Need advise buying a 1930 model A coupe

B

Blastfromthepast

Senior Member
I have an opportunity to buy a 1930 Mode A for $5000.00
It needs paint, interior, the usual rust and rot but not bad.
Original runs and drives. The question, is it worth it.
I don’t see these cars going for much money.
Nice cars I notice are selling very reasonable.
Can I buy one for less money or is this something I should get involved with.
 
Hard to say with out pictures. The cost to restore one is way higher than buying one already done. Depends on how far($) you want to take it.
 
The amount of money you have to put into it depends on several things but mostly, do you want to show it or drive it? There is plenty of advice here on either and everything in between.
 
Before you go any further please post pictures. Your question is impossible to answer without pictures.
 
Square #1 - Ensure the engine block number or any state provided numbers on the firewall or elsewhere agree with the title. If not - shields up ! If numbers do not agree or there is no title be sure you know what the state rules are before making the purchase. Another caution with barn finds or rough rides is the cost just to make them running and presentable. More often the final cost will exceed the cost of an available driver. Be prepared to fight the fever and walk if necessary. Good Luck.
 
It is difficult to give you an answer without more information and pictures.
That said the price sounds high with it having rust, rot and a bad interior.
Very respectable drivers can be had for around $7000.00
 
Buying a horse is the cheapest part of owning a horse. :) Same with unrestored Model A’s. After that? — "Katy bar the door!"
 
Living in NY, that is a very fair price. a rodder will give that for the body and resell the chassis for 2500.
 
this just listed on the HAMB with title for 4500. something to compare with.



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Very respectable drivers can be had for around $7000.00



not so much in NY.......... though Im sure in Nebraska
 
Depends on what you want.
Do you have the skills and enjoy the process of restoration?
If not, rust repair, paint and interior are NOT inexpesive.

"runs and drives" covers a wide range of conditions-
Might be good to go, or it might need another $5-7000 for engine, brakes, cooling system, steering, tires &c &c.

photos WOULD make this a much easier question to answer.....
 
I just finished a 1930 tudor. The previous owner had supposedly rebuilt the running gear and had bought all of the patch panels that needed replacing. I didn't need to spend any money until I was ready for paint. Doing all the work myself and I still put $9,000 in it. That may give you an idea of what it will take.
 
Very little model A knowledge but I have restored a few cars. Lots of good advice, depends on your end game. If you like to tinker and want to spend the next couple of years in the shop working on a car, them make sure all of the eyes are dotted and tees are crossed and negotiate a deal. If you think you are getting into the Model A world on the low end and can start enjoying your car right away, then hold out for one in better condition.

I have been following Model A prices for at least the last 4 or 5 years, usually look through hemmings twice a week just as a basis. I do agree with you that projects for 5k are hard to find, at least where I look. I always see posts where guys say that 'there are plenty out there for that amount' but I dont see them. Although I have seen nice older restorations in the 12k-15k range, most complete money pit projects are 8k-10k. The cost of a car needing a lot of work to a car needing minor maintennance is not that far apart surprisingly
 
I would consider a "driver" as a car I would not be concerned about jumping in and making a 100 mile trip with. Anything less would only be good for running around the neighborhood with lots of tools. Consider the cost of tires, tubes, paint, new radiator core, steering gear rebuilt and so on.
 
My 2 cents are like the people above. If you want a project and would rather put the money into the car over a few years get it. I would offer $2500 (Tell him it needs everything) as a low shot and you should get it someplace in the middle. In the end if you do the work the car will be exactly what you want and you will have the pride of bringing a Model A back from the dead. I myself did restore a 50 Studebaker in the past and the time it took was just to much as my job keep me on the road. When I picked up my Model A this month I spent the money for the nicest driver I could afford and even after that the car still need a little TLC and money to sort a few things out. Keep us posted on your decision.
Ron
 
Don’t jump at a deal, be cautious. There is a lot of vehicles out there for sale at reasonable and cheap prices. Buy one that somebody already invested blood, sweat, tears and lots of money. It sounds like your potential project will require all four. Good luck !
P.s. you never did post a photograph !!
 
I’ll try to get some phots soon. When I do I will post them
Thanks for the advise. I see these cars all restored going for 12,000 to 15,000.
Why would anybody buy a car for $5,000 and take years to restore it.
It’s not going to be cheaper and it’s sitting while you work on it.
Unless someone wants that body to resto rod it. Then I can see the reasoning in it.
 
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As a data point, my car was a frame off very nice driver but not show car restoration. That means a 8.5/10 paint job, repro running boards and some hardware, but kept everything else original as the car was tired and not pretty but sound and complete. I paid for the engine overhaul, painting and rebuilding the running gear with me doing 1/2 the work, body work ( a few patch panels on doors and new running boards) professionally rechromed and nickeled and polished everything, and body paint. I did the assembly, roof, interior (Le Baron Bonney), wiring, glass, steering rebuild. The paint was done in a low overhead shop on a when we're not busy basis.

I did this 20 years ago and with that much work in it plus parts I have about $23,000 not counting the acquisition of the car in the car without checking.

I'd think it would cost half again as much today.
 
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That’s what I’m saying.
I’m building a 1936 club cabriolet.
I started a body off restoration And it’s just snowballing from there.
I put so much money and time into it that I’ll never recover the money back from it.
I should have just bought a done up car and I would have been enjoying it.
When you put more money into a project and spend more then it’s worth
It becomes a superadequacy. It becomes an over improvement.
 
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