Our Model A wreck in Austin, TX

[Slotblog]

The members of this forum are truly an inspiration!

[Onlybackroads]

I can't imagine being in any better community than the Model A community, you may also read "community" as "family"

[BlueSunoco]

I too am very sorry to hear of your accident.

But, don't let emotions override a business decision. It will sink you every time. My feelings are, settle with the Insurance company, take what you can get, and go shopping for another 1930 Model A Ford Coupe. They ain't rare. Good, complete, restored ones can be easily had.

Your car needs to be totally dis-assembled and every original piece needs to be sold off for another restoration, original hardware, everything. Not trying to be cruel but if you rebuild this car it will never be 'right'.

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

Not trying to be cruel but if you rebuild this car it will never be 'right'.

People like you tell me my car should be crushed. Your ideas are outdated and belong in last century, the world has moved on, if this century is to be better than the last then he should rebuild his car using technology to solve problems (that is why we invent technology in the first place afterall) you know, solving problems, that thing everyone else thinks someone else will do for them.
You also sound like a used parts dealer.

[Onlybackroads]

Originally Posted by BlueSunoco

I too am very sorry to hear of your accident.

But, don't let emotions override a business decision. It will sink you every time. My feelings are, settle with the Insurance company, take what you can get, and go shopping for another 1930 Model A Ford Coupe. They ain't rare. Good, complete, restored ones can be easily had.

Your car needs to be totally dis-assembled and every original piece needs to be sold off for another restoration, original hardware, everything. Not trying to be cruel but if you rebuild this car it will never be 'right'.

I am keeping myself from saying many things. So I will just say: Anyway!

[H. L. Chauvin]

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In my opinion, only one way to be successful when in a tough bind is to maintain flexibility & never give up.

Appears you have more courage than 99% of today' s American couch potatoes who would have given up by now ..... just keep it up with great vigor.

All battles I experienced were won merely through extemporization -- the hell with advice .... a damn fool does not follow it, an intelligent person does not need it.

Just hope this helps.

[Onlybackroads]

Well said H.L. I'm not here to push what I think is "right" on other people. There are a lot of different opinions between everyone here, and that's just fine.

[Onlybackroads]

But aside from all of that, not much going on here, just waiting to hear back from the insurance companies to see what's going on.

I'd like to thank Tom Foster for donating a right front fender and wishbone to me, I really appreciate it Tom and I hope you enjoy our music CD!

[Tom Foster]

Thanks for the good words, Sean, and I'm enjoying the CD right now... Your current neighborhood in Austin would be a great place to 'camp' for the winter, but I know you have other plans. We hope our parts help.
Fearless

[BudP]

I would say the Model A and especially the genius of the management/mechanical engineering/electrical engineering that developed the production processes to produce such a widely accepted mode of transportation qualify it as a unique vehicle in the history of world and U.S.A., second only to the Model T. Further, it's industrial capabilities directly led to this country being able to relatively quickly achieve a wartime capacity when needed. It might not be rare but it is the quintessential product of the second generation of automobile production in the world. That qualifies it for uniqueness and respect, no matter what shape it is in.

[Onlybackroads]

BlueSunoco, you obviously have a different view on my car than I do. Thank you for your sympathy, I will stick to my plan and you can stick to your opinion of what you'd do in my situation and what you think is "correct."

P.S.
"Those sort of re-builds are done to AC Cobra's and Ford GT40's, NOT Model A's. Cars that are unique and rare and a Model A Ford sure doesn't fit that category.........….."
-This attitude is just uncalled for. I'd appreciate if you left out comments like this. You're acting like someone is asking you to choose whether or not to rebuild this car. Please try and appreciate the fact that I care a lot about my car, enjoy the challenge of bringing it back to life, and have a lot of well-earned pride behind it. And please don't assume that I have the money to just go buy another one, I am in the middle of dealing with insurance companies and do not know the outcome of the whole situation yet. All I know is that this car is savable, and that's what I plan to do.

[Tom RSA]

I agree that the car is savable. With the availability of "A" parts (original and reproduction) in your part of the world, it can be done but I would suggest finding a replacement frame and starting rebuilding from there, closely examining every part salvaged. Please keep us posted on your progress.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Can you tell if the frame is damaged more than just the front horns? At Thursdays night's club meeting it was announced a club member has two free frames to give away.

[Onlybackroads]

The frame is definitely damaged more than the horns. Both front sections of the rails are twisted and kinked badly, one horn sheared off, and one motor mount started to rip out of the frame. I can also tell from the back that the alignment of the rails is off slightly.

[Onlybackroads]

Here's a list of what I can tell is damaged, I know some of it may possibly be straightened, this is just for my records:

• Right front fender
• Left front fender
• Hood (entire)
• Frame
• Front bumper
• Front bumper brackets
• Headlights (both)
• Headlight bar
• Headlight bar brackets
• Radiator
• Radiator shell
• Radiator splash apron
• Radiator stabilizer rods (both)
• Radiator hoses
• Front brake rods
• Crankshaft pulley
• Motor mounts, front and rears
• Wishbone
• Clutch housing
• Flywheel housing
• Choke rod
• Outside fuel line
• Fan
• Front shocks
• Front leaf springs
• Front axle assembly
• Tie rod
• Drag link
• Throttle assembly
• Cowl band
• Dent in cowl
• Tail light lenses (both)
• Timing gear cover

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by Onlybackroads

BlueSunoco, you obviously have a different view on my car than I do. Thank you for your sympathy, I will stick to my plan and you can stick to your opinion of what you'd do in my situation and what you think is "correct."

P.S.
"Those sort of re-builds are done to AC Cobra's and Ford GT40's, NOT Model A's. Cars that are unique and rare and a Model A Ford sure doesn't fit that category.........….."
-This attitude is just uncalled for. I'd appreciate if you left out comments like this. You're acting like someone is asking you to choose whether or not to rebuild this car. Please try and appreciate the fact that I care a lot about my car, enjoy the challenge of bringing it back to life, and have a lot of well-earned pride behind it. And please don't assume that I have the money to just go buy another one, I am in the middle of dealing with insurance companies and do not know the outcome of the whole situation yet. All I know is that this car is savable, and that's what I plan to do.

Good luck. Comment deleted.

[Tom Wesenberg]

That's quite a list and more damage than I first thought. I'd be looking for another frame rather than repair this one.

[Onlybackroads]

Yep. New frame indeed.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Another straight frame is a good place to start then build up a good chassis. The body looks pretty good so it should be clear sailing after that. Sounds like a fun project then you can use the old frame for a doodlebug. Make sure the frame you get is a 30/31.

[Onlybackroads]

Yeah Barry, and if this axle is definitely bent I can practice narrowing it for a doodlebug!