I have the potential to inherit this 30A from my parents who bought it 40 years ago and never did anything with it. My Dad has all of the parts to make this a complete car but it is a total restoration. Would you sell it as a parts car, would you restore it, would you consider it a hot rod candidate? Curious to know what others would do? Thanks for your time.
So what would you do?
- Thread starter Osubuki
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Russ/40
Well-known member
I'll be the first to respond. If you don't think you have the skills, or can develop the skills for a restoration, sell it. There is nothing worse than an old Ford that someone else who was not truely dedicated to the project, has been molested with incapable hands. Not if that is you, only you know for sure. This, is the the only good answer. It depends on who and what you are relative to this car.
ctlikon0712
Well-known member
That might be a 30 radiator shell but its a late 31 firewall, and the steering mount is on the dash, not the lower tank. Its a late 31. Learn somthing new, chalenge yourself, meet a new type and class of people. I'm new to this hobby and my advice is................ Restore it Man!
Roadster62
Well-known member
I don't get any feeling of emotional contact from your post, so based on that sell it as is with all the parts. Someone wants to restore it.
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
Inherit like it is going to be given to you by your Dad while he is still with us or is he ready to pass on?
If it were me, I would take it and have Dad help as much as he is able. Is there much rot on the car?
If it were me, I would take it and have Dad help as much as he is able. Is there much rot on the car?
cradlescyth
Senior Member
Do not know your family status , but I would restore it (even if I had to learn how)
Hope Dad could help even if just giving advice!!
Hope Dad could help even if just giving advice!!
Steve Wastler
Well-known member
If you inherit the car and some cash, restore it. You may fall in love with the hobby, it doesn't look to be in too bad of shape.
walt jones
Senior Member
What ever you do PLEASE don't let it become a hotrod.
Paul from Maine
Senior Member
Restore it! I won't touch a post 1980 car, but even a simple mind like mine was able to master the Model A and T. Every thing you need to know is published in books offered by the T and A suppliers.
P lus the guys at Ford Barn have all the answers. Don't be afraid to buy specialized tools, tire irons and reamers. They pay for themselves in joy and elimination of frustration. Nothing is more satisfying then driving an old Ford that you rescued from the scrapheap with your own muscle and wits.
gweilbaker
Well-known member
By your question I would not restore it. If any thing learn what it takes to get it running, handling and braking safely, maybe as a family project, and drive it like you stole it!
GW
GW
Fred A
Well-known member
Got Car Culture?
If you are already in the car culture, two suggestions, restore it and rod it are both appropriate to the pile of parts that you have with greater success likely in the rod option. This ignores subjective pressures like what the family may think. The main source for hot rod projects and parts is from failed efforts looking much like what you have. The money involved should be considered. What you have may be worth about $10K. You better have at least another $10K or a lot of third world car knowledge just to get it going, not restored. I chose the Hot Rod option and the result is worth much more in the car market than any restoration. The coupe body style is very common and without the rodders influence would perhaps be the cheapest style along side the Tudor in that market. A really good Fordor is often more. These old boys can beg you to restore with little consideration to your finances or lack of experience and lead you down a rocky path. Good Luck: Fred A
If you are already in the car culture, two suggestions, restore it and rod it are both appropriate to the pile of parts that you have with greater success likely in the rod option. This ignores subjective pressures like what the family may think. The main source for hot rod projects and parts is from failed efforts looking much like what you have. The money involved should be considered. What you have may be worth about $10K. You better have at least another $10K or a lot of third world car knowledge just to get it going, not restored. I chose the Hot Rod option and the result is worth much more in the car market than any restoration. The coupe body style is very common and without the rodders influence would perhaps be the cheapest style along side the Tudor in that market. A really good Fordor is often more. These old boys can beg you to restore with little consideration to your finances or lack of experience and lead you down a rocky path. Good Luck: Fred A
Roadster62
Well-known member
You'll make the most profit selling it right now, as soon as you start turning a wrench or buying parts the money pit opens.
mrtexas
Well-known member
4 or 5 years ago I bought a 29 roadster and decided to paint it. It came apart quickly. I'm just now painting the fenders. Next is the body. It's not the body work but the motivation that is the hard part. Oh, I'm retired now and that helps! I wish I had bought a better one but thought I was getting a deal! On the other hand, how many Model As are out there with a fresh urethane paint job and new interior waiting for someone to come along and buy?
FL&WVMIKE
Well-known member
OSUBUKI .................
The car may look like a very big job to restore, but it really does not look that bad. It seems to be complete, from your description.
First, get it running. By the time you get it running, you will have learned a lot about "A" Model Fords.
If you decide to restore it, start by cleaning it up and doing one part at a time. Your cleaned up and painted parts can be put away or hung up on pegboard. The more you do, the more you will get interested in it. Join the local Model "A" Club. I'm sure that the local guys would give you much support.
Good luck !
MIKE
PS ... If you are worried about the cost of body work and paint, restore the car, as "original". The paint looks as if it might be original. You can rub in "GIBBS OIL" and it will bring out much original paint, that you can't see now. To get a preview, spray on some WD-40 and see more original paint jump out. GIBBS does a better job and lasts longer. ORIGINAL cars are much in demand and get a lot of attention, even more that fully restored cars.
The car may look like a very big job to restore, but it really does not look that bad. It seems to be complete, from your description.
First, get it running. By the time you get it running, you will have learned a lot about "A" Model Fords.
If you decide to restore it, start by cleaning it up and doing one part at a time. Your cleaned up and painted parts can be put away or hung up on pegboard. The more you do, the more you will get interested in it. Join the local Model "A" Club. I'm sure that the local guys would give you much support.
Good luck !
MIKE
PS ... If you are worried about the cost of body work and paint, restore the car, as "original". The paint looks as if it might be original. You can rub in "GIBBS OIL" and it will bring out much original paint, that you can't see now. To get a preview, spray on some WD-40 and see more original paint jump out. GIBBS does a better job and lasts longer. ORIGINAL cars are much in demand and get a lot of attention, even more that fully restored cars.
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