Another "what's it worth" question

S

Steve_KS

Member
Hello,

I found a '29 roadster a few hours from me that I have some interest in. I got the seller to send me some additional pictures but they didn't send any motor or undercarriage pics that I requested. I'm told "it's all original" except for an alternator, everything works "as it should", and it drives well.

The only way I'll get meaningful answers is to make the trip to see it I think.

My question is this:
If I find no red flags, the condition under the hood and underneath is about the same as topside. And it drives ok what is a reasonable value? They are asking $10K

I like that the car isn't a trailer queen because I can afford it, and I wont be scared to drive it on the gravel around here.

I'm working on a checklist of things too look for if I go.
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Thanks
 

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$10,000 is about 'right' for my neck of the woods - IF it starts, runs and stops good. A close up, first hand inspection will tell whether it is worth it or not - fibreglass fenders, engine 'noises', etc.
 
Steve_KS said:
Hello,

I found a '29 roadster a few hours from me that I have some interest in. I got the seller to send me some additional pictures but they didn't send any motor or undercarriage pics that I requested. I'm told "it's all original" except for an alternator, everything works "as it should", and it drives well.

The only way I'll get meaningful answers is to make the trip to see it I think.

My question is this:
If I find no red flags, the condition under the hood and underneath is about the same as topside. And it drives ok what is a reasonable value? They are asking $10K yay

I like that the car isn't a trailer queen because I can afford it, and I wont be scared to drive it on the gravel around here.

I'm working on a checklist of things too look for if I go.
Pics Attached
Thanks
Click to expand...

dont worry about the trailer queen bit as very few people want them. You want one that you can drive and enjoy not one where you say look at the picture of what I have in the box, you are right the only way to get an accurate price is go and start if and drive it. Take along a knowledgable A guy. Most of today's mechanics know nothing about a Model A.
 
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Take a good look at the body/frame. To me it looks like the radiator is tilted. Check the hood alignment which can tell you theres frame sag or not (likely there is) Also note the rubber bungee strap going from the top irons across the passenger door which my guess is to hold the door closed...(hence body/door is misaligned)

I see flaking paint between rumble lid and back window so the paint might be a bad repaint from years ago.. so check that too. Thats an expensive headache to deal with.

I wouldn't say its too out of line if it runs and drives and stops reasonably well but be prepared to haggle. Looks like an old restoration and definitely brings some character with it! Would be a good driver.
 
As Doug said-price seems fair.

If you dont buy this one, remember that you most likely will have to pay shipping if going out further. At least you can see what you have in this one. If it has fiberglass fenders, not the end of the world, but maybe a little off, etc.
Nobody can judge your money better then you.
Not many roadsters at 10k................
 
I appears the front fenders are metal and probably just good 29 front fenders. Can't see the rears but bet it is sheet metal. Notice the paneling in the rumble area. So lots of little things you can work on. I agree it would be fun to drive as you won't have to watch a few scratches from use. On the other hand if you did a complete restoration on this car and if done to some OEM standards it would be a 20-25K car. Always fun to take on of these older restorations and upgrade it as you have fun with it.
I am in the original parts hobby and have tons of original parts if you buy this and want to upgrade with Ford original parts.
Good luck. I think you would go a long way to find a better Open car for that kind of money IF it drives out OK, no shimmy or wandering. Good mechanicals all around and you bought a bargain.
Make sure if this is someone getting out of the hobby they should have lots of extra parts and that is always handy even if you had to give full price or even a little more depending upon what they have in additionals parts for the car.
Best of Luck!
Dan Bixby 816-213-8437 mbixbys@msn.com
 
Take some tools when you look at it! Stethoscope, mirror, flash light, etc! Look under,around,in, and above. If it tells you to buy it, buy it! I would not ever give asking price that's me :-( engine overhaul, body work& paint, tires $$$$
 
When you go to take a look at it bring along a bucket, rag and some car wash soap.
If it turns out to be a car your interested in ask if you can wash it.
Nothing gives one a better more detailed look at at a car all over than taking the time to wash one.
If after your done you still like it make an offer. If not the owner has a clean car.
Everyone is a winner.
 
1crosscut said:
When you go to take a look at it bring along a bucket, rag and some car wash soap.
If it turns out to be a car your interested in ask if you can wash it.
Nothing gives one a better more detailed look at at a car all over than taking the time to wash one.
If after your done you still like it make an offer. If not the owner has a clean car.
Everyone is a winner.
Click to expand...

hah never thought of that but I like it.

Also like any used car check fluid colors/levels. Bring a mirror and flashlight to shine down in the gas tank and up under the gas tank checking for signs of a leak or shoddy repair.

FYI old carpet scrap is MUCH easier on the back and head to roll around on underneath of you have to do it outside.
 
"Looks" about right from the pictures as far as price goes. Check out the MAFCA/MARC sites to see if there is a club near you. I am sure someone would love to go and help out as a non partial 3rd party.

Mike
 
Thanks for all the tips guys. I noticed some of the stuff like the bungee chord but not other things so that's great advice. I'll be sure to add that stuff all to my list.
 
Out of curiosity what's a rough ballpark value for a pretty solid roadster? i.e. everything is there working in good shape, nice paint but has been driven. I've looked at several tudors and have a grasp on them but roadsters are pretty rare around here.

I see them online for $20-$30K but it's hard to tell their condition (driver vs trailer queen vs points car) and if that's an actual price or just folks that say $25K and leave it listed forever hoping for a bite.
 
your 10k price is a good bottom of thereabouts

the other side is 20k (nicer condition, deluxe, 30-31's tend to bring more)

national show winner can be at least double that.

all depends if its a 1,2 or 3. I am assuming a good driving car.
 
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