As near as I can tell this car has never been restored. The top I believe has been replaced at least once and it is due once again (the material has over time shrunk and pulled the first row of stitches. However there is no evidence of leakage). The paint could be well preserved original but I can not guarantee that. A previous owner did some shade tree body work to the right side rear door and the hood. It was left unfinished. This car is in the shape you would have seen in the 1950s, before people did restorations. It's a driver, one you can enjoy. Restored cars are cars owners are reluctant to drive. The engine has been changed at some point to a very early (December 1927) engine. The VIN on a Model A being the engine number is the primary indicator of this. The car was actually built in January of 1929 (The date is stamped on the corner of the fuel tank). At some point this car will be restored and the actual production number will be read off the frame rail (It's under the corner of the body behind the motor mount) I've spoken to the DMV and they are aware of early cars and engine changes. They said they will change the VIN on the title with an inspection.When I got the car the steering gear was hopelessly worn out. The steering effort was such that it caused a fuel leak in the gas tank. Happily the Briggs Leatherback Fordor is the only Model A which has the gas tank concealed under the cowl. I was able to remove it and had it cleaned and the bracket re-soldered without much trouble and without painting the whole car. The steering gear was replaced with a modified to fit 1952-56 Ford F100 Pickup (rebuilt with new bearings and gears). These are well known for smooth and effortless steering. Further improvement is the 1 1/2 inch shorter pitman arm, an improvement Ford made in 1932 Model Bs and V8s. To prevent the gas tank leak from ever happening again, I added the column support bracket from a late 1931 Model A. This offers a 100% increase in strength.At the rear I added a trunk and luggage rack. Of all the Model As it looks best on the Fordor. Easily removed without leaving tell-tale marks if you don't need extra storage. I should not have to say this but PLEASE DO NOT BID ON THIS CAR (or anything on eBay) UNLESS YOU HAVE THE MONEY IN YOUR HAND! The time for inspection is before you press the bid button. Ebay is not a form of entertainment, it is business. Let's be adults here. If you press the Bid Button you are entering into a contract. I will be strict with the deposit requirement as non-paying buyers seldom put up deposits. If you don't put up the deposit then you are not a serious bidder and it saves me time (and money) to know that right away. Do not expect to inspect the car when you pick it up. The deal is already done. Read the description and ask questions before you press the bid button and if you'd like to see it in person, all the better! Sounds hard nosed I know but if you ever decide to sell a car on eBay you find out it's not.
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