Re: INFORMATION ABOUT MODEL A'S

Posted by Carl Freeman on April 26, 1997 at 00:42:08

In Reply to: INFORMATION ABOUT MODEL A'S
posted by GREG GARVIN on April 22, 1997 at 11:24:04

Greg
Like you, I have always been interested in Model As and always wanted one (after all, they ARE a really neat car).Unfortunately, raising a family, requiring dependance transportation in all kinds of weather, etc. prevented realizing what would probably be called a "dream."
Last summer, while on a short trip with my wife, we passed a Model A moving down a two-lane highway.The wife said, "Wouldn't it be fun to have a car like that?"The door to possible Model A ownership was open!
I began shopping the classified ads for the St. Louis area newspapers and actually found a number of As advertised.After looking at a few I realized that they were available in all conditions from the show cars to what I thought was real junk.
I might add that I'm not an automotive mechanicand doing anything to a car beyond changing oil and filters is, for me, a real operation.But, I'm learning.
To make a long story shorter, after more shopping, last Christmas I gave my wife a '29 Tudor.The previous owner has just completely redone all of the interior...it's almost show condition.The exterior, except for a little rust on the radiator shell, looks better than average.AT one time a previous owner changed the original lights to sealed beams...a recommended improvement if the car is to be driven very much.The purchase price was $7,000, which I thought was reasonable based on the price of others I had seem.
Since last Christmas, I have replaced two tires, stopped the leak in the radiator, and have almost completely stopped the gas seep from the carb.There is a small leak between the exhaust manifold and the pipe leading to the muffler which probably accounts for the engine being alittle noiser than most, but it is acceptable.The speedometer doesn't work and that is a project to be undertaken this summer.The engine has always started immediately, even in very cold weather, for which I am thankful.It still seeps a little oil from the rear main seals, but that is a problem I can live with until it's time for an engine overhaul.The brakes work better than expected, but then the car isn't driven much faster than 40 MPH.
And best of all, the wife drives it by herself to destinations within 10 miles of our home.She has repeatedly said "her" Model A is one of the best Christmas gifts she has ever received.
In the last three months I have collected a library of parts catalogs and don't believe anyone would have trouble finding parts.Some items might seem a little expensive, but then we're talking about a 68 year old car.Try finding parts for a Nash, a Hudson, or a Packard anywhere near that age.In fact, the availability of parts is what makes Model A ownership practical.
And finally, this web site is one of the best sources of information you can find.I have asked my share of "dumb" questions and have always received helpful and friendly answers.
So, shop around; survey the market; ask questions; and when you find the car that really grabs you, take the plung.It is a great hobby!And, I think I'm learning something about one of the most interesting products in American history.
Good luck,
Carl

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