The Ford Barn

Osubuki · 07-02-2011, 11:06 PM

I have the potential to inherit this 30A from my parents who bought it 40 years ago and never did anything with it. My Dad has all of the parts to make this a complete car but it is a total restoration. Would you sell it as a parts car, would you restore it, would you consider it a hot rod candidate? Curious to know what others would do? Thanks for your time.

Russ/40 · 07-02-2011, 11:13 PM

I'll be the first to respond. If you don't think you have the skills, or can develop the skills for a restoration, sell it. There is nothing worse than an old Ford that someone else who was not truely dedicated to the project, has been molested with incapable hands. Not if that is you, only you know for sure. This, is the the only good answer. It depends on who and what you are relative to this car.

700rpm · 07-02-2011, 11:33 PM

I agree with Russ. If this isn't your hobby, sell it.

jkcrosson · 07-02-2011, 11:37 PM

I agree with Russ. Only you can answer the question. If you have a genuine interest in the car, then restore it and enjoy it. If you want to profit from the car, sell it as is.

Maclab58 · 07-02-2011, 11:37 PM

I agree. If it's not your passion, sell it to someone who will save it!

ctlikon0712 · 07-02-2011, 11:40 PM

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That might be a 30 radiator shell but its a late 31 firewall, and the steering mount is on the dash, not the lower tank. Its a late 31. Learn somthing new, chalenge yourself, meet a new type and class of people. I'm new to this hobby and my advice is................ Restore it Man!

Roadster62 · 07-02-2011, 11:53 PM

I don't get any feeling of emotional contact from your post, so based on that sell it as is with all the parts. Someone wants to restore it.

Mike V. Florida · 07-03-2011, 12:50 AM

Inherit like it is going to be given to you by your Dad while he is still with us or is he ready to pass on?

If it were me, I would take it and have Dad help as much as he is able. Is there much rot on the car?

Geo. H · 07-03-2011, 12:50 AM

Unless you're unusually talented, it will cost twice as much to restore that car than it will cost to buy a useable driver.

48Ratfink · 07-03-2011, 01:13 AM

All good answers,,However I think You should give it to Me, I'll give it a good home!!

cradlescyth · 07-03-2011, 05:10 AM

Do not know your family status , but I would restore it (even if I had to learn how)

Hope Dad could help even if just giving advice!!

Steve Wastler · 07-03-2011, 06:14 AM

If you inherit the car and some cash, restore it. You may fall in love with the hobby, it doesn't look to be in too bad of shape.

walt jones · 07-03-2011, 11:52 AM

What ever you do PLEASE don't let it become a hotrod.

Paul from Maine · 07-03-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Osubuki

I have the potential to inherit this 30A from my parents who bought it 40 years ago and never did anything with it. My Dad has all of the parts to make this a complete car but it is a total restoration. Would you sell it as a parts car, would you restore it, would you consider it a hot rod candidate? Curious to know what others would do? Thanks for your time.

Restore it! I won't touch a post 1980 car, but even a simple mind like mine was able to master the Model A and T. Every thing you need to know is published in books offered by the T and A suppliers.
P lus the guys at Ford Barn have all the answers. Don't be afraid to buy specialized tools, tire irons and reamers. They pay for themselves in joy and elimination of frustration. Nothing is more satisfying then driving an old Ford that you rescued from the scrapheap with your own muscle and wits.

Popeye31 · 07-04-2011, 09:15 AM

I'll come get it from you and restore it . send you some pics of the restoration and even give you a chance to drive it when its done. so what was that address again.

gweilbaker · 07-04-2011, 10:23 AM

By your question I would not restore it. If any thing learn what it takes to get it running, handling and braking safely, maybe as a family project, and drive it like you stole it!

GW

Fred A · 07-04-2011, 10:50 AM

If you are already in the car culture, two suggestions, restore it and rod it are both appropriate to the pile of parts that you have with greater success likely in the rod option. This ignores subjective pressures like what the family may think. The main source for hot rod projects and parts is from failed efforts looking much like what you have. The money involved should be considered. What you have may be worth about $10K. You better have at least another $10K or a lot of third world car knowledge just to get it going, not restored. I chose the Hot Rod option and the result is worth much more in the car market than any restoration. The coupe body style is very common and without the rodders influence would perhaps be the cheapest style along side the Tudor in that market. A really good Fordor is often more. These old boys can beg you to restore with little consideration to your finances or lack of experience and lead you down a rocky path. Good Luck: Fred A

Roadster62 · 07-04-2011, 11:16 AM

You'll make the most profit selling it right now, as soon as you start turning a wrench or buying parts the money pit opens.

mrtexas · 07-04-2011, 11:21 AM

4 or 5 years ago I bought a 29 roadster and decided to paint it. It came apart quickly. I'm just now painting the fenders. Next is the body. It's not the body work but the motivation that is the hard part. Oh, I'm retired now and that helps! I wish I had bought a better one but thought I was getting a deal! On the other hand, how many Model As are out there with a fresh urethane paint job and new interior waiting for someone to come along and buy?

FL&WVMIKE · 07-04-2011, 11:44 AM

OSUBUKI .................
The car may look like a very big job to restore, but it really does not look that bad. It seems to be complete, from your description.
First, get it running. By the time you get it running, you will have learned a lot about "A" Model Fords.
If you decide to restore it, start by cleaning it up and doing one part at a time. Your cleaned up and painted parts can be put away or hung up on pegboard. The more you do, the more you will get interested in it. Join the local Model "A" Club. I'm sure that the local guys would give you much support.
Good luck !
MIKE

PS ... If you are worried about the cost of body work and paint, restore the car, as "original". The paint looks as if it might be original. You can rub in "GIBBS OIL" and it will bring out much original paint, that you can't see now. To get a preview, spray on some WD-40 and see more original paint jump out. GIBBS does a better job and lasts longer. ORIGINAL cars are much in demand and get a lot of attention, even more that fully restored cars.

07-02-2011, 11:13 PM	#2
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: So what would you do? I'll be the first to respond. If you don't think you have the skills, or can develop the skills for a restoration, sell it. There is nothing worse than an old Ford that someone else who was not truely dedicated to the project, has been molested with incapable hands. Not if that is you, only you know for sure. This, is the the only good answer. It depends on who and what you are relative to this car.

07-02-2011, 11:33 PM	#3
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 6,039	Re: So what would you do? I agree with Russ. If this isn't your hobby, sell it.

07-02-2011, 11:37 PM	#4
jkcrosson Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pell City AL Posts: 720	Re: So what would you do? I agree with Russ. Only you can answer the question. If you have a genuine interest in the car, then restore it and enjoy it. If you want to profit from the car, sell it as is. __________________ Jamie Crosson 1929 Tudor Looking for an Original 888 Key

07-02-2011, 11:37 PM	#5
Maclab58 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 983	Re: So what would you do? I agree. If it's not your passion, sell it to someone who will save it!

07-02-2011, 11:40 PM	#6
ctlikon0712 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 1,609	Re: So what would you do? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) That might be a 30 radiator shell but its a late 31 firewall, and the steering mount is on the dash, not the lower tank. Its a late 31. Learn somthing new, chalenge yourself, meet a new type and class of people. I'm new to this hobby and my advice is................ Restore it Man!

07-02-2011, 11:53 PM	#7
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,449	Re: So what would you do? I don't get any feeling of emotional contact from your post, so based on that sell it as is with all the parts. Someone wants to restore it. __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

07-03-2011, 12:50 AM	#8
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florida between Sarasota and TampaSouth Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: So what would you do? Inherit like it is going to be given to you by your Dad while he is still with us or is he ready to pass on? If it were me, I would take it and have Dad help as much as he is able. Is there much rot on the car? __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

07-03-2011, 12:50 AM	#9
Geo. H Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 374	Re: So what would you do? Unless you're unusually talented, it will cost twice as much to restore that car than it will cost to buy a useable driver.

07-03-2011, 01:13 AM	#10
48Ratfink Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Opelika,Al. Posts: 132	Re: So what would you do? All good answers,,However I think You should give it to Me, I'll give it a good home!!

07-03-2011, 05:10 AM	#11
cradlescyth Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Taunton Ma Posts: 342	Re: So what would you do? Do not know your family status , but I would restore it (even if I had to learn how) Hope Dad could help even if just giving advice!!

07-03-2011, 06:14 AM	#12
Steve Wastler Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,987	Re: So what would you do? If you inherit the car and some cash, restore it. You may fall in love with the hobby, it doesn't look to be in too bad of shape.

07-03-2011, 11:52 AM	#13
walt jones Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kansas City, Mo. Posts: 101	Re: So what would you do? What ever you do PLEASE don't let it become a hotrod. __________________ Walt

07-04-2011, 09:15 AM	#15
Popeye31 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kenner LA Posts: 248	Re: So what would you do? I'll come get it from you and restore it . send you some pics of the restoration and even give you a chance to drive it when its done. so what was that address again.

07-04-2011, 10:23 AM	#16
gweilbaker Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lindenhurst, IL Posts: 793	Re: So what would you do? By your question I would not restore it. If any thing learn what it takes to get it running, handling and braking safely, maybe as a family project, and drive it like you stole it! GW

07-04-2011, 10:50 AM	#17
Fred A Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Encino California, near Burbank Posts: 945	Got Car Culture? If you are already in the car culture, two suggestions, restore it and rod it are both appropriate to the pile of parts that you have with greater success likely in the rod option. This ignores subjective pressures like what the family may think. The main source for hot rod projects and parts is from failed efforts looking much like what you have. The money involved should be considered. What you have may be worth about $10K. You better have at least another $10K or a lot of third world car knowledge just to get it going, not restored. I chose the Hot Rod option and the result is worth much more in the car market than any restoration. The coupe body style is very common and without the rodders influence would perhaps be the cheapest style along side the Tudor in that market. A really good Fordor is often more. These old boys can beg you to restore with little consideration to your finances or lack of experience and lead you down a rocky path. Good Luck: Fred A

07-04-2011, 11:16 AM	#18
Roadster62 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ridgefield, Ct Posts: 3,449	Re: So what would you do? You'll make the most profit selling it right now, as soon as you start turning a wrench or buying parts the money pit opens. __________________ They don't have to run to be enjoyed. I'm here to enjoy the hobby, and enjoy the cars no matter what they look like. Most of the worlds problems are electrical.

07-04-2011, 11:21 AM	#19
mrtexas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sugar Land, TX Posts: 4,420	Re: So what would you do? 4 or 5 years ago I bought a 29 roadster and decided to paint it. It came apart quickly. I'm just now painting the fenders. Next is the body. It's not the body work but the motivation that is the hard part. Oh, I'm retired now and that helps! I wish I had bought a better one but thought I was getting a deal! On the other hand, how many Model As are out there with a fresh urethane paint job and new interior waiting for someone to come along and buy?

07-04-2011, 11:44 AM	#20
FL&WVMIKE Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Daytona Beach, Fl & Spencer, W. Va, Posts: 4,449	Re: So what would you do? OSUBUKI ................. The car may look like a very big job to restore, but it really does not look that bad. It seems to be complete, from your description. First, get it running. By the time you get it running, you will have learned a lot about "A" Model Fords. If you decide to restore it, start by cleaning it up and doing one part at a time. Your cleaned up and painted parts can be put away or hung up on pegboard. The more you do, the more you will get interested in it. Join the local Model "A" Club. I'm sure that the local guys would give you much support. Good luck ! MIKE PS ... If you are worried about the cost of body work and paint, restore the car, as "original". The paint looks as if it might be original. You can rub in "GIBBS OIL" and it will bring out much original paint, that you can't see now. To get a preview, spray on some WD-40 and see more original paint jump out. GIBBS does a better job and lasts longer. ORIGINAL cars are much in demand and get a lot of attention, even more that fully restored cars. Last edited by FL&WVMIKE; 07-04-2011 at 12:29 PM.