Ford Barn Orphan?

[CHuDWah]

AFAIK, there is no "National Register of Historic Vehicles" - maybe there should be, but there isn't. At least until there is, owners are free to do what they please with their cars - fine-point restore them, bolt on HC heads and alternators, chop them, channel them, stuff in hemis, whatever. As long as the cars are safe, no one has the right to tell them they can't do it. I may have to bite my tongue if somebody is cutting up, say, a Town Car Delivery but I do try to keep my opinion to myself unless asked for it.

Ironically, while purists dis a modified car, most rodders appreciate a restored one - they may think it would be better with a honkin' V8 but they respect the time, effort and money the restorer put into it. The intent of modifying a car is to improve it - it may not work out that way but that's the idea. Purists criticize that as "not the way Henry did it" - yet he was the original Model A hot-rodder. He was constantly tinkering with the design in an effort to improve it.

As for whether a modification belongs on the Barn or the HAMB, post it on one or both - you'll soon have plenty of opinions as to whether it's appropriate!

 

[socalplanedoc]

"Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves."

Seems like the 8th, 9th and 10th steps also are applicable to this thread.

OH! I get it.. a reference to the classic 12-step programs???

Having never been through one I didnt recognize the reference... the only addiction I have is to aviation and for that I'll never get past the first step

 

[socalplanedoc]

Ironically, while purists dis a modified car, most rodders appreciate a restored one - they may think it would be better with a honkin' V8 but they respect the time, effort and money the restorer put into it. The intent of modifying a car is to improve it - it may not work out that way but that's the idea. Purists criticize that as "not the way Henry did it" - yet he was the original Model A hot-rodder. He was constantly tinkering with the design in an effort to improve it.

I totally agree. I have great respect and admiration anytime I see someone put hours of work and dedication into something they enjoy..

 

[Terry NJ]

I'm a Purist who falls off the wagon now and then. I aim high, but my pocketbook says "NO" loud and clear now and then. Take Hyd. Brakes! Both of my cars came with them and as someone said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" I'm wringing my hands over the three holes I drilled into the frame of my T.S., two 5/8 for the tops of the tube shocks and one 3/16 for a brake line retainer. My coupe already had holes for the shocks. It took a lot of soul searching! The engine mods are, Drilled out manifold, HC head, bored out 060, insert bearings etc. Also, Sealed beams on the coupe, a second taillight and blinkers and eventually a stoneguard on each car. Beyond that, it's alll original or a replacement thereof.
Terry

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

The modifications that annoy me are those that are done due to ignorance and incompetence with original tech, not those done to suit owner tastes. The people who use "modern" plate or electronic ignition "so it will be driveable", that sort of thing. Putting on said parts for an intelligent reason (or hypothesis) seems entirely different to me.

 

[CHuDWah]

The modifications that annoy me are those that are done due to ignorance and incompetence with original tech, not those done to suit owner tastes.

Absolutely - and in a broader sense, that applies to restorers as well as rodders. In a way, restoring, or even maintaining, a car is a modification in that it is a change from original - hopefully for the better. If one doesn't have the knowledge, time, tools, cash, whatever to rod or restore a car, they're better off leaving it to someone who does.

 

[hotrodalley]

Thanks for the opinions ! The Model A is a great car, and easy to make just a little bit better. Glad to know I'm not alone on this form, and I promise to keep to my modification "rules" so my cars can always be returned to their original state.

I have found that one side benefit of being in this "orphan" state, is that I find that my modified drivers attract many more young people than my original cars. Perhaps there is something here that will bring youth into the hobby.

thanks again for the input