe find a stock original looking 29 hood and radiator. I saw this body on craigslist and went and looked at it. The kid who had it liked rat rods and had a 29 pickup sitting there next to this body. You could just step in to it over what use be doors. He was going to hack up this 27 body but i talked him out of it. It is a perfect body and i bought it just to save it from being hacked. Sorry. Not a rat rod lover here.

I think you might be talking about that dude in Glendora? He had a 29 pick up in his garage. He was selling a 29 Tudor that looked like it was pulled from the bottom of a lake haha
Yeah the radiator is the next purchase.
The guy I bought mine from was in West Covina and was an older guy.

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by geoford41

I just looked at the profile pictures and I believe that going "RR" is a mistake especially if you have limited experience. I bet the car has been modified with a dropped front axle, modified rear spring 16" wheels and MAYBE hydrallic brakes (i bet you do have the Hydrallic brakes installed) get it running & stopping well with the stock engine then get in touch with local LA rodding clubs that will be glad to help a newbie out in updating the car.
Get glass in it clean up the interior. Go to the H.A.M.B. and you will get a wealth of information AND encouragement There are young guys in LA to help you LEARN!

Yeah the rear tires are 7.50-16. I’m having trouble uploading pictures on this forum. It keeps saying “upload failed” but once I get it I’ll post pics of the brakes it has. My interior does have newer seats that look like they came out of a van and look completely out of place. I just need to find a local mechanic who can fix 4 banger engines.

[1929]

Or you can start all over like I did.

[jonathan2014]

Originally Posted by geoford41

I just looked at the profile pictures and I believe that going "RR" is a mistake especially if you have limited experience. I bet the car has been modified with a dropped front axle, modified rear spring 16" wheels and MAYBE hydrallic brakes (i bet you do have the Hydrallic brakes installed) get it running & stopping well with the stock engine then get in touch with local LA rodding clubs that will be glad to help a newbie out in updating the car.
Get glass in it clean up the interior. Go to the H.A.M.B. and you will get a wealth of information AND encouragement There are young guys in LA to help you LEARN!

Here are my brakes

[Bob C]

You have mechanical brakes and reversed eye spring.

[CB919ER]

Originally Posted by jonathan2014

That’s why I came to this forum to get different opinions. Post #12 makes the most sense. Keeping mine as is and find another project car that’s been cut up to mess around with.

Like I mentioned before I had a strong feeling against cutting it up but post #12 definitely made some sense.

Glad I could be of assistance! I love driving my 29 Coupe and all the smiles and waves I get as I drive it around.

[dumb person]

I didn't read all the replies but i have this advice for you...

Everyone thinks they want a ratrod, they don't. They aren't really driveable.


The shear volume of people that cut one up & never put it back together again... It's far too high. Some horrible person i meet last week had about 40 cars all pulled apart and mostly scrapped, thought he was going to build them into something, no he's not, he's an idiot.

I started with a chassis, right? Got it rolling, don't need a V8, i used the orig' 4 banger. Put on an exhaust, got that chassis driving mighty fine, built a body around it. Only used about 3 original panels, the rest i made. Not very low, not badly proportioned.
Why do i tell you this? Because that car is more fun & get more attention than high dollar low cars. And i can take it everywhere. No worries about feeling like you've been in a tumble drier for hours like you do in a lowered car (i'm sick of lowered cars, can you tell that? hehe. Lowered is over-rated.) It goes places softroader SUVs can't go, and pulls them out of the mud on a tow rope.
Don't be like other people, be more like me.

[Tom in SW VA]

Why would you destroy a classic? We want to preserve the originality of the Model A Ford, not destroy it!

[zzlegend]

P.M. sent