Let me start by saying that I'm probably closer to your age group than most on here (34) and TRUST ME when I say keep it original! I realize the allure of the "counterculture" that comes with shiny flathead v8's, small blocks, chopped, channeled, loud pipes and all that - but HONESTLY - if you actually get a chance to drive a decent stock model A you'll get more attention and enjoyment than you would with a hot rod, whether its a clapped together rat rod or a 70K professionally done period correct hot rod, street rod or whatever. Once you make the change you can't go back.
Try and get plugged into a local model A club, you'd be surprised at all the friends you gain and things you learn from people as old or older than your grandfather. I know I have. It becomes a social event too. I've done 800 mile trips with people from my club and explored caves, breweries, wineries, aviation museums driven onto volcano overlooks - and we all got there in our A's and had a blast doing it. There's something special about driving a stock model A that's been mechanically restored right and the capabilities might surprise you. You can still toy with some performance parts that will give you more, dual carbs, overdrives, high compression heads, etc. Some will look as well as they perform too if you're looking for some sleeper flash under the hood, but they can also be changed out in an afternoon back to just how henry had it. If you must go the hot rod route, try and buy one that's already been rodded and either continue your stock project or sell it to someone who will. If you listen to the advice on here I PROMISE you that when the project is completed and you've put some miles on you'll look back and thank us.
