a 400 experts.........

[ronn]

there is one on ebay as we speak. top looks totally wrong. Is this a real car or a made up 400?


who has a keen eye?

[ronn]

1931 Ford Model A

(166983618863)

[jb-ob]

First Question....where are the ash trays ??

[ronn]

arent they ALWAYS missing?

[Hitman]

Link?

[mercman from oz]

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1931 Ford A400 advertised on eBay

[ronn]

Hitman, all you do is tap on my 2nd entry and it brings the link right up




say what you will- that top is nothing like what Henry produced. it causes me concern
because Im guessing this is an imposter.


and then as mentioned- where are the ashtrays? curious why nobody has ever duplicated those ashtrays?

[Bruce of MN]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Link?

Posr #2 has the link.

[jw hash]

it looks like the main bow and rear bow are home made. the pictures don't show the ash trays, the seats look to be vinyl and bad at that. the car looks like it might be a good one to restore.

almost missed this, the wiper motor should be inside.

[400A]

It's a real 400A for sure. The ill fitting top like John mentions is likely due to poorly made bows. Irons look proper although who knows what shape they are in. Appears to have the remains of a body ID tag. If we knew the body # we could track the car thru the A400 roster. The missing ash trays are the least of your problems with this car. The ash trays have been reproduced more than once and were used in other cars originally, so are not impossible to locate. Good candidate to restore, although buying a restored care might be cheaper in the long run.

[ronn]

400a the info I was looking for. I have no idea on these regarding cut down tudors etc.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I agree with John. It needs all new trimming done, -and done correctly when you are dealing with this bodystyle. Ronn, since LaGrangeville is likely less than 200 miles away from you, I would drive up and have a first-hand look at the interior and such.


I am known for beating a dead horse alot of times, so I really don't want to miss another perfect opportunity to do so.
This car is a perfect example of 'why' many hobbyists saying the price of Model-As are falling. It is because there are many, many Model-As for sale that are in similar condition. From my vantage point, this car likely needs a lot of work to be considered a safe & reliable Tour car. That work is costly for most Model-A owners today because they lack the skills to do the work correctly/accurately/efficiently.

Naturally someone knowledgeable needs to inspect this vehicle in person to determine a realistic value, but is it believable due to the looks of the engine and wiring, this vehicle is tired and needing attention? How old are the tires & tubes?? Likely the copper fuel line needs to be replaced due to safety reasons, and I would want to repair the exhaust leak to eliminate the noise and the fumes. What about brakes, steering, gas tank, etc.? Does it Start, Stop, & Steer like a typical Model-A often does in this day & time, -or does it Start, Stop, & Steer like a truly restored Model-A should??

[ronn]

all great points Brent. This is more of an education thread then anything else. I agree, if I were interested in bidding, I would take the ride. This car is not something I will buy. Just trying to get an education and thread that info likewise here on the Barn.


as the knowledgeable guys pass, much of that knowledge is lost. Good to have it documented and I love learning! Esp concerning the rarer body styles.

[Bleedblue4life]

"rarest of all model a's", not even close. There are a lot of different model A bodies that are more rare than an A400.

[ronn]

who stated that its the rarest of all model As?


I am not following, but it is still on the short list......... compared to a 4 dr 2 dr or whatever.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by ronn

who stated that its the rarest of all model As?


I am not following, but it is still on the short list......... compared to a 4 dr 2 dr or whatever.

In the description of the eBay ad.

[ronn]

oh, ok thanks Brent. missed it. still guessing no more then a couple of hundred left, not counting the fakes......

[AYooperA]

To me they are all rare if they survived 90+ years intact and in somewhat original form.

[gdmn852]

Hello, seems like it would be hard to fake an A400 with the rear window area being as unquie as it is , probably this car had poor restoration in the past accounting for the odd top appearance. The closest other body style would a Victoria, hopefully someone with enough skill will buy it with woodworking experience.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by gdmn852

Hello, seems like it would be hard to fake an A400 with the rear window area being as unquie as it is , probably this car had poor restoration in the past accounting for the odd top appearance. The closest other body style would a Victoria, hopefully someone with enough skill will buy it with woodworking experience.

There are craftsmen out there WAY better than I am, but my Pullmax could make that entire quarter 400A panel. Several years ago, we had to make a complete L/S quarter panel for a 180 Phaeton out of S Carolina, and we were able to pull it off. I also know of two different craftsmen that have converted a '32 Victoria to a B400 body. All it takes is a thick enough wallet to pay for the details.