Garage Find

[inex01]

This past Monday I purchased a 29 Model A Sedan that was a project car that unfortunately the Gentleman could not complete due to Alzheimer's, included with the purchase are well over 5K in parts. The body is rust and dent free and looks like it had a cosmetic restoration back in the 80s and was last on the road based on license plates in 1990. The engine is numbers matching and got her running yesterday but has stuck valves because the car has not run in over 10 years I was told. I will pull the head and free up the valves and maybe do a valve job, I will definitely be pulling the engine anyway just to clean up the drive train and also will replace the clutch.Will also be doing a complete brake job all rods and cross shaft so will not have any slop. The largest cost I will have is a new interior. I have all mechanical parts needed to get her road ready. I do have a question, can the 30, 31 headlights fit on the headlight bar? the car has sealed beams and that just does not look right to me, also will be buying a nice chrome radiator shell. The wheels on the car in the pictures are a set that I had on the shelf and are 19" but will work for this car. I do not plan on painting because I like the look it has now.

[Synchro909]

You're a lucky man!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Nice find. Yes, the 1930-1 headlamps will fit the 29 bar, as that's they way my 29 came to me.

[inex01]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Nice find. Yes, the 1930-1 headlamps will fit the 29 bar, as that's they way my 29 came to me.

Thanks Tom

[captndan]

You have been chosen to save another Model A. Great find.

[inex01]

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Originally Posted by captndan

You have been chosen to save another Model A. Great find.

I feel very fortunate, all wood is sound and body is as perfect as you will get. Will bring her back to life with great respect

[TRP]

Luuucky you! Im still working with a lady to get my own garage find.

Keep us posted on how it progresses.

[henry's 31]

Very nice car. Sorry the previous owner could not enjoy it, so now is in your custody. Hope you get it on the road soon. Enjoy!

[RawhideKid]

Why wouldn't you put on the '28-'29 headlights?

[Stretch Cab]

Put a little paint remover on the radiator shell and see what's underneath.........

[mhsprecher]

Good deal, Chuck. Good luck with it. Now you have three Model As!

[inex01]

Originally Posted by RawhideKid

Why wouldn't you put on the '28-'29 headlights?

I just like the look of the Stainless Headlights, and besides the ones installed now are painted black with sealed beams... ugly! also have a beautiful set of 31 lights

[inex01]

Originally Posted by Stretch Cab

Put a little paint remover on the radiator shell and see what's underneath.........

Yes, very good idea, and will definitely do that....but really do not like the sealed beams.

[inex01]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

Good deal, Chuck. Good luck with it. Now you have three Model As!

Stop over and check her out Saturday Mifred, had her running today for about one hour and the valves are freeing up, the lower end is fine, no raps or knocks and not smoking so the engine is solid, but will be pulling the head this weekend and check the valves, lap if needed or if looks bad pull engine and do a complete valve job.... life is sweet!

[RawhideKid]

Originally Posted by inex01

I just like the look of the Stainless Headlights, and besides the ones are it now are painted black with sealed beams... ugly! also have a beautiful set of 31 lights

Yea, always easier and cheaper to use what you have on hand.

Very sweet find.

More pictures.

[2manycars]

29 headlamps are available new in stainless steel.

[Chris Haynes]

It looks like the headlamps on it are aftermarket sealed beams. I have a similar set on my '30 Tudor and they light the road well.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by inex01

Stop over and check her out Saturday Mifred, had her running today for about one hour and the valves are freeing up, the lower end is fine, no raps or knocks and not smoking so the engine is solid, but will be pulling the head this weekend and check the valves, lap if needed or if looks bad pull engine and do a complete valve job.... life is sweet!

Why pull the head if nothing is wrong? I'd check the compressions and if OK, drive on. IMHO, Pull the head when it needs it, not for fun.

[Mike Peters]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Why pull the head if nothing is wrong? I'd check the compressions and if OK, drive on. IMHO, Pull the head when it needs it, not for fun.

X2 If you do anything, pull the pan, pop out the splash pan, and clean out the crud on the bottom.

[RawhideKid]

Originally Posted by inex01

Stop over and check her out Saturday Mifred, had her running today for about one hour and the valves are freeing up, the lower end is fine, no raps or knocks and not smoking so the engine is solid, but will be pulling the head this weekend and check the valves, lap if needed or if looks bad pull engine and do a complete valve job.... life is sweet!

No real need to pull the head unless it is backfiring or giving you running problems. Just add 8oz of MMO to the next tank of gas and 4oz per tank after that, them valves will free up quite nicely.

If you are pulling the pan, run ½qt ATF in the oil for a days drive before pulling the pan, it will help free up some of the sludge.