Questions from a newbie...sorry!

hootchmonster

hootchmonster

Junior Member
Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I am just getting into my new hobby. Last August my grandfather pasted away. He had taken up restoring "As" after he closed his auto body shop. One of the last cars he had was a '31 Town Car. Since none of my aunts, uncles, or cousins were interested in it, I put an offer in on it. I've always been a GM guy, GMC in particular, but I wanted this car because I knew grandpa enjoyed it.
This weekend I finally had the funds secured to purchase the car from grandpas estate and I called my uncle, who is storing the car, to find out what I have.
The pasted six months or so I thought it was a '29 model "A" 4 door. Turns out it's a '31 Murray bodied Town Car. My uncle said it was grandpas driver, he took it everywhere.

I do have a couple newbie questions;
My uncle said grandpa talked about it being a "B". Would that refer to the engine or body style? Like a B head or 160B?
Also, were all '31 TCs slant windows? I probably haven't looked hard enough, but what I've seen most are.

I have only seen the car a few times, so I don't know much about it. I have five young kids starting this with me and we are looking forward to coming here and learing more about it.
Thank You. Brad
 
Hi Brad,

Welcome to the club. It sounds like you may have a 1931 Townsedan and not a Towncar. The difference being a Towncar is a limo where the roof over the driver would come off, and there would be other adornments inside.

31 sedans came in two types, straight and slant windshield depending on when it was built. 160B denotes a slant windshield Townsedan. They are great cars for a family, plenty of room and a great solid ride. There is a Townsedan club that you may want to join as there are specific parts to your car that only apply to your car.

Also, you may hear that parts are interchangeable, they are not-at least where the body is concerned (assuming it is a straight windshield). Ford farmed out the Fordor sedans to Murry (yours has arched windows) and Briggs-they have square windows. S/W sedans I believe have interchangeable parts.

Get the family involved, learn the car, drive her, make her a part of the family and you WILL NOT be disappointed.

Mike

p.s we love pics!
 
Thanks Mike, Town sedan makes sense, it looks alot like your avatar, just a different color. I can only go by what my uncle has told me so far. Hopefully, if winter ever ends here in Wisconsin, I'll have the car in my driveway and know alot more about it.
 
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Brad don't worry about questions on this form. That is what the form is all about. Welcome and enjoy your car (after the winter gets over).
 
Brad, Welcome and like others have said this is a great site. It sounds like you are ahead in the game 5 helpers and you have a interest in Gm and Gmc's . Look for Les Andrews (sp?) books on "A"s" they are bibles on Model A repairs. Fellow "Barners" Have the answers to all your questions.
 
Welcome and we await spring to help you with your restoration. May I suggest that your first plan to be to get it running safely and drive it before you decide to take it apart for restoration?
 
Brad, "B" is probley a B motor someone put in it. Send us a picture of the engine pass. side. Will have a fuel pump or it will be blocked off if it's a "B motor".
 
Welcome to the hobby. Sounds like you might have a great tour car. The 4 door sedans have become the Model A of choice for those who want to drive them. They have a little more room and comfort for the longer tours. Hope to see you on the Model A highway soon. You might venture over to the Model A Museum in Hickory Corners, MI (September is Model A day but any time is a good time to visit) There are a couple of sedan for you to look at and get an idea of what yours is and what it could look like.
 
From Mike: " May I suggest that your first plan to be to get it running safely and drive it before you decide to take it apart for restoration?"

Agree totally.

Post some pix. Don't be afraid to ask questions. In some ways what you already know about modern cars will hold you back. Be open minded. Remember that engines of this era were long-stroke motors, and thus had all their torque and power at the low end. For an A the torque peaks at 1200 and the HP peaks at 2200 (stock motor) . I for one keep my revs at 2000 max. Determine what your local club is so you can have a knowlegeable person looking over your shoulder. Some of us were lucky enough to know old-timers who grew up with these cars at our sides for many years and we learned a LOT from them. Others have accumulated experience in other ways. In any event there are many knowlegable sources around who would be pleased to assist. This is exactly the type of family project we all dream about!!

Agree on getting some technical books. Amazing how many will spend 10-15 K on the car and then squawk over 100 bucks for some technical pubs to help them operate/maintain the car
 
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If you do not belong to a Model A Club, you might think about joining one. You will find many helpful contacts with a wealth of information. The closest club to you would be the Central Wisconsin MAFCA club located in Wisconsin Rapids. The next closest would be the Nickle A Region MARC/MAFCA club and that is based in the Fox Valley area in and around Appleton. That is the club that I belong to. We have members from Waupaca to the west, Manitowac to the east, Shawano to the north and Fondu Lac to the south. Take a look at our web-site " http://www.nicklearegion.com/ ". I am the Treasurer of our club, so you can contact me thru that web-site for more info on our club or the Central Wisconsin club as I know many of their members. In any event, good luck with your "A" when winter is over in Wisconsin (I understand that it should get above freezing in early June this year). Don/WI
 
Where is the gas tank located? A Model A has the gas tank in front of the windshield. A Model B (made in 1932) has the gas tank in the back and a fuel pump on the side of the engine. The cars are almost totally different so post where the tank is located. Statistically, you probably have a Model A with a Model B engine installed after it left the factory.

Charlie Stephens
 
Thanks for all the warm welcomes.
Guess I forgot to mention that the car is complete and ready to go. Grandpa only finished it less that 10 years ago. I did ask if it was one of grandpas frankenstiens but it was a complete car when he got it and needed paint and interior which he did. Out of the 7-8 cars and trucks he did several were pretty rough. I remember a stack of "A" frames and a pile of motors by his shop that he put together, but I guess this wasn't one of those cars.
I will be sure to get lots of pictures here when I get a chance to see the car again.
I have in fact gotten ahold of the club in Wis Rapids and plan on calling Ken tonight.
Thanks again. I enjoy seeing everyone elses vehicles here and look forward to talking with you again.
Maybe one day I to will be a Model A master like yourselves and be answering questions!
Brad
 
Welcome Brad, the knowledge of the folks at Ford barn is outstanding information. And don't be afraid to a question that you don't know that's why we are all here. Specialcoupe
1928 early special coupe
1931 s/ w town sedan 160 b.
 
WELCOME, Find a local or nearby club, and join a National Club, The info you will find here is very very good and worth looking for your answers...
 
Hi from the East

The one thing you have -building memories with the kids.

Have the time to let them help.This takes a lot on your part but

it will be well worth it.

Good Luck
 
2014-03-14 08.16.26.jpg
Well here it is about 12-15 years ago. Right after it was finished. All I have is a picture of a picture. Those aren't the right wheels are they and from what I understand there shouldn't be a visor on the slant windows either. Looks like I have some work to do once I get the car home. The horse might stay though!

I did join a local club a few days ago. I didn't know you had to be as old as a Model A to be in the club! Seriously, they are a great bunch and I am looking forward to getting to know them better.
Brad
 
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