Also determine what kind of Fordor it is. The term "Fordor" is thrown around loosely with Model A's, but especially in 1929 there were a couple different body styles that had four doors: the Fordor Sedan in 1929 could have a blind back with metal, a blind back with different leather-type coverings (both being Briggs bodies), three windows on each side (Murray or Briggs), or three windows with a cowl band and cowl lights (Town Sedan). I won't even mention the Town CAR as a possibility here, as that is too rare of a body style to be likely in the hands of your friend. Nor will the very special Taxi Cab be considered here. Too rare! I don't have the production figures in front of me, but I'd say it's a 50/50 split between the blind-back Briggs Fordors and the three side-window Fordor flavors in 1929, although the latter came out in about May or June of 1929, while the blind-backs had been produced since May of 1928.
The difference between these bodies in restoration costs can be significant, mostly concerning interiors and special equipment (cowl band, cowl lights)! The wood is different between the four side-window and three side-window bodies above the belt line, considerably more complicated in the four-window blind-back style. As a previous poster mentioned, the structural wood is absolutely critical in deciding whether to take on this project. A wood kit that still needs to be installed (good luck with THAT!) will be in the $3,000 neighborhood, plus well over $100 for shipping. If the wood in this car is not good, pass on it - if you want to keep the owner as a friend.
Pictures are an invaluable guide to helping determine value. Take lots of them and post them here so that at the very least, the guys can tell you which body style your friend has. That's starting point #1. The next point is condition, followed by completeness.
Anyway, photos, photos, photos, please!
Marshall
1929 Murray Town Sedan
