Purchase Advise: 1930 Model A Tudor

[Tom Wesenberg]

The cotter pin is to keep the hole open for oil to drip out.
If you have the noise in first and second gear, but not in high gear, that would indicate the roller bearing between the input and output shafts is bad. That was the case with my tranny when I bought the car. Every part of the tranny was like NOS, except that bearing had a couple bad rollers, and the amount of noise it made was unreal.

[vespaholic]

@Tom: I'm not sure about that, I'll check tonight.
It's on jack stands so shifting to all gears is not a problem.

[inex01]

Originally Posted by vespaholic

1930 Model A Tudor
Restored +/- 20 years ago.
It's been sitting but runs.
Very cool patina which I really like.
I went over the body with a fine toothed comb. Very solid and looks to be all original sheet metal.

Here's what it needs according the the vintage car dealer that has it:
Carb Leaks fuel
Won't idle long without the choke pulled partially open
Low beams do not work
High beams do not work
Rear parking light does not work
Brake light does not work
Need Brake shoes all around
Needs emergency brake shoes
Needs Oil Change
No coolant in system
Needs new + battery cable
Vac wipers do not work.
Gas tank has a bunch of crap in it.
(It also needs tires but that's not part of the deal)

They want $4000 for the car.
They said they would fix everything listed for no less than $1500 to no more than $2000.

So all in I could have a running driving safe A for $6000 or less.

Is that a good price?

My time is a factor as I travel a lot on business, so having it running driving and stopping safely would be a plus.

I think it may be but I'd like a second, third…..20th opinion.

BTW: It does not have the original engine in it BUT, it does come with the original engine out of the car.

Thanks in advance.

PS: They already put a new battery in it.

Before I purchased my 1st Model A I joined the local Model A Club and about six months after joining the club I purchased my 31 Slant Window with assistance from club members, my advise is for you to do the same you will find the people in the club very helpful in finding a good solid car for you. The old saying "Haste makes waste" applies if you rush you will spend more money. My strong suggestion is do not purchase this car.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by inex01

Before I purchased my 1st Model A I joined the local Model A Club and about six months after joining the club I purchased my 31 Slant Window with assistance from club members, my advise is for you to do the same you will find the people in the club very helpful in finding a good solid car for you. The old saying "Haste makes waste" applies if you rush you will spend more money. My strong suggestion is do not purchase this car.

i take it you did not read all the posts

[inex01]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i take it you did not read all the posts

Nope, is that a problem?

[inex01]

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Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i take it you did not read all the posts

Oh, I see! well I BLEW IT!!!!! so sorry!!!!

[vespaholic]

@chuck: yup too late. Besides, what fun would that be??

[Tom Wesenberg]

Actually the car was a very good purchase for the price, even if a few problems came with it.
Sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling when making a purchase. I think "will I be able to resell it and not loose money, if I change my mind" when trying to decide whether or not to buy something.

How many people would drive 2,000 miles round trip to pick up a $200 lawn mower? My friends thought I was crazy.........until they saw the mower. I slept in the car and paid $130 for gas, so it was still a good purchase done off a small partial picture of the mower, which was on craigslist. From the small partial picture, I thought it looked like the mower was in excellent condition. I had the same feeling about the Model A as it was described and priced.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

When you push on the clutch you're moving the crank forword to the thrust limit.
I just skimmed the posts, so I may have missed if you've checked end play by watching the front pulley while pushing the clutch.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Actually the car was a very good purchase for the price, even if a few problems came with it.
Sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling when making a purchase. I think "will I be able to resell it and not loose money, if I change my mind" when trying to decide whether or not to buy something.

How many people would drive 2,000 miles round trip to pick up a $200 lawn mower? My friends thought I was crazy.........until they saw the mower. I slept in the car and paid $130 for gas, so it was still a good purchase done off a small partial picture of the mower, which was on craigslist. From the small partial picture, I thought it looked like the mower was in excellent condition. I had the same feeling about the Model A as it was described and priced.

[vespaholic]

UPDATE:
So far, I've done everything on the dealers initial list except for dealing with the leaky carb and the wiper.
Although the wiper does work, sort of. Must be gummed up.
The brakes had at least 50% on the rear (more on the front) so I adjusted them per a video I found on YouTube.
Stops better than I thought a A would stop.
Then I took it out for a drive.
I love this thing, what a blast to drive!!
My only regret is that I did not hold out for an open top car!!!
I did not think it would bug me but I hate roofs….

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Glad to hear that you are enjoying your new car, Vespa! The nice thing about the closed models is you can extend the season a bit, but if we have a mild winter I expect to use the roadster if at all possible! :-)

[modelAtony]

vespaholic. Great deal on your new car. You will be very happy with the Tudor, You have a closed car for bad and cold weather the longer you have it the more you'll like it. Here is where it really gets to be fun sometimes around a year or 2 later you will be ready for a OPEN car, YES you will learn everyone needs 2 model A's summer car and winter car LIFE DON'T GET NO BETTER THAN THIS. Have fun modelAtony tony white Lafayette, LA

[vespaholic]

@Steve & modelAtony:
All my other cars are open top except the truck.
I just like the open cars better.
I run my cars all year, as long as there is no salt on the road.
I don't know….a roadster is calling my name! LOL
Keep an eye out…this puppy my be listed if I find a roadster.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Open cars are overrated.
With an open car you need a bigger heater.
I never put the top down on my 28 Phaeton, and wish it had side curtains.
The trouble with side curtains is they block your vision.

[vespaholic]

Heat is for woosies…LOL!