Bruce Adams
Well-known member
and if Koby wished to take advantage of the program that gave YOUR SON the Victoria, wouldn't he, or a parent, have to belong to a national club, Mike?
I see THAT as but ONE good reason to join a National?
Young and Eager to Learn
- Thread starter Koby
- Start date
and if Koby wished to take advantage of the program that gave YOUR SON the Victoria, wouldn't he, or a parent, have to belong to a national club, Mike?
I see THAT as but ONE good reason to join a National?
BruceUpstate NY
Senior Member
I would recomment buying the best you can afford. You can have fun and learn a lot with one that is good mechanically, regardless of appearance. Next get one for restoration and you can be enjoying driving one at the same time.
As long as the I have the funds to do so that sounds like a great idea!
Bruce Adams
Well-known member
I suggest you find a car first.
The specific tools, and maybe machinery such as welding equipment, compressor, etc, will take care of itself faster then you can snap your fingers, depeding on what the restoration requires.
There a a number of fellows in the MAFC of L I who will be pleased to help you evaluate potential cars and suggest their value.
Do you wish to OWN a car or RESTORE a car?
These can be two very different pursuits.
Don't forget to check out the MAFC Youth Programs on the National Clubs sites, and what they will do for you. Mike's son was give a Model A to restore by the youth program. It does require you or your family to belong to a National MAF Club.
The specific tools, and maybe machinery such as welding equipment, compressor, etc, will take care of itself faster then you can snap your fingers, depeding on what the restoration requires.
There a a number of fellows in the MAFC of L I who will be pleased to help you evaluate potential cars and suggest their value.
Do you wish to OWN a car or RESTORE a car?
These can be two very different pursuits.
Don't forget to check out the MAFC Youth Programs on the National Clubs sites, and what they will do for you. Mike's son was give a Model A to restore by the youth program. It does require you or your family to belong to a National MAF Club.
Mike Crehan
Member
Koby - I got my first old car when I was 15 having worked after school and in the holidays earning and saving every penny I could. It was a sound unrestored car and we got it running and back on the road in 6 months in time to get my licence (15 in New Zealand back then). I think this is the best way into old cars. If you buy a project that needs a complete restoration it can become a real grind - it will eat huge amounts of money and require you to spend hundreds of hours in the shop working on it, usually alone.
Get something you can drive and use it to get out and do things and meet people. That is the joy of this hobby. Later you can get into rebuilds and by then you will have a network of like minded friends and contacts who will help and encourage you through the process.
I am 47 now so have over 30 years with old cars and motorbikes - everything from Austin 7s to aero engined race cars, vintage Nortons to big Ducatis, but all of it built on the back of what I learnt with a little Series 1 Morris 8 Sports, and possible only because of all the people who I have got to know and who have helped me on the way.
PS First buy a car - once you have that you will soon start to work out what tools you need to keep it going and you will soon have a full tool chest.
And finally - never buy cheap tools.
Get something you can drive and use it to get out and do things and meet people. That is the joy of this hobby. Later you can get into rebuilds and by then you will have a network of like minded friends and contacts who will help and encourage you through the process.
I am 47 now so have over 30 years with old cars and motorbikes - everything from Austin 7s to aero engined race cars, vintage Nortons to big Ducatis, but all of it built on the back of what I learnt with a little Series 1 Morris 8 Sports, and possible only because of all the people who I have got to know and who have helped me on the way.
PS First buy a car - once you have that you will soon start to work out what tools you need to keep it going and you will soon have a full tool chest.
And finally - never buy cheap tools.
Barry B./ Ma.
Well-known member
I would find a Model A with the best body you can find for the price. The most time and money is spent on restoring a body, especially a fordor sedan. Chassis take much less time to restore so even if you bought a good body separately and mounted to the chassis you would be ahead of the game.
biggeorge
Senior Member
Just a thought but i would suggest you buy something you can drive and enjoy while you save the money to do the restoration . That way while you are doing the restoration you will remember all the fun you had driving your car and hopefully not loose interest
during what seems like for ever when your in the middle of a restoration. You can also do a lot of the work while you are still driving your car and shorten your down time
during what seems like for ever when your in the middle of a restoration. You can also do a lot of the work while you are still driving your car and shorten your down time
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
There is a group called Ford "A" Speed Technology, Inc. that has a nice quarterly magazine and offers it free to Teens. As the name suggests it caters to modified Model T, A & B's. Visit their web site hotforhotfours.com for more info.
Kevin in NJ
Well-known member
How much does it cost to restore?
Well, what do you consider restored? Returning the Model A to factory tolerances so the car drives like it came off the line is not cheap. Depending on your access to proper tooling or having to pay people to do the job right you should expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 on the chassis. This will get you something that is not a points car, but one that is close to factory mechanically.
I have access to advanced tooling and I have spent time accumulating parts cheaply for the car I am currently restoring. I will be over $10k into the chassis after I do the engine and I can do the babbitt work myself.
Then doing bodywork is pricey no matter how you look at it. Figure on a couple of thousand for paint and supplies alone. The interior kits are not cheap and $3000 is a starting point. The cheap kits are just cheap junk.
Can a car be done cheaper. Sure, just understand there are cars that are run the 60 MPH all day long and the cars that are being pushed to run at 45 mph. What kind of car do you want?
At one point I was in the attitude that it is just a Model A- a simple car. Then I started asking the basic questions. What is a Model A, what was it when it was new.
As I started restoring various parts you start to understand the precision machining that was involved in this cheap production car. Probably the most used tool is my dial calipers and micrometer to check wear and parts fit. Ford built to thousands and sub thousands accuracy.
I suggest that you start your reading with an owners manual. Then move on to 2 books to give a better understanding of Ford. The first book, 'The Legendary Model A Ford" pay attention to how the car was used and abused. The second book is a bit odd, "Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City ". The writer explains the thought process of Henry Ford and his business operations. In one chapter they talk of the delays in the A production because of the accuracy needed in the machines to produce the parts.
Then you have service letters, service bulletins, and the book 'Know Your Model A Ford" by Murray Fahnestock. This was reprinted in another book under a different name which I forget.
In the end, a restoration is a compromise. Most can not afford to truly restore a car and most do not really want a restored car. Most want something that looks nice and is reliable to drive. The hard part is spending the time and money to know how to restore the chassis well enough to have a reliable car.
Always remember the Model A when it was new was considered very reliable with good brakes and it was run high speeds.
Well, what do you consider restored? Returning the Model A to factory tolerances so the car drives like it came off the line is not cheap. Depending on your access to proper tooling or having to pay people to do the job right you should expect to spend $10,000 to $15,000 on the chassis. This will get you something that is not a points car, but one that is close to factory mechanically.
I have access to advanced tooling and I have spent time accumulating parts cheaply for the car I am currently restoring. I will be over $10k into the chassis after I do the engine and I can do the babbitt work myself.
Then doing bodywork is pricey no matter how you look at it. Figure on a couple of thousand for paint and supplies alone. The interior kits are not cheap and $3000 is a starting point. The cheap kits are just cheap junk.
Can a car be done cheaper. Sure, just understand there are cars that are run the 60 MPH all day long and the cars that are being pushed to run at 45 mph. What kind of car do you want?
At one point I was in the attitude that it is just a Model A- a simple car. Then I started asking the basic questions. What is a Model A, what was it when it was new.
As I started restoring various parts you start to understand the precision machining that was involved in this cheap production car. Probably the most used tool is my dial calipers and micrometer to check wear and parts fit. Ford built to thousands and sub thousands accuracy.
I suggest that you start your reading with an owners manual. Then move on to 2 books to give a better understanding of Ford. The first book, 'The Legendary Model A Ford" pay attention to how the car was used and abused. The second book is a bit odd, "Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City ". The writer explains the thought process of Henry Ford and his business operations. In one chapter they talk of the delays in the A production because of the accuracy needed in the machines to produce the parts.
Then you have service letters, service bulletins, and the book 'Know Your Model A Ford" by Murray Fahnestock. This was reprinted in another book under a different name which I forget.
In the end, a restoration is a compromise. Most can not afford to truly restore a car and most do not really want a restored car. Most want something that looks nice and is reliable to drive. The hard part is spending the time and money to know how to restore the chassis well enough to have a reliable car.
Always remember the Model A when it was new was considered very reliable with good brakes and it was run high speeds.
V4F
Well-known member
koby , this site is most valuable for "correct" info . if you are serious , do your research & ask comprehesive questions . doing is the best way to learn . the only "stupid" question is the one you do not ask ! ive been here for years & learn each day !!! ......... good luck .. steve
Ice man
Senior Member
There is no easy way to learn. You have to do it. Several yrs back a fella in Sarasota Fla. called me to get his A running. It ran fine and he tuned it up and it would not start. I had it running in 10min. He couldn't believe it, cause his son is a Ford line mechanic and had worked on it for a hole day and it never started. But I explaned that he could fix the new ones cause thats what he was trained for, but he never learned the bacics the way we had to do back in the day. So learn all you can, but you reaally need your own A to do that. Im 74 and still learning and had my first A when I was 8. My Dad thought if he got me a car I would not chase girls. He was almost right. Iceman
Hey All! Thankyou for all the responses! Sorry I havent been able to answer in the last two days... school just ended today and I was getting all of my last minute work in
@Bruce Adams- I'll deffinetley be signing up for the national and local clubs ASAP. Also, hope Model A Day went well, sorry I couldn't make it and I hope to attend the clubs next general meeting
@Mike Crehan- That's an awesome story.. I'm pretty suprised that so many Model A enthusiasts got started so early and thanks for the tools tip I will definitely keep that in mind when purchasing tools!
@Barry B- I'm thinking the car I want is going to be a Pickup, but I'm sure the body work on any Model A is always expenisve and time consuming. I'm going to be holding out on purchasing until I find a great deal and because I'm still saving
@Biggeorge- I understand what you're saying about driving the A first but honestly I'd be happy with just getting started as soon as possible. But hey; if I'm offered a running Model A that I can afford, I would not pass that up!
@Jim Brierley- I will absolutely look that group up! Thanks very much, can't wait to see the magazines they offer
@Kevin in NJ- I will for sure add those two books to my summer reading list and I'll try to get my hands on an owners manual. As far as the different restorations there are I think I want to go all out. I want my A to be as original as possible, look, and run well (who doesnt
)... I know it's going to take time and money but I plan to be patient and have fun while doing it!
@Steve Norcal- You're totally right, this site has a ton of valuable info on it. Lately I've been just reading through old threads trying to absorb what ever information I can. Thanks for the wish of good luck, seems like I'll need it
@Ice Man- I hope to be able to learn enough in order to fix any A problem that comes around. But we all have to start somewhere and I'm sure all of the learning will be quite enjoyable because of all the people you meet along the way. And as far as the girls go... what could be better than girls and cars!?
Thanks for all the tips guys; Keep 'em coming! :]
@Bruce Adams- I'll deffinetley be signing up for the national and local clubs ASAP. Also, hope Model A Day went well, sorry I couldn't make it and I hope to attend the clubs next general meeting
@Mike Crehan- That's an awesome story.. I'm pretty suprised that so many Model A enthusiasts got started so early and thanks for the tools tip I will definitely keep that in mind when purchasing tools!
@Barry B- I'm thinking the car I want is going to be a Pickup, but I'm sure the body work on any Model A is always expenisve and time consuming. I'm going to be holding out on purchasing until I find a great deal and because I'm still saving
@Biggeorge- I understand what you're saying about driving the A first but honestly I'd be happy with just getting started as soon as possible. But hey; if I'm offered a running Model A that I can afford, I would not pass that up!
@Jim Brierley- I will absolutely look that group up! Thanks very much, can't wait to see the magazines they offer
@Kevin in NJ- I will for sure add those two books to my summer reading list and I'll try to get my hands on an owners manual. As far as the different restorations there are I think I want to go all out. I want my A to be as original as possible, look, and run well (who doesnt
)... I know it's going to take time and money but I plan to be patient and have fun while doing it!@Steve Norcal- You're totally right, this site has a ton of valuable info on it. Lately I've been just reading through old threads trying to absorb what ever information I can. Thanks for the wish of good luck, seems like I'll need it
@Ice Man- I hope to be able to learn enough in order to fix any A problem that comes around. But we all have to start somewhere and I'm sure all of the learning will be quite enjoyable because of all the people you meet along the way. And as far as the girls go... what could be better than girls and cars!?
Thanks for all the tips guys; Keep 'em coming! :]
Its good to see someone else whos young thats interested in model a's! I thought me and Model A kid were the youngest ones on here.
Im 20 now, but I got my model a from my grandfather when I was 19. When I got it it wasnt running. Finally got it running last novemeber and Ive been driving it ever since. All I will say is this website is filled with VALUABLE information, and theres alot of people who have been in the hobby for years, and know what they are talking about. I dont know how many times Ive come on here asking a question and I usually get a response right away, and several at that. Its a really fun hobby. It can be frustrating at time (atleast for me) but its all worth it once you get to drive the car.
Im 20 now, but I got my model a from my grandfather when I was 19. When I got it it wasnt running. Finally got it running last novemeber and Ive been driving it ever since. All I will say is this website is filled with VALUABLE information, and theres alot of people who have been in the hobby for years, and know what they are talking about. I dont know how many times Ive come on here asking a question and I usually get a response right away, and several at that. Its a really fun hobby. It can be frustrating at time (atleast for me) but its all worth it once you get to drive the car.
heneste
Senior Member
Great to see another person getting involved in the hobby!
With respect to restoration costs, the more work you can do yourself, the less money you will need to pay someone else in labor.
Do the research and ask around to see what's involved in any repair job this can make budgeting time and funds so much easier.
Don't rush through any repair. Sometimes rushing a job or cutting corners can end up making the final repair more costly than it should be.
Best of luck with your project and keep the questions coming, it's a great forum with many helpful advisors.
With respect to restoration costs, the more work you can do yourself, the less money you will need to pay someone else in labor.
Do the research and ask around to see what's involved in any repair job this can make budgeting time and funds so much easier.
Don't rush through any repair. Sometimes rushing a job or cutting corners can end up making the final repair more costly than it should be.
Best of luck with your project and keep the questions coming, it's a great forum with many helpful advisors.
700rpm
Well-known member
Koby,
If you are honest and sincere and open to suggestions, there is more wisdom and experience on this site that you could ever afford to hire or buy. Good luck, and have fun. You are about to get into one of the most fun hobbies there is, and it might well last your entire lifetime. It has for me.
If you are honest and sincere and open to suggestions, there is more wisdom and experience on this site that you could ever afford to hire or buy. Good luck, and have fun. You are about to get into one of the most fun hobbies there is, and it might well last your entire lifetime. It has for me.
@Theo: Very nice to see another young Model A enthusiast! Just out of curiosity.. As a kid do you have a second car in addition to your Model A for going out with friends? Also, do your friends understand your model A hobby? My friends don't really seem to understand my A passion; or old stuff in general for that matter.
@Heneste: Thanks for the response, I'm going to be very patient in my restoration, I want everything to be perfect! Today I started scouting my local library for books on Model A's
@Heneste: Thanks for the response, I'm going to be very patient in my restoration, I want everything to be perfect! Today I started scouting my local library for books on Model A's
Tom Wesenberg
Well-known member
Your local library won't have the best (or maybe any) Model A books. I tried that when I first got started.
I bought my books from the Model A parts houses, such as Bert's, Bratton's, Snyder's, Mac's and a few more. I also bought several good books from the national Model A Ford Club (MARC) at the meets. In fact at this moment I'm at the Oshkosh MARC national meet.
The weather couldn't be more perfect, and a lot of beautiful cars and trucks to see.
I bought my books from the Model A parts houses, such as Bert's, Bratton's, Snyder's, Mac's and a few more. I also bought several good books from the national Model A Ford Club (MARC) at the meets. In fact at this moment I'm at the Oshkosh MARC national meet.
The weather couldn't be more perfect, and a lot of beautiful cars and trucks to see.
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
and if Koby wished to take advantage of the program that gave YOUR SON the Victoria, wouldn't he, or a parent, have to belong to a national club, Mike?
I see THAT as but ONE good reason to join a National?
It was meant to be sarcastic. Note the wording about "restoration articles, national events, and other hints and tips" worthy stuff right?
So yes, Koby you should join a national club and a local club as well. Let us not forget the Scholarship for college as well as the restoration awards and all the other Model A stuff!
We have a member of our club that has a roadster pickup. The body was blasted, rust stablized and painted over. The metal is not a bit smooth but the car runs like a champ.
Koby, before you take the plunge, join the clubs (national, local) sit in the cars see what fits you. The members of the local club will not let you buy crap, so let them help you find a vehicle ask questions. i would save longer, buy a driver and then tackle the restoration.
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