Looking at a 1929 2-door on Monday. Any tips?

Rickybop

Rickybop

Junior Member
Hi everyone. First post. Proud, honored and happy to be here.

Joined a while ago, but didn't have much to post. Now I might, though!

I've long-admired the Ford Model A. I'm meeting a friend and fellow old car enthusiast on Monday, to have a good look at his 1929 Ford 2-door sedan, and possibly to buy it. He's asking $7,500 for it...a reasonable price, it seems to me, and I think maybe even a little lower than those I've seen in comparable condition.

Now, I've owned a number of old cars over the years, (mostly '40s/'50s models) and I know pretty much what to look out for to hopefully avoid "buyer's remorse". But even though I'm not unfamiliar with the Model A, I've never owned one, so I'm sure that I'm unaware of many issues particular to these cars.

Of course, I'll look the body over real good, and take 'er for a good long ride to try and determine the condition of the drivetrain, chassis, and overall "tightness" of the body and such. But any directions, tips, or comments that would help me to be less "clueless", and more aware of problem-areas, would be greatly appreciated. Obvious or obscure points are welcome...I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance. And best wishes to all of you.

Here's a couple of pics of the culprit in question...lol.

3n83k23m85Y45U15S5b8dd077b816dae91950.jpg


3n73kf3m35Y45O65P3b8daf30e8f3fdeb1770.jpg
 
To me, I cannot over-emphasize the value in taking an experienced Model A mechanic with you. This car may indeed be a value, but if it is worn mechanically where it is unsafe, that $7,500 can eaily turn to $15,000 in a hurry if the mechanicals all need to be rebuilt. Can you find/pay someone who is knowledgable to go with you to objectively evaluate this vehicle?
 
I hear ya, Brent. Good idea...the very best idea. Thanks.

Yes, I do have an 80 yr old friend that's been building flatheads and bangers and messing with old Fords since before I was born. ('57) I'll get his input.
 
Looks nice in the photos, but are you buying it for a driver or show car? You have to deside what restoration details are acceptable to you. Phillips head screws and rubber tire valve stems may bug some people and worn out brake drums are fine if the look good from the outside. The complete opposite may matter to someone else.
 
i don't think your clueless since you owned several cars. even if it does need some work it looks like your well ahead at 7500..the pictures look like its a decent driver...

look in the gas tank with a flashlight for rust
make sure the oil is not milky
check where the column mounts to the gas tank for fuel stains or leakage
check your steering wheel free play
make sure its not pouring oil out the rear main like the Exxon Valdez

just a few things to beware of but not to stop you from buying it and if you do your own work you'll save there also
 
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Good input, Roadster62. No, I don't want a show-car. I drive 'em...so the mechanicals are the most important to me. Less than show-paint and interior are lower on my list of priorites.

I imagine that there are inherent issues with the Model A in the mechanicals department as well as other areas. Any particulars will help.

I know stress-cracks can appear in the body...but where?

I know there's wood structure in the body. Thoughts on that?

Each car, having it's own set of issues, also can be victim to questionable "fixes". I'm interested in what to look for.

Etc. etc. etc.

I'm capable of checking each set of components on most any car...but figured the Model A must certainly have unique issues.
 
Thanks Mitch! I appreciate it.

I like the gas-stains on the column heads-up. That's unique to the car, and the kind of stuff I was looking for. And even the "generic" advice...the usual stuff...is helpful. Even after all these years, (I think that may be the problem...lol) I can still miss/forget stuff. A refresher helps...lol.
 
Brent said the key word. He didn't just say "take a mechanic with you," he said take a MODEL A MECHANIC with you!!! It's important that the mechanic knows Model A's.
She looks like a honey, and the price certainly seems reasonable---at least in the pictures.

Jack
 
Thanks, Jack...right on. I think I'll get the seller to let me drive it for a day. And I'll take the opportunity to take it to old Roy for a once-over. He'll know.

The seller is a friend, so probably no problem taking the car for a day, and really get to know 'er. See if she's a honey...or a bit-sh.
 
Looks like the car is in good shape. But like mentioned above, there are a number of things to check.

I just purchased a 29 std coupe awhile back for about the same price but since the purchase I have put $2 to $3k into it to redo the brakes, steering stuff and etc. So you will likely need to put some $'s into it to get it to where you may want it. But on the other hand, if it runs well, get it and have fun with it until you need to do something. Sometimes these old things will go a long time with little work done on them.
 
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If you feel good with what you see and if you like it I would say go for it and buy her.
To me the price look very reasonable. And believe me model A's will give you fun.
 
Rickybop said:
Good input, Roadster62. No, I don't want a show-car. I drive 'em...so the mechanicals are the most important to me. Less than show-paint and interior are lower on my list of priorites.

I imagine that there are inherent issues with the Model A in the mechanicals department as well as other areas. Any particulars will help.

I know stress-cracks can appear in the body...but where?

I know there's wood structure in the body. Thoughts on that?

Each car, having it's own set of issues, also can be victim to questionable "fixes". I'm interested in what to look for.

Etc. etc. etc.

I'm capable of checking each set of components on most any car...but figured the Model A must certainly have unique issues.
Click to expand...

Looking on the outside is one thing...the problem with the wood parts is that you can not see all of the wood because of the upholstery!

Also...who knows what is below the painted surface.

Looks like a good find and a good price...enjoy and welcome to the world of the Model A Ford.

Pluck
 
When I was looking, the majority of cars do NOT have shocks. Happy when the one I bought had them. Pricey items.Welcome to the BARN> Let us know.
Paul in CT
 
Having owned several Tudors, I would look at the extreme rear corners of the body on the side subrails. If the vehicle has had a life on rough roads then there is a good chance that the rear wood blocks beat a hole in the subrails. I have seen the frame itself torn by the wood block. If there are no tears, then there is a good chance that this Tudor probably did not beat around on bumpy roads. If so, the body would have a better chance of being aligned and have no/less stress fractures.

On the drive train (if I remember properly) the universal joint housing has a tab that should be slightly above the frame. If the vehicle that has had a rough life this tab can beat down on the frame crossmember and leave an imprint or even tear the cross member.

Rickybop, I bring these two points up not as deal busters but as two indicators of what type of life this Tudor had. If the frame suffered tears then this vehicle has had a rough life that could have bent the frame, stressed the body, etc. Now these tears may have been there but the restorer fixed them.

Also, look at the oil filler pipe, if there is evidence of excessive oil vapor escaping and recondensing on it then this is a sign of blowby. The engine might need an overhaul.

Brent's suggestion of having a Model A mechanic with you is real good one. If possible speak with the person who either did the restoration or someone who witnessed it. Receipts will tell you who did engine, brake,, body etc. work. Photos of the restoration process will also help considerably to find out what problems it may have had.

If you get a solid running Tudor for that price I believe that you are doing well. A nice '29 Tudor driver runs in the neighborhood of $10,000 - 14,000+. If this Tudor has a problem or two, consider what it would cost to fix. If you stay in this range or below you have a good deal in my opinion. If it has no issues and drives like a champ look out for the cops because you got a steal.

Happy Trails!
Dean
 
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