Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[PapaJoe]

My recent tour of Cape Cod in the '32 Chevy was a critical test to see if I would keep it, or sell and buy a Ford Model A. It passed the test and will remain . . . for now. Finding parts for it is a laborious process, often taking months to find things readily available from many vintage Ford vendors for the A. And the Chevy parts are two to three times the expense. I enjoy being the only early Chevy at events where there may be dozens of Model A's on display. But it is definitely a more intense process to keep this beast running reliably. Is it worth the effort?
Joe
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Owned: 1917 Ford Model T Touring
1929 Ford Model A Roadster
1967 Harley (Aermacchi) Sprint SS
Coveted: Ford Model Y Saloon

[Keith D]

Joe,

I am rather surprised that you have problems getting parts for your Chevy, especially within the US. How many parts does it need? There must be more old Chevy's in Oz than I thought, because we have a large following here in WA.

I have had my 1926 Chrysler back on the road for about fifteen years and have needed almost no new parts. Consumables like plugs, points, batteries and tyres are not a problem, and I've needed nothing else. I frequently use this car for large distances in country Western Australia where there are no repair facilities. eg Perth to Albany or Perth to Geraldton, over 400km each way, in both cases.

The Ford Model A is certainly a very good car, but with so many on the road, they can become rather boring. I would always go for a car that is "different" from everything else around it, even if it costs me a little more and is harder to get parts.

Keith
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1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution

[mikeC]

I've always gone for the rare car, not least because demand is low so also are purchase prices; so I can have the pleasure of something different whilst also saving money. Of course, it comes back to bite you when parts are not available, or only at a huge mark-up, and of course the resale value is still low when I come to change it, but yes, it's all worth it
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in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

[Rick]

I had the same thoughts with my 24 Dodge, finding parts isn't always straightforward and owning an A would be a lot easier, with a choice of suppliers here in the UK let alone in the USA. But I much prefer the look of the Dodge to the Model A, the latter looks a little "under-wheeled" to me, although if a Model A pickup came along, or an oily-rag Coupe ......

RJ
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[alastairq]

If one really 'likes' one's old car, then it's worth keeping, regardless of the value placed upon it by others?

There's possibly more to the ownership of a really old car, than the mere fact of being able to say, ''I own a vintage car?''

The problem of availability of spares is one which might well be the motivator for getting out and about at markets etc?

Owner's clubs take on a whole new importance.

Also, perhaps, scarcity of spares might lead to an increase in ingenuity, to overcome problems? Not just a shortage of income?

Like an old pair of perfectly serviceable boots, or that ancient but thoroughly practical waxed jacket, I'd be keeping it for what it is, to me [or you?}

On the upside, having that plethora of spares easily available leads us into a whole new world of quality and reliability issues?
Something that a scarcity probably avoids?
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[PapaJoe]

I started thinking about this a few months ago after receiving a combined Ford Model T and Model A parts catalog in the mail. Browsing through the A sections, I saw parts it had taken me months to find, like an exhaust manifold, readily available for the A. But it's not that simple, is it.

As Alastair notes in his comments, as available quantity increases, quality can suffer. I once purchased a set of head bolts for the Model T that stretched rather than torqued. The vendor was quick to replace them with a suitable set, and was quite upset with his supplier.

Thanks to all for your comments and advice. I'm keeping the Chevrolet. But, when it comes to vintage cars, I do seem to have a wandering eye.
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Owned: 1917 Ford Model T Touring
1929 Ford Model A Roadster
1967 Harley (Aermacchi) Sprint SS
Coveted: Ford Model Y Saloon

[peter scott]

There's always the interesting challenge of making your parts too.

Peter
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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Peter_L]

There is one route for those who enjoy a challenge and another for those who don't. The correct route is the preferred one and it isn't a crime to change one's mind.

[Rootes75]

I have always gone after rarer cars and trucks, to me there is something nice about owning something different. Yes, parts are scarce and finding others to pattern from are difficult but when you turn up with something people haven't seen before it creates a great buzz.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

[PapaJoe]

Interesting perspectives on this subject. As someone who enjoys driving as much as maintaining, I'm attempting to strike a balance between the two. It's taken years to make the '32 Chevy a reliable driver, and I think it's there. But that's also a decision point because the best time to sell is when the car is running reliably. On the other hand, it's a time for one to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. In this case, I choose the latter . . . enjoy the car.
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Owned: 1917 Ford Model T Touring
1929 Ford Model A Roadster
1967 Harley (Aermacchi) Sprint SS
Coveted: Ford Model Y Saloon

[Clactonguy]

money is huge factor when choosing an old car but unless we have deep pockets are unlikely to buy out 'dream car'. I opted for last of chrome bumpers cars (70's) as recall these in my youth and aside form making mistake getting one not running and off road for over a decade ( paying ever since) spares are a major issue of one wants to enjoy driving it. never mind taking it to shows. old cars tend to be unreliable per se on average but looking back to days they were built ...they were never that reliable then! parts are a big issue for old cars as scarcity drive prices through roof or simply my no longer be around. remanufacturing is beyond most peoples skills or pocket depths in some cases. I chose my rover mainly as it appealed to me visually as well as technically. plus has room for 5 (last one a squeeze ) and can keep up with modern traffic even nearly 50 years later. for a beginner getting into classic car scene for example a popular choice is MGB circa 60's- 70's. as small sports cars appeal to almost all and easy to sell on plus parts supply is second to none and can exceed modern cars part supplies! one can even buy an entire new body shell plus ANY part is available and a heavy support section in forums etc . so end of day its up to each of us to choose what we want and why. one
mans meat etc.

[Ray White]

I think I am very lucky to own "Trundles", my 1930 Austin Swallow saloon. Maintenance is easy as almost everything is available for Austin Sevens but the Swallow coachwork is a challenge ...but not so rare as to be a problem. The Swallow is strewn with unique parts; like the ladies' companion set fitted to the glovebox lid and sidelights that likewise appear on no other car.

I have had many uplifting moments when a scarce part is found after sometimes years of searching. As a result I now own what is probably the most complete and original example out of some 80 survivors.

Another benefit of long term ownership of a rare car is you get to know every nut, bolt and screw which is indeed satisfying.

[PapaJoe]

That is a beautiful car, Ray. I really like the great styling and unique accents. The split windscreen is especially nice as is the bold radiator shell. Thanks for sharing the photo.
Joe
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Owned: 1917 Ford Model T Touring
1929 Ford Model A Roadster
1967 Harley (Aermacchi) Sprint SS
Coveted: Ford Model Y Saloon

[Ray White]

[Richard H]

It can be a bit of a nightmare, especially if you’ve bought an abandoned project with loads of missing or incorrect parts! And the tantalising box in the rear footwell turns out to be full of random parts from other cars…