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

my last A build was for a client was 6'8" I set a '70s high back bucket on the floor and changed the column drop to a lower one by one ly an inch lower than stock . His shoulder line was even with the door pillar it was a 2-3 " chopped 5 window he could see safely out the windshield at traffic but not the traffic lights he just drive with traffic lol

 

When you get around to the brakes I'm sure everyone on HAMB can show you how to DIY for alot less

 

I agree it sounds hinky. Was he up front with you about the other buyer before you left to see it? If not I'd run away as fast as possible as he isn't a straight shooter and I wouldn't trust him any further than I could throw him

 

He was upfront. Told me to come a day before the other buyer when we first spoke. Thought it was a bit strange, but went anyways. Told me after seeing it that 95% he’ll sell it to me. Said he would prefer to sell it to me because of my plans vs other owner (elderly who recently had a heart attack) who would likely just “tinker” with it according to him. I was curious and did call CARFAX yesterday, and they couldn’t help. No biggie as I will wait until Thursday to see what he decided.

 

Thanks. I knew it would be potentially expensive when I initially looked into juice brakes for my speedster years ago. I’m more of DIY type of guy vs buy everything, so I would not buy a kit. Made my own engine frame supports and trans support for my OT project. There’s a seller on kijiji (Craig’s List for Canada) who has 3 backing plates & 2 drums for CAN$260. Haven’t contacted them yet because they’re out in Alberta and I don’t own the Model A yet. Lol!

 

The best advice I've found for my current build is to use 48 spindles since I want to run the early Buick 91 finned drums and for the rear if running a Ford 9" I can slap the Buick drums over the stock drums and run it for looks in the back . Research what guys are doing and what you want . Ive used 39 juicers with good success also now if you want discs you can also find people ( private parties ) selling their wares cheaper than catalog or vendors and fellow collectors who are friendly to your project and your wallet . Start networking with Model A guys see what they are doing in your area I'm on flat land mainly your needs for superior stopping may be more critical than my needs . That's great your creating your parts and systems and assemblies to me that is what Rodding is all about it's a gas so enjoy the A ya I'm hopping you get it if not there are others just wait it may take 6onths but wait for the right one you'll know it's like putting a glove on

 

Maybe just me, but there's no way I'd have driven 4-5 hrs one way to look at a car that was being held for someone else and couldn't be bought and leave with me. Just remember in the future to ask if the first one with cash is the buyer. If not why waste time looking at the unattainable?

 

And those don't match Ford stampings.

What you are suggesting is a violation of both US and Canadian law, and could end up with an impounded car, or FAR worse.

Don't be shocked if your post gets deleted.

Every single inspector has access to the database that includes VIN locations, number ranges, and photos of examples of the typeface.

 

Always begin with the end in mind. Know which generation or style you are keen on and see if the car or truck can do what you want to achieve.

And given you are taller than a tall thing, find another Model A and sit in it before you go tripping up country.

I know I need to have 39 inches from my arse to the top of my head (friends used to call me "Giant Head") but I can fit into a Fiat Topolino, due to a long back and dwarf length legs. But Im stuffed in a chopped Model A

 

Of coarse I am a hillbilly in Minnesota, But the two times I have had to have a "VIN " verified, the guy dont know shit. He is on the job for late model vin's, and "totaled out " wrecks to be titled after a rebuild, but they know nothing about old cars. Yes, the state has the records in they're data base for many common makes, but the inspector had to be shown where to look for the numbers in my case. On a model T he got all cocky and said...well if you know so much , where are the numbers ? This was after I argued that early T's do not have a frame number, only the motor. Its the same BS you usually get with some one in authority that knows less than you but will not admit it. Gimpy, I know you are, or were, a CA inspector, but in many parts of the US its a pretty easy game to play

 

Yep. I tried sitting in it. Should be no issues if I move seat back. Biggest pain is getting my size 13/14 feet through the door and past the A pillar. Had the same problem when @Stogy gave me a ride not long ago in his rod. I have a 34” inseam, but not really sure how that figures into folks my height. I know I had to scale up the GN JAP speedster I’m building so that my torso/head wouldn’t be sticking out of the body too much. Had to look up some automobile anthropomorphic surveys/papers in order to get an idea of ideal dimensions for drivers of different sizes when seated in an automobile. I think I raised the cowl by a good 4”-6”. I see that @jordabennett recently did the same for his shoe horn build. Not sure how tall he is but looks close to about my height.
Many moons ago, I was looking at getting a Honda S2000 sports car, but decided not to go through with a purchase because the top of the windshield was eye level. It was a tight fit, and I could drive it, but I just didn’t want to pictured as the tall guy in the Simpsons episode. Lol!

 

. . . worked for me years ago in California when I wanted to change from 1931 6-cyl. to 1929 V-8. DMV didn't like the number on the right frame rail, went and put it on the left one. 90 days later got the new registration -- 1931 6-cyl.

Sold the car 50 years and 2 frames later with no number on it. They sure liked the yearly checks I'd sent.

 

Gimpy, I don’t think it is illegal to stamp a ViN in a more noticeable place. I also don’t see anyone advocating buying stolen property. The problem is the DMV does not care about the individual nor their personal property/interest. Something can clearly be seen with paperwork to not be stolen but if one thing is abnormal to them (like a replacement engine or a dead previous owner who didn’t license it) they would say junk the vehicle. Personal experience with this twice.
Most As I’ve seen have had the motors replaced with another or a later Diamond block. Without lifting the body and hoping the stampings are readable(quite often they are not and some were never stamped) you have a car the DMV will ignore. It’s about time we do what’s right rather than what people who don’t care about it would suggest. They would be outraged if they were told the same about their new self driving purchase.
D

 

So, Thursday morning came and went. Called the seller at 1:00. Says he still hasn’t heard from the Mustang owner, but gave the Mustang owner the number of the body shop he says he owns which has no answering machine (we have been communicating on our cell phones). Now says he will give him until 2:00, (now 3:55) and if he hasn’t heard from him, he’ll give him a call after work. Hmmm…Seems to be going south. What say you HAMBers?

 

Did the seller know you live four hours away when he suggested you swing by to check it out knowing he had someone else coming to see it the next day? That's just plain bizarre.

Four hours east of Ottawa is roughly the GTA isn't it?

 

Just gotta wait it out, sucks..

 

Just remember there's plenty of model A's out there in different stages of life so a more or similar car that matches your plan is out there. There is a market for the stock parts you don't want if you can afford to be patient.

Phil

 

If it was originally a Canadian car there won't be a # on the frame and what are the chances it has the original engine. Some time in my cars past it was registered using the # on the body.

Phil

 

He's playing both ends against the middle. And baiting you with 'other Model A's". Tell him to pound sand and look elsewhere! I hate these kinds of games!

 

I’ve enjoyed reading this exchange but when it gets this hard to spend your money it’s time to walk. Just my opinion.

 

Sounds (the seller) kinda like me when I sold my pickup. Had a young couple come and look at it and they really wanted it, but we’re short on money, I went from 5k down to 3500 for them. Mostly of my own doing. Anyways, they were a bit short, but I told them I’d hold onto it for a month if they could round up the $$. They said okay.
I still got some calls on it and two guys actually came to look at it, even after I told them the story. They both offered my asking price of 5k, but I told them they’d have to wait a bit longer (they knew this before hand).
A week or so later I get a call from the couple, the wife is heading down with a trailer and can I load it for her.
So, guess I’m saying not every seller is out for “first wad of cash”, etc.
Could be the other guy tugged the right string with the seller and the seller is just giving him every opportunity to make it happen.
Of course I didn’t have two or three additional options that were for sale.

 

Yeah, he knew I was driving 4 plus hours one way. Seems like a nice guy. Had a good time speaking with him on Sat when I went to see the car. There’s another 28 Model A Tudor up for sale on kijiji. Looks a little less and slightly higher price, but it is waaayy too far - Thunder Bay, ON.
Sedan is not my dream car, but price/condition is right, and good for me. I know it will still be $$$ to get it in a state I would want - say another CAN$10K and I would be ok with that as it would be less than CAN$20K total, which in today’s crazed Covid priced world is really becoming peanuts fast. Damn, was at the welding supply store the other day looking at a few TIG machines and manager said prices are going up 2% - 3% each month! Said since Covid, prices are up $300 per every $1000!

 

Im just gonna say it and I mean no slight to anyone here that owns a sedan because I think theure cool too but.... For the cash your talking buy a coupe. They just are more valuable done. Ive built a few early cars. If I could buy a coupe for 13 grand like an older restoration, I could have a chopped Av8 with a flathead and 40 brakes reasonably finished for under 20k US. Buy a clean car with good paperwork, stay within the early Ford parts bin for simplicity and its very doable.

 

You might be able to find a used Tig for a decent price

If you happen to be trucking along the 401 through Milton, you should stop in at Legendary Motor Car, not far off the highway. They always have some really cool cars on display in their showroom.

 

He said he had a 30 Coupe he might sell in good shape with no drivetrain. Prefer the more streamlined body of 30-32 and would prefer a coupe, but the 28 Tudor body also appeals to me otherwise I wouldn’t have made an offer. We’ll see I guess.
Used older TIG machines (non Chinese) are around CAN$2K on kijiji. The manager quoted CAN$2.9K for the Lincoln TIG 200 Squarewave, and CAN$4K for the Miller Mulitmatic 200.

 

I've never been to Canada you must do a lot things differently up there. So far you are out the gas and drive time. Take that as a lesson and find another car some where else.

 

Ziggster, I sent you a PM.

 

I'd pass just out of principle. Happened to me a couple weeks ago with a '30 coupe. Really nice older restoration. Played text tag as the seller was out of town prepping a move. Car was 4 hrs away. Finally set up a day he'd be back home and he tells me another buyer might be there as well. After 2 weeks on CL now he schedules us the same day? We had communicated a lot but I passed the day before as I'm not entering a bidding war on a car that sat FS for weeks while he punted my interest. He texted to tell me the other guy bought it. Okay. I'm guessing he got full price by telling the buyer I was also on my way to see it.
Model As are NOT rare, especially '30 coupes.
D

 

^^^^ Had that happen a couple of times over the years. Told both "Too hell with it." The first time I'd driven over 700 mi and called the guy to let him know I was on schedule and would be there for sure by the appointed time the next day. He then told me he had another guy coming and whoever got there first with the money got the car. Two days later I found my 41 while still on my trip. So everything turned out fine.