New 29 Coupe

brackenan

brackenan

Junior Member
Hello everyone!

Just wanted to introduce myself, as well as my 1929 Model A Standard Coupe that I have named Henry (NOT because of Henry Ford :)). This car originally belonged to my Uncle David, who used to restore Model As in the 70s and 80s. He passed away 3 years ago, and my cousin had no interest in the car, so he gave it to my older brother a year ago not knowing I've always wanted an A.

A joke message to my brother "backfired" into my acquiring the car this fall! :rolleyes:

I believe the car was restored over 40yrs ago, but has been sitting under a carport for about 20 of those years, and is now showing its age due to the elements. It runs and drives fairly well, but it has the dreaded 7-tooth steering box, and I believe the engine needs a rebuild.

My plan is to restore it just well enough to be a good driver during the summer, yet keep it looking as original as possible for shows. Many questions will be asked as the project unfolds, and I will appreciate your input!

Thanks for letting me join, and look forward to getting to know more people in the Model A community!
 

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brackenan said:
Hello everyone!

Just wanted to introduce myself, as well as my 1929 Model A Standard Coupe that I have named Henry
Click to expand...

Not everything about a Model A can be 'seen'! Some things about a Model A just have to be 'felt'! For those who can feel that 'some thing'... all it takes is one look. Condition of no importance!

Thanks for sharing pix of your A; nice!
 
Parts are still available for worn 7-tooth steering gears. They work OK and are original.

The Standard coupes are pretty solid cars. They weren't in production as long as the Special coupes but are a bit easier to restore. Looks like a good one to start with. Welcome to the barn.
 
Why the dislike of the 7 tooth steering gear? A 2 tooth might have a few more adjustments but, steering effort is about the same. I going to rebuild my 7 tooth in the next month or so.
 
Just a quick note. Looking at the engine. Check your two blade fan. It could be orginal.

If it breaks, and they do. You will not be a happy camper or worse!

I like the car. Good luck with it.

Enjoy
 
WHN said:
Just a quick note. Looking at the engine. Check your two blade fan. It could be original.

If it breaks, and they do. You will not be a happy camper or worse!

I like the car. Good luck with it.

Enjoy
Click to expand...

Welcome to the Barn. And yes, it is strongly recommended to replace the original 2 blade fan before a potential catastrophic failure! In case you're not aware, the modern replacement 2 blade fans are cast aluminum and will outlast you and your car! :)
 
I would run a compression test on the engine to see how the internals are, and if you have a borescope put it into the cylinders to see the condition via the spark plug hole. Congrads on your new 'Ride'
 
Why do you think the engine needs to be rebuilt?

I have had really good results with engines that have sat for up to 40 years.

Get the old oil out, put in some 20W-50 high detergent oil, 4 quarts. For the last half guart, use STP blue bottle. Add Marvel Mystery Oil to the gas. Give this a chance to work.

Drive car around, give the fluids a chance to work.

There is a long list of other things that have to be done to recommission a long sitting car. This is what I would do only knowing very little about it’s history.

Don’t try to fix something that might not be broken.
 
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Safety first. My list:

  • Replace fan with aluminum version. Look on ebay or craigslist if you cannot find one at the vendors.
  • Make sure the brakes work well.
  • If the tires are cracked and/or stiff, replace them.
  • Check lights and horn.
  • Add turn indicators and starboard outside rear view mirror.
  • Check front end parts for wear and repair as needed.
Grease the car.
 
WHN said:
Why do you think the engine needs to be rebuilt?

<snip>


Don’t try to fix something that might not be broken.
Click to expand...

I agree! "runs and drives pretty good"... is, imo... better than a workbench full of parts that don't run or drive pretty good... and may... soon/someday! especially as a casual restoration project!

if any such thing actually exists! lol. so be careful of... a restoration/repair truth: remove one bolt and many will follow! :D

don't ask me how i know ~
 
Welcome to the Barn! One more thing to check when you get a chance is the wood in the roof. If you give the car a wash-by hand of course-and you get water running down the inside of the windshield the roof/header has issues. But if you are only driving in the summer and are careful about baths you will be fine. Just carry some paper towel rolls with you;)

Check the other window gaskets as well as things tend to dry out over time.


Mike
 
Congratulations on getting the car and welcome to the Barn! You have a good looking car and has been suggested above, don't overthink things, start with the basics, drive it a little and see what happens. The car I inherited from my father had sat for over 15 years. Since it was his prize possession, I had it up and running a week later and drove to the funeral. Good luck and ask all the questions you want!
 
Hello, nice car , every time I see a 29 coupe I think of the Waltons. I had one of the original 2 blades come apart, an experience you don’t want. On the new repro fan check clearance between the inner pulley to water pump housing, being a casting rather than a stamping, it is thicker at inner pulley area, and may rub , cure for this is grinding a small amount off of water pump casting. Good luck!
 
Thanks to all for the kind words and suggestions!!!

I've decided to try and track down the engine issues one step at a time. It has the Tillotson carb, which of course leaks, so I may opt for getting and rebuilding a standard Zenith. It came with some new parts, such as valves, valve guides, distributor cap and rotors, which is part of what led me to believe the engine needed work. According to the speedo, it has 39,000 miles on it, but knowing it's been worked on, I don't believe that's true for the engine. But who knows! I will also adjust timing and check fuel tank. It is currently misfiring on one of the cylinders most of the time, especially at idle (which needs adjusting as well). It's definitely been worked on by several different people over the years.

Already on board with replacing the fan when they become available again. I might go for the 3-blade or plastic one in the meantime. I've seen what can happen from recent posts on facebook.

It also came with some Model A specific tools, including 2 original valve spring tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, and even an original jack. Also in the mix were a couple of owners manuals.

The inside is absolutely gutted, only the seat back still has upholstery (and full rumble seat!), and there is no headliner or panels. I know the interior is gonna be a costly repair! Thankfully, the roof is in good shape, as well as the wood. Perhaps there's a way to "refresh" the existing wood and maybe I'll put some varnish on it to keep it in good shape. I'll find out more when I go to wash the car! :rolleyes:

I'm not new to working on cars, thankfully, but knowing small details about these cars will be very helpful.

And based on what some of you have been saying, I think I'll just rebuild the 7-tooth steering box. Watching numerous videos on youtube had me believing the 2-tooth was far superior and the 7-tooth was junk. There's an 1/8 of a turn of play in the steering wheel, and the car wanders on the road a bit more than I'd like.

Anyways, thanks again for all the positivity! I always worry about joining forums or groups due to drama, so far this seems like a good fit. Hope you all are doing well!
 
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