Returning member, changing priorities
 

Can't remember what my old username was, too many changes in service, etc. Was last here farting around with a '56 Fairlane tudor that I eventually gave up on. Currently farting around with a '63 1/2 Galaxie Sport Roof with a 289-2v 3sp MT. ANYWAY; Lost my Dad back in January of 2017 and with him went a fair amount of enthusiasm and motivation, because he thoroughly enjoyed seeing me make any progress on whatever I was playing with. Slowly getting back up to speed and realizing that I want to return to my "roots", so to speak, and do an A in his memory. Got my sights set on a particular car and hoping tax refunds come in quick come February... which leads me to this observation: Murray bodies are not well documented, apparently, nor are they well covered for replacement wood... and this leads to my question: Why? Just my impression, and I'm seeing it wrong?
BTW I'm not inclined or truly interested in "restoring", as I am in "preservation" and "renovation. Not looking for a show car by any means, because I simply don't have the time and money to put into going that far. A reliable and enjoyable driver is my goal and I KNOW it's possible on even a shoestring budget for anyone with practical skills to put to use.

Re: Returning member, changing priorities
 

The De Angles ,Henry, Francis Ford Model A book has good pictures of the wood body structures. If possible , look for a Slant window sedan, has virtually no wood in it , Murray and Briggs made the same bodies.

Re: Returning member, changing priorities
 

I wish I could remember all the ephemera I learned when my Dad was working on his A's; I think I learned to read from Floyd Clymer. At one time I could spout off chapter and verse on the running changes.... the sheer amount of what I've learned just reading through the back threads here makes that pale in comparison. The one I have my sights set on happens to be a Murray, and I'm fine with wood.

Re: Returning member, changing priorities
 

In my briggs a lot of it is straight stuff. you could probably get away mostly with 1x4 from the lumber yard. it all gets hidden.

Re: Returning member, changing priorities
 

Even Home Depot carries decent hardwood, at a price, of course... I also have a forty-five year old stock blank cut from the walnut tree that was on my Great-Grandfather's farm that I intend to put to use... if I'm careful and do my math right, I might be able to get two bottom rails out of it, or something different. Dad never got around to making the Kentucky Rifle he wanted to, and I'm no gunsmith....

Re: Returning member, changing priorities
 

Man; the last two days have been a nightmare. My left knee is hurting something awful and won't take any strain at all; right knee is only slightly better, no pain to speak of but also won't take any weight. I may have to radically rethink my goal of having a driver A if it's to remain stock.... I don't think I can handle the clutch anymore. Dang.

Re: Returning member, changing priorities
 

I have a cousin who fell and broke his back. He works harder than most, changing his own oil, plugs, tires, you name it. But in the vehicle he drives although it is an automatic, he has hand controls. I wonder if anyone has ever made something to control the clutch or if it's even possible? Even if my suggestion is ridiculous it's Just a thought. I have a partial amputation of a foot by lawnmower at a really young age. Never give up as there are ways to overcome things.