Would you restore a Model A today or not?

[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!