Question:
I have recently purchased a June of 1929 Murray Town Sedan. The Town Sedan is a complete, drivable, original unrestored auto with just over 59,000 miles since leaving the factory. I am quite excited about having had the opportunity to purchase it. The car has been driven on a somewhat regular basis seems to be a very nice car. It has the original gray check interior, the APCO accessory oil pressure and clock, and a VERY old respray over the original finish. I am expecting to refinish the exterior in my shop and have a question that I hope you can answer.

Although this was originally an all black car, it has been resprayed at least forty years ago using a trim scheme that I really like yet is not described in any of the judging standards or other books. On page 123 of The Ford Model A as Henry Built It" is a Ford factory picture representing the paint trim of my newly purchased Town sedan! The books do not appear to recognize the trim combination shown on page 123. What is unique about that trim scheme is that the lower and upper body are the same color with the belt, quarter, sill moldings, windshield, and visor painted a darker color. The question is: Where can I get information verifying that particular (page 123) trim scheme and the colors that go with it?

Answer:
The photo you refer to is a Ford archives photo. Many of the Ford archives photos have shown many things that did not make it to production. We also know that there were some things, including paint schemes, that some factories did that were not documented as factory production. The only answer I can offer you is that if you are going to enter your car in blue ribbon judging, you must follow the judging standards (which are in accordance with production records) for color. Otherwise, do whatever is pleasing to you. There are no records specifying the scheme shown on page 123. Its not unusual to see that.

Question:
How can I get a copy of the revised judging standards. What is the correct rear bumper brace for the early (Feb.) 1930 Tudor, is it the round tubular or the stamped steel brace and can the round tubular brace be correct for judging purposes? I would appreciate any help you could provide on these questions.

Answer:
You can order the new revised Judging Standards from MAFCA Headquarters. Beginning in 1930 the rear bumper brace was change to a steel stamping with 3 holes on each end for mounting . Mid 1930 the bumper brace was changed to a steel stamping with 2 holes at each end for mounting. -- Les Andrews, 1998 Technical Director

Question:
I recently acquired a Model A from a friend, and would like to know if it is worth restoring to either myself or a serious buyer. I knew next to nothing about Model A's but have been surfing the net and found your page(s). My car is a 1930 Tudor Sedan, what's left of it.

This car is in rough shape. However, it appears to be complete. The interior looks like it might actually be the original cloth. No head liner exists. The body is all there with surprisingly minimal rusted out spots. However, at some point some well meaning individual began dismantling the car, took the windows out, took out the interior side panels, etc, and then walked off and left it that way outdoors for years. The car has 3 V-8 style wheels and one standard wheel on it. Underneath the car everything looks right, but rough. Much of the cloth harness wiring is missing. On a positive note, this car runs and I have been driving it around! The steering, transmission and drive train, and brakes all seem to be quite sound and in good shape. The engine has that telltale paint look of a rebuild at some point.

Is this car worth restoring to the average Model A enthusiast? After acquiring the car, I began to think that I had no business with it and should sell it. But the more I look at it, I wonder if I might like to keep it and bring it back to life. Should I decide to keep it, I would probably like to join MAFCA and get acquainted with like minded folks.

Answer:
Your question is a hard one to answer objectively...as a Model "A"er of 30 years, my first reaction is yes of course...But then I realize the car you have will require total restoration and could take years...depending on body condition. Most of the things you need to know can be learned and there is a lot of written help available...There may even be a Model A Chapter in your area and that always good for help...In addition to the restoring of the car there is also the social side of being a Model "A"er and a member of the model A club....Membership does not require a restored or even running car....You can enjoy the activities while you work on your car.

It will have to be a labor of love and don't expect the car to be worth as much as you will put into it....It is not a cheap process, but if you keep the car and enjoy the activities, the rewards will out weight the expense and time you put into the restoration. -- Les Andrews, 1998 Technical Director

Question:
I've got a '30 Model A in my driveway that was bought from an old farmer down in Temecula, Calif. It was in his barn unprotected for 15 years and everyone of his farm animals must have resided and given birth in that old car. The smell was enough to peel the paint off the fenders. Is there anyone in MAFCA that could stop by and get me started on the restoration process...what to do and where to take the parts for rework.

Answer:
I suggest you contact our web page Chapters for a MAFCA chapter near you. Also you might be able to get a lead from the local Vintage parts dealer. There are several Model A restoration books available, also on our web site ( Reference Desk page ). Check your RESTORER magazine ads for the various Model A books available. Also, check MAFCA Members with E-mail to find a member who lives near your home town - most of us would be happy to assist a new Model A owner get started on a restoration.

Question:
I just recently purchased my Vicky and am in the process of a ground up restoration. When I purchased her, I was ignorant to the operation and mechanics of the vehicle. Is there anyone knowledgeable about the original contents and condition when it rolled off the production line? Does the Model A Ford Judging Standards book cover this information?

Answer:
There is some general information in the MAFCA/MARC Judging Standards and Restoration Guidelines but your best source of information would be to contact the International Victoria Association at 11084 Windjammer, Frisco, Texas. I know they can provide you with information on your Vicky.

Question:
I have a 1929 Model A Tudor Sedan that I would like to restore. Where do I begin. I really don't know where to go to get help. Are there any books available that go through the processes of restoring an A?

Question:
I recently purchased a 1928 AR pickup. Please advise best way to proceed to restore the vehicle. It was stored in a barn since 1953. I have restored new vehicles, but nothing this old. It appears to have all the parts, the engine is seized, the body is in pretty good shape.

Answer:
Do you plan on a total body off the frame restoration or are just going to do a fix up? If you are not a member of the Model A Ford Club of America...you might consider joining us. We have a bi-monthly magazine with many technical articles. You can also purchase from our club headquarters Volumes 1 thru 5 of our series "How to Restore Your Model A." They are collections of articles that have appeared in our magazine over the past 40 years.
There are a lot of books that are available on various parts of the Model A Ford. There are about several books you need for starters.

• "Ford Service Bulletins" is very helpful
• "Model A Ford Judging Standards and Restoration Guidelines" can be ordered from MAFCA Headquarters
• Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook - By Les Andrews.
• For Pickup owners: "Restoring the Model A Pickup" - by Mack Hils

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