Hey guys. This is my grandpa's 1931 Ford Model A pickup. It has been sitting in his driveway back in California for years and now it is out here with me. It is about an ignition coil and some wiring away from running, but I will replace brakes and other such things so I can drive it around in the spring. At some point, I plan to do a full restoration of it.

 

That is so cool and for it to be part of the family is amazing. Best of luck.

 

Very AWESOME! And family history to boot. Note about model A's. There are something like seven million of them in restored condition. There are maybe a hundred and twenty five left in 'as found' condition. Just a heads up. Definately do the brakes and safety stuff. Just think about it and your grandfather's scuffs and scrapes before you paint it one of the nine 'legal' colors the judges will allow.

 

Keep it as close to as you found it as possible ! IMHO ... Get her road worthy , have fun . Best of luck !

 

I agree with above: I have an original 1930 Model "A" that attracts much more attention at car shows/displays than the fully restored cars and trucks. And, in addition to it being a lot less expensive, you feel much more relaxed about using it in everyday driving. I drive our two Model "A"s all over Silicon Valley several times a week, and manage to stay out of the way of the BMWs, Teslas, etc. So do the mechanicals needed to make it reliable and safe (add some seat belts, they do save lives in Model "A" Fords too) but keep the scars and dents that come from 84 years of use!

 

Thanks for the advice. I definitely like the idea of keeping it the way it is for the reasons you guys listed. I am from silicon valley, also. Too bad I didn't see you motoring around!

 

Have to agree with others, leave everything you can original. Work on world class restorations, mainly early Fords(28-29,30-31. Have worked on oldest surviving Ford for Bill Ford jr) There are a gazillion trucks out there you can buy for WAY less than it would take to correctly restore that vehicle, even with doing the work yourself. Your family truck will only be original once. Its patina and little dents here and there are badges of honor, to be worn with pride. I know what I'm talking about, once you start......make it safe to drive, and drive it, enjoy it. It makes for a much more beautiful truck this way. AND you can still insure with Hagerty for a good replacement value. Best regards, todd

 

So great to see this philosophy has filtered to the top of the ford restoration food chain. Museums have known for years not to disrupt the patina. There are cases for a complete restoration and paint job I know, but maybe not here on Mt. Pickett.

 

Very cool truck. Would love to see more photos.

 

Dittos on additional photos. It's a cool truck and some sound advice from the guys on keeping it original. Enjoy!

 

Here are some more photos:







I am going to have to find the old picture of my mom and her siblings hanging on the fenders with my grandpa at the wheel back around 1960.

 

It would be neat to see those photos and how it looked 55 years ago.

 

I wouldn't even wash it....

 

Alright boys, let's not carry this originality thing too far. I would wash it,.... but only once..

 

I imagine it has been washed at least once in 84 years. Should be good to go!