1928 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan
Please watch the three videos I recorded, look at the 150 photos I took and read the full description. I’ve tried to describe things in great detail.
Below is the Link to 150 photos in my photo album of the car.
http://s38.photobucket.com/user/galaxyjb/slideshow/1928%20Ford%20Model%20A%20Tudor
This is a wonderful old car. To begin the reason for sale is simply because I am starting a new business and already have 4 other collector cars I realize that I won’t have very much time to enjoy the Model A for the next several years and while it is hard to sell it I realize that allowing it to sit unused will not be healthy for it and it should be used, enjoyed, and shown at cruise nights and car shows.
I’ve owned the Ford for about 3.5 years now. I know the previous owner who lived in Wisconsin and had passed away. If you look up his obituary online it even makes mention as to how much he loved and enjoyed this Model A along with a small plane. Some of his aircraft repair knowledge was evident in the Ford as it was well taken care of in the high quality way one would take care of a small plane.
The local ford model A club that I acquired it though had told me they rebuilt the engine as a club project and pistons that were .090 over and a slightly higher compression head. I have not opened the engine to confirm this but given its power over other A’s I’ve driven and it’s ability to easily get up to 60+ MPH I’ve never doubted the info. The motor always starts easily, even after 6 months of sitting in the winter.
Under my ownership I have done considerable mechanical work. Most notably a replacement of the flywheel (from Antique Engine Rebuilding in Skokie, IL), pressure plate, and clutch disc. All this work was done using the proper alignment tools and the flywheel housing was shimmed to be within 3 thousands of an inch. Needless to say it has beautiful engagement now. When I got the car it chattered a little. I used Mobil 1 grease when packing the ujoint and 600W oil for the trans, it won’t need servicing for a very long time. I also added a dipstick kit to the trans so checking the oil level is easy. Also replaced was the original generator with a 6 volt positive ground alternator, this has about 1500 miles on it now. At the same time I also replaced the battery with a new 6 volt one from AutoZone with the alternator keeping the proper charge in it I have never had an issue with charging. I also replaced the amp gauge on the dash along with the terminal block and wiring harness just to make sure everything was in good working order. If you look at the attached photos of my receipts you’ll see all the components that were ordered and replaced over the past few years, I’ll try to list everything here but the improvements are numerous.
The Spark plugs were changed with new Champion 3X and it runs great with them. The cap, rotor, and housing, copper strips to the plugs, coil, and coil wire were changed with all new pieces. The fan belt was replaced at this time too. This was all done in my first few weeks of ownership.
I added a replica motometer to the radiator that was purchased new as well as a radiator guard. The car has never overheated, always runs cool, even on 90 degree summer days. I also added the radiator grille guard. The carburetor is a Tillotsen that performs great and I have adjusted it so the car idles just where it should, NEVER stalls, and gets very good fuel mileage. The filter screen in the glass fuel bowl was also changed along with the gasket, it never leaks. Also changed was the fuel gauge, float, and gasket in the dash, it never leaks either even when the tank is completely full.
The headlight and taillight bulbs were replaced after I had a couple burn out so they should be good for a very long time.
Suspension wise I replaced all four shocks with the proper rebuilt shocks for it, they are filled with the proper shock oil a couple leak a little but just need a little topping up in the spring and they are good for an entire year. Also I put leather covers on the springs and before doing so made up a mix of talc, grease, and oil and opened all the spring leaves to put the mix in between them. They used to squeak a little now they are whisper quiet. I also put a shim kit in the radius ball that connects to the radius rod that made a huge improvement in the handling.
The brakes were all adjusted and stop exceptionally well. When I took the drums off in the front to lube the wheel bearings last fall there was still tons of shoe material left so they should be good for many years to come. They are so strong they lock up the wheels easily, the pedal pressure is firm and has minimal free play and the car never pulls to the left or right. I’ve never driven another A with brakes this good.
The horn sounds just like an Aooga horn should. I did a little adjusting to it to make it sound perfect, just the way one expects one of these to sound.
The tires are Bedford and have some light dry cracks in them but have lots of life in them still and hold air all winter only needing a few psi put in them after the many months of sitting.
As for regular maintenance the radiator has water and rust inhibitor in it which was flushed about 2 years ago when I changed the hoses to the red color original style ones. The steering gear oil was changes when I bought the car with 600W, differential oil was done when I purchased the car. The oil was changed this spring, I always used Mobil Delvac 1300 and it has about 50 miles on the oil now. When I put the car away last fall I did a full greasing and lubrication on everything. All the zerks always received Mobil 1 synthetic grease and the other fittings the appropriate spec oil or grease. For example the oiler cup on the shaft for the distributor which receives a few drops of motor oil.
Cosmetically please watch the videos as the walk around on them will describe the condition better than I ever could in words.
If you have any questions please ask them before bidding. I have a very reasonable reserve set. If you want to inspect the car I can be available. It is located in the suburbs of Chicago.
Payment will have to be made and completed with confirmation from my Bank (JP Morgan Chase) before I sign the title over. The title is in my name and is free and clear ready to sign over. I’ll accept a wire transfer only…well I suppose if you wanted to pay cash we could meet at my local bank branch and make a deposit when you come to get the car. I won’t accept personal checks, bank checks, or money orders, I’m sure you’re honest but fraud from these things is too common these days. I’m sure you understand. A $500 Paypal deposit is due within 48 hours of the end of the auction.
Everything you see in the photos and videos is included with the car with the exception of the license plates, grille badges, and felix and the mobil badge on the rear license plate bracket.
Good luck bidding!