Restoration Shop for 1929 Model A?

Drive as is...but check out Sports Car Garage in Palm Desert and get their opinion.

 

First, I wish to congratulate you on your apparent commitment and enthusiasm to what sounds like a wonderful heirloom, but as often with endeavors like this I'd also like to offer a word or two of caution, starting with: How much previous experience you have with vintage car restorations ?
There can be HUGE variance between from one persons interpretation of "absolutely perfect" vs some one elses. What is yours ?
Do you want the car like it was when new in 1929 (= authentic ?), like it was when last "fully restored about 30 years ago" or to meet todays highest obtainable concourse standards ?
Although and with all due respect, model A being perhaps one of the more simpler and easier vintage cars to restore, especially with just about every component readily available in variety of reproduction formats or qualities, the spread between various above approaches can range anywhere from (approximately?) $20K to $200K (almost) regardless to the make/model/year of the car in question with some high-end, exotic and/or rare examples easily exceeding that upper estimate. In some cases even multiple times.

Also, interweb forums are not necessarily best (or even advisable) places to ask recommendations for something like this (large expenditure adventures), especially when advise can come from unknown entities (including me ?) whom may not have any significant or useful experience in the matter.
I would recommend going to some car shows and gatherings to talk with owners whom have commissioned restorations on similar cars.

Perhaps another advise I would offer is that after you've found/received AT LEAST two or more solid recommendations, go interview & check their facilities in-person first, then if you still feel confident about them, ask to schedule an (paid?) appointment to bring the car in for first-hand inspection and preliminary estimate with no strings attached to either party. This could be the smartest money you can spend on the project that'll more than likely consume more time and money you initially envision spending.

Regardless of the shop you choose, please make sure you feel absolutely comfortable and that both you and propriator are on the same page with outcome expectations.
And budgeting at least 50% "reserve" beyond expected expenditure is also smart.

Keep this in mind too: Just because a shop has been around for long time and appear to have a great reputation, it still may not be the right place for you and your car.

 

Awesome car.

I've used Mac's for all my early Ford needs: MACs Antique Auto Parts - Classic & Antique Ford Parts - Macs Auto Parts You can order a radiator from them (or a less expensive one on eBay) and have any competent mechanic install it. But they also have every other part for a restoration. And Labaron Bonney is the show standard for interiors, if you should need it.

As for paint, you might consider taking it across the boarder. Same for chrome plating. They can use paints, solvents and other chemicals that are illegal in the US. Especially is you want an authentic lacquer.

Matt

ak_in_ca's actual car:
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These days, only take a car across the border if you want to risk never seeing it again....