The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Taking the plunge into Model A ownership!

Kevin in NJ · 08-07-2020, 02:45 PM

My perspective.

If the wood work and paint work and interior are decent and everything fits well together then it is likely not that bad a deal.

My assumption is that most A's are not restored. They get paint and interior work done and then a mess of 'interesting' rebuilding on the mechanicals. Without proof work was done right you can just assume that the car needs all the mechanicals gone though. I have seen in all price levels of cars. So ya, pass on this car and buy the one for $5000 more and it may be even work mechanically.

My suggestion is to learn how to tell of the body and interior was done right and when you buy assume you will have to have all the working parts properly rebuilt over time.

Price wise, well people are paying $5000 to $10,000 for unrestored cars. You can not even hope to pay less then $10,000 to put the paint and interior on the car if you can do the work yourself. So a car with all the done half decent may not be a bad deal.

FWIW, I know of 2 people who have purchased cars redone by well known A shops. Each person spend over $10k getting the "professionally restored" car reliable and safe to drive.

08-07-2020, 02:45 PM	#30
Kevin in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South East NJ Posts: 3,398	Re: Taking the plunge into Model A ownership! My perspective. If the wood work and paint work and interior are decent and everything fits well together then it is likely not that bad a deal. My assumption is that most A's are not restored. They get paint and interior work done and then a mess of 'interesting' rebuilding on the mechanicals. Without proof work was done right you can just assume that the car needs all the mechanicals gone though. I have seen in all price levels of cars. So ya, pass on this car and buy the one for $5000 more and it may be even work mechanically. My suggestion is to learn how to tell of the body and interior was done right and when you buy assume you will have to have all the working parts properly rebuilt over time. Price wise, well people are paying $5000 to $10,000 for unrestored cars. You can not even hope to pay less then $10,000 to put the paint and interior on the car if you can do the work yourself. So a car with all the done half decent may not be a bad deal. FWIW, I know of 2 people who have purchased cars redone by well known A shops. Each person spend over $10k getting the "professionally restored" car reliable and safe to drive.