Re: Just got a 30 Model A Five Window CoupeHELP

Posted by jim mason on July 28, 1998 at 10:37:13

In Reply to: Just got a 30 Model A Five Window CoupeHELP
posted by Rex and Ann Lasson on July 27, 1998 at 17:11:19

you've gotten a lot of good advice already...here's mine for what it is worth..
i'd get the car on the road...safety first. don't do anything that can't be undone, save any and everything you have to remove to get it running and safe for the road.enjoy it, but gently, at this point you don't know what you have.
as said already, decide early what you want the car to be.if you want to just drive it...all you need to do is bring it up to speed mechanically (avoid some reproduction parts even here as they don't fit worth a dam, but would be good for the most part.)save the original parts even if they look worn out and useless as there is some model a nut that has been looking for an original for a long time. (i'm looking for the proper size/style nuts that hold the rim of an e.a. horn together)
if you want to 'restore' it..plan ahead for alot longer and a lot more money than you think.you'll spend more for a better interior..replating, correct this and correct that. showing the car would be possible and you can do pretty good with it, and still be able to drive it around with out feeling too guilty. again save the original parts.
if you want to go for a high point car..99.9% of thereproduction parts won't be good enough..you'll spend a lot longer and a whole lot more money, and will have the feeling you shouldn't drive the car except on the mandatory tour at the show. (example complete set of tire valve stem hardware new old stock (nos) will run you about $500 if you are lucky to find them as a set, you don't want to leave them on the car as you park it outside the local eatery)
buy the judging standards (with the latest updates), buy several books (mechanics handbook, service bulletins,how to restore,jim schilds book, etc), take very detailed pictures (does it go: fiber washer, flat washer,lock nut, flat washer, lock washer,nut or ....HMMMMM)
once you have the standards, judge your car yourself.if it is original, please be gentle in your work, the original cars are getting few and far between and you may be sitting in a museum piece.if so consider either cleaning it and leaving as is or consider taking it to the highest level of restoration you can afford. perhaps even buying a driver for knocking about.
having said all that it is YOUR car, enjoy it.

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