Another Model A lost

[MAG]

I went to Bastrop to look at this Model A on Sept. 1 thinking I might buy it. I went back today to check on it after the fire. The present owner is the second owner. Never repainted, never restored. New tires. 39 transmission. The glob of stuff in picture 10 is the remains of the aluminum transmission adapter.

 

[John Duden]

I think i just got sick!!!

 

[700rpm]

"1929 Model A Tudor for sale. Second owner. Most of the original parts are still there. Sheet metal has been stripped and is ready for paint prep. Needs the usual upholstery, top, wood, and tires. Was running when parked. You will want to put safety glass in it. Perfect for the dedicated restorer. Best offer or will trade for running Model A. Call Fireman Dave at 901-555-5555."

 

[bgarrett]

whats the price?

 

[Modelakid31]

i got sick too!

 

[Roadster62]

That gas tank should be saved, I'd buy it as a conversation piece.

 

[700rpm]

Did the carb just blow away completely? And I wonder how the pot metal in the ignition switch fared. It looks like it might have been an original popout.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Wow what a shame----

See how that gas tank swelled up?? I don't know how the car could ever be right after going thru that kind of heat. I would think the steel would be too fatiqued to be any good.

Brent?? What say you have you ever seen a car damaged like this, that could be restored? I don't see it.

Yes & No. I have seen similar situations on burned vehicles except for the gas tank. That one is kinda interesting the way it swelled up. I have seen other cars where the wheel spokes stretched or springs bent due to the intense heat. Definitely a hot fire! No that there is anything salvageable other than maybe the title.

Hopefully the vehicle was adequately insured, and if so all will likely be well for the 2nd owner in that it appears they were not too emotionally attached to the vehicle if it was already for sale. It is sad to lose a vehicle in a stressful circumstance like this but since no apparent loss of a human life resulted, that is the main thing.

 

[James Rogers]

Did the carb just blow away completely? And I wonder how the pot metal in the ignition switch fared. It looks like it might have been an original popout.

I have found engines that have been in fires like this and all the pot metal and aluminum will just melt like chocolate in your mouth. If you pull the head from this motor, the rings will be in the same position that they were when the pistons melted and fell to the pan. The first one I took apart that had been through a fire like this, I thought, why would anyone put the rings back in the block and then bolt the head back on, and how did they get them so evenly spaced. The block and head might be saved but, little else.

 

[pooch]

I would like to see a pic of the bottom of the gas tank, and the front structure around the dash.

It blew up and deformed the gas cap as it popped the gas cap off, and it looks like the tank itself did not fracture.

 

[1931 flamingo]

How sad.
Paul in CT

 

[eystein]

What a shame !

It is surreal to see how the front spring collapsed like a wet rag.

 

[reece]

I saw a '28 roadster come out of a barn fire with the exact same results to the tank. It looked like somebody blew it up like a balloon until the cap popped off. I hope I never see another like it.

 

[MAG]

reece, the tank was full of gas and the pressure, like you say, blew the cap off. I'm sure gasoline was sprayed all over the area. The weight of the engine, with the heat, collapsed the front spring and bent the axle down, bowing out the spindles.

 

[Jason in TX]

Eh... It'll buff out.

Seriously, that gas tank is neat. Wow! Pretty sickening for sure!

 

[Reds34]

Wow, that is sad.

Red

 

[Franchise_24]

How did the fire start?

 

[dumb person]

If you were really stubborn and persistent you could make a car from it

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

If you were really stubborn and persistent you could make a car from it

Ok, ...giving you the benefit of the doubt with your statement, exactly what would be the plan? Which part would you start with and then explain the process please?? Which item next???

.

 

[MrTube]

Brent : I bet the exhaust and intake manifolds are usable other than that I'm at a loss. And Maybe the goose neck.