Before there were auto warranties or extended warranties, or any kind of reassurance at all, folks use to jump in cars like this 1929 Model A, pictured here, and take to the road without a any protection at all. It had to be exhilarating to be one of those folks who experienced the freedoms of the road for the first time.

Little could they imagine what the auto industry would become what it has in this country, nor could they foresee how the American highway would become myth and legend. And my guess is if they had seen a hybrid back then, they might have never started driving at all, but, be that as it may, thanks to restoration services such as those available at Select Motor Company, the beauties of that era are being preserved.

Here is a bit of the story on the car depicted here,taken from the Select Motor Company website. But be sure to visit this page to see all 28 pictures.

1929 Model A

Restoring History One Step At A Time

“This 1929 Model A has been in the same family since the early 1960’s. The current owner actually learned to drive on it. As you can imagine, this Model A has great sentimental value. However, the owner has become quite frustrated with drivability issues relating to the fuel system. Our number one job is to make the rusted fuel system new and reliable. No simple task because the fuel tank encompasses the firewall, dashboard and fuel system all in one component. Oh, and did we mention, not reproduced! Stay tuned as this project unfolds.

After beating the bushes and calling numbers of suppliers we accepted the fact that Model A gas tanks are not being reproduced.

Cutting the old tank apart was our first step in building a new Model A tank. We salvaged all of the useable pieces and brackets including the cowl shell. After sandblasting the cowl shell it was chemically treated with rust guard.

Our tank began by fabricating the panel to hold the dash bezel, fuel gauge and serve as a dash board. A raised ridge was rolled into the metal to duplicate the original dash board. The bottom section of the tank was added to the face panel and then baffling was installed.

A new top section of the tank was installed to fit inside of the original cowl shell. The top section was chemically sealed before being welded to the cowl shell.

The filler neck was brazed into the top section. Original bracketry was brazed back into place as well.

Pressure testing, chemical sealing inside and out and a preliminary test fit was preformed prior to the finish work.

Finish work, a new fuel gauge, fuel lines, and a fresh dash bezel and we will be ready for installation.

Our 1929 Model A Ford will soon be busting bugs and burning gas.
Without leaks!!”
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