Newbie needing help.

J

jdp8402

Member
Hi all. I just came across the fordbarn website and I was wondering if I could get some help. I browse Craigslist a lot looking for a good deal. Today I came across this http://lincoln.craigslist.org/cto/5190622320.html . I was wondering what you guys think? I don't know much about old cars. I'm more of an old tractor guy, but I think that old Ford cars are pretty awesome looking. I've been searching the internet to find if that's a reasonable price or not. It's located about three hours away form me and I don't want to make the trip if it isn't worth it. If it is what are some things that a person should look for when inspecting it? What are things that might change a persons mind about purchasing the car? I hope I get some helpful feedback and that I might be asking a lot more questions in the future about restoration.

Thanks,
Jeff
 
Welcome Jeff,

First of all why do you want a Model A? Is it for parades, touring, toting the family around, groceries? I would suggest passing on this until you can answer these questions and you have talked with some local knowledgeable club members. Also get Les Andrews books and the judging standards so you decide on a bod style you will know what is period correct and what is a farmer/ half *** fix.

The car itself looks really nice but that could hide a lack of brakes, bad wood, bad babbitt bearings, noisy rear end or ******. Many of these you will just have to go and see for yourself. Where are you located maybe there is a barner nearby.

Since you work on old tractors you probably have the tools and skill set to work on these cars. Remember these cars are addicting, you start with one and then there are the spare parts and then probably a second car etc. etc

Just my two cents,

Mike
 
Unfortunately, it's tough to analyze this car with such low quality pictures. However the price is right if the body is somewhat presentable and the mechanics are all in good working order.

Don't let cosmetics fool you! Always pay as much attention as you can on the mechanical aspect of things. Have him start the engine and listen for any strange noises and see if it runs smoothly. Then request to take it for a ride. During the ride, test the brakes and pay close attention to the front axle, making sure it doesn't have a shimmy.

Either before or after the ride inspect the tires and the gas tank. Check to see if the tires have a reasonable amount of thread left and aren't overly weather cracked. For the gas tank, take off the gas cap and shine a flash light down inside. Make sure there isn't a whole lot of rust inside. Once you've checked inside the tank go inside the car and look underneath the tank, specifically where the steering column support. If there is any leaks what so ever, be prepared to spend a lot of money on gas tank repairs or to walk away.

This post covers only a few things that needs to be deeply considered when looking to purchase a Model A. Others will chime in with more things to look out for.
 
Take the trip! Look it over in person. How does it sound? How does it stop? etc.

Look up on the national club websites and see if there is a club near by and try to arrange for someone to meet you there to help in the assessment.

At first glance it seems to be a fair price but it is next to impossible to judge by those photos. I feel it's worth the trip at least.
 
I agree, take a trip and check it out... The car I ended up with had nice photos but those taken of the inside made the that part look very bad (poor lighting)... Upon seeing the car it, was is 10 times in better shape than the photos (a frame off restoration) and the inside was new (total replacement...) So check that car out, you'll learn something regardless if you buy this car or not.

Good luck,
 
Ditto to all written above. Especially clubs and club websites. If you can find a mechanic, 'back yard' or professional, a club member or Model A owner, who you can question about what to look for, you will be well served. Also, on this site is a wealth of information and help. Look for cruise nights, cruise-ins, car shows, etc. in your area. There are more Model A owners, enthusiasts and experts out there than you can imagine !! Best of luck.
 
Jdp,
Remember, most really good Model A's, for a fair price, are usually sold LOCALLY, & NEVER advertised! Hook up with a LOCAL Model A club & DON'T get in a BIG HURRY & have "quick FLASH cash" available !
Bill W.
 
Thank you all for the quick replies. I do know a guy locally that has a model t and a few other older cars but he's the type of guy that would tell a person to stay away and go back later and buy it. I know that I shouldn't rush into to things but from my quick research it does seem like a good deal and I'd hate to miss out. I was just wondering if there were common things to watch out for. Like the gas tank thing for instance. Again thank you and I'll let you all know what happens. I'm probably going to go look tomorrow.

Thanks,
Jeff
 
mshmodela said:
.....So check that car out, you'll learn something regardless if you buy this car or not.
Click to expand...

X2!

Carpenters have a rule that says measure twice, cut once.

Similar rule for buying an A or any other hobby car - look HEAPS, BUY ONCE!

OK, you're allowed more than one, but you get my gist? :D
 
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Listen to the engine for any unusual noise. My 29 Tudor engine sounded great at idle, and the sheet metal was very nice, so I bought it. Once I got it on the road and drove faster than about 20 it sounded like a broken down threshing machine. I didn't expect the center main to be totally gone, but I bought the car cheap enough that it wouldn't have been a deal breaker anyway. I'd rather do mechanical work than body repairs.
 
FYI there is essentially no comparison from a T to an A. Someone knowing a lot about Model Ts and has not been around an A will be of little help other than to keep you company on the trip. Just sayin'
 
Did you make the trip yet? If not make sure to take more detailed pictures for us to analyze.
 
I'm 30 minutes away. I talked with the guy on the phone. He claims that it runs great and that the interior is perfect. He did say that the paint job on it is pretty bad though.
 
Like I said, please take detailed pictures and a video of the engine running would be of great help!
 
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