Engine numbers don’t match

Re: Engine numbers don’t match

We don't use pinks here.


that is what a Cali title is called. pinks.............


and yes, TX does accept Cali paperwork. Heck, TX has taken plenty of regs from me too- non titles.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Run away from that car !! Its a $7500 car at best. Too much is questionable, most of all the title issue. If I was going to buy another Model A, I would look for a car that has been owned for a long time by a owner that can tell you all about his car as he worked on it over the years, not a dealer that just flips cars. I would find a car offered by an owner who is "timing out" of the hobby as we all will someday.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Bob C, yes, that’s the car! I talked to the salesman, he said he was selling it for a family. I haven’t seen the title, but here in Indiana, when you buy a car from out of state, the police have to inspect it. If they can’t match the Vin numbers on the title to somewhere on the car, we’ll, you have a problem!
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Brkile said:
Run away from that car !! Its a $7500 car at best. Too much is questionable, most of all the title issue. If I was going to buy another Model A, I would look for a car that has been owned for a long time by a owner that can tell you all about his car as he worked on it over the years, not a dealer that just flips cars. I would find a car offered by an owner who is "timing out" of the hobby as we all will someday.
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This is really good advice!

Haze Gray and underway. Enjoy.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

I wonder what makes them think it is a '31? It has a '30 dash and a '30 radiator shell. Maybe that was the only title they could find when they bought one on EBAY?

Charlie Stephens
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Charlie Stephens said:
I wonder what makes them think it is a '31? It has a '30 dash and a '30 radiator shell. Maybe that was the only title they could find when they bought one on EBAY?

Charlie Stephens
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Has split '30 only splash aprons as well. Run Forest, run.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

I'm not talking about this particular car, but...

If I were to buy a model A with a mismatched engine number, and I was sure it wasn't stolen, I'd just grind off the block number and re-strike the numbers to match the current title (if it were to be inspected). After so many years, many cars have had engine changes, both from dismantled cars and black diamond short blocks, so there's that. Often the Ford replacement engine dealers would stamp the blank engine with the original numbers (as in the case of my model A). Most title checks would not likely be discriminating enough to note whether or not the numbers used were done with original Ford stamps, IMO. Also, I've found that using AAA for DMV transfers can reduce the pain here in CA.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Back in the day Model A's changed engines like my cousin changed shorts...every few years
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Wow. $19,000? I live about 25 miles from that dealer and I have a 1930 Tudor with new inserted motor, new tires and new upholstery and no rust that I would be very happy to get $5000 less than that guy is asking. You can tell from his ad that he is a car dealer and not a knowledgeable Model A Guy. There aren't many in the photo of his inventory for sure.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Back in the day Model A's changed engines like my cousin changed shorts...every few years



is your cousins name "joe"?
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

ronn said:
Back in the day Model A's changed engines like my cousin changed shorts...every few years



is your cousins name "joe"?
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Why yes...yes it is...he also answers to Brannon for some strange reason
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

I personally would would take a pass. If it is a 'mix and match' situation I think that it is worth considerably less than 19M. Don't be in a hurry and buy the first one you see. There are a lot of coupes out there. Purchase a matching number vehicle. In the end, you will be glad that you did.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Why yes...yes it is...he also answers to Brannon for some strange reason





:)
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Price is high for a driver and the DMV tag vin's are a deal breaker to me. So sad someone did this as it could have been avoided.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

ronn said:
Back in the day Model A's changed engines like my cousin changed shorts...every few years



is your cousins name "joe"?
Click to expand...

You do need to change the engine when it squirts oil all over the place. Best thing to do is get that nasty thing replaced.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

I think this is a good case study, because the dealer has helpfully provided a lot of pictures of the car. Let's go through and note what we can see just from these pictures.

  • Not a '31 grill ('30)
  • Not '31 splash aprons (early '30)
  • Single-color repaint
  • Horn non-standard
  • Center bumper clamp missing
  • Thick cast repro rear bumper clamps
  • Front bumper light doesn't seem to be wired to anything
  • Square step plates (used only '28)
  • Roadster top rests installed (commonly repurposed as rumble hand grips)
  • Tail lights don't match each other (amber/red brake)
  • No lock slider visible on either door interior (orig. on driver's door)
  • 30A repro ammeter
  • Not '31 instrument panel (early '30)
  • Some quibbles in the engine compartment, e.g., coil wire too long
  • Bent spark control rod will make it difficult to fine-tune spark advance
  • Rumble seat floor panel badly rusted from the underside
  • Big patch under driver's side front fender
  • Shocks disconnected
  • Muffler seems to have been welded to replacement tailpipe
  • Weird buildup on rear backing plates
  • Springs installed on driver's side brake rods

Would love to hear what others observe. This is good practice if you're in the market for a car.
 
Re: Engine numbers don’t match

Model A Ron said:
Price is high for a driver and the DMV tag vin's are a deal breaker to me. So sad someone did this as it could have been avoided.
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Not sure from the Ebay photo but the VIN tag appears to be one purchased off the internet NOT an official state DMV assigned VIN tag.
 
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