New guy seeking advice

[Hoovercw]

I started with the same idea. I do drive mine probably 60 to 75% of the time. Be prepared to learn a lot of do it yourself work. For example, the original engine was good to get 40k miles out of it and that is if you were opening up the bottom and adjusting shims. Newer touring engines last a whole heck of a lot longer. I've probably put 20k miles on mine (Stock engine build)over two years and had the engine torn down at least once for adjustments. Brakes get adjusted every 500-750 miles and everything gets a lube job at that point too. In modern times thats once a month for me. You may be driving less. It is great fun though.

[juanvaldez]

I was think about building up a spare engine.

[chap52]

Here is a pdf of a Model A Instruction Manual, Chap

http://motormayhem.net/wp-uploads/20...ion-Manual.pdf

[Mulletwagon]

Make sure the VIN is visible and agrees with the title. The original VIN should be on the engine (driver side just below the head). If not - understand the potential titling issues, especially if buying out of state.

[Railcarmover]

Originally Posted by juanvaldez

I was think about building up a spare engine.

Buying core engines for rebuild is a crapshoot,don't pay more than about 200 bucks for a non running engine..the only way to be sure about bearings and cracks is to tear it apart and inspect.


Bought this one at a ranch auction for 240 bucks..complete engine and trans,,got it home,found someone had stuffed rags in all the holes to preserve it..it had a new clutch,pulled starter and generator and bench tested them,both were good.Now Im rubbing my hands with glee,couldn't wait to tear the oil pan off and check the mains,sure that I had a good one..till I found all the main shims gone,the babbit acid burned and the rear main bearing was loose ...done,worn out..did harvest a virgin B cam,a Holley carb and a nice 1936 'service' A head though..when buying core engines you either get a steak dinner..or a sandwich,but you never go away hungry

[Bill G]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by juanvaldez

5'9", 170 lbs.

I am just about your exact height and weight and I find that any Model A I have driven fits me well. I can sure see why the bigger guys have trouble. Even at my height/weight, I find mine to be a tighter fit than a modern car. Mine is a '29 Tudor.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by juanvaldez

I was think about building up a spare engine.

Are you the Juan Valdez that harvests Coffee Beans? Do they grow in South Texas???
Bill Coffeeguy

[juanvaldez]

Different Juan Valdez. They do grow some coffee in Mexico.


I need to make me a check list of all the things I need to check when I start seriously looking at Model As.

[GerryAllen]

Join a club, when you hear about an A that might meet your needs, take a club member along to look at it.

Gerry

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

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

Charlie Stephens

He said he is in South Texas.

[whirnot]

Pretty nice looking early 29 roadster pickup for sale in the swap meet section of this site.
$15,500

[lee in bend]

Juan- Take a look at a Cabriolet. The windows of a Coupe and the "Drop-Top" of a Roadster. Best of both worlds. They'll cost a few more $'s.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Juan, since you have never had a Model A you might think about finding one on the cheaper end of the scale that you can just drive around for about a year. You might like it, you might not. If you like it then you can upgrade. There are a lot of Model A's around and that will give you time to look at a lot of alternatives. Take that time.
Good luck and have fun.