Technical Going to look at a 28 Model A Tudor tomorrow - any advice?

Will be heading out for a 4 hr drive (one way) tomorrow to check out an all original (zero rust?) 28 Model A Tudor. What should I be looking at? All mechanicals have been redone so should be no issues there.
Being 6’-6” I’m a bit worried about fit/comfort and there is no interior. If I get it, I would likely keep it essentially stock (no chop) and just ad my flathead V8. This would be kinda the look I would be aiming for.

 

I would question the "no rust". We took 2 really decent restored A's and rodded them for a customer. Upon stripping them, the lower 2-3" was rotten on both. Needed patch panels all around.

Take a flashlight to check the tank out if you plan on using it, could be full of pinholes.

Title? and does it match the frame?

 

Yeah.
Make sure that you like what you see. OR...can easily fix what you don't like.

Mike

 

Impulse buy first, think second.

-Abone.

 

They have ownership, but good idea to make sure it matches vehicle VIN.
Yeah, from what I’ve seen for sale lately the lower 6” or so is either rotten or crudely patched.
This will be my first attempt at purchasing a potential hot rod project. I have no idea about modding such a vehicle. So should be really interesting learning the do’s and don’ts if I do in fact buy it.

 

You say no interior, check for the garnish mouldings/window trims. Also vertical next to windscreen.These things.

 

All of the above plus:
1. Take a magnet & slide it around the lower portions of the body to see how deep the bondo is.
2. Look at the top insert for signs of leakage.
3. Consider any little stuff that's mi$$ing that will nickle-&-dime you to death when replacing it.

 

Oh no more time away from the GN JAP Tribute

 

Is the top wood good or a new replacement? That is $500.00 right there. Has the body been off the frame, do the doors close well? Was it a whole car to start with or a collection of parts that is now a car? Early '28 has some unique parts, some have some value. Bob

 

I have my other OT project up for sale. Decided I need to concentrate on “one” thing at a time. Decided to keep the speedster project, but get something else that I can jump into and drive relatively easily ASAP. Lol! Famous last words! Lots up in the air right now. Been thinking of selling my house and leaving Quebec. I need a smaller place with a nice sized shop. We’ll see what happens in the world in the next few months.

 

I have done many Model A's several being Tudors.
Did you request pics before travelling?
Matching the vin or serial # could be a problem as that # is on the frame rail under the body and was on the original engine!
Many times that frame area is rusted away. Speaking of frame......is it good?
Windows roll up and down? Front windshield opens? All the glass good?
Door and window hardware there?
Repair cracks in the fenders.
As you know......it all ads up!

 

Hello,

Make sure you fit in the seats, or if there aren't any seats, then go sit in another one that does before you commit to the long drive and possible purchase. 6 feet 6 inches is something to notice when standing around in a crowd. But, that is tall and big. So, inside of the driver's area may definitely need some alterations. Seats moved back like @HOTRODPRIMER did on his sedan. But, then the rear passengers are getting a little cramped...

Some people have done all sorts of alterations for tall folks to drive hot rods. But, two, near, 6 footers inside of a Model A coupe would not have been comfortable for my brother and I as growing teenagers. We would have to move the seats back as far as possible to be comfortable. Even messing around with the pedal placements. In a sedan and you being 6 inches taller, it sure seems like the sedan will not work unless you have plans to move the seats.

Jnaki

It does not matter what hot rod you choose, your size will cause plenty of modifications. But, you have to get inside of one and have the person, (significant other) next to you for comparison. If it is not comfortable, then move along to the next project fast... comfort is mandatory in driving. It does not matter what car is available for sale. or how much body work or less body work is necessary, even if it is a pristine Model A sedan, comfort for the driver should come first. YRMV

 

Agree 100%. I walked away from one of my dream cars at the time (383/4sp Superbee) because I could barely squeeze between the steering wheel and the seat. I thought wtf!? Was very disappointed.

 

With it being a tudor you can always position the front seat to where it works for you .

Take a good look at “ all the done mechanicals”
Was this a just get it running deal or did they fix it properly .

and take o good look at the body as has been stated for rust / rot / bondo etc.

I like the look your going for , hits all the right notes for me .

which direction are you heading for 4 hours ?
I’m heading east tomorrow and going to be in the Belleville / Trenton area if your close swing by for a drink of your choosing and a bite .

 

Has it already been converted to hydraulic brakes? Otherwise, you may be paying for a lot of new parts that have no value to you.

 

I've seen some amateur restored "A"s that were really lacking body wise; but were priced as a professionally done car.

While a lot can be said for starting with a "good" car; avoid paying up for stuff you will not use.

 

Thanks @VANDENPLAS. Will be heading west. I noticed there is a show/swap meet in Napanee this weekend, so I was wondering if I might hit it on the way back. but It will probably be too late. We’ll see. I’ll be going to Jalopy Jam Up though in August.

 

I think it still all orig. Was thinking of leaving it that way, at least in the beginning. It will need work for sure, but how much we’ll see.

 

There’s no interior, so I would have a blank sheet. Moving back should be no issue which is nice with the Tudor body, but what kind of seats? I’m guessing a bomber seat doesn’t necessarily fit in with a traditional build, but I like the look of them if it is not overdone. No Plymouth Minivan seats for me though. Lol!

 

6' 6" !! I'm 5' 9, and have to fight to get in a stock A. People were smaller back then I guess, but my size 8 shoe won't go between the seat and door jamb, you have to twist it to get in. One of the first things I enjoyed when I got a 34 Ford was the ease of entry. Suicide doors, set your ass on the seat and swing your whole leg in without a fight. I know, big difference comparing an A to a model 40, but tall folks should consider it. Being a hotrodder you will no doubt put in a seat that fits you, but the stock A is not for a tall man

 

At 6’6” you probably have a size 12 boot, just getting your foot in the door may require contortions . We have a stock 28 A here with stock seats we are only 5’10” and on stock seats and a 4” chop we look directly at the lower edge of the header.

 

I built a truck that I loved the body style of. It too came with no interior. With no interior, they sure look like they have a lot of room inside of them.

When I got done with it, it was very uncomfortably to get in, get out of, or drive! I ended up selling it, got about 2/3 of what I had in it just to send it down the road so I could build something I fit in. Don't make my mistake.

Take something to sit on with you, it probably needs to be about 8" to 10" tall (a cement block with a chunk of 2" x 4" about 15" long would work). Set it on the floor and get in the car, with both feet inside, sit on the block and the 2x4, and close the door. If you fit, is there enough room for the other person(s) that may be riding along?

If the car passes the sit in test, then look at the condition of the body. Cracks in the tin, doors the don't open and close right, rotten wood, and metal that a refrigerator magnet won't stick to, are all deal killers with a model A.

 

i’m 6 foot three. it’s a squeeze to fit behind a stock wheel and seat.

 

Lots to look at :
From a distant view does it looked pieced together or fitted then assembled .
Ride height and squareness with the road
These frames are designed to flex so pay close attention to all body to frame mounts looking if body could have bulged out at the points of mounting . This will let you know the true integrity of the bodies sheet metal .
There are many measurement points and I use the center hood mount on the cowl and measure to top corners of the window and also to the headlights and also to the outer fender mounting bolt where it attached to the front fender bracket . A good deal of A's sound up in a ditch so I do check for body squareness and also many have replaced rear side panel so make sure rear measurements are straight and I use the lower corners of the windows as measuring points to fenders , taillites and points on the bumper on each side sonas to assure symmetry with both sides of the A .
Look for cancer in the frame rails and before you see the car you can go online and get a body wood chart there are many images of wood is missing then you need to look for possible body damage .
If it's an original A there will be a gap all around between the body and the frame the body actually sits on wood above the frame .
I've seen many A restorations without this feature the restorer has just bolted the body to the frame that is not good and collapses the sheet metal at the mounting points as I stated earlier
One last thing I always like to make sure my customer can drive it home .
These tops will give you bargaining power so I hope you get it and am happy with it and enjoy being an A owner it's really cool and fun for the family also so have a good day tomorrow and when you get there snap us some photos of I'm online I'll help you out or PM me is good if you have any questions . Good nite and you probably ain't sleeping tonite lol

 

Check it out, post photos here BEFORE you buy it if you have doubts. A second drive with the trailer will go quicker if it turns out to be a good deal. Bob

 

Fitting in a sedan should be no problem…the seat can be moved back, unlike with a coupe or a roadster. Being 6’6”, you might have to modify/replace with a lower seat.

 

With no interior should be no problem seeing if patch panels have been installed any where on the body from inside the car unless repairs have been done by very good body man. Now a days most do not worry about the weld looks like from inside. Check that the bottom of the metal has the lip that goes under & up the subframe assembly like it was done by Henry.

 

If it is an Ontario car , in the system & you are registering it back in Ontario you will have no problem. Not sure how it works in Quebec as you implied you were coming from Quecbec , list Qttawa on profile.