Bringing my Model A back from a long sleep

[copgib]

Hi guys, just wanted to let you know what I got myself into. My brother has a friend that sold us two cars that were stored for about 20-years in a shed. My brother bought a 1926 Dodge Brothers Coupe and I bought a 1930 Model A. My brothers car is now running with very little manpower to it. My Model A is a different story. I bought mine for what I believe was a good price $2,000. I was told it had been driven all over before it was stored. I found out after my brother picked it up that might not have been the case. My car is in Texas with my brother and I have a old time Model A mechanic working on it for me. I am hoping to pick it up in May since I have to go there for other things then. The mechanic discovered the engine was siezed up. The mechanic stated it would be too much work to overhaul in the time frame I have, so my brothers friend gave me another Model A engine that turns over easy in a loaner Model I was rebuilt about 5-years ago. So my mechanic is getting that engine running and then pull it out of the loaner vehicle and put it in mine. Another strange thing he noticed was that someone took the mechanical brakes off and put hydraulic or juice brakes on the back, but none on the front. So my mechanic is going to get it running good and ensure te rear brakes do work. This problem will be mine once I pickup the car. I will probably find someone to install the juice brakes on the front since that would be the cheaper way to go. I am buying other things for my car like new bumpers, tires ect. now so when I get it I will have things I can do to it, and the parts will already be paid for. Well I hope I haven't bored anyone. Just wanted to explain my situation. I know it probably would have been better to get a car that was already running, but I look at it this way, I am saving another Model A from the junkyard! And loving every minute I will work on her. Take care look forward to talking with you all. Hugh

[DaWizard]

Great story Hugh. One word of advice, be sure to keep any and all parts removed from the car even if you need to build a shed to hold them. Original parts are getting so hard to find in any kind of decent shape. I do hope you rebuild the original engine after you get it running.

What will happen to the donor car? It would be nice to keep that together too.

[CM2]

Welcome brother,not everyone here has a finished car..some of us are mired ankle deep in a project...

[copgib]

The loaner car I am taking the engine from is going back to the guy that originally sold me the car. Someone else has spoken for the body. If the owner doesn't want my old engine back in trade then I plan to pick it up also when I get the car and have it rebuilt down the road. As far as storage, not a problem, I own a Pressure Washing Business and my building is 42' X 45' in size. Of course with all my toys in there I will have to make some room for parts on my shelves. Here where I live, just outside of Gainesville Florida, I haven't found any Model A owners to go to when I need help so this forum is a blessing. Hugh

[Mitch]

Maybe the donor car has a mech brake system

If the body is spoken for can you grab the chassis

Any pics?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Sounds like you got the Model A cheap enough, so you can spend the savings on correct brake parts.
I'd go back to original rears, and sell the hydraulic brake parts.

[copgib]

I am sure down the road I will go back mechanical brakes but for right now it will be hydraulics so I can get it on the road sooner. Hugh

[copgib]

I would like to clarify my intentions on my brake situation. I would love to bring my model A back with original mechanical brakes. The problem is the cost to buy everything I would need to replace the hydraulic brakes that is now on the rear. It is my understanding that there is no longer any parts of the mechanical brakes left on the car. Also I know nothing about installing what is needed for mechanical brakes and don't know anyone with Model A knowledge in or around Gainesville Florida. I want to go back original but I might not be able to do that at this time. My last post didn't explain my intentions good enough. I am not a fan of juice brakes on a vintage car like my Model A. Hugh

[Mitch]

That's a great looking CP.
My favorite color combo

[Grit Kid]

Of course it's a great looking coupe, it's got white walls!!!!

[copgib]

Mitch that is a picture of the car just after my brother picked it up and washed it. No work done on it yet. Thanks for the nice words. Hugh

[Dennis]

You paid $2,000 for that car?! You outta be ashamed of yourself because the looks of it you stole it.!

[BNCHIEF]

No kidding

[Sunnybrook Farm]

Maybe you can get the running gear or at least the brake parts from the other car that the engine came from. Your old engine might be fine as well. Looks like a good project, you have a lot to work with but it might take a little time but that is all part of having one.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would like to clarify my intentions on my brake situation. I would love to bring my model A back with original mechanical brakes. The problem is the cost to buy everything I would need to replace the hydraulic brakes that is now on the rear. It is my understanding that there is no longer any parts of the mechanical brakes left on the car. Also I know nothing about installing what is needed for mechanical brakes and don't know anyone with Model A knowledge in or around Gainesville Florida. I want to go back original but I might not be able to do that at this time. My last post didn't explain my intentions good enough. I am not a fan of juice brakes on a vintage car like my Model A. Hugh

Can I assume "The CHICK Inn" in the background is a small chicken coupe?

No way I can assume you bought that Model A Coupe for $2000 though.

[Rowdy]

Sounds much like working with my Dad when growing up, other than being a great mechinic. When things went wrong his temper would flare. Our 1978 Jeep Wagoneer was having a problem with overheating. While pulling the radiator a wrench slipped and he damaged the core. Because this would raise the price of repair he lost his temper he grabbed a hammer and busted out the headlights and dented the grill. I had to learn over the years to curve his temper when working with them and do the harder or more delicate work. I know things were stressfull farming in the early to mid 80's and he lived on the edge of bitterness for working so hard for so little. Rod

[copgib]

Well guys I did get it for $2,000. as is. The seller was a good friend of my brother. It needs a paint job, engine is siezed up and there are other problems I will be addressing. The seller gave me another engine from a loaner car which turns over by hand. The seller stated he wanted the whole car back after I get the engine and would not sell me anything else off the loaner car. He stated he promised someone else those parts. He has not told me if he wanted my old engine in return. If not then I do plan to have it rebuilt down the road. While my brother is having a Model A mechanic switch engines and get it running good, I am compiling things I will need later like new bumpers ect. By the way, the chick inn in the picture is a chicken coupe that he builds and sells in Texas. Hugh

[JDupuis]

Great looking coupe Hugh! You got a really good deal on your new car.
It won't be long now before your sleeves will be rolled up, getting to know your new car intimately.
Enjoy. Jeff

[copgib]

Thanks Jeff. I am sure when it is all done I will have more into it than it will be worth, but it will be my baby. Hugh

[JDupuis]

One way to insure you don't get buried into the car is to put all your energy into the driveability of your new mistress. Get her running good and drive it.
Don't worry about paint or upholstry untill you drive all the bugs out. Jeff

[copgib]

Sounds like very good advise! Thanks Hugh