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CB919ER

CB919ER

Senior Member
Hey guys!

I've recently become the owner of a 1929 Model A. While I'm in my mid 30's this car has been a part of my life in I was around 2. I have pictures where I'm just a chubby checked little toddler helping my grandpa restore the car.

The car hasn't been on the road since the mid-90s and I'm excited to get it rolling again and relive the memories of my grandpa and the old ford.

Be prepared for me to pick your brains as I get into the re-rebuild.

Here's a picture of the car as it sits now...
image1_zpshebyfsu8.jpg
 
Very nice. Model A's are great time machines . They bring back memories that you didn't even know you had and they are lots of fun. You'll find help here on just about any question you have. The A is the one car that I myself can figure out and do most work. Have fun and I look forward to updates on getting yours out on the road. James.
 
Very, very nice, be prepared to have the time of your life driving it.
Video your attempts to start her, trust me, the first time she fires up for you, you'll want to see that moment again and again...and it only happens once.
I watch mine every now and then...just to keep the juices flowing.

And welcome to the "Barn"
 
Thanks for the warm welcome. Of all the antiques my grandpa had this is the only one I never got to drive, and it was always my favorite. I'm going to photo/video document as much of the repair as I can to have those memories along with the old photos of me as a kid.

So far I know the gas tank is in terrible shape as it was parked with gas still in it. But, once I can get that off and repaired/replaced I'm hoping the rest is easy. Excited doesn't begin to describe how I feel about working on and driving this car.
 
Welcome. You mentioned rebuild, but as nice as that car looks, I think you just meant "restart".
Grease and oil all the moving parts, and this means everything from spring leafs to door hinges, flush the gas tank, install new fuel and a good battery, and you might be on the road. Removing the gas tank is a fair size job. Are you sure you can't drain and flush it as is? I've done a few that way.
 
Welcome CB, glad you are keeping the car in the family. If you absolutely have have to remove the tank-and I mean absolutely have to 'Vic in 10 a see' (I probably misspelled his screen name) can repair it for you correctly. I recommend what Tom said and just flush the heck out of it. Change all fluids and grease her up. Then let the fun begin.

Mike
 
you guys are correct, restart more than rebuild. The car is still solid. The tank has a nice layer of rust on the bottom of it. I haven't taken a bore scope to it yet to really see the extent of the damage, but I know it will need to be cleaned. I've had some old hotrodders talk about using everything from gravel to bbs and cleaning it out...

I've reached out to a couple places about repairing the tank as that's about the only part I feel is outside my realm of knowledge for repair. I'm hoping to be able to clean and seal the tank so I don't have to try and color match the paint for a respray...
 
Wecome to the Barn! Please think about what Tom said in post #7 ! Have fun getting it started and running! If you have been reading here at the barn, most agree you need to ask before you jump into a job.
 
I've lurked around some, and I'm already friends with the search button. There is a lot of great information here that I fully intend to utilize.
 
Would be great if you can drain and seal the tank. Of all the tasks I've done working on Ol Walter, removing and re installing the tank was my least favorite.
 
CB919ER;
Maybe I read faster then my brain could process, but I don't believe I read that you have joined your local Model A Club, The Smoky Mountain MAFCA club. You may find right in your backyard, help and guidance that you need right now and most likely later. Members of my Calif. club, Sonoma A's, the Mitchell's, Sue has told me that the Smoky Mountain club may hold the record for Mitchell O/D installations, at less than 2 hours. With their skill level I am sure that they can assist you with your tank cleaning project. If you join, you will have many new friends! When in the Nashville area, contact me, I talk Model A, will be back in Tenn. Sept. 8th.
Steve
 
FWIW: Thanks for posting your very interesting project; and just one humble bit of advice for Model A First Timers:

As you encounter Model A problems, after inquiring about same on a Model A Forum, and furthering your investigation under Forum "Search", you may find, for example, hundreds of ways to time a Model A engine, adjust fan belts, align front ends, install head gaskets, which oil to use, which coolant to use, types of electrical systems, fuses or circuit breakers, etc., etc.

Best advice is, regardless of who advises what, just pick the one you think that will work best for "You", "Your" situation, and best for "Your" Model A.

If you ever attempt to try each and every recommended Model A method of adjustment and Model A repair procedure explained herein thus far, you may get bogged down and may be receiving your 35th Social Security check before you are able to drive around the block for the first time.

Good luck with everything!
 
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callcoy said:
CB919ER;
Maybe I read faster then my brain could process, but I don't believe I read that you have joined your local Model A Club, The Smoky Mountain MAFCA club. You may find right in your backyard, help and guidance that you need right now and most likely later. Members of my Calif. club, Sonoma A's, the Mitchell's, Sue has told me that the Smoky Mountain club may hold the record for Mitchell O/D installations, at less than 2 hours. With their skill level I am sure that they can assist you with your tank cleaning project. If you join, you will have many new friends! When in the Nashville area, contact me, I talk Model A, will be back in Tenn. Sept. 8th.
Steve
Click to expand...

I fully intent to find a local club, I know there is one in Knoxville, I'm a fan of finding the right club and joining as I know the information I've been able to get from my jeep has proved priceless, as well as making some truly great friends!

H. L. Chauvin said:
Best advice is, regardless of who advises what, just pick the one you think that will work best for "You", "Your" situation, and best for "Your" Model A.

Good luck with everything!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. I have a tendency to read multiple advice threads and see what I can find that will work with my skill level and knowledge. I try not to go off on a project half-cocked.
 
The car is still in a garage in Chattanooga. Once I can get it to Knoxville or get the VIN I'll be sure to check it. I'm guessing there is a difference between the assembly plants?
 
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