Hey Daddy-O, Kool Kat, Go-Went-Gone, and any number of other dated terms could be used in appropriately labeling this 1928 Ford Model A hot rod. It appears to be a long-stalled project but for how long is not stated. The question, now, is whether or not this Model A is revivable. Let’s look it over and see what’s what. Located in Russell Springs, Kentucky, this old Ford is available here on craigslist. It’s going to be auctioned on 11/15 by Golden Rule Auction. Chuck F gets my thanks for this tip!
To state the obvious, this A is missing a lot of stuff – hood, bumpers, radiator, lights, and on and on. Now some of it was likely removed in keeping with the hot rod vein but it seems some criticals are absent too. And one necessary thing that is included is the windshield but it’s cracked. What is there, however, appears to be solid so it’s probably a good project base and there are numerous directions that can be taken with this old Ford. But, and there’s always a but with project cars, a lot of parts sourcing and $$$ is going to be needed.
The seller states, “has a Small Block Chevy Engine, Running Condition Unknown. Engine is not hooked up“. I’d say that it’s a ’73 or later (has an EGR valve) and the distributor looks like an HEI unit but I can’t tell with certainty so it’s probably a 350 CI motor but it could be a 305, 307 or a 400. It’s two-barrel carburetor fed so whatever it is, it’s a mild version. An automatic transmission is mentioned so that could mean a Powerglide or a Turbo-Hydramatic, likely a lighter-weight version – there’s no image of it included. Mention is also made of a Nova rear axle and the inclusion of front disc brakes.
Moving inside, there’s nothing, just a dirty vinyl-covered bench seat. There’s no steering gear, gauges, pedals, wiring, door panels, no nuffin’, and a wide-open firewall. OK, there’s something to be said for a blank canvas and that’s certainly the case here but where would you start?
I’d really like to know the backstory here. Every old car tells a tale and this one is probably interesting. It would be good to know what stopped forward progression, i.e. lost interest, lost money, lost storage, (lost mind!), illness, or worse. I’m no expert with Ford Model As or even old hot rods but I’m certain that some of our esteemed, and probably more senior, readers/commenters are. So with that thought, I ask, is this a good project base, and if so, what would you do with it?
OMG a small block chevy, start whining..
That’s nothing that an engine hoist can’t fix.
New ammo for the trebuchet, in the back yard…
Body sheet metal and the frame look like the only two pieces that don’t need a ton of work (and money) to finish the build. Don’t know what my bid would be but it wouldn’t be much. Could be the basis for a nice street rod.
I am with bobhess some OK parts but not worth much. The body looks OK but I would need a closer look, there’s something about it that looks wrong. The engine trans, are a total crap shoot, could just be junk yard trash. If you want a Highboy Model A Hot Rod Roadster, put it on a Deuce frame and make it right.
Happy Days!
I believe this would be a good start for a Hot Rod in the vein of how they were built in the 50’s. A Ford flat head would look real sweet. That GM stuff isn’t worth saving. It would take a lot of work but it would be worth it. That being said you need to get it at the right price.
$5000 max! If you have a vision for it realize that the market for this in driveable condition is $20-25k mabe better off finding a driver to work on?
Depending on where you live a stock 28-32 can be had in running condition, fully all there for $6000-$9000. If you rod it plan on spending a lot of money, at least $20,000, and time. Find one already done and have fun with it.