I'm new so...questions

Hello everyone. I just joined and did the intro thread. I have a few question about starting a rod project. I’m new to rodding. This is what I’d like:

’28-31 Model A Tudor Sedan
Chopped 3-4” and channeled just to cover the frame
Frame to be 8-10” off the ground for clearance

I want this car to be inexpensive but safe as I will want to drive it everywhere.

Situation is:
I have found 2 model A’s. one is just a surfaced rusted shell with no windows, interior, grill or top for $2000. the second appears to have been restored at some point but now is missing the fenders and boards for some reason.. Everything else is there (glass, good interior, grill and it runs with the original engine). Its for sale for $5000. now the questions….

1) what can I use off the all original 2nd model a? Front axle assembly? Steering column\box? Anything? I know the frame isn’t strong enough from what I’ve read. I will run a 4 banger or v6.

2) Is it easy to sell the parts I don’t use? How much will that make up for the price difference? I don’t have a place to put all the parts I wouldn’t use.

3) does any body have a chopped and channeled sedan like I described that has a useable back seat for passengers? Where would the gas tank go?

4) the first Model A has a Title, the second does not. I will title it in Virginia. It appears that all I need is a bill of sale but that seems too easy considering what I have heard about not have a title. Should I be concerned?

5) I want to do this as inexpensive as possible so no nice paint jobs or fast chromed out engines are necessary. Just a fun, SAFE, frequently driven “beater” car. I’ll want to be able to drive it in the rain and heat. Is this at all feasible and given my options…..how much do you think it will cost me? (my dad will weld my frame)

6) Which is the better route to take? The 1st model a or 2nd?

As you can see, I’m concerned with cost, safety and usability. I just want to make sure I am not getting in WAY over my head.

Any comments would be grateful.

 

you should be fine with a stock frame, although you migtht want to box it.

On the car without the title, tell the seller to get a good title for it in his name, or you won't buy the car. If he refuses, then you don't want the hassle either! don't buy the car.

scrounging all the stuff to make a complete car out of a shell is a lot more of a challenge than you might think.

You could use the original cowl gas tank...

 

I'd shoot the person of your choice to find a sound and reasonable complete Model A for $5k. That's the bulk of the parts you'll need right there.

 

You can get a lot of stuff form the swap meets for the difference, 3k. Being your first project though, make sure your pacient or you'll spend a lot more money than you want.

 

Ahhhhhhh to be young again and have dreams like this...

A ) - Take the 5 grand Model...you'll spend that much finding parts for the other...titles work better than no title.

Box the frame IF your Dad is the welder.

#1-see A) above.

#2-see A) above.

#3 - someone does, but you'll spend much more than 5 grand for a close to finished driver...gas tank in a sedan is a tuff one...under the back seat if possible...probably need to have one built.

#4 -see A) above.

#5. GOOD LUCK with that...figure about 10 grand to have it do what you want: a daily driver with w/s wipers, glass, economy, wheels, tires, tranny, wiring...and NO fancy paint... I'd add another 5 grand just to have some extra money for stuff you don't think you'll need right now. If you think it's going to cost you 5 grand, double it...if it's seven you're thinking of putting into it, double it....if you can do it for less than 10 grand actual dollars, and have it do everything you want, then son, you're definitely a hot rod builder....

#6 - see A) above.

R-

 

Sometimes WAY over your head is the best place to start. Think of it as a learning experience.

 

It's a lot more fun and frustrating too. Building if half the fun.

 

when was the car (#2) last registerd. if its been a few years it will be off record. But I would try to get the current owner to do it first. or tell him you you'll only give him 4000 with no title cause there is no garentee thats it's legit.

 

I'd grab the first one, if you're gonna chop and channel it you'll need new glass cut, new interior stuff, new floors, etc. You'll want hydraulic brakes for safety, most likely go with a different steering column/box like an f100 setup, most likely use a later open rear, etc. etc. So why pay for a bunch of stuff you're not gonna use? From what I've seen you won't be able to recoup a lot of your money selling the stock parts (other than sheetmetal, which YOU'LL need)

Like Squirrel said though, make sure you get your title worked out before you get eyeball deep in it and find out you're stuck.

And whatever you figure it's gonna cost, double it.

Good luck either way!

 

And just when you think this is depressing enough...thier all right! But any jerkoff can own a hotrod..it takes a hotrodder to bring one to life!

 

thanks for all the advise....

i have been asking the "no title" model a owner questions. the engine is not the original so it has a different VIN number. it is a model a engine though. it appears too flaky. maybe he ran into a "no title" issue and decided to dump it. he said he would tell me how to get one though.

anyways...
the "clear titled" model a is just a body. how will that affect me obtaining a title in Virginia? will i have to re-title it as a modified or special constructed vehicle? if i have to put a bunch of bumpers on it, i'll be pissed. i want it titled so i can drive it with no restrictions.

i am tempted to just get the titled model a body, and do the body work here and there over the winter. come summer, if i find it too expensive to complete, i'll just sale it and hope to break even.

any thoughts on that?

 

In most states the title includes the VIN.. Model A's bodies don't have a tag on them with the VIN. The VIN was only stamped on the frame and also may have been stamped on the bellhousing of the motor during assembly. If the one A has a title that VIN off of the title will have to be on the frame that the body sits on.

Correct me if I'm wrong?

 

i thought you were in MD. why title it in VA?
you'll need the frame #s to get a title. a title co. may be the way to go.
if you go special construction it's a lot more hassle and you'll have to run "new" licence plates(in VA). it'll be titled as a 2006 model or whatever year you register it. and it'll have to be up to 2006 state safety inspection standards.

 

i figured by the time i build the car i may be back in Virginia. but i may stay in Maryland though.

so if....
i buy the Model A body ONLY with a title....isn't all i have to do is have the seller sign the title, then i go to the dmv with my bill of sale and have a new title created in my name. Then i build the car and stamp the VIN from the title onto the new frame and drive (after inspection) anytime i damn well please as a 1929 Model A. Is that correct?

i don't want to buy something and then not be able to build/use it the way i want because of some legal issue.

does anyone else use there rod as a daily driver...legally?

thanks for all the response!!