A quick first glance gives the impression that this 1930 Model A could be a pretty easy restoration project. On closer inspection, there is certainly some work to be done. It isn’t beyond help, but there are certainly some issues that will need to be addressed. Located in Dallas, Texas, the old Ford is listed for sale here on eBay for $4,350.
We’ll start with the good news on the Model A, and that’s the fact that the floors and frame look pretty solid. Now we head to the not-so-good news. There is rust in the body, along with some pretty ordinary panel-beating, and a fair smattering of Bondo. The paint job is not great (to be polite), and it really looks like this car is going to require a complete, bare-metal restoration to bring it up to scratch. Looking on the bright side, the car looks to be complete, with no obvious major items missing.
The Ford has been off the road since 2009, and while the engine turns freely, it doesn’t run. Not only that, but the owner is very specific about the fact that not only has he not tried to start the engine, but he has no intention of trying. To me, that’s not the being terribly helpful. Once again, it does look largely complete under the hood, so it may not take too much to breathe new life into the car.
The interior shot gives some idea of just how bad the car’s paint job actually is, as you can see over-spray in plenty of places. There are no door trims fitted to the car, but the dash appears to be largely complete, while the upholstery on the seat seems to be in pretty reasonable condition. At least the upholstery requirements of a Model A aren’t extensive or complicated, so it shouldn’t chew up too many restoration dollars.
If you are looking for a full restoration project, then on the surface, this Model A shows some promise. Apart from the physical work and cost required to whip this car into shape, there are a few things to consider. One of these is the fact that the car doesn’t currently have a title. The owner was unable to order one, as he is unable to read the engine number. He is willing to obtain the title for the new owner, but they must be prepared to remove the body to supply him with the frame number. He also is only giving the new owner 30 days from receipt of the car to do this. The BIN price of $4,350 seems to be quite reasonable on the surface, but once you dig below the surface, is it a price that you’d be willing to pay?
Took a lot of spray cans and no preparation on this one. Interesting attitude for seller. Twice the price gets you a decent running car these days and 3 times that gets pretty nice cars.
Restore.
Sold. It looks like someone thought is was worth the time. A bit too rough for my budget and talent. It’s a fairly complete rumble seat six wheeler so it’s got that going for it.
For over 50 years, starting in the early twenties, my great uncle made a living making crumpled body panels smooth again with nothing more than a hammer and dolly. I can’t do it but, if I had a penny for every hammer swing he made, I could buy most of the cars on my want list. (And it’s a fairly long list.)
Save yourself the time, you can find an A any day of the week for round 8 to 10 Grand nice shape. Unless you just have a need to tinker in your garage.
seller’s decision to not start the engine is a good one.
a Model A that has sat for this long should have the oil pan dropped and valve chamber opened to make certain they are clean before running.
This car is a reasonable starting point for someone who wants the fun of restoring it, but NO CAR can be restored from this condition for less money than the fair market price of an already-restored one.
Wow, after inspecting a customer’s Infiniti Q 50 yesterday, the difference in what’s under their hoods is astounding.
The economics of rodding/restoration put this car in an awkward place. For less than the cost of a full restoration you could buy a very nice restored coupe. On the other hand, this is a relatively complete car and it would be sad to see it parted.
It’s going to be hot rodded though, I guarantee it. That’s where the most interest will be. Pull the body, sell the chassis to recoup some costs, and it’s a blank canvas from there. This isn’t necesarily a bad thing. Jut for fun, google “Casny coupe” and you’ll find one of the most perfect Model A hot rods ever built – from a car that looked pretty much like this one. If only we all had such skill.
gone—ended at 4350. Good luck to the new pwner!!
Cheers
GPC
Which wheels are they? Like the dimension
Look like a set of 35 Ford wires have replaced the original 21 inchers, they fill the fenders up better with their 16 inch diameter and tires are easier to source
16″…Pete dropped the price after a few weeks..he has another one just like it but maybe on his way for that Eldorado.
Guess he bought these out of an estate…..now listed – a 1931 – the best of the three.