New guy - 31 Roadster - with questions

CRguy

CRguy

Member
Hello all: I just purchased this '31 Roadster from an old friend. It had an amateur mechanical restoration and professional paint before it was put in storage 40 years ago. It's been 40 years since I had a stock Model A, so I've got a lot to relearn. I plan on putting it back on the road for local events, parades, etc.
Is there a good manual available that covers maintenance & adjustments or is it just as easy to search online nowdays? Years ago I had one of the Clymer books, but it has disappeared.
Thanks in advance for any help, and I'm sure I will have other questions for the group.

Mel
 

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Welcome and nice find! Tones of knowledge on fordbarn and everyone is very helpful with any problem that you may have. Les Andrew books are the best for information and the use of the websites search button will give you even more information!

Also keep us updated on the process of your Roadster... anymore pictures?

Justin
 
From another new guy (also with a '31 Roadster) - Les Andrews books (Model A Mechanics Handbook - Vol 1-3) are a good place to start.

With those and the folks here that are willing to share - you can get most of the info you'll need to get a good start.

Other publications are out there that may help when you get further down the road - I'm sure others here will mention many of them...

Nice car!
 
Welcome CRguy,

From the photo, that sure looks like a nice straight Roadster.

When I obtained my Roadster, I bought every Model A book available for my library. Some contradict each other, but you can glean what you need from a good library.

When I got the Roadster, I started adding accessories and mods in order to make it unique and stand out from the others.

After going to a few shows, it didn't take me long to realize that a real straight car was genuinely unique.

So reversing what I had done has become my winter project. :o

Enjoy your roadster!
 
Congratulations, CRguy, on becoming a member of the roadster "sub-family" of the fordbarn! Nice looking roadster. The good experts and very experienced owners/restorers/drivers here are ready and willing to fill in all your information gaps during your re-learning process! I have learned so much here as I continue to tinker and "upgrade" my restoration. You're never really "done".

You can see our '31 Dlx Roadster in my avitar. - An honored member of our family since 1983, and an unending source of pure fun in club tours, local parades, shows and taking the grandkids and friends on ice-cream outings in the rumble seat.

All the best with your roadster!

Earle
 
Buy an owner's manual (instruction book) from any of the suppliers. It covers what you needed to know when the car was new. The were about $6 a few years ago. There are a couple of different issues based on when the car was built so specify the date of your car (is it a late '31 with the indented firewall?).
Charlie Stephens
 
Thanks for all the helpful replies!
I will look into Andrews' book. One of the reasons I really wanted this car is that I know it has excellent sheet metal. I don't mind doing mechanical work, and that is what is needed at this point. The motor is stuck, but is already being soaked with Kroil. I will go thru the brake system and replace the tires due to their age.
Will update pictures as progress is made. I've got grandkids that will enjoy riding in the rumble seat.
I actually enjoy old cars whether they are stock, as this one is, or if they are street rods (I have a '29 Tudor rod also).
 

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Judging by the looks of her, shouldn't take much to get her un-stuck. Nice looking car. Nice to see one not overdone.
 
Your pleasure has only just begun!

Reminds me of the '31 40B I dragged out of a heated basement garage in 1998 after 38 years of hibernation. Didn't take much beyond an overhaul and new tires to get it back on the road.

My Grandkids love it!

Gar Williams
 

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You should know:

I believe it was "Rainmaker Ron" who said, "Roadsters cause rain."

While Rainmaker is right, it sure is fun.
 
Geo. H said:
You should know:

I believe it was "Rainmaker Ron" who said, "Roadsters cause rain."

While Rainmaker is right, it sure is fun.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean about rain from being caught in it driving former cars - '29 highboy roadster with no top and a '34 roadster. Head for the nearest overpass and wait it out!

Mel ;)
 
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