FORD/SHAY 1929 MODEL A CONVERTIBLE REPRODUCTION BUILT IN 1980

1980 Ford Model A

This is a Ford/Shay 1980 reproduction of a 1929 Ford model A convertible, built under a contract between the Ford Motor Co and Shay Motor Co. They were sold at Ford dealerships with a Ford warranty. The chassis, 4 cylinder motor, and 4 speed manual transmission are 1980 Ford Pinto, and the body is by Shay Motor Co. Much of the body is fiberglass, so that part never rusts. These cars were built 1979-1981 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1929 Model A Ford. The motor and transmission are in good working order. The tires have no signs of dry rot. I have had this car less then a year and in that time I have changed the oil with full synthetic oil, replaced the spark plugs, topped up the rear differential and transmission oil, replaced the very rusty map light with a digital voltmeter showing battery voltage (it was the only thing I could find to fill the hole). I have not yet greased the front wheel bearings. This car came with a radio and antenna installed, I left it alone because they would have left holes in the dash and side of the car. I removed the original carpeting (it was really, really nasty) and cut some new carpet for the rumble seat and the driver's cab. I haven't fastened it down yet, you might want some other choice of carpet other then Home Depot special, so I will leave the carpet choice up to the new owner. All Shays tilt to the left because the gas tank and battery are on the driver's side. This can be corrected by drilling new holes on the right side to drop the body in relation to the springs. I was gonna do it, but didn't get there yet. The heater and heater fan work good, and I installed a plastic valve in the hot water hose so the heat can be turned off in the summer. The rear window can be raised and snapped up to the roof to increase air flow in the summer. The front window can be propped out. I found by experimenting that you actually get a lot less wind in the face with the top off when the front window is pushed out. See the pictures. This car has a good rear view mirror, new side view mirrors with wide angle spot mirrors, and a new wide angle mirror on the spare tire. I bought two new oooogah horns. They were completely refurbished and cost $175 each. The horn area is copper plated with a clear coat to protect it. They are both mounted, but I only connected the horn on the driver's side. The passenger side horn could be connected in parallel with the other horn at any time. This car has no windshield wipers.....I wasn't ever going to drive in the rain, so why did I need them? When I bought this car, it appeared to have a new top, including the iron framework. It is actually cool inside in the summer if the top is up and the car is in motion. But in the winter, the top has to go and it looks so good with the top off. (This applies to warm climates only). I have the Clymer shop manual and several catalogs for antique car parts. I also have a canvas car cover (it has a hole where the flying goose hood ornament rubbed, and I have patching material and glue if you want that). I have two wind wings that need new glass. I live in Overbrook Gardens in Englewood, Florida, if you would like to see the car and test drive it, send me a message. The winning bidder will have to provide transportation to his place, the easiest way to do it is to rent a car hauler from one of the trailer places. I have done it twice and it is easy and cheap if you return the car trailer to where you rented it. Please, no personal checks. Cash or cashiers check is good. Happy bidding.
+