|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
05-13-2010, 05:57 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 693
|
A question for model A and T purists.
I am curious, how would a vehicle be regarded if the following were done? To take an early A or T and focus on the perfection of the machine as a whole, to take every machine cast surface and polish the metal to show no casting imperfections, To finish all painted surfaces to the highest possible quality of finish, in black, to systematically replace all of the fasteners with the exact same style, however in a high polish stainless. to apply every stitch with the precision of a Kings throne, to finish the wood in the highest quality and most flawless craftsmanship. To selectively replace components to exact reproductions in high polish stainless. In other words to exceed factory and go towards the artistic perfection of the machine. Ponder this before you think of it as a disrespect, as it would be done with extreme and total respect to the opinion of the masses as well as the allure of the machine.
|
05-13-2010, 06:15 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ridgefield, Ct
Posts: 3,439
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Frank, The answer depends on what you wish to do with the finished product. I've got 30 years as an AACA National judge, so I've seen my share of restored and OVER restored cars. Over restored in my opinion is not going to gain any points in a judged situation, you might loose points. If you just want a smooth better than ever built for your own enjoyment go for it. As an aside I'm restoring an early 1960's front engined rail and I've gone to the trouble of saving all the weld spatter from the original stick welding. It held a National Record in the day with the welds, the restoration will highlight them and other authentic build features. This should be a good thread to fiollow, thanks for posting it. Bob
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|
05-13-2010, 07:26 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,486
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
What Frank is pondering really isn't a "restoration" is it?
. |
05-13-2010, 07:56 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 693
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
If in the early years of Ford motor company, Henry Ford woke up one morning and said, I don't care about cost, I don't care about the efficiency of mass production, I want to make one or maybe many more, of the absolute finest examples of automotive machinery ever produced in the form of one of his A's or T's. Produced to the highest standards, the tightest tolerances with no detail over looked, how would he have produced this vehicle. Lets compare it to a high quality BMW, or Mercedes skunk works auto, where they pull out the stops. Factory produced is done on a budget, to a strict margin, a profit margin can limit the overall quality aspect of an item. Quality can be interpreted to an almost infinite standard. Can a machine that is rebuilt be rebuilt to a standard that goes beyond the quality of the factory standard be regarded with respect among its peers, or must the standard be the factory mark and thus a restoration to factory standard. Points aside, and not classifying as restored, how far up the spectrum of the quality standard is a machine allowed to go, we're talking stock components with excellent attention to detail fit and finish, and beyond stock factory product. To Bugatti standards.
|
05-13-2010, 09:01 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Ridgefield, Ct
Posts: 3,439
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Did you pick Bugatti because I worked for a Bugatti restoration shop for 14 years or did you just get lucky? We never truned our a car that met the above discription, nobody wanted something above the "As Delivered" condition. I think the car you are dreaming of would in reality be a Grand National Roadster Show or Rydler winner. There was a 1906 Cadillac at Hershey a few years ago in an auction preview, that was way past perfect, and it looked odd to me. Every forged bracket, and casting was ground smooth and flawlessly painted. Great workmanship, but were do you find customers to bankroll those jobs? There is no answer to your question, but everyone will have an opinion to add.
|
05-13-2010, 09:08 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 693
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
|
05-14-2010, 01:47 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: 60046
Posts: 888
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
it sounds like a waste of time
lets face it ford was about getting the car out the door at a low cost so everyone could own one. why would you want to spend 20 years polishing bolt heads. if it was a restoration shop doing the work then this"car" would cost you $200,000 just to have another model a that functions just like a $30,000 car but thats just my 2 pennys tk
__________________
anyone need some Model A restoration work done in Illinois? shoot me an email for pics and information [email protected] |
05-14-2010, 03:15 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Well I think it would be an interesting exercise and from an artistic point of view it might make some sort of point. I think if I were going to make such a commitment I would also fit the engine with a roller bearing crank, and rods, real bearings in the rear axle, modern seals on everything, and anything else internally that any superior machine would demand. I remember years ago a fellow brought me a small block Chevy engine and he wanted a mirror finish on it. All over. The engine's destination was a show car and everything had to be just so. Well after weeks of grinding I presented him with a shiny black engine that had a polished surface all over. Would I do it again? Probably. Did I make money? Tons. He was happy and I was happy. Massively over restoring a T would probably also be really great fun. It would never ever remotely be worth all the time and effort other than to say that you had done it.
|
05-14-2010, 06:51 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oxford Hills, Maine
Posts: 325
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
I think you should do it! Who cares what anyone else thinks? I know a lot of people who own motor homes that spend more on insurance and interest a year than they would have on the hotel rooms they would have stayed in if they didn't have the motor home. But so what? They had fun driving it around, socializing at campgrounds, etc.. So if that's what you want to do, do it! It not something I'd do, but I sure would like to see the finished product just for the fun of it. If you do decide to do it, post pictures of the process on the forum. It would be interesting for many of us.
|
05-16-2010, 09:19 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tulsa OK
Posts: 476
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
It will be your car when you get done. Do what makes you happy.
|
05-17-2010, 08:59 PM | #11 |
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Flint, MI
Posts: 33
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Sounds like a Ridler contender only stock.
|
05-17-2010, 09:29 PM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 693
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Thanks guys this has been a great thing to ponder, wouldn't really care about the pursuit of trophys, would just want the vehicle to not be an oddity, inspired that know one has really been negative. Thanks
|
05-18-2010, 09:26 AM | #13 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bama
Posts: 21
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Quote:
Probably the most famous of these is the T engine painted copper color with chrome accessories. Ford was about getting the car out the door at the lowest cost (and highest profit), but he was also about promotion.
__________________
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it." Henry Ford |
|
05-18-2010, 02:03 PM | #14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bennington, Vermont 05201
Posts: 118
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Quote:
Sounds like you’re proposing what they did, but as a what-if-Henry-had-relented scenario. To that end, I’ve at times fantasized about what a ‘30 or ‘31 Mercury might have been like, perhaps with a straight six (something else Henry hated). Maybe if Edsel had been stronger willed... -Dave |
|
05-19-2010, 12:35 AM | #15 |
Member
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Seems like a waste of good parts to me. Just my $.02. Dave
|
05-19-2010, 09:32 AM | #16 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bama
Posts: 21
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Quote:
__________________
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it." Henry Ford |
|
06-12-2010, 10:27 AM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks Co, Pa
Posts: 3,740
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Quote:
Terry |
|
06-12-2010, 10:45 AM | #18 | ||
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bucks Co, Pa
Posts: 3,740
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
I believe that Henry Ford's cars wear probably about as good as they could have been considering the limits of materials and design then. The main problem is probably bearing failure. Bearings have come a long way since 1930, both roller/ball and engine. And lubricants too. Not to mention Meehanite castings, better steels and plastics. And let us not forget Tires! The expected mileage of a tire has increased almost tenfold, especially with the developement of radial tires. The increased voltage and amperage of batteries and gen/alternators has increased the use of more powerful electrical equiptment. There are only a few mods you can make on an A (or T) that don't include changing the part to a more modern Material.
Terry Quote:
Quote:
|
||
06-13-2010, 11:01 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Daytona Beach, Fl & Spencer, W. Va,
Posts: 4,442
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Frank The Plumber . . . . . . . . .
Personally, I think that it is just a matter of your own taste. Some people want to excact duplicate a car, as it left the factory and some people want to show off their craftmanship. If I was a concourse judge, I would mark down over-restored cars, as not being original. But, anybody can do whatever they want with their own antique cars. MIKE |
06-14-2010, 09:29 AM | #20 |
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bama
Posts: 21
|
Re: A question for model A and T purists.
Not many T's are ever subjected to concourse judging.
__________________
"Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it." Henry Ford |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) |
|