Looking for my next project.

D

Doctor Ratz

New member
I don't know much about model A progression. Are there better years to restore ? Things like parts availability and value when completed would be important to this project.
 
If you are building a fine point car, very early AR parts are hard to come, by as are late '31 changes. Later model A's have less wood in their bodies. 30/31 have several improvements of the 28/29 models.

Good luck. I'm jealous as I failed on a '28 AR phaeton.
 
The 28/29 cars are more antique looking than the 30/31 cars. It depends on what your tastes are. One friend of mine who restores cars says that the 28/29 cars are more expensive to restore because of the cost of parts and refurbishing.

Body style has more effect on cost of buying a car than the year. This is also a matter of taste. When I was young I liked my roadster but now that I am an old man I like my Fordor sedan.

If you like working on cars and take pride in your work, then buy a complete car that needs restoration. If you would rather not do a lot of work and are more concerned about time and money, then buy a car that has had most of the work done.
 
Last edited:
31’s seem more marketable, generally. Rarities are the better investment; but that’s a whole different subject! Don’t know your skill set but coupe, Tudor, roadster are mostly steel so avoiding major woodwork.
You’ll find parts, materials and outside services very expensive. Upholstery kits way far out but available…
 
If you want a Fordor, I would suggest a '31 Slant Window. It has almost no wood compared to other bodies.
 
I know where there is a pretty nice 30-31 Coupe that has been stored inside for over 30 years. Sheet Metal is in decent shape and most importantly all of the pieces are there. It is located in Maryland.
 
If youre concerned with resale, then as Oldblue states 30-31.


Part of that is the point of rodders generally preferring those yrs.


If youre looking at a buy in point- 28-29s will be a bit cheaper.........so there you have it. I suggest buying the yr and body style you like. Plenty out there.
dont be fixated on price only.
 
1930-31 open cars have more leg room compared to 1928-29 open cars. It might not be much, maybe an inch or two, but it sure makes a difference!:)


Bob-A:D
 
Bob-A said:
1930-31 open cars have more leg room compared to 1928-29 open cars. It might not be much, maybe an inch or two, but it sure makes a difference!:)


Bob-A:D
Click to expand...

I would say most 1930-31 cars, closed or open, have more room than the 1928-29, except most of the Fordors, which are the basically same for all years.
 
I have a 31 roadster, but if I was looking for another Model A would be a 1931 slant windshield sedan. Like the styling and as mentioned less wood in body compared to 28-29 or 1930. If you are wanting to restore one probably
have more in it than it’s worth. On EBay they ask around $20000 for older restoration still in good condition.
 
Don't want to be a downer, but I think gdmn852 made a point that is reflected on this forum elsewhere: even if you discount your own labor as having worth, for most of us it is very difficult to "restore" a Model A and make any appreciable money from it, unless you have way more resources personally than most of us have. Buy a prospect for say $10K, put $6K into the engine, $8-10K into body and paint, $1K into tires and $3.5K into an interior kit, you still have a $20-25K car.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top