Would you restore a Model A today or not?

[Bud]

I am interested in whether the Fordbarn community would or would not restore a Model A today. I am looking for either a Yes or No answer. I don't want to get sidetracked regarding "for a low enough price" or "that bodystyle is not worth it", or "it's too rough", or "it's too much money" etc.
Every person's reasons are their own (if you want to state them as you vote, that's fine). I am looking for an up or down vote. I am interested in where people stand today. Thanks in advance for your participation.

[FrankWest]

Yes

[[email protected]]

Absolutely!!!

[2manycars]

Cheaper to buy one properly done than to correctly restore one today.

[mike657894]

yes.

[harleynut]

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As for me, no.

[Goldhardt]

Yes, definitely!

[DJ S]

If I had the money and the time, absolutely!

[mike657894]

just did an original. thinking of putting a cowl behind a 8.1 Liter(496ci) Ls chevy and putting that on a 1949 f-6 frame thats sitting at the family farm

[Rowdy]

Simply put, yes. When my finances improve I will resume the restoration of the delivery. With the results of yesterdays medical tests this will likely be delayed a while longer. Rod

[John Duden]

Yes! i got 2 more and a ModelT truck to do!

[ModAfan]

"You betchum, Red Ryder"

[SeaSlugs]

depends on what peoples definition of restoration actually is. are we talking about refreshing a car that was restored 40 years ago? (go thru brakes, rebuild engine, replace some interior maybe paint etc)

or are we talking resurrecting the basketcase that was in the barn with mice and rust since 1945?

personally id like a car that needs refreshing where most fasteners may come apart relatively easily more than complete rebuild of every aspect where theres major rust repair and end up cutting off 70% of the bolts due to severe rust.

[1931 flamingo]

I second what 2manycars said.
Paul in CT

[TDO]

Yes, If I could permission from my wife

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

NOT @ 80 years old, it'd take me 17 YEARS to finish it!
Bill Old

[Mitch//pa]

Ya mon

[bill44]

Yes

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by TDO

Yes, If I could permission from my wife

Good answer, because usually in a restoration you would spend more time and money with the car rather than your wife!

[BlueSunoco]

Good question. For a simple 'yes' or 'no' as you indicated I would have to lean towards 'no'. Not that I like the cars any less that's not it. It's a matter of money.

Hard to justify putting $65K into a car that will MAYBE, maybe, with the right buyer fetch $20,000 at sale time. That's a lot of coin to eat.

Besides, THAT'S just what the next guy did. Bought a beautifully restored car for less than a third of what you put in it I'd say wait and buy one correctly done already. That way you can buy three nice Model A's for the price of one. And when you sell, you won't get bit as hard. Maybe break even.

[Gerryde]

Yes .

[31Tudor]

I voted yes, and for me it is a hobby. It is something I enjoy and do to unwind; I don't worry to much about what I buy, or if I will get my money out. I can't put a price on the satisfaction of a finished car that I restored.

[Model A Man]

only if there were brand new motors available at a reasonable cost (like the cost of a crate 350 motor) not enough good experiences with rebuilt model A motors to go that route again.

[C26Pinelake]

No, I have bought four totally restored for less than half of what the person invested. Quite often at estate or BJ auctions.
Wayne

[SHEC]

Originally Posted by Bud

I am interested in whether the Fordbarn community would or would not restore a Model A today. I am looking for either a Yes or No answer. I don't want to get sidetracked regarding "for a low enough price" or "that bodystyle is not worth it", or "it's too rough", or "it's too much money" etc.
Every person's reasons are their own (if you want to state them as you vote, that's fine). I am looking for an up or down vote. I am interested in where people stand today. Thanks in advance for your participation.

No - I would not as there are so many quality older restorations available for sale. Apparently some younger family members are not linked to Dad or Grandma & Grandpa's "A", so off they go to the market place.

Some nice cars out there, restored lovingly and now ( in some areas), way under the price of a solid restoration currently. Checked out the price to paint a car nowadays?

Thanks for a great question -

Be well -

SHEC

[JOHN CT]

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No cuz I ran out of garage space. The town (and the bride) will not let me build another garage.

[ronn]

absolutely!

Yes, If I could permission from my wife

If I had to get permission from my wife, it would be no
to having the wife that is...............

[henry's 31]

Now yes. I have my Father's car to restore. The other 2 Model A's I have only when they need to be re-restored. Any other Model only if it was a rare Model, ie Station Wagon. To me is the journey and the satisfaction of bringing something back ton life.

[lakeside]

Yes ( if money were no concern).

[jeep44]

At my age (62), no. I've spent my whole life restoring various vehicles. At this stage in my life, if I get something else, like a Model T, it is going to be a decent driver, at a minimum.

[art ebeling]

Yep

[pooch]

Yes and No here.

Yes to restore a body, No to restore the slow running gear..

Not after I saw the light. and found out much more fun a model A hotrod was to drive.

[Vonn Ditch]

I wouldn't do another one. The V8 cars have more interest for me these days. I built a model a coupe with a 292 Y-Block and a T5 five speed last year and drove it cross country this summer. That was fun!!

[Will Ziegler in LI NY]

Yes of course. I get a lot out of bringing something back to life!

[1929]

Yes, I restored the A in less then a year, put the frame in the back of my truck and had it sandblasted, and built it back to a car from there. Now I cant stop driving it-addicted to the ride.

[Dennis Pereira]

Yes I need a project on rainy days . I'm trying to restore one now .

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by P.S.

Working on one right now. A 1930 fordor. Chassis is done and running. Just putting wood body together now.

Would love to see some pics

[Curly]

I voted no. I think it is cheaper to buy a quality car that is already done. Also, I dont have all the skill required.

[asapguy]

No, with three Model A done & three other cars 35 Ford 5w, 37 Chevy 5W & a 55 Chevy all done it's enough work just keeping them up. I do have a 30 CCPU unrestored but will just keep it that way.

[Gary Karr]

I'm not sure. I'm in the middle of a 12 year restoration right now. Not sure I'll live long enough to do another one after this one is finished!

[Mitch//pa]

FYI:: if you click the poll numbers it will show who voted for what....

[Aerocraft]

I'm doin' it as we speak. 1929 68A Cabriolet. It's only money. Love it, keeps me young!

Gar Williams

[Jwilli]

I don't restore, but I do try to improve.

[DougVieyra]

No. At 75 years of age, I have done my two (two years for each one), and no longer have either the time, inclination, energy or money to do a restoration again.

[glenn in camino]

Yes.

[nq50]

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Yes I would, Tams model A supply is 2 miles from my house.

[Y-Blockhead]

I would have to say no. At this time I am more into maintaining my Town Sedan, repairing /replacing parts as needed and having the pleasure of driving it...

[midgetracer]

Yes. I am retired and I do this to keep me young. I have 6 Model As and a 34 Ford tudor that are restored and I am addicted to working on old Fords. I often help out local Model A people who are not as familiar with them. I have another Model A that I am currently restoring and another one in the wings waiting. As my neighbors say... Its better than drinking.

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

NOT @ 80 years old, it'd take me 17 YEARS to finish it!
Bill Old

BS Bill..

I'm 84 and into the second year of a 3 year restoration on Pea Cup..

Larry

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Yes - Doing a T now though.

[1930marie]

Only 17 years Bill? Bragger, I'm looking at never finishing! That's why I bought another well restored car this past spring! My answer is NO even if I had the time. It takes somebody like Bill with years of experience to identify a nice car with original parts and very well restored. I know, my hunt lasted nearly two years. Cars are now turning up with really high restorations done 30-40 years ago that need either freshened or a full restoration again. Model "A's" - nothing like them, have fun with your car!

[marc silva]

I like mine old....you can touch'em. I have a few cars I have restored that I never drive because they are too pretty and don't want to uncover or get them dirty. My old 28 is the best, most fun car I own! I drive the heck out of it.

[SSsssteamer]

At 70 years old, I do not want to restore a pile of rusty parts into a running model A again. I have spent over two weeks so far on just straightening and welding up some tough 1930 Ford front fenders. That is no longer fun. I would restore a complete but tired model A Ford again though. Fifty years ago, I restored a 1930 Model A Ford pick up using JC Whitney parts and Sears tires. The pick up was a rolling project. Total restoration cost was about $400. The 1930 pick up that I am restoring now from a pile of parts, I now have over $10,000 in parts and paint into it and the clock is still running. It does not pencil out.

[180 a]

I am restoring my 180 A as we speek. This project has been on the back burner for over 20 years, but with a cancer problem it is time to get it done.

[jim1932]

To my way of thinking there are two ways to enjoy the hobby and they are not mutually exclusive. Many of us enjoy the process of restoring a car. Once the car is done, the joy may go out for these people.

Another group enjoys owning and driving the cars.

There is a hybrid that only enjoys owning and driving a car they restored (but not likely to do it again).

I look at the money spend as a recreational/entertainment cost. If I get something out of it on the other end it goes back into the next one anyway.

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

Good question. For a simple 'yes' or 'no' as you indicated I would have to lean towards 'no'. Not that I like the cars any less that's not it. It's a matter of money.

Hard to justify putting $65K into a car that will MAYBE, maybe, with the right buyer fetch $20,000 at sale time. That's a lot of coin to eat.

Besides, THAT'S just what the next guy did. Bought a beautifully restored car for less than a third of what you put in it I'd say wait and buy one correctly done already. That way you can buy three nice Model A's for the price of one. And when you sell, you won't get bit as hard. Maybe break even.

I would like to say yes but I must say no to a full restore due to advancing years. However, another refresh would be interesting. I am looking at a nice Phaeton right now.

As for the $65k investment for a $20k return: I do not mess with old vehicles for money, I mess with them for pleasure. If I get 10+ years of pleasure for $45k, that is cheap entertainment.

Just my opinion, take it or leave it as you please.

[Henry's Lady's Man]

Unequivocably YES: It's History, man! A Great Piece of History.

[Mike V. Florida]

A yes or no answer is hard to do because of ones definition of restoration as other have already said. Ground up off frame, freshen up, get it to run and stop reliably?

[Larry Jenkins]

I think it's really not a "manner of money." Sure it's important, but for me, and probably a lot of other Model Ayers, it's a matter od downright "pleasure."

Being able to work on something that's 85 years old; knowing that when you are done, you can say, "I did that!" Not to mention the PURE pleasure of accomplishing something that few get a chance to do..

In a heartbeat. On Number three right now. I'm 84.

Larry

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by Aerocraft

I'm doin' it as we speak. 1929 68A Cabriolet. It's only money. Love it, keeps me young!

Gar Williams

Gar, glad to see you're on it and glad you didn't sell it! Best of luck and hope you are well. The 68C will hopefully get it's turn this coming year. Too busy right now on everyone else's!
Here's a few quick photos after I first got it home from PA in june of 2012.. of course wrong headlights, etc.. the smokey one is from our 2013 annual start up party after we got it running in about an hour or so. It hadn't run since 1955. You bet... many more to do! Gar...I'm sure you recognize the house!


Larry Shepard

[dumb person]

Yes. Pretty sure it'd be the plating that'd be the killer. And my "restoration" is considered building a "driver" by some peoples standards.

[inex01]

Originally Posted by 31Tudor

I voted yes, and for me it is a hobby. It is something I enjoy and do to unwind; I don't worry to much about what I buy, or if I will get my money out. I can't put a price on the satisfaction of a finished car that I restored.

I feel exactly the same way, I really enjoy working on my Cars and I am seriously considering building a Speedster. It is a wonderful hobby and the people in this hobby are the BEST!

[Lona]

No. With three vintage cars that are driven often, there is always something needing fixing or adjusting. At my age, I get my pleasure from the less time consuming projects and improvements they need rather than doing major restorations. I have the best of both worlds, working on them and always having them available to drive.

Glen

[31 Model A]

Nope!!!! I'm a driver, not a mechanic. I'd have to get on Larry Shepard's waiting list now for major restoration and his list is not a short one, regardless, I don't have the time to wait, I want to get in it and drive it home and wax it to a high shine. At 96, life is short.

[Ray64]

Health wise no. Otherwise yes. Its the adventure of the hobby to do this I LOVE MY MODEL A FORDS AND ENJOY WORKING ON SIMPLE THINGS RAY

[Barry B./ Ma.]

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Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

NOT @ 80 years old, it'd take me 17 YEARS to finish it!
Bill Old

Ye'r not quite 80 yet Bill as I am older than you and I'm not QUITE 80, won't be long though won't it. I would not restore one now but maybe fix one up as a driver. No money to gain if you fixed one up for top show unless you don't mind working for nothing. The last one I did (a 30 roadster) I did as a show/driver I barely got my parts and rebuilding $$$ back, (but it was fun).

[31blackcoupe]

Definitely not. Investment requires to much. I bought a semi-restored '31 coupe and couldn't be happier. However, I am a hot rodder and have been adding upgrades from the start.

[mshmodela]

Yes but a tad busy with kids --so I got a car I could learn from since I'm not a mechanic by trade....

[Pinesdune]

Yes,I am retsoring one, with 2 more in the shed, but as responses go in this vote, a lot of older gents wouldn't do it due to time left in their lives to do a restoration and then enjoy it plus living on a more fixed income, vers younger guys who have a bit of disposable income and want a project to get them out of the house yet keeps them in the wifes good books (most women like the idea of riding around in a classy car which makes this hobby a bit more acceptable) lol, you'll never get your money back out of a hobby, but depending on the hobby, you can have a lot of fun on little money

[Jay's Model A's]

Yes, I have more knowledge now and we all have a better version of the judging standards than we had a few years ago..more info is great...j

[JBill]

No. To tell you the truth, though, I've always enjoyed the restoration a lot more than the driving. I restored my first one forty years ago and am too old to start anything now, though I've always thought I'd like to do a speedster. I enjoy restoring stuff now that can be done more quickly (hit and miss engines, e.g.)

[G&N Farms]

I have been building a 75 by 42 building so I can work on what ever I can get in the shop. I was a luxury import tech for 20 years then an auto instructor for 16 years, now I'm retired and can't wait to get back in the garage to work on what-ever. Me building a car is not about the money, it's the hobby.


Yes

[Plainsman30]

No, I wouldn't restore another old car. With the help of my wife a lot of others, we spent many years completing a Model A for show and driving. We have driven it over 16,000 miles and had a lot of fun since then. However, the last few years, we have had lot of expensive mechanical trouble and breakdowns, which has taken a lot of the fun out of it.

[dave in australia]

Couldn't say anything else other than YES. I have a 29 type 304 well side ute, 29 Special coupe, 29 Business coupe and a 29 Tudor that I am restoring. And on top of that, a 29 DeSoto.

[mngrant]

Yes, certainly.
In the past I have done a coup, sedan and most recently a 29 phaeton. I'm thinking ahead to a pick up. It's not about money, it is about enjoyment, yours and those around you who appreciate a nice MODEL A.

[monto]

No.
Began with a semi-restored (mediocre) Tudor, completed it to my liking, maintain, improve and repair it; loaded with fingerprints. Great enjoyment driving it, showing it, etc. Have highest respect and admiration for those of you who restore. Just not my cup of tea. Long live Model A Fords!

[Russ B]

I say no only because I am not a "restorer". I have my 1929 cabriolet in the process of being painted Andulusite Blue, it's original color from when my dad bought it new. It is still powered by an A four banger, but too many of the details are not original for it to be considered a restoration. It has been a pure labor of love, building this one in a manner that my father would have enjoyed seeing.

I am 69, and still have one or two more Model A builds left in me. Next is a '29 coupe/hot rod. I will probably wait a year or so before getting really started, just finding a few more parts first. After that, if I still have energy will be a '29 roadster PU.

[Steve Plucker]

No. Have other interest I want to do in my life.

Pluck

[Vin-tin]

Originally Posted by Bud

I am interested in whether the Fordbarn community would or would not restore a Model A today. I am looking for either a Yes or No answer. I don't want to get sidetracked regarding "for a low enough price" or "that bodystyle is not worth it", or "it's too rough", or "it's too much money" etc.
Every person's reasons are their own (if you want to state them as you vote, that's fine). I am looking for an up or down vote. I am interested in where people stand today. Thanks in advance for your participation.

I know you want a yes or no answer. However I'm going to have sit on the fence with this question and say "maybe".
I am in the process of restoring my '29 coupe right now. It's a lot of work and takes time and money. I just keep that vision of the finished car in my head and knowing I did it myself. When I'm finished, I might say never again. Who knows.
I have 3 other A's. Two are far from complete. If I would restore another one it would be my '30 Tudor sedan. It's complete and in nice condition.
The other two I have different plans for .

[wgmatt]

Yes!

[Joe Shell]

DO NOT RESTORE! Buy one and enjoy it now

[pgerhardt]

Yes and yes! Yes I would, and yes I am. I just finished my first winter project. The driver's side door. One down and five to go: passenger side door, 2 front fenders, headlight bar, and radiator splash shield. And yes, I find this work fun and relaxing, not a chore.

[chrisabes]

I have to say yes as I have a 1928 Pick Up in my workshop awaiting a "rebuild" I don't intend carrying out a full restoration but getting it roadworthy and retaining some of it's blemishes and character.
The '28 Phaeton that we have was fully restored and we bought it at a bargain price, way less than the rebuild cost.

[john charlton]

Absolutely YES it is so enjoyable it surely cant be legal !!! Especially if you bring a car back from the grave . I just plain love it .

John in windy wet cold Suffolk County England .

[J Wade]

That's the only way to know what you truly have, and not what someone has covered up and you paid extra for.

[kd4lok]

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Absolutely. I have been working for 2+ years on a 31 Coupe I have owned since 1960. With lots of help from CrankinA's club members, it has been a rewarding experience. As well, many new friendships have been formed along the way.

[bobpo1]

I think for a person who has never restored a Model A, it would be a definite YES. There is no better way to learn the inside/out of the car than to completely rebuild it. If I had already done one, I think I would consider buying one that had been done properly. It would surely be less costly.

[redmodelt]

As of tonight 2991 views, 86 replies and 227 votes. Not many votes even if you take into consideration that many of us have looked several times so actual count might be a 4th or 5th of that 2991.

[colin1928]

I voted No I have already done my fair share of restorations
these days the standards are so high even a reasonable restoration I believe the time and cost to do another to a decent standard is beyond me