Need help! Just bought my first classic car

J

jonathan2014

Junior Member
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?
 
Dick Steinkamp said:
Sell it and buy a completed one. You'll be money ahead and avoid lots of frustration.
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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
 
jonathan2014 said:
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.
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why not just drive it as is
don't destroy a perfectly good model a
 
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.
 
jonathan2014 said:
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.
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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
 

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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/forums/the-hokey-***-message-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
 
jhowes said:
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.
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I’m located in Los Angeles and would be interested in selling some parts if anyone was interested
 
Charlie Stephens said:
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/forums/the-hokey-***-message-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
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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
 
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'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.
 
CB919ER said:
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.
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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.
 
burner31 said:
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.
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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.
 
jonathan2014 said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Jacksonlll said:
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.
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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!
 
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