ok new old 29 roadster...... preservation?

[ronn]

so I saw an ad on MAFCA about 6 weeks ago for a 29 roadster. no photos and I followed it up.
yesterday I picked up the car in Paradise PA. It really is a bit of "paradise" out there, and if I were into naming my cars, what I would call this roadster.


My question is- to you preservationists, this topic really doesnt come up......


how far to go with "restoring" sheet metal vs leaving alone? the cowls have minor damage as does the base in the qtrs behind the doors. Leave them alone, "restore" them to match the car or go all out and restore those points of the car? At this point I am interested in getting it running, returning whatever is wrong to original and will never enter any competition. Just want to hear varying viewpoints......... will try and post a few photos.

[ronn]

[ronn]

[ronn]

[ronn]

yes I "oiled" the car.

[Jim M]

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I have a barn find 29 Roadster. The mice had eaten up the seat and back so I had to have them reupholstered but other than that is is all original. Get a lot of looks and compliments when I drive it to the grocery store!!

[nkaminar]

The idea of preserving an old car is a relatively new idea. It used to be that all old cars were restored when resources allowed it. The idea in restoration is to return the car to its as new condition using original parts.

Restoring a car is a labor of love. At least for a Model A, the end result, however beautiful, will never command the money equal to the parts and labor that were put into it.

It is wonderful that a few cars were preserved in order to document the original materials and techniques. These historic vehicles are normally in good or very good shape.

Some photos would help.

[ronn]

any rot Jim? or is your car "perfect" as is?

[ronn]

Im out there now putting the original wheels back, changed the headlights and putting the original 29 bumpers back. My front seat back is going to need someredoing. all I basically have are the springs.
I was amwazed to see the little bit of running board matt, has burlap between the matt and runningboard. had no idea.......... that is my point with the preservation aspect.

[Jim M]

There are a few rust spots, a couple of small ones actually are rusted through but I cleaned them up as good as I could and cleaned underneath a put some rust inhibitor in there to help stop spreading. One thing I forgot to mention is the top had also been eaten by the mice so I had a local top guy put on a new one for me. The original was black like the car but he showed me a number of fabrics he has used for vintage cars and convinced me to go with a tan which I did. It came out BEAUIFUL and I get more comments about it. As I said I drive it to the local grocery/package store (lol) two or three times a week and there is always someone looking at it when I come out. People in the community wave as I go by. I am very happy I left the body as it was !!

[Jim M]

Ronn, I keep saying black but it is actually a dark green. I am color red/green color blind..lol so it looks black to me.

[ronn]

ok Jim- like your take. I will hold off on touching the metal for now.


I did oil everything up and need to do more on the underside. I am amazed that there isnt more rust, being in the northeast.
done for the day and more at it on the weekend. raining tomorrow and will have a look at that seat back. also need to assemble the top irons and see what I have. was told they were cut down......... I did find the original side curtains under the seat. only good for patterns.

[super flat]

Post some pictures we like them here!

[springerpete]

First, make it safe to drive: suspension- front and back, brakes, exhaust, engine and tires. See how much fun you had doing that and go from there. Bill

[48fordnut]

Pictures ,or it didn't happen.
Thanks,

jim

[Incognito-A]

I saw the ad too…Post Pics!!!

[lrf]

I always say, "You can restore a car a hundred times but it's original only once." An original is a rare find. IMO.

[ronn]

Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Central Maine
Posts: 563


Re: ok new old 29 roadster...... preservation?
First, make it safe to drive: suspension- front and back, brakes, exhaust, engine and tires. See how much fun you had doing that and go from there. Bill



totally agree!

[ronn]

[77Birdman]

Good question. Recently a discussion on another forum. IMO, if the car is presentable, get the mechanicals running safely and enjoy the heck out of it. Restoration is a VERY deep bunny hole. On the other hand I dont like to see a car that is beat up and badly in need of work that is presented as 'original' and left that way. There is a line between decent daily driver/preserved car and one that needs a restoration. Youre going to have to make that call.
BTW, I am half hr below Paradise, travel the area about once a week.