Don't do this with your Model A/AA restoration...

3

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Senior Member
Do you have a "Don't do this with your Model A/AA restoration" story to share with us all?

There are many newcomers and neophytes coming into the hobby that with some will do something and regreat it later.

What have you done or heard about that you sure do not want others to experience?

Pluck
 
This has NOT happened to me at my young age but I see people wanting these cars and they buy the first one they see and sometimes pay stupid amount of money for them. It's best to do your research or take someone with you that know about these cars to get a good value on it. Also when restoring a vehicle... know your limits and don't bit off more than you can chew.. have solid networking skill and getting in touch with people who can help is the best thing you can do. At my age, and restoring 2 Model A's I have managed to develop good relationships with people who have the knowledge and skills to help show me when i'm not sure what to do next.
 
Don't get carried away with disassembling your new project. Have a game plan, have adequate space to work in, Label EVERYTHING; zip lock bags and a fatty marker work great for this. I know of several projects that were spread all over the garage, and the clueless new owners quickly became overwhelmed and sold or just let the stuff sit for years, never to be finished. One componant at a time has worked well for me. It will go faster than you think.
 
Take what you think is way too many photos of it before you do work and as you do work,cus you'll love looking at them for info as it's going back together and also shows off what ya did too.:cool:
 
Don't forget to "bag and tag" all the parts you remove. They get lost or you forget where they go back on!
 
If your goal is to have a "Restored" Model A buy the best one you can find, one with every part in restorable condition.
 
Roadster62 hit it on the head! Join a Model A club, let the members know you are looking for a good car / truck and buy the best you can afford from a member. I know had I joined "Canada Capital A's" and spoke to the members, I would never had bought the car I initially did.
 
Don't unbolt the cab from the frame and let it slip off to the side........JEEPERS THAT WAS CLOSE!!!!!!!:eek:
 
Never ever take your Model A or any part of it to a commercial shop that does not speak Model A. They don't have the knowledge or experience to do a correct job. They will also likely charge you way too much. Through a club you will learn where the cottage industries are that specialize in the various aspects of the car.

Tom Endy
 
Don't throw away any original parts. Rebuild them or restore them if you can. If you can't, keep them for reference or for pieces for repairs. Don't sell any extra parts you think you don't need any more, because you're sure to need them for your next car. If you find a NOS anything at a reasonable price, buy it and use it on your restoration rather than a repro part.
 
Most of the guys and gals on this forum know what they are talking about so listen to them before you buy. I got a lot of great advice before I bought my 29 Sport Coupe and because of the advice I recieved here I knew what to look for and I was able to get a lower price on the one I blought because I was able to show the seller a few thing that were not right and so he lowered the price and saved me a few thousand dollars. I also got the seller to fix a few things and throw in some extras all because of advice I recieved here. Do a lot of research and don't buy until you are happy with both the price and quality of what you are buying. There are plenty of A's out there so don't be in a hurry to buy the first one you see.
 
RonC, thanks for that neat video! But is sure was hard to watch! (I'm a roadster owner). Great demonstration of what "LUGGING" is!

And those era ads were real swell!
 
Don't get your original fan powder-coated. Because the fan flexes so much when running that the brittle coating gets cracks all over and starts throwing chips.

On second thought don't even think of using an original fan. Too dangerous and prone to fatigue failure with major personal injury or damage to your car. (reference many previous discussions here).
 
One thing you can depend on, unless your going to do all the work yourself, you can buy a restored A cheaper than restoring one yourself. Also, make up your mind before you ever go look at anything "am I looking for a car to sit pretty on a trailer or one to drive" I would love to have a "trailer queen" myself but not as my only A.
 
Don't blow your budget on just one Model A. You will soon find another one you just
can't live without!
 
If you get a coupe or roadster with an original trunk - think hard and fast before deciding to convert it to a rumble seat. I did it back in the 60's to my coupe when it was the "fad" thing to do and I regret it now. Very few people ever ride in the rumble and most dodn't like it when they do. A trunk is much more useful and practical nowadays and I wishedI'd kept mine original - the way Henry made it. I did also install a roll down rear window which I do like a lot for ventilation.
 
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