While working on a 1959 Thunderbird project, I also was also involved with the restoration of a 1930 Ford Model A. The individual brought to me the "bare bones" of a car that was the beginnings of a street rod project many years ago. The body itself was in very good shape. It would have been easier to list those items that came with the car rather than listing all the items that were missing! All I had to start with was a bare frame, engine block, transmission, 4 wire wheels, and a body. No glass, hood, fenders, wiring, trim, seat frame etc.
This was the customers� first "old car" that he wanted to work on with his teenage son, but the car was too much of an undertaking for them to start with. I told them that I proceed with basic restoration and carry it to a point where they could drive the car home and finish the final detailing together.
What was unique about this project is that there was so many items missing that could be purchased as new reproduction parts from Model A Ford vendors. The owner agreed to a purchase of all the needed replacement parts up-front from the various parts suppliers, so I would not be waiting on parts shipments. Boxes and boxes of packaged parts arrived at the shop that needed to be checked, sorted, and stored until needed. This was almost like putting together a model car � what a grown boy�s dream! As agreed, the frame, engine, and bodywork were completed, everything was painted and then assembled into a drivable car. The new owner drove the car home from there to finish up on the glass, interior, and chrome trim installations. |
