Restorers Class Committee
The intent of The Restorers Class shall be to recognize MAFCA members who utilize their Model A Ford vehicle as a “driver” through its primary use of being enjoyed on today’s roads and highways. In consideration of today’s modern roads with faster highway speeds, vehicles require improved performance, reliability and safety. This class allows owners to operate their vehicles with original, era and aftermarket parts. While original parts are considered the “benchmark”, quality replacement parts and accessories with the look of the original part are acceptable. Improved or modern parts such as an overdrive, air conditioner or alternator are permitted but are not evaluated. The recognition is to encourage members to maintain their vehicles to a standard that reflects the original design and look, while permitting the owner to operate their vehicle with reliability, safety and comfort.
Committee Members
Dan Morris
Committee Chair
I have restored two model A's. I am working on my third. Of course, I have assisted many others in making repairs and getting their Model A' s roadworthy. During the Loveland Colorado National meet, we had our car evaluated in the Restorers Class. In Reno 2018, my wife and I attended the seminar on the Restorers Class and decided to sign up to be evaluators. We did our first apprenticeship in Reno. We had planned to turn in our tests and complete our second apprenticeship at the 2020 Kerrville National that was cancelled. In 2022, We completed our second apprenticeship and turned in our tests to be evaluators. The Restorers Class Evaluations are exciting to us. Most persons involved in the hobby can participate in this class. The Model A's we own are drivers - cars for having fun driving around, not ones for high point judging. I am excited to be a member of the Restorers Class Committee.
Dave Vestal
Committee Member
I have been in the Model A hobby for more than 30 years serving at the local, regional and national levels. Elected to the MAFCA Board of Directors, I served four years, one of which as president. I am a Senior Vehicle Judge, a Master Fashion Judge and an Evaluator with The Restorers Class. Now serving a two-year term on The Restorers Class committee, I am looking after qualifying new evaluators.
Don Gibbard
Committee Member
In 1972 at the age of 16 I purchased my first Model A, a 1929 Tudor Sedan from a local wheat farmer. I drove the car home on back roads and along irrigation ditches to avoid public roads. I was 16 and the car did not have a license. My goal was to drive it to school my senior year in high school. I started the restoration the summer between my junior and senior year, and unfortunately, it would be nearly eleven years before I completed the restoration. I still drive the car today. I have been a member of MAFCA for over fifty years and have held all the offices at different times and in different clubs. I am currently the Newsletter Editor for the Walla Walla Sweet A’s Chapter in Walla Walla Washington. I recently ended a six-year term as Northwest Regional Group President. In 2015 I chaired the Regional Group Meet held in Walla Walla WA. In 2003 I organized a group of high school students to restore a 1928 Phaeton and we entered the Great Race in the X-Cup Division. I lead three teams from 2004 – 2006 as participants in the Great Race. This was a great opportunity for young people from our local schools to experience the many responsibilities of owning and operating a Model A Ford. Over the years I have restored several Model A’s and I am currently working on a 1930 Pickup. I am also Co-Chair of the MAFCA National Meet to be held in Pendleton Oregon in 2026.
Howard Eckstein
Senior Advisor
I got my start with the Model A hobby in 1965 when my dad bought my car for me. He passed the 1931 standard coupe that was chained to a billboard in front of a chiropractor’s home and office in North Hollywood on his way to work every day. When we knocked on the door, the crusty old man looked me over and declared that he wouldn’t sell it to us. He didn’t want the car turned into a hot rod. After swearing that I wanted to keep the car original, he finally relented and sold it to us for the asking price of $350; top dollar for a Model A in those days. I still have that car. It’s the car I learned to drive in. In 1969 I bought a wrecked 1930 Fordor sedan for $150 and got it roadworthy. In 1972, I bought a 1931 deluxe coupe that was in pieces for $250. Within two years that car was restored and roadworthy. Since retirement, I’ve spent a lot of time restoring or repairing other people’s Model As. I became involved with MAFCA about 2015. A local chapter was started about that time, and I soon found myself on the board where I’ve served in various capacities since then. I submitted an article to the Restorer which earned the Bill Reeder Literary Award. This necessitated that my wife, Gemma, and I go to Medford, Oregon to get it. It was there that we were encouraged to go to the convention in Loveland where Gemma competed in the era fashion contest. In Reno, I attended a seminar about the Restorer’s Class. I responded to the invitation to join in the evaluation of cars under the watchful eyes of the senior evaluators. I’ve since been invited to serve on the committee.