Why would you waste your money on that Model A

[1929]

That's what my know it all neighbor said to me, he has 5 cars, they are Mercedes Benz, Land Rover BMWs, one sounds like a speed boat, the other has a loud muffler, and this used Mercedes, that looks like a black Jeep that costs over $175, sounds like a Diesel Train. I see his cars in the shop more then on the road. I told him its about the looks and the History of the Model A. I told him, his cars do nothing for me, some look like half an egg. I get more looks at my car then he does. I believe most of the old cars prior to the 60s have much more Character and style then these new ones.

[Y-Blockhead]

Plus I have met some of the nicest people that also own Model A's. See if he can say that about Mercedes or BMW owners.

I'm sure you heard this one...
What is the difference between a porcupine and a BMW?

The porcupine has the pricks on the outside and the BMW... well you get the idea.

[ursus]

Having wasted much more money on European sports cars, I beg to differ with your neighbor.

[Synchro909]

Response to your neighbour: This car is 90 years old and still going. By the time yours is 90 years old, it will have come back as a microwave oven, a fridge and maybe some razor blades.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Just tell him that you are trying to bring some class into the neighbohood. Then give him a good backfire!

[dave in australia]

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I must be in the minority then, I own Model A's and a BMW, plus a Durant and a DeSoto.

[leo]

If your neighbor can't say anything nice he should not say any(#@&%$) thing at all!

[1929]

Originally Posted by leo

If your neighbor can't say anything nice he should not say any(#@&%$) thing at all!

It doesn't bother me about what he says, because the majority out there appreciate the car.Every time Iam on the road, Iam asked questions, get a thumbs up or they want to take a picture of the car.

[Licensed to kill]

My answer to that would be "because I'm only interested in pleasing myself, not trying to impress others and these cars please me". No different that those that feel the need to give their unsolicited negative opinion about people that hotrod their cars, or add options to a car that didn't come with them, or use non original colours, 16" wheels or whatever. It's OK to not LIKE what someone else has but it is in poor taste to say so unless you are specifically asked.

[Jim Baskin III Pa.]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

Just tell him that you are trying to bring some class into the neighbohood. Then give him a good backfire!

Now that is a good one Cool Hand Lurker

[ronn]

I would have laughed at him, shook my head and just walked away.


who needs neighbors?

[Oldbluoval]

Who really cares what a neighbor or anyone else thinks. It took me years to convince my wife that if someone comments, criticizes, belittles, etc.....who cares. There are maybe 5 people in the world who's comments would give me pause....the list is getting shorter!!!

[JD 1931]

How can something one enjoys be a waste of money, even if you have to sometime wrench on it.....

[goodcar]

Originally Posted by 1929

That's what my know it all neighbor said to me, he has 5 cars, they are Mercedes Benz, Land Rover BMWs, one sounds like a speed boat, the other has a loud muffler, and this used Mercedes, that looks like a black Jeep that costs over $175, sounds like a Diesel Train. I see his cars in the shop more then on the road. I told him its about the looks and the History of the Model A. I told him, his cars do nothing for me, some look like half an egg. I get more looks at my car then he does. I believe most of the old cars prior to the 60s have much more Character and style then these new ones.

Best way to deal with people like your neighbor is to ignore them. You're wasting your time trying to debate with them, its like wrestling with a pig in a mud wallow. They love it and when its all over, what have you accomplished other than wanting to go home and take a shower.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by goodcar

Best way to deal with people like your neighbor is to ignore them. You're wasting your time trying to debate with them, its like wrestling with a pig in a mud wallow. They love it and when its all over, what have you accomplished other than wanting to go home and take a shower.

Now hold on a minute. I enjoy wrestling with pigs in a mud wallow.

[johnneilson]

Personally, I would just build a taller fence between us.

[2manycars]

Glad I live in the country, where the neighbors are far enough away that we dont say much, and not often.

[mike657894]

location does not make freinds. I try not to meet my neighbors. im thinking about finding the cheapest 65,66 mustang shell I can find(1-2k) and putting 10 grand into it to make a fun autcross car. with the modern aluminum chevy 5.3. That wont make no freinds. But I like myself and it will make me happy. planning on making it look like a calm or crappy 6cyl white with red interior.

But yeah dont ever listen to a benz or rover guy. you can tell they are fools from 100 yards off.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Your neighbor's cars are nothing but a money pit. The Germans are famous for over-engineering everything they build. Hence they are big, big bucks to maintain. Stupid money. And, unless that car was built by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself, it's gonna need maintenance pure and simple.

I personally wouldn't walk across the road to look at any of them.

Give me a Model A Ford, Early V-8 Ford, Model T Ford, early Chevy or Plymouth to look at. Mustang-Galaxie-Torino-Fairlane all day long can't see enough of them.

But your neighbor's cars?? How do you spell 'blaaaaah' I think I just did

[1929]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

Your neighbor's cars are nothing but a money pit. The Germans are famous for over-engineering everything they build. Hence they are big, big bucks to maintain. Stupid money. And, unless that car was built by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself, it's gonna need maintenance pure and simple.

I personally wouldn't walk across the road to look at any of them.

Give me a Model A Ford, Early V-8 Ford, Model T Ford, early Chevy or Plymouth to look at. Mustang-Galaxie-Torino-Fairlane all day long can't see enough of them.

But your neighbor's cars?? How do you spell 'blaaaaah' I think I just did

Exactly, give me a 1936 Buick, 1955 Cadillac, or an old Packard.

[leo]

1929, the more thought I give this the more I believe this person is not really a good friend because he is trying to push your buttons by making a comment that he knows will evoke negative feelings just to see your reaction. Avoid this jerk. I've known people myself who believe that driving expensive automobiles is a way of showing off their affluence, but nobody really cares about those expensive automobiles because they are a dime a dozen and just about anybody can buy or lease one.

[1929]

Originally Posted by leo

1929, the more thought I give this the more I believe this person is not really a good friend because he is trying to push your buttons by making a comment that he knows will evoke negative feelings just to see your reaction. Avoid this jerk. I've known people myself who believe that driving expensive automobiles is a way of showing off their affluence, but nobody really cares about those expensive automobiles because they are a dime a dozen and just about anybody can buy or lease one.

What he said doesn't bother me, especially when every time I take the car out, I get waves, thumbs up, people asking me if they can take pictures, many stopping me to ask questions. Even the landscapers from other countries stop the lawnmowers and drop the rakes,
point and stare at the A.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Originally Posted by johnneilson

Personally, I would just build a taller fence between us.

And then put a full length mirror on his side so he can stroke his ego.

[1ton]

It just makes good sense to drive vehicles that are appreciating in value then to lose money on them.

[denis4x4]

What a waste of bandwidth to discuss somebody’s choice of transportation that doesn’t have anything to do with this forum.

[Jeff/Illinois]

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Originally Posted by denis4x4

What a waste of bandwidth to discuss somebody’s choice of transportation that doesn’t have anything to do with this forum.

I have to disagree with that statement. It has everything to do with this forum.

Part of the Forum is supporting each other. That is what we are doing. Supporting Model A Fords.

You can always go over to the over priced German car Barn oh wait, there isn't any nobody really cares about them. At least in any number

[7_Zero]

Next time he asks that question, take him for a ride. That should help him answer his own question. I know when I ask myself the same question, a ride around the block usually reminds me of why I keep ‘wasting’ money on it.

[Charlie Stephens]

Ask him what hobby he has? You will probably have plenty of targets to take shots at the next time he complains about your hobby.

Charlie Stephens

[Brian in Wheeling]

Probably just plays golf.Most folks I know who do...have no skills or other interests related to cars, old or new.

[woofa.express]

Those vehicles that are mentioned are great. Great if you enjoy complex design and engineering. Great if you enjoy chasing all around the world for spare parts.

[jimalabam]

Tell him: You need a new neighbor, he should move...

[Charlie Stephens]

Post his hobbies and we will try to come up wth a few good one liners for you to have in reserve.

Charlie Stephens

[woofa.express]

In addition to 3 Model A's I have a 1950 FX Holden, a G.M. product. It has just turned over 24K miles. In great condition. It is popular because it is a locally designed car and the brand has only recently gone out of production.
When I view this car next to my Model A's it really has no class. Sorry FX fans. I do have difficulty warming to it.

The attached photo is from the internet and is exactly like mine even the colour.

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by jimalabam

Tell him: You need a new neighbor, he should move...

No, you should move. Move to a neighbourhood with some class.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Time for a beer.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Brian in Wheeling

Probably just plays golf.Most folks I know who do...have no skills or other interests related to cars, old or new.

Brian I've noticed the same thing here.

I'm not into golf myself, but I have a number of friends that are. And they sit around and argue to the point of fighting about their scores, and who is lying and such. Calling each other names. Stomping out of the room. Like little kids. The whole time I'm thinking 'Who really gives a crap??'

That doesn't sound like much fun to me.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Just tell your neighbor he needs to sell his cars and buy a real car, a Studebaker.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Just tell your neighbor he needs to sell his cars and buy a real car, a Studebaker.

Tom I was in Dennison, Texas a couple weeks ago at a car show (didn't know they were having it it was by accident) and came upon a 1950 Studebaker Convertible restored back to original.

Man that was a sharp car. The kind that keeps puling you back for another look. One guy had a restored 1931 Model A Cabriolet that was real sharp another had a '39 Ford Coupe all restored to original not rodded. Another guy had a show condition 1967 Plymouth GTX. All the folks there were A-No. 1 friendly as could be.

Really enjoyed seeing the cars.

[DHZIEMAN]

Sadly, Free speech is Free and does not always make sense to the person doing the listening! And I am with You! I doubt anything this guy owns will survive 88 years! And it does not sound like he cares!

[Licensed to kill]

Curious, how does "Why would you waste your money on a model A" differ from this statement "Yet another innocent '28-29 roadster turned into someone's idea of a 1930-31 Deluxe Roadster, with the regrettable addition of virtually every chrome goodie possible slapped on it. If someone wants a '30-31 Deluxe Roadster, then for Heaven's sake BUY a '30-31 Deluxe Roadster instead of trying to turn a pumpkin into a prince's carriage for Cinderella. '28-29 roadsters left in their natural state have their own charm for us guys who also appreciate the more antiquated look of the '28-29 Model A's. No matter how many chrome trinkets or whitewall tires are thrown on a '28-29 roadster, it will NEVER approach a '30-31 Deluxe Roadster in appearance. "? Are they not both people criticizing someone else for their car choices because they don't meet THEIR standards?.

[ronn]

I have to disagree with that statement. It has everything to do with this forum.





times 2!

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

Curious, how does "Why would you waste your money on a model A" differ from this statement "Yet another innocent '28-29 roadster turned into someone's idea of a 1930-31 Deluxe Roadster, with the regrettable addition of virtually every chrome goodie possible slapped on it. If someone wants a '30-31 Deluxe Roadster, then for Heaven's sake BUY a '30-31 Deluxe Roadster instead of trying to turn a pumpkin into a prince's carriage for Cinderella. '28-29 roadsters left in their natural state have their own charm for us guys who also appreciate the more antiquated look of the '28-29 Model A's. No matter how many chrome trinkets or whitewall tires are thrown on a '28-29 roadster, it will NEVER approach a '30-31 Deluxe Roadster in appearance. "? Are they not both people criticizing someone else for their car choices because they don't meet THEIR standards?.

I like your thoughts on this. Marco even said once he had a '29 Roadster growing up BUT it wasn't a '30-'31 Roadster and that is what he really desired so he sold the '29 and found the '30 Dlx that he restored.

I like them all and I'm with you, I like them actually closer to original than all doo-dadded up. I love an original '28-'29 Roadster (or Tudor!). And I guess I'm kinda partial to the '30-'31's Roadster's they are a little bit 'nicer' in my eye. You can see the carry-over lines in the '32 Ford, from the '30-'31 body styles and who in old Ford circles doesn't LOVE a clean '32 Ford in ANY body style

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Response to your neighbour: This car is 90 years old and still going. By the time yours is 90 years old, it will have come back as a microwave oven, a fridge and maybe some razor blades.

that's funny!

[daveymc29]

Bright people arguing with fools often leaves the rest of us wondering which one is which.
Just laugh and walk away with your head held high. You like it, he doesn't, so what?
(Ace BMW owner)

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by daveymc29

Bright people arguing with fools often leaves the rest of us wondering which one is which.
Just laugh and walk away with your head held high. You like it, he doesn't, so what?
(Ace BMW owner)

Wel, said.

[Corley]

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It is your money, you have it to "waste", so who cares what anyone else thinks about what you waste it on. After all, owning a model A now days is a "luxury", not a "need". Really though, you are just "loaning" it, as you will recover it when you sell.

[1929]

Originally Posted by daveymc29

Bright people arguing with fools often leaves the rest of us wondering which one is which.
Just laugh and walk away with your head held high. You like it, he doesn't, so what?
(Ace BMW owner)

There was never an argument, just a simple difference in opinions.

[CSPIDY]

I sense Model A envy, some people say the opposite of their real feeling because they are envious and drive bmw’s!

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by CSPIDY

I sense Model A envy, some people say the opposite of their real feeling because they are envious and drive bmw’s!

Gotta agree with this also.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by CSPIDY

I sense Model A envy, some people say the opposite of their real feeling because they are envious and drive bmw’s!

I doubt that. For the price of one of his cars he could buy a whole herd of Model A's if that's what he wanted. IF there was "envy" going on it would be from the model A guys dissing the BMW guys because you may be able to afford a model A or 2 but a Beemer could be beyond you financial reach. Those with expensive toys are rarely envious of those with less expensive toys. It's the other way around. IMO it's just that some people have to run others down to make themselves feel superior. Of course, in reality it has the opposite affect how other perceive you.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by Corley

It is your money, you have it to "waste", so who cares what anyone else thinks about what you waste it on. After all, owning a model A now days is a "luxury", not a "need". Really though, you are just "loaning" it, as you will recover it when you sell.

After you have had an A for a while and are an enthusiast, it is kind of an addiction, and can be a "need", and is not a "luxury".

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by Brendan

that's funny!

you wrote and I quote, below,
i can't spell my way out of a paper bag!

Can't spell? Who cares? Do read my story number 297.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

After you have had an A for a while and are an enthusiast, it is kind of an addiction, and can be a "need", and is not a "luxury".

Relatable. When I came home with the fordor last fall (my 4th A), my son looked in the trailer and said "you definitely have a 'type'". He suggested to his mother that perhaps it was time for an intervention.

[Herman Munster]

BMW = Break My Windows. It was the favorite car of Yuppies in the 80's. I couldn't stand them, nor their owners. My best friend had one for a neighbor and that guy was a jerk. My friend dared me to pee in the cowl vents of the guy's car one night when it was parked on the street. I did it.

[Corley]

Envy... It could be a different type of envy. My neighbor has a garage and shop full of really high dollar cars, but he can't fix or even maintain anything himself. He loves his cars, but has no mechanical ability at all. He gives me a bad time about all my "junkers" (model As, Studebakers, Jags, etc.), but is quick to ask for help when in a bind on one of his high $ cars. I think in this case the envy is all about my mechanical skills and his lack of same. He probably feels envious that he is not capable of keeping something like a model A going.

[daveymc29]

Then there are the guys that just like cars. I have a friend with a $3M+ Bentley. He restored a 29 A pickup because his wife saw it out in a field rusting away and told him it looked sad out there. It is now in a museum in Australia and he drives the Bentley out on the street quite often, shipped it to Australia and took first place in a show there and has it back here for cars and coffee. He is also a great guy if he never owned a vehicle. So we can't throw everyone in the same hat. Did I mention he also is a machinist and works on his own stuff? Had a house with garage space for fourteen cars an has his eye out for a Howie (S) chopper. He used to race also in younger days.

[CSPIDY]

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

Relatable. When I came home with the fordor last fall (my 4th A), my son looked in the trailer and said "you definitely have a 'type'". He suggested to his mother that perhaps it was time for an intervention.

Better than collecting cats,

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by CSPIDY

Better than collecting cats,

Actually, I have 4 of those in the feline variety and 3 of the 3406/C-15 variety so......

[Jwilli]

Because I like it.

[TerryO]

BMW = Break My Windows.

I was told it stands for "Big Money Wasted" by a BMW owner


TerryO

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by TerryO

I was told it stands for "Big Money Wasted" by a BMW owner


TerryO

When we did a rally in New Zealand a few years ago, I was told BMWs were plentiful and I should pick up one for myself. Then I found out BMW stood for Big Maori Woman. What a horror - my wife was with me!

[Osage Orange]

When I was in college in 1969 and driving my 1929 Model A standard coupe, everyone else seemed to be driving mustangs, camaros, roadrunners, sprites, etc. I'd go to the parking lot after class and crank start my coupe, honk the ahooga horn and get lots of waves from the young ladies. A day or so later they'd come up to me and ask if I would give them a ride in it. I dated a couple of them that I met that way.

[daveymc29]

BMW in some circles means "Black man working." Several of the ladies of color and a few others said that was why they were on the fire department, to get a BMW.

[dumb person]

The model A is more reliable.
I don't know what i wasted money on it for either, it only attracts old men who pick at it & demand i give them pieces off it.

At least my mechanical brakes work every bit as good juice ones and never, ever leak fluid, because it has none.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by dumb person

The model A is more reliable.

More reliable that WHAT???? Model T maybe. There are lots of reasons for wanting a Model A but lets be serious here.

[eagle]

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Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

More reliable that WHAT???? Model T maybe. There are lots of reasons for wanting a Model A but lets be serious here.

I consider my A very reliable. Ran out of gas once when I first got it because I didn't realize that empty meant exactly that. Otherwise many miles of reliability.

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Licensed to kill

More reliable that WHAT???? Model T maybe. There are lots of reasons for wanting a Model A but lets be serious here.

I am serious. Ever seen a BMW or audi? My neighbor used to buy those, used ones. Went through about 20 of them. Average life span was one week. Get a 2007 VW for $2,000 and have a nice driveway ornament in 3 weeks when the transmission blows up.
He saw the light & bought a toyota after a while.

[ghodge]

I understand the neighbor is a jerk and it was an ignorant statement to disparage the guy for having a Model A but I actually own a BMW and a Model A and used to own a Mercedes and am a nice person. Not everyone who drives a German luxury car is like that guy. Don't get me wrong, I am not taking up for the neighbor but there is a lot of stereotyping going on here.

[Grumpy Rick]

I'll bet your neighbor leases those cars. Yours is an 'investment', not a write off.

[pooch]

Originally Posted by woofa.express

Those vehicles that are mentioned are great. Great if you enjoy complex design and engineering. Great if you enjoy chasing all around the world for spare parts.

HA, I just spent the last night in Tocumwal at the Town beach.

[Licensed to kill]

Originally Posted by ghodge

I understand the neighbor is a jerk and it was an ignorant statement to disparage the guy for having a Model A but I actually own a BMW and a Model A and used to own a Mercedes and am a nice person. Not everyone who drives a German luxury car is like that guy. Don't get me wrong, I am not taking up for the neighbor but there is a lot of stereotyping going on here.

Yes and a lot of it smacks of jealousy. Same as when someone has a lifted diesel truck and those that can't afford one say that the owner is "compensating" for a certain "shortfall". To each his own. Yes that neighbour was being a jerk and should have kept his opinion to himself. However, was his comment any different that this posted here dissing BMW's and their owners?. Not that I can see.

[corvette8n]

Tell him your preserving history, it's more fun to be driving history than to look at one in a museum.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by dumb person

I am serious. Ever seen a BMW or audi? My neighbor used to buy those, used ones. Went through about 20 of them. Average life span was one week. Get a 2007 VW for $2,000 and have a nice driveway ornament in 3 weeks when the transmission blows up.
He saw the light & bought a toyota after a while.

I'm not an Asian auto fan but I'd definitely take one over a VW if I had to. They don't hold a candle to a Toyota or a Honda or a Hyundai.

Those dumb things will break you in ownership costs. I know too many people that have had them and never went back for another. They were glad to be rid of them. The Beetle. What a turd. Working and living in Germany in 2001 I asked some German John Deere repairmen at lunch one day, why I never saw a VW Beetle driving around. They all started laughing and one of them said to me 'Beetle. Baaaachhh. Only you Amis (Americans) drive that sh--."

He made a good point

[28Ca8149]

I have been going to car shows for many years .So I thought I would take. my 1928 un restored original roadster .Nobody looked at those red blue yellow cars .There was so many around my car you couldn't get a picture .A lot of the young kids never saw an old car .It brought back a lot of memories for the older people I like this one the most of my collection

[woofa.express]

Originally Posted by 28Ca8149

I have been going to car shows for many years .So I thought I would take. my 1928 un restored original roadster .Nobody looked at those red blue yellow cars .There was so many around my car you couldn't get a picture .A lot of the young kids never saw an old car .It brought back a lot of memories for the older people I like this one the most of my collection

yes I liked that story. It gives me too much pleasure in giving the oldies and the kids a ride. I like to share my old fords and let others drive them too. Just remember many people's first drive of a car was in a Model A. Just look at their face. That's the reward.

[DBrer]

Some people just don't appreciate a car that was a predecessor to his disposable over priced thing.

[Doodlebug1930]

You may laugh at my Doodlebug (Model A with Model TT truck rear axle) but I love it & have no neighbors to comment on it.

[gdmn852]

To use a saying from dear departed Dad”tell him to PI$$ up a drain pipe”advice from WW 2 veteran.

[David R.]

I have a neighbor that bought a hot rod ‘49 Chevy pick up with some kind of modern drive train in it. He hardly ever drives it, but backs it out of the garage and shines it up a lot. I would never make any disparaging remarks about it even though it has no appeal to me whatsoever. I would much rather have my basket case AA that I intend to drive the wheels off of if I ever get it together.

[Jeff/Illinois]

One other nice thing about owning a Model A Ford is, they don't take up much room in the garage.

They are about the size of two John Deere 500 series garden tractors parked end to end, each with 54" mower decks