First Time Owner (maybe!)

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Nunavut

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Nov 27, 2016, 10:42:11 AM11/27/16
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I have no idea how to go about the purchase of a Model A, particularly in view of my remote location. I sure would appreciate some advice.

Reasons for choosing a Model A: (1) Always wanted one (2) will fit in a shipping container (will also be used as a garage) (3) Parts seem readily available, and (4) it seems simple enough for me to maintain it myself.

I'm not looking for a cream-puff, just an A that is running well and authentic. Minor cosmetic damage doesn't concern me but it should have good paint and upholstery.

If I can get my hands on a decent one, it would be the oldest car anywhere north of the arctic circle (in Canada at least).

How do I start?

Frknapp3

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Nov 27, 2016, 10:53:37 AM11/27/16
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What is your budget and what body style do you prefer?

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Nov 27, 2016, 11:09:59 AM11/27/16
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I'd start by going to Hemmings Motor News website and get a feel for body styles and prices.  I'm providing a LINK to their Model A listings:  https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/?q=Model A fords
Good luck.

mvanbeuren

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Nov 27, 2016, 12:16:30 PM11/27/16
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If you are a bit on the heffty side, you might prefer a 30 or a 31, instead of a 28 or 29, they are a little roomier, and more comfortable.



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-------- Original message --------
From: 'Frknapp3' via Model A Ford Forum <modelaf...@googlegroups.com>
Date: 11/27/16 10:53 AM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Re: [ModelAFordForum:543] First Time Owner (maybe!)

What is your budget and what body style do you prefer?

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 26, 2016, at 8:42 PM, Nunavut <lar...@netkaster.ca> wrote:

I have no idea how to go about the purchase of a Model A, particularly in view of my remote location. I sure would appreciate some advice.

Reasons for choosing a Model A: (1) Always wanted one (2) will fit in a shipping container (will also be used as a garage) (3) Parts seem readily available, and (4) it seems simple enough for me to maintain it myself.

I'm not looking for a cream-puff, just an A that is running well and authentic. Minor cosmetic damage doesn't concern me but it should have good paint and upholstery.

If I can get my hands on a decent one, it would be the oldest car anywhere north of the arctic circle (in Canada at least).

How do I start?

--

Frknapp3

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Nov 27, 2016, 12:58:33 PM11/27/16
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Don't forget to check eBay ! Great pictures and some indication as to current values and asking vs selling prices!

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Benny Bohanan

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Nov 27, 2016, 2:38:01 PM11/27/16
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In my experience, you will probably be happy with a Tudor Sedan. They are about the least expensive and most practical of all Model A's. Don't buy the first one you look at. Try to find one that has been restored for several years and has been driven regularly. I believe the mechanics will be more important than the outside beauty, but keep in mind, it is way less expensive to buy a nice, finished car than it would be to find a car that needs work. Stay away from anything that is freshly painted or "restored". It would probably be worth your time to do some investigations and see if there is any Model A Clubs anywhere near you. It sounds like you are off the beaten path, but I still imagine there are some Model A enthusiasts, maybe not too far away.

You are right, they will fit into a storage container nicely. I keep my 2 Model A's in a storage unit on my property when I am not driving them. My wife and I have a 1930 Tudor that we restored in 1995. It is a great car which I would not be afraid to drive from North Georgia to your home at the Arctic Circle. We also own a 1928 Roadster Pickup, which is great in the spring and summer, but a little impractical for cooler weather. We have also owned several closed cab Pickups. These are also very practical, but a bit on the small side inside, so you might want to try one out for size before you buy one. The pickup seem a little more popular, so they hold their value better.

I will repeat myself, don't buy the first one you look at, try to find a good car which someone has been driving, look for a nice quiet engine, good brakes and steering, and you will be okay. If you find one, send lots of pictures and let the guys help you pick out a good car.

Good luck in the hunt, that's part of the fun. Bentley Bohanan, www.mymodela.com


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Nunavut

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Nov 27, 2016, 7:38:05 PM11/27/16
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I was intentionally vague in the first post, just to get the ball rolling. Thanks all for the excellent suggestion.

Yes, I am looking for a 30 or 31 Tudor Sedan. Mechanical running condition is the top priority, cosmetics not so much, but it should at least be "correct".

Ideally, I would be looking for a car from Ontario, Quebec, or the northeast US as shipping to here would originate in Montreal. Within a day or two drive from Montreal would be great (what a fun trip that would be!)

My budget is $30,000 (Canadian), about $20,000 US.

Do you think I can get a decent, well-running Model A for that?






Frknapp3

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Nov 27, 2016, 7:42:02 PM11/27/16
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You should be able to find a really nice Tudor for around $15,000.
Don't pay too much!


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mvanbeuren

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Nov 27, 2016, 8:31:38 PM11/27/16
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You should be able to get a totally restored one for $20.000.



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