I know this has all been covered before, but I just could'nt find the answer I was looking for. Im building an A tudor, now I know its not really that important and the bodys are probably dead identical but im trying to determine just for my own peice of mind whether its a 28 or 29. I know roadsters dont have external door handles in 28 and the headlight lenses are different both years but I got this as a body only so that last fact aint much use to me. Apparently the early 28's had a park brake mounted through the sub rail as well beside the drivers seat? if this is correct was this carried over to the right hand drive cars as well? Thanks in advance.
There is often a production date stamped in the firewall above the bolt lip, that separates the upper and lower sections, toward the (U.S.) driver's side. Maybe 10mm up and 75mm in from the hood lip. It is not on all of them, and I have no idea about overseas (non-U.S.) stuff, but have a look.
My 29 has a date stamped on the passenger side firewall part of the tank. I remember my pop saying there was something different about the early 28 fenders but I have no idea what it was....
That firewall date stamp is on the drivers side. You might get more details if you post this question on the Ford Barn. Bob
Early 28 sedans used bolts to attach the rear 1/4 corners to the back center panel [has the back glass in it] while late 28s and 29s [and 30-31 too] were riveted together. My 28 was bolted together.
hey barrelnose hope you have a great first visit to USA march meet,viva,roundup you deserve it mate !
Hey there Barrelnose, im over here working in your neck of the woods at the moment and I can tell ya its bloody hot, the thermometre hit 52 degrees C on thursday!!! A bit much from coming back from a christmas in cool old NZ. Im not heading back to NZ for 3 weeks,but I'll take your advice and double check the firewall but from memory there was no markings on it.
Hey Prez, tell us more about your '56 wagon. I've got one, mines a Fairlane style, I like those Customlines. Trade ya some cold (15 F) for a little heat!! Ha!
The engine number is the registration number. If it was ever transplanted it doesnt work. A number on the floor sill can determine assembly plant. Methods of assembly may not have changed together in all plants, so that may not be totally accurate. If you can find the number stamped on the frame it originally matched the engine. Research the Fordbarn. A lot of interesting info. My A was assembled in Montreal. No number on the frame.
On 28's, at the rear there are 3 threaded holes ( lower left ) for the tail lite mount. On 29's the tail lite mounts to the rear fender.
If i'm not mistaken, the earliest of '28s The Ar has a slot in the left subrail for a drivers side parking brake.
Back up far enough and you have The AR designation indicates that it was one of the first Model A’s built, and the serial number (A4095) indicates that it was built in December 1927, the first new 1928 Model A came off the line on October 20, 1927. There are differences between the Model AR and the A ,the AR has the handbrake located on the door side of the driver’s seat instead of in the middle of the car, different style clutch and different style generator often called the “banjo” style, wheel rims are a bit more narrow, and the steering wheel is red. The "R" designated that the car had parts that were already obsolete,at least that is what I have been led to believe. HRP
Here's a early AR 28, built in 27, e brake pic. Also the early fenders where roundish at the inside curve of the fender compared to square. Other things as well but escape me at the moment.
The Jalopy Journal
