Re:one person's opinion

Posted by carla on July 21, 1998 at 16:18:00

In Reply to: Newbie says "thanks" and asks more questions
posted by Matthew W. Woodruff on July 21, 1998 at 14:21:52

: hello, again, matthew,
considering the circumstances, i would, if i may, try to talk you out of investing in a model "a".
i, personally, think that a slightly later model of ford would a far better car for your purpose.
my own specific recommendation would be a '36 ford V8.
more specifically, i would look for a '36 fordor ( room for family), which had never been rusted(very important for strength and safety), fitted with hydraulic brakes (safety),
a later flathead ford or merc engine (59A, 8BA,etc.--less originality value, but more practical), best quality new 6.50
16 tires, and which had been given a good thorough inspection and refit as needed, particularly of the springs, steering, and brakes.
one of these (or a '35, or a '37) would be much safer and more comfortable, and, since you live in an area infamous for heavy traffic, and dangerously unskilled drivers, the better steering and braking capability of the late 30's cars would be really important---you don't ever want to risk getting into a wreck with a model "a", cos the "a"'s tip or roll over more easily, and the side windows aren't real safety glass.
any of the late '30's cars are exactly the same to drive as your '50 was---so you wouldn't need to think about advancing or retarding the spark, or adjusting the fuel mixture yourself.
in my opinion, a '36 is about the best combination of prewar aesthetic niceties, and practical usefulness----altho a great many people do prefer the '33's and '34's.
it might take awhile to find an old ford like that which hadn't been rusted, but looking in "hemmings" and posting wants with the www bulletin boards should work.
a budget of $10K should be plenty, but do be careful--if you're not too certain of how to inspect a car, then get to know some ford club people who can help.----and especially beware of dealers who would try to sell you a car on a "sight unseen" basis.---- you can read the horror stories in "hemmings" written by incautious or impatient buyers, and learn from them.--- a never-rusted car which has a bad engine or gearbox can still be worth buying, as a rebuilt engine or gearbox can be bought and fitted fairly cheaply.--discuss this with your motor mechanic before buying, tho.
hope this helps
carla

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