Going to look tomorrow, need advice
- Thread starter Rocketdog1
- Start date
On the 28th you were going look "tomorrow." Today it the 30th, I am wondering did you get it? Personally I like to SW cars and if I ever had to start over that is what I'd do. I am not a purist but I'd have to do something about the color. Maybe even just paint the fenders black. I did a little photoshop work of what I'd do. Even I could make these changes without breaking the bank.
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burner31
Well-known member
Yep, that's better, but now it kind of looks like a Taxi.
I too am curious as to what the outcome was.
After driving it and eyeballing everything I would, being the cheap old man that I am, start my offer at 7K, but would come up to 8K if if the car checked out and the owner stood his ground.
8K for a running and sound '31 SW is a good buy...in my book.
Cosmetics can always be changed, but a good base is required.
And it's a Murray body to boot.
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Without close inspection for small details, it hard to know if it's built by Murray or Briggs, as they look identical. Ford wanted the slant sedans to look alike, and it's nice they chose the arched windows.
Rocketdog1
Member
OK all, time to end the suspense......
We're officially part of the family!!!
Sorry that I didn't post something up yesterday, but the 7-8 hour round trip turned into a 14 hour marathon thanks to a blown tire on the U-Haul trailer, but that's a whole 'nother story.
She's what most would call a solid "20-footer". An up close inspection reveals some cosmetic issues and a less than premier paint job - but I figure I'll probably have similar issues when I'm 85 years old so I can live with that. Mechanically, there are some things that need attention, but again, if she was perfect it would have been way out of my price range.
I haven't ever driven something of this vintage, so I wasn't sure what to expect. She's pretty rudimentary compared to everything I've ever driven - but what a blast! Toddles down the road at 40mph without a care (by cell phone GPS as speedo is not working). I would've wound her up a bit more, but not being familiar with the car I felt caution was prudent. Engine seems to run fine, though I'll need to get familiar with how to handle the manual spark advance and fuel mixture. Trans feel tight, as does the clutch. Brakes are fair, though a panic situation would be enough to cause concern. Steering has a bit of play, but again wiithout any real reference as to what's "normal" in these things it may just be a case of me getting used to it. The interior is really, really nice. Though obviously not stock, someone spent some coin having the interior redone. All the glass is good, and all of the lights work.
So there ya go. We have taken the plunge into a whole new world. Which is cool - I needed a hobby. I'm thinking this is a pretty good start for $6500.
I'll no doubt be bugging the hell out of all of you for info and tips as we get into the little things that need attention, and for that I'll thank you in advance. BTW - I believe it's a Murray body.
Which reminds me, my generator doesn't appear to be generatin'. Thoughts? Ah, don't worry about it yet. I'll surf the archives or start a new thread if I can't figure it out.
Let the journey begin. I'll post up some pics when I get a chance. And FWIW, the color is "Coral White" (there's some touch up included with the car) and it really does look better in person. For some reason it doesn't come through well in photos.
We're officially part of the family!!!
Sorry that I didn't post something up yesterday, but the 7-8 hour round trip turned into a 14 hour marathon thanks to a blown tire on the U-Haul trailer, but that's a whole 'nother story.
She's what most would call a solid "20-footer". An up close inspection reveals some cosmetic issues and a less than premier paint job - but I figure I'll probably have similar issues when I'm 85 years old so I can live with that. Mechanically, there are some things that need attention, but again, if she was perfect it would have been way out of my price range.
I haven't ever driven something of this vintage, so I wasn't sure what to expect. She's pretty rudimentary compared to everything I've ever driven - but what a blast! Toddles down the road at 40mph without a care (by cell phone GPS as speedo is not working). I would've wound her up a bit more, but not being familiar with the car I felt caution was prudent. Engine seems to run fine, though I'll need to get familiar with how to handle the manual spark advance and fuel mixture. Trans feel tight, as does the clutch. Brakes are fair, though a panic situation would be enough to cause concern. Steering has a bit of play, but again wiithout any real reference as to what's "normal" in these things it may just be a case of me getting used to it. The interior is really, really nice. Though obviously not stock, someone spent some coin having the interior redone. All the glass is good, and all of the lights work.
So there ya go. We have taken the plunge into a whole new world. Which is cool - I needed a hobby. I'm thinking this is a pretty good start for $6500.
I'll no doubt be bugging the hell out of all of you for info and tips as we get into the little things that need attention, and for that I'll thank you in advance. BTW - I believe it's a Murray body.
Which reminds me, my generator doesn't appear to be generatin'. Thoughts? Ah, don't worry about it yet. I'll surf the archives or start a new thread if I can't figure it out.
Let the journey begin. I'll post up some pics when I get a chance. And FWIW, the color is "Coral White" (there's some touch up included with the car) and it really does look better in person. For some reason it doesn't come through well in photos.
Last edited:
Mitch//pa
BANNED
Congratulations and an even better price... Read through this owners manual if you have not already.. It will give you a good idea on basic operation..
http://www.motormayhem.net/wp-uploads/2009/04/Model-A-Instruction-Manual.pdf
http://www.motormayhem.net/wp-uploads/2009/04/Model-A-Instruction-Manual.pdf
Rocketdog1
Member
Thanks Mitch! Very cool stuff.
Dollar Bill
Well-known member
Congratulations and welcome to the family!!!
We need photos of your new baby!
We need photos of your new baby!
burner31
Well-known member
$6500!!! Damn good job.
Don't let no one tell you different.
Your ahead of the game already.
Have fun and enjoy.
Zooming in best I can on the drip rail indicates to me she's a Murray, a closer examine may prove me wrong, or a better picture, but I'm pretty sure.
Mine is a Murray, so I'm kind of "slanted" towards them.
Don't let no one tell you different.
Your ahead of the game already.
Have fun and enjoy.
Zooming in best I can on the drip rail indicates to me she's a Murray, a closer examine may prove me wrong, or a better picture, but I'm pretty sure.
Mine is a Murray, so I'm kind of "slanted" towards them.
C26Pinelake
BANNED
Congratulations! Use your bartered money left over to do necessary repairs. Wait until the winter to do cosmetic stuff. Drive it all summer and have the time of your life. I have cars in my collection worth ten times as much as my Model A cars but the A's are still my favorite. Wayne.
Art Newland
Well-known member
Very cool rocketdog, congrats on the new member of the family. Looks like you got a steal-of-a-deal!
CarlG
Well-known member
Congratulations on your "steal"! I really like the sun visor on the SW.
FWIW: Look what you could have had for $5K:
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195351
FWIW: Look what you could have had for $5K:
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195351
Synchro909
Well-known member
I can't believe you guys can pick up a car like that for $6,500. You'd have to use a kack hammer to take the smile off my face if it were mine at that price.
Congratulations, Rcketdog. Oh, and "Welcome to our world".
Congratulations, Rcketdog. Oh, and "Welcome to our world".
1931 flamingo
Well-known member
Good for you ! ! ! You stole it, even if you put 1/2 that back into it. JMO
Try using the search function first, if no luck, ask away. Oh, we all like pictures.
Welcome ! ! !
Paul in CT
Try using the search function first, if no luck, ask away. Oh, we all like pictures.
Welcome ! ! !
Paul in CT
Lance in St Louis
Junior Member
That looks like a fun car for you. One little piece of advice. MAKE SURE THE SPARK AVANCE LEVER IS ALL THE WAY UP WHEN STARTING.
Lance
Lance
Tom F OHIO
Well-known member
That is really a nice looking car. You can putt around in that and wave to all the people that like it and wished it was theirs. If you have any small children in the back seat make sure you seat belt the car seat in for safety.
Have fun. Tom.......
Have fun. Tom.......
burner31
Well-known member
Easy way for pics:
Click the "blue post reply" lower left bottom of page, when text box opens, in the top middle of the bar you will see a "paperclip" click that, a window will open "manage attachments" click "choose file" then pick your picture, after you picked up to seven pics click the top "upload" on the right hand side of the text box, wait for it to upload.
You must type something, anything into the text box message, scroll down to see "preview post" at bottom of your text box, you should see your message as it will appear when you post, if you like it click "submit reply" to post.
Easy-cheesy
Click the "blue post reply" lower left bottom of page, when text box opens, in the top middle of the bar you will see a "paperclip" click that, a window will open "manage attachments" click "choose file" then pick your picture, after you picked up to seven pics click the top "upload" on the right hand side of the text box, wait for it to upload.
You must type something, anything into the text box message, scroll down to see "preview post" at bottom of your text box, you should see your message as it will appear when you post, if you like it click "submit reply" to post.
Easy-cheesy
Rocketdog1
Member
Thanks for the tutorial....I'll assume that's a hint?
Rocketdog1
Member
OK, after messing around with the pic size to get them to post, here's batch one of the new addition to the garage. The bricks are a precaution as our driveway is rather steep, and though the e-brake works, I still don't trust it just yet. I'm sure my neighbor across the street would love to own this car, I'm fairly certain he doesn't want it in his living room! 
