1929 Sport coupe

M

Mel Larsen

Member
First of all, I' m new here and have enjoyed reading all about the different A's
It has been 60+ years ago of owning a A. Now I am looking into my second Childhood, looking for a A that is in my price range. I have found a 29 sport in my price range. About 150 miles away. Ad says new tires, new rebuild on the engine. I am concerned about the top. I have looked at a ton of photos and have never seen one with the top down. Are they supposed to be lowered or not. I guess the next question is, What should I be looking for?
 
No, Sport Coupe tops did not go down. They were stationary, even though the "S" Landau irons make it look as though the top will go down. Cabriolets look similar to Sport Coupes and have fooled many a Model A owner. The Cabriolet top CAN be retracted. The quickest way to tell them apart is that the Sport Coupe has a sun visor and the Cabriolet does not. Also, the Sport Coupe upper doors are rigid all around the windows. Cabriolet windows are enclosed in chrome channels and when they are lowered, only the front pillar on the door stays put. Lots more differences, but these are the telltale differences.
Marshall
 
Thanks for your reply Marshall. That makes me a little more secure in dealing for this "Sport". The guy stated the top had been redone a few years ago. I have no idea how long they last, but I'd bet it would outlive me.:rolleyes:
 
The top is fixed on the Sport Coupe.
Pick a car by your size. I like Coupes so I bought one - 6'1" 265 is cramped. I'm finally finishing the install of a Glide seat (adjustable back) that I had done in proper 29 materials so it looks right. I've moved it back 5 inches. It is somewhat minor surgery removing the hump behind the seat and modifying the rumble seat floor and package tray.
We bought a Tudor a few months ago - one of those too good to pass up deals. I moved the drivers seat back 4". I made a bolt in bracket that uses the original mounting holes so no other modifications. The Tudor seats seem a little like sitting on a beach ball to me so I've got some Recaros I'll redo in original materials. My bad back will be happier on those.
Tina Shinn (Model T) did a video in the different interior sizes of the various As. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNdPW9MO8VA
Paul Shinn did a buyers guide - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWzHRJ7UFkQ&t=851s
I'd suggest hit the MAFCA and MARC sites and locate any chapters within your travel limit. Take a look at their newsletters and see what people are selling near you. It's ALWAYS better to buy from an owner than some dealer or heaven forbid a flipper. Join your local chapter first (then see if MAFCA still has the free year for people who join a local chapter first). Someone in the club will be willing to help you check out a car you find. An experienced set of eyes can save you a lot of headaches in the future.
Remember a Model A WILL LEAK oil on your garage floor. You will not be able to stop for gas without having to answer a few questions about your car. Everyone will wave and you'll be obligated to honk back. Probably the biggest problem with A ownership is they seem to arrive pregnant. One usually turns into two, three and more. We're looking for a Victoria.
 
The only problem I found with my Sport Coupe is the big blind spots due to the lack of rear side windows compared to a Coupe or Sedan. It can be difficult changing lanes or merging. I find good convex mirrors on both sides help. In the last 60 years there are a lot more impatient idiots who will want to pass you so you have to be extra cautious when changing lanes.
 
30Murray said:
.... there are a lot more impatient idiots who will want to pass you.
Click to expand...
and then get in front of you leaving less than a car length. I always figured they failed physics and think all cars came with disc brakes and ABS no matter the year.
 
I have 128 open cab pickup and when the top's on it is really hard to back up and see well so a backup camera is a big plus to have with a model A. I plan on adding 1 to mine.
 
Marshall V. Daut said:
No, Sport Coupe tops did not go down. They were stationary, even though the "S" Landau irons make it look as though the top will go down. .... Also, the Sport Coupe upper doors are rigid all around the windows. ....
Marshall
Click to expand...

Ummmm.....well.....there is always the odd-ball exception to the top-down, convertible Sport Coupe thing ;):

576029


Brad in Maryland




.
 

Attachments

  • 15213389237_2000b09fdf_h.jpg
    15213389237_2000b09fdf_h.jpg
    75.7 KB · Views: 129
....or what about this Sport Coupe with the back half of the roof removed, kind of like a landaulet convertible type roof:

576054


Yeah, it looks like he is running a bit rich! (Rolling-coal Model A style.)

Brad in Maryland




.
 

Attachments

  • 6230847110_e366db286a_b.jpeg
    6230847110_e366db286a_b.jpeg
    90.7 KB · Views: 94
Brad in Germany said:
....or what about this Sport Coupe with the back half of the roof removed, kind of like a landaulet convertible type roof:

576054


Yeah, it looks like he is running a bit rich! (Rolling-coal Model A style.)
.
Click to expand...
Looks like oil smoke or steam to me. Black smoke is rich. Either way I bet there are no mosquito problems in his neighborhood.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top