New here and just got a decent A

[fordf1trucknut]

I have been trying to fix up a pair of rust bucket model a's for a few years and realized life is too short (i had a close call health wise around christmas) so I went out and bought a decent one after selling one of the projects off

I took the wife and 2 girls for our maiden voyage tonight.



It is a solid car that came to pa from California in the 90,s

It is all stock except sometime in it's past it was updated with what looks to be 1940 hydraulic brakes.

The kids (5 and 1) and wife love it and so do I!!!!!!

[jkcrosson]

Nice car and welcome to the barn. My kids (8 and 5) love mine. My wife doesn't care for it.

[glenn in camino]

Wow, very nice Model A. Enjoy.

[fordf1trucknut]

Thanks guys.

Here is what I started with with my other coupe



Quite the opposite end of the spectrum.

Out of necessity I was taking it down an early 50s hotrod path (out of necessity money wise since i was in need of everything $$$ for it). But kept really wanting a nice stock car.

So I now plan to try to move it onto a new owner.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I think you made a good move.
In the 80's I was gathering parts to put together a 29 Tudor. After a few years I found one complete except for side glass and upholstery, so it was a no brainer that this was the one I wanted to finish.

[Mike V. Florida]

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Looks good and welcome

[Drive Shaft Dave]

Looks like the one I am finishing up.

[freak]

Good choice. I bought mine turn-key as well. I have enough projects and I want to drive!

[SeaSlugs]

yea id much rather buy a running driving car of any age and do bits and pieces at a time than a whole basketcase. My 29 is a sheetmetal basketcase anyways but its got family history with it so its going to get done!

[Skibb]

Welcome FordTruckNut,

It's great to have ppl like you here. 'Cause I was in the same boat 1/1/11 in the ER. Yes, I learned too "Life Is Too Short". May I say, you have a beautiful family to share that handsome ride with.

[mshmodela]

fordf1trucknut,

Very nice car... I got my Model A about a month ago --it was in very nice shape as well. I will tell you the posts on this forum from the experience folks here is invaluable --all good reading...

-Mike

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by fordf1trucknut

I have been trying to fix up a pair of rust bucket model a's for a few years and realized life is too short (i had a close call health wise around christmas) so I went out and bought a decent one after selling one of the projects off

I took the wife and 2 girls for our maiden voyage tonight.



It is a solid car that came to pa from California in the 90,s

It is all stock except sometime in it's past it was updated with what looks to be 1940 hydraulic brakes.

The kids (5 and 1) and wife love it and so do I!!!!!!

My favorite body styl and year. I have had 25 A's and I always liked the 30-31 coupes the best.

[james hitchcock]

Love it. Looks like a fun ride.

[Domino]

Congratulations onn your new family hobby. Good looking car. I purchsed a coupe 8 years ago and while lots of progress made, it still is not ready for the road. Buying a completed one is a good move. I have three other As to drive so no big deal for me except it takes up shop space. My rationalizationis that I am saving it for a retirement project - lol.

You may want to get involved with a locasl A club and enjoy the car and activities associated with it.

[Hitchhiker]

I made a similar move. Sold a rough project and bought nice truck. Best decision I have ever made.

[1wonton]

If she ever decides she "likes" it you can let her ride in front.

[Dave in MN]

Welcome to the hobby and this forum. Family, friends and the Model A...they are the special things in life! I love seeing your children enjoying the car with you. Thanks for sharing.
Good Day!

[chopo]

i would love to give the old girl a new home. it would be a hotrod however

[somethingspecial]

Welcome, nice ride, great family man got all bases covered. Good move on the coupe. After 27 years still haven't driven my first model A. Yet !!!!!

[Michael M]

Congratulations on the new coupe. It looks great and it seems the whole family will enjoy it. That's a definite plus!

[antiquepa]

ENJOY!!!!!!!!! Welcome to the barn!!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by fordf1trucknut

I have been trying to fix up a pair of rust bucket model a's for a few years and realized life is too short (i had a close call health wise around christmas) so I went out and bought a decent one after selling one of the projects off

I took the wife and 2 girls for our maiden voyage tonight.



It is a solid car that came to pa from California in the 90,s

It is all stock except sometime in it's past it was updated with what looks to be 1940 hydraulic brakes.

The kids (5 and 1) and wife love it and so do I!!!!!!

WAAAH! Reminds me of MINERVA, that I was forced to sell for care home $$$$$ for Pat! (Forgive me Minerva, please!)---Bill W.

[fordf1trucknut]

Thanks for the welcome guys!!!!!!

I've been a lurker here for a long time, glad to finally have a nice stock car and join up.

[Terry,NJ]

Similar story with my 30 coupe. California to Pa, Red wheels, rumble seat, older restoration, 46 Hyd. brakes, But the engine was bored .125 and the head cut about .090. Cam ? I dunno. I put an autolite heater in it, Works nicely. and I took ten lbs off the fly wheel. Only difference is your's was cared for, mine wasn't and it needs a paint job. I may get around to it or I may not. I like driving it while I finish my 30 Town Sedan. Look at"My Coupe" in my profile.
Terry

[ronn]

you were quite wise

time runs out on us real fast......................

[Charlie Stephens]

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I like your car and agree with your decision to buy a completed one. I am probably about your age and know what you are talking about. Be sure to check the brakes over carefully. I prefer hydraulic brakes but some of the conversions are frightening. When I bought my '31 RDPU the hydraulic brake conversion was so bad that I replaced it for safety reasons, leaky rubber hoses, copper tubing and a master cylinder mounted on the firewall without reinforcement (there was flexing and cracks starting). Another thing is when you run wire wheels on drums designed for solid wheels you should have a spacer (see http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ns#post8330045).

Charlie Stephens

[fordf1trucknut]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

I like your car and agree with your decision to buy a completed one. I am probably about your age and know what you are talking about. Be sure to check the brakes over carefully. I prefer hydraulic brakes but some of the conversions are frightening. When I bought my '31 RDPU the hydraulic brake conversion was so bad that I replaced it for safety reasons, leaky rubber hoses, copper tubing and a master cylinder mounted on the firewall without reinforcement (there was flexing and cracks starting). Another thing is when you run wire wheels on drums designed for solid wheels you should have a spacer (see http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ns#post8330045).

Charlie Stephens

Thanks for the tip.. when I bought it I looked of the conversion and it all looks good BUT I did NOT know about the needed support INBOARD of the lugs... I ordered the spacer rings and won't drive it again till they come in and I get them on....I just hope there isn't any cracking on the rims.

I pulled on and checked it over well and didn't see any damage and I also noted that there wasn't any marks in the paint inboard of the lugs ....so no support there.

I also ordered some engine pans since they are missing and ordered some spare parts to keep on hand in case of breakdown (plugs...points..condenser...etc...etc....)

THANKS, AGAIN!!!! Don't want to hurt anyone with a rim failure!!!!

by the way I am 33....not too old BUT not too young either......

[roccaas]

Originally Posted by George Miller

My favorite body styl and year. I have had 25 A's and I always liked the 30-31 coupes the best.

25?!

Which ones HAVEN'T you had??

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by roccaas

25?!

Which ones HAVEN'T you had??

Never had a Victoria, Cabriolet, Phaeton.

[Tiny]

Welcome to the barn. I also bought a complete after decideing that I didn't what another project. Love the coupe, but I'm partial to 31 coupes. Is it black or maroon?

[fordf1trucknut]

Thanks it is black.

[fordf1trucknut]

Well my wheel spacer thingys came in and I got them on the car BUT it looks like the damage has already been done on 3 of the rims.... one has a 1/4" crack from one of the lug holes towards the center and 2 of the other rims have 2 cracks going to the center from 2 lugs that are maybe an 1" or more long..

I assume I need to find 3 new rims.....or can I weld the cracks up from the inside? or would it be better to just put a weld near the lug hole and leave the rest be so I don't warp anything or throw off the balance of the rims?

How much should I pay for nice original rims? I have no Idea what a good price range would be.

thanks for your help!!!!

[1927reocpe]

Welcome and good luck with your future healthy life!

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by fordf1trucknut

Well my wheel spacer thingys came in and I got them on the car BUT it looks like the damage has already been done on 3 of the rims.... one has a 1/4" crack from one of the lug holes towards the center and 2 of the other rims have 2 cracks going to the center from 2 lugs that are maybe an 1" or more long..

I assume I need to find 3 new rims.....or can I weld the cracks up from the inside? or would it be better to just put a weld near the lug hole and leave the rest be so I don't warp anything or throw off the balance of the rims?

How much should I pay for nice original rims? I have no Idea what a good price range would be.

thanks for your help!!!!

I see very nice rims going for about $50 or less. Try advertising in the newsletter of the local Model A Club since they are heavy and shipping is expensive. Another nice thing about buying local is that you can see what you are getting before you pay for them and have them shipped. Photos are good but they can lie. Also catch a few other nearby Model A clubs. Also remember that in addition to looking good you need to spin them and check for run out and out of round.

Charlie Stephens

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by fordf1trucknut

Well my wheel spacer thingys came in and I got them on the car BUT it looks like the damage has already been done on 3 of the rims.... one has a 1/4" crack from one of the lug holes towards the center and 2 of the other rims have 2 cracks going to the center from 2 lugs that are maybe an 1" or more long..

I assume I need to find 3 new rims.....or can I weld the cracks up from the inside?

thanks for your help!!!!

People weld them, no troubles really. Just try to make the weld tidy & easy to grind/file smooth & you should have no problems.

[ckulchar]

Nice family and "A". Congratulations.

Charley

[ironbuttjohn]

Nice picture, That one would get a frame and go on the wall.

[John LaVoy]

welcome to a great hobby. The car looks great, I hope you get involved with a local chapter of MAFCA. This site is a great resource but having people in your local area to get clues as to where to get things done or help with a project is a real benefit to the participation in a local chapter.

[1930artdeco]

Welcome trucknut,

the nice thing about your area is that there are a lot of clubs there and you have the Hershey and Carlisle swapmeets. I envy you. Nice car to boot.

Mike

[fordf1trucknut]

I waxed it and it really cleaned up well



Took my daughter to preschool today in it. I really enjoy driving it more than my other old cars/trucks.

I also installed new engine pans since the originals were missing.

I may look into local cubs if I can find any.

I will try to weld up the cracks from the Inside next time I have a free evening in the garage.

I need to line the coupe up with my other old cars for a group pic.

[Terry,NJ]

First of all, Welcome to the barn. And the car looks like a winner. Where is Somerset. Pa?
I'm in Perkasie, Bucks Co. The Lehigh Valley club is not far, basically centered around Allentown. If I can help you in any way, please message me.
Terry

[fordf1trucknut]

Thanks, I am between pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Kinda in the middle of nowhere.

[loubob]

Welcome.
Enjoy your car and The Ford Barn.

[fordf1trucknut]

I racked up a lot of miles on the car now that the weather is nicer. My wife and daughters even handled a nearly 2 hour road trip in the rumble seat!!!

I can't believe how much fun a stock a coupe is!!!!

[insomniacshotrods]

Very nice coupe. Sounds like your really enjoying it, thats what its all about.

[John LaVoy]

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Welcome, looks like a great choice for a car. Hope to see you along the Model A highway soon. Try and take in a Model A event with the family and meet other's in the hobby.

[Gumpy]

Welcome, & you are right life's tooo short!

[pat in Santa Cruz]

black coupes look soooo good.

[fordf1trucknut]

Our girls have really been enjoying the car a LOT



The car has been seeing a good many miles and I have been enjoying driving and maintaining it.

I even got some track time at the local race track (it was just a parade lap)



Our 5 year old likes the car so much that I she claimed my "old" coupe project for herself...she wants to drive it when she gets older so I couldn't bring myself to sale it especially after she started to make her own improvements to it!!!



I also decided to add another old ford to the stable also... a 23 T.....it makes driving the coupe feel like driving a NEW car!!!

[Bruskie]

Real nice collection you've got there. Welcome to model a world. I too had a health scare back in January & have since went on disability & now have plenty of time to work on my 30 sedan. bought it with fire damage on the front needs paint & wiring hope to be driving it soon.

[Hoogah]

Hey trucknut, welcome aboard. I've only recently entered the world of Model A's ('28 Phaeton) but have quickly become addicted to the Barn. It's a great place to hang out! And so much knowledge here!

You teased us with the picture of your multi-car garage - what's that in front of the T? Pedal car? Battery powered?

[Hardtail75]

Welcome to the Barn and what a beautiful car you have there, congratulations!! Love the paint, thinking I want mine to be black now! Cheers!

[fordf1trucknut]

The "little" one is an older gas powered "shriners" car I picked up in trade for some fab and paintwork on a 56 f350.


Here is a pic of when I got it..... I cleaned it up and redid some of it now.



the kids like it alot.

here is a video of the original owners son taking it on a beer run the night I made a deal on it..

[stewwolfe]

Nice car! It's better to have one you can drive. This way the whole family can enjoy it. You might want to think about joining a local Model A Club.

[JtownJoe]

Hi, Welcome to the Barn! I'm from Johnstown, just up the road, have a 30' Tudor and like to drive it a lot! This site is a great help to all of us A'ers.

[Lona]

Congrats and welcome to the Barn.

Don't want to rain on your parade but I hope you have seat belts in the rumble while taking the kids for a ride. Rumbles are dangerous for everyone, especially small children.

From my past posts, I can be labeled a seat belt campaigner and this is true. In addition to rumble seat belts, an adjustable strap with rubber coated hooks on each end, one attached to the cross bar under the rear and the other hooked over the rumble lid handle will prevent the lid from closing on the occupants in case of an accident. Costs about $10 at big box stores and can be installed or removed in seconds.

I have installed three point retractable belts in the driver's compartment and lap belts in the rumble of our roadster and we ride with kids in the back often. PM me if I can be of any assistance on belt installations.

Good luck with your new baby and drive it often!

Glen

[fordf1trucknut]

Yes I added a seatbelt for the kids and a removeable foam piece that goes on the rain gutter.

[Ray64]

I would have changed horses in the middle of the stream also LOL

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by fordf1trucknut

Yes I added a seatbelt for the kids and a removeable foam piece that goes on the rain gutter.

A piece of 3/4" or 1" foam pipe insulation would be a good edge protector. It comes pre slit.

[fordf1trucknut]

I had some free time this week so i finally got around to removing the rims ving tge cracks and welding them up. Of course i had to touch up tge paint but they turned out well....cant even tell inside or out. After some grinding.

I also decided to make a removeable rod to prevent the rumble lud from closing in case of an accident.

[fordf1trucknut]

Also this summer while tuning it up i found that the po had the coil wired backwards. I wasnt sure if that damaged the old coil so i put on a pertronix epoxy filled unit and man did it make a difererence.

My longest drive this summer was 2.5 hours and it ran great.

[Anteek29]

I am a new member as well...with my first A - 1929 Special Coupe.
Did not want a project, so found one ready for the open road

[JohnLaVoy]

Welcome! Coupes are fun and having the rumble seat for your girls is great! Looking forward to seeing you out on tours and involved in the hobby!

[whirnot]

Welcome, nice car! all it needs are some whitewalls!

And take it from me, it will compliment your F1 nicely!!!!

[fordf1trucknut]

Thanks, it does look good next to my black f1


It looks nice next to my summer daily driver too


Not so much my winter daily driver. The a makes it look like a complete junker

[slackcat]

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Nice line-up you have there.

[Anteek29]

Love that F1. Reminds me of when I was still in high school and worked as a plumber's helper during summertime, drove his beat-up F1 panel with lots of miles on it and overloaded with pipes and equipment...never let us down!