The Ford Barn

Fred K-OR · 05-28-2015, 04:08 PM

Jim you mentioned you wanted a "cruiser". I am a little dense about car terms but if you meant a rig that you could put a number of people in and cruise around in it, then as you realize a pickup does not do a very good job in that area. But if you just want a rig to run around in then a pick up will do as good a job as any rig.

One other consideration is that I know a 1929 pick up does not have much room in the cab to put a bunch of big feet and legs in it. I am not sure what a 1931 has as far as room. Of course this is only a consideration if have the big feet and bod.

So just a couple of comments. Have fun with your project. Like mentioned above, buy it if you want to put in the effort and money into it.

dumb person · 05-28-2015, 04:11 PM

No idea what they are worth in USA money but looks like $9,000 of my local money and in fairly good shape, tidier than my car.

Kalstar · 05-28-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Jim you mentioned you wanted a "cruiser". I am a little dense about car terms but if you meant a rig that you could put a number of people in and cruise around in it, then as you realize a pickup does not do a very good job in that area. But if you just want a rig to run around in then a pick up will do as good a job as any rig.

One other consideration is that I know a 1929 pick up does not have much room in the cab to put a bunch of big feet and legs in it. I am not sure what a 1931 has as far as room. Of course this is only a consideration if have the big feet and bod.

So just a couple of comments. Have fun with your project. Like mentioned above, buy it if you want to put in the effort and money into it.

From reading the 30/31 were larger then the 28/29. How much... I do not know. As for the term "cruiser" I mean an around the town (read "slow") toy. Classic and the opposite of fast. I have other fast cars if that is what I want that day. I want just something I can jump in and toot around town in.

700rpm · 05-28-2015, 06:07 PM

I think a better question to ask, and your local guys can help answer, is not what this should cost to buy, but what will it cost to restore?

In Oregon you can find a nice older restoration running pickup for $12-15k. Finishing this project in Oregon with what I see in your photos would be about $10k-$12k and take you maybe a year if you did it right, and you did most of the body and paint work. And that doesn't include an engine rebuild, which if necessary will be another $3500 or so. Prices may be different in your area, but I'll bet they aren't less.

There are lots of Model A's out there. Shop around. Look at and drive a lot of cars. Talk to Model A guys. Read a lot of books. Don't stampede yourself.

Tom Wesenberg · 05-28-2015, 10:38 PM

In #13 the first picture, is the outer end of the axle bent, or is that just a trick of the picture?

As mentioned, pickups are the tightest of any body style, so make sure you will be comfortable in it before you buy it. Pickups do sell well, so if you do decide to sell it later, you should have no problem.

Kalstar · 05-29-2015, 07:07 AM

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I will look at the axle but I think it is an optical illusion.

The seller is asking 5k but is willing to negotiate.

RockHillWill · 05-29-2015, 07:44 AM

Regarding the tack strip at the rear of the roof: The steel top (wide beds) that I have seen all had a wooden rear tack strip. What I did notice however is that the Budd cab back panel has a different 'pitch' or tack 'tabs' that the soft top. So, if you were to put a steel top on a cloth top rear panel the tabs will NOT interface with each other. If the tack tabs match at both the top and the rear panel they are original.

Kalstar · 05-29-2015, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockHillWill

Regarding the tack strip at the rear of the roof: The steel top (wide beds) that I have seen all had a wooden rear tack strip. What I did notice however is that the Budd cab back panel has a different 'pitch' or tack 'tabs' that the soft top. So, if you were to put a steel top on a cloth top rear panel the tabs will NOT interface with each other. If the tack tabs match at both the top and the rear panel they are original.

I will flip cab into it's correct orientation and see if they line up.

Bob Bidonde · 05-29-2015, 07:57 AM

Don't buy a basket case for your 1st Model A. Get a running car or truck, learn how to run it, maintain it and enjoy. Once you have some experience and knowledge, then consider building a basket case.

Steve Plucker · 05-29-2015, 08:14 AM

I wonder with those with "basket cases" soon realize that the project is just to much (monitarily or whatever) to handle and just give up the restoration?

Pluck

Rex_A_Lott · 05-29-2015, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Don't buy a basket case for your 1st Model A. Get a running car or truck, learn how to run it, maintain it and enjoy. Once you have some experience and knowledge, then consider building a basket case.

I would tend to agree here. I dont doubt you could learn, but its going to be that much more difficult, because :
a) you didnt take it apart
b) You've never done it, so you dont know how to put it back correctly.Its not quite like working on a modern car.
It does look much better than I was expecting from your first description. It should make a good project.
Good Luck!

Fred K-OR · 05-29-2015, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex_A_Lott

I would tend to agree here. I dont doubt you could learn, but its going to be that much more difficult, because :
a) you didnt take it apart
b) You've never done it, so you dont know how to put it back correctly.Its not quite like working on a modern car.
It does look much better than I was expecting from your first description. It should make a good project.
Good Luck!

I tend to also agree. My huckster was a "basket case" but the old chassis belonged to my Uncle George and was given to me when I was in high school. This was a different situation in that in those days I had the opportunity to tear it apart and thus understood how to put it together. Thus I do agree with this comment. Buy one that you can enjoy then start tearing it apart.

bobH · 05-29-2015, 12:26 PM

In contrast to some other opinions here, I like a basket case. I see them as mechanical puzzles. My last one was for a model which I was unfamiliar with, so speaking for myself, I'd never let inexperience slow me down. I learn as I go, learn from others, and learn from here. My last project had the 'major baskets' with it, however, there were several smaller baskets that were missing. I would expect that, again.
JMO

Kalstar · 06-08-2015, 06:15 PM

What is the best book or books to read as a reference guide/assembly manual? I have not purchased the car yet but I did have some one local look that owns a model A and he said it is not a basket case it just needs body and interior reassembled. Still not the easiest of tasks so I understand. Thank you again for the continued advise.

Kalstar · 06-17-2015, 07:07 AM

Rich Bell from this forum was able to assist me in obtaining 2 books "Restoring the model A pickup" and "Model A mechanics handbook". I have some studying to do.

Domino · 06-17-2015, 07:26 AM

All depends on the price and the completeness of the project. I am assuming you have the work space required for a restoration. Purchasing a vehicle which isn't assembled produces lots of challenges (I know - what is sold as complete may or may not be). Having said that, it appears from the photos that it is a very viable project, certainly not a basket case. I would go for it and enjoy if they price is right. But sure to have a bit of a money reserve to make the purchases needed for completion.

Kalstar · 06-17-2015, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domino

All depends on the price and the completeness of the project. I am assuming you have the work space required for a restoration. Purchasing a vehicle which isn't assembled produces lots of challenges (I know - what is sold as complete may or may not be). Having said that, it appears from the photos that it is a very viable project, certainly not a basket case. I would go for it and enjoy if they price is right. But sure to have a bit of a money reserve to make the purchases needed for completion.

Yes I have the space. Looks like the purchase price will be $3500. Owner said he is not actively trying to sell it so do the research and make sure it is a project that not only do I want to undertake, but one I can also finish.

Oldbluoval · 06-17-2015, 08:28 AM

I think it is a steel top. They had the tack strip at the rear seam. If, for sure it is, you need to look for the two steel bows inside, They are hard to find.

Looks like a very viable project to me.

Value? Depends on quality of what has been done. Sometimes you are buying stuff that has to be re-done.

BU

Juggler · 06-17-2015, 10:13 AM

This is what the inside of a steel top '31 Budd cab looks like

Can't quite see from your photos what you've got there. As the poster above said, the steel bows are hard to find loose.

I'd happily pay $3500 for it as is. If it's got a title then I'd think you'd done well at that price

Cheers

Juggs

Floats · 06-17-2015, 02:17 PM

Kalstar,
I say, go for it. You cant go wrong here. It will be a fun project which you will be able to sell at any time. There are at least 2,000 of us staring at the pictures and wishing we had the opportunity to buy it.
I also have a 28 Roadster Pickup and my family and I just love it. I am a medium sized 6 footer and it is a little tight and uncomfortable but you'll get to love it as well. I shaved the back rest of the seat by about 2 inches, which doesnt help much with entering but with your bum 2 inches further back does help a little with the leg room.
Regards
Chris
Cape town

05-28-2015, 04:08 PM	#21
Fred K-OR Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stayton, Oregon Posts: 3,806	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. Jim you mentioned you wanted a "cruiser". I am a little dense about car terms but if you meant a rig that you could put a number of people in and cruise around in it, then as you realize a pickup does not do a very good job in that area. But if you just want a rig to run around in then a pick up will do as good a job as any rig. One other consideration is that I know a 1929 pick up does not have much room in the cab to put a bunch of big feet and legs in it. I am not sure what a 1931 has as far as room. Of course this is only a consideration if have the big feet and bod. So just a couple of comments. Have fun with your project. Like mentioned above, buy it if you want to put in the effort and money into it. __________________ Fred Kroon 1929 Std Coupe 1929 Huckster

05-28-2015, 04:11 PM	#22
dumb person Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South pacific island Posts: 1,724	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. No idea what they are worth in USA money but looks like $9,000 of my local money and in fairly good shape, tidier than my car. __________________ <Link> This is how we roll<Link> "I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob Outcasts rules of old cars #1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated #2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong #3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough. #4 No shame in recreating something you never had #5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable

05-28-2015, 06:07 PM	#24
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 6,039	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. I think a better question to ask, and your local guys can help answer, is not what this should cost to buy, but what will it cost to restore? In Oregon you can find a nice older restoration running pickup for $12-15k. Finishing this project in Oregon with what I see in your photos would be about $10k-$12k and take you maybe a year if you did it right, and you did most of the body and paint work. And that doesn't include an engine rebuild, which if necessary will be another $3500 or so. Prices may be different in your area, but I'll bet they aren't less. There are lots of Model A's out there. Shop around. Look at and drive a lot of cars. Talk to Model A guys. Read a lot of books. Don't stampede yourself. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.

05-28-2015, 10:38 PM	#25
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. In #13 the first picture, is the outer end of the axle bent, or is that just a trick of the picture? As mentioned, pickups are the tightest of any body style, so make sure you will be comfortable in it before you buy it. Pickups do sell well, so if you do decide to sell it later, you should have no problem.

05-29-2015, 07:07 AM	#26
Kalstar Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 22	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I will look at the axle but I think it is an optical illusion. The seller is asking 5k but is willing to negotiate.

05-29-2015, 07:44 AM	#27
RockHillWill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rock Hill, S.C. Posts: 985	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. Regarding the tack strip at the rear of the roof: The steel top (wide beds) that I have seen all had a wooden rear tack strip. What I did notice however is that the Budd cab back panel has a different 'pitch' or tack 'tabs' that the soft top. So, if you were to put a steel top on a cloth top rear panel the tabs will NOT interface with each other. If the tack tabs match at both the top and the rear panel they are original. __________________ Uncle Bud says "too soon old, too late smart!"

05-29-2015, 07:57 AM	#29
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,385	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. Don't buy a basket case for your 1st Model A. Get a running car or truck, learn how to run it, maintain it and enjoy. Once you have some experience and knowledge, then consider building a basket case. __________________ Bob Bidonde

05-29-2015, 08:14 AM	#30
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. I wonder with those with "basket cases" soon realize that the project is just to much (monitarily or whatever) to handle and just give up the restoration? Pluck

05-29-2015, 12:26 PM	#33
bobH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: so cal, placerville, vegas Posts: 1,436	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. In contrast to some other opinions here, I like a basket case. I see them as mechanical puzzles. My last one was for a model which I was unfamiliar with, so speaking for myself, I'd never let inexperience slow me down. I learn as I go, learn from others, and learn from here. My last project had the 'major baskets' with it, however, there were several smaller baskets that were missing. I would expect that, again. JMO

06-08-2015, 06:15 PM	#34
Kalstar Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 22	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. What is the best book or books to read as a reference guide/assembly manual? I have not purchased the car yet but I did have some one local look that owns a model A and he said it is not a basket case it just needs body and interior reassembled. Still not the easiest of tasks so I understand. Thank you again for the continued advise.

06-17-2015, 07:07 AM	#35
Kalstar Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 22	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. Rich Bell from this forum was able to assist me in obtaining 2 books "Restoring the model A pickup" and "Model A mechanics handbook". I have some studying to do.

06-17-2015, 07:26 AM	#36
Domino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 412	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. All depends on the price and the completeness of the project. I am assuming you have the work space required for a restoration. Purchasing a vehicle which isn't assembled produces lots of challenges (I know - what is sold as complete may or may not be). Having said that, it appears from the photos that it is a very viable project, certainly not a basket case. I would go for it and enjoy if they price is right. But sure to have a bit of a money reserve to make the purchases needed for completion.

06-17-2015, 08:28 AM	#38
Oldbluoval Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN) Posts: 2,672	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. I think it is a steel top. They had the tack strip at the rear seam. If, for sure it is, you need to look for the two steel bows inside, They are hard to find. Looks like a very viable project to me. Value? Depends on quality of what has been done. Sometimes you are buying stuff that has to be re-done. BU

06-17-2015, 10:13 AM	#39
Juggler Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Phoenix AZ/Bath UK Posts: 489	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. This is what the inside of a steel top '31 Budd cab looks like Can't quite see from your photos what you've got there. As the poster above said, the steel bows are hard to find loose. I'd happily pay $3500 for it as is. If it's got a title then I'd think you'd done well at that price Cheers Juggs

06-17-2015, 02:17 PM	#40
Floats Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mossel Bay, about 300km from Cape Town Posts: 530	Re: Basket case, what do I look for? New to the hobby. Kalstar, I say, go for it. You cant go wrong here. It will be a fun project which you will be able to sell at any time. There are at least 2,000 of us staring at the pictures and wishing we had the opportunity to buy it. I also have a 28 Roadster Pickup and my family and I just love it. I am a medium sized 6 footer and it is a little tight and uncomfortable but you'll get to love it as well. I shaved the back rest of the seat by about 2 inches, which doesnt help much with entering but with your bum 2 inches further back does help a little with the leg room. Regards Chris Cape town