BUYER’S GUIDE
SPECIALISTS
Bert’s Model A Ford Center
800-321-1931
www.modelastore.com
Bratton’s Antique Auto Parts
800-255-1929
www.brattons.com
Cartouche Upholstery
877-470-1554
www.cartoucheupholstery.com
Gaslight Auto Parts
800-242-6491
www.gaslightauto.com
The 1928 and 1929 Roadsters, here with the optional rumble seat in place of a trunk, sport the early
‘coupe pillar’ design, seen in the paint-accented separation between the cowl and the main body.
Howell’s Sheetmetal Co.
800-375-6663
www.fordor.com
design, everybody wants their fenders to
be nice.”
SUSPENSION/BRAKES
While the transverse semi-elliptic leaf
spring suspension keeping the front and
rear of the Model A in check was not
unusual in its day, the standard fitment
of Houdaille hydraulic, double-action
rotary shock absorbers was a revelation,
as these relatively sophisticated devices
were usually only found on more expensive vehicles. These shocks are known
for their precise tolerances, and they
can be rebuilt, as well as replaced with
modern reproductions. The drop center
rim, welded steel spoke wheels were 21
inches in diameter in 1928 and 1929, and
19 inches in diameter for 1930 and 1931.
Henry Ford’s mistrust of hydraulics
was evident in the fully mechanical
braking system fitted to each Model A,
Commercial bodies were available each year,
including 1930, when this closed cab Pick-up
was built.
30 HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS • JUNE 2009
and this system included a foot brake
that actuated brake shoes at each wheel,
as well as a hand brake that actuated
rear wheel brake bands. All braking
components are available from many
sources today.
INTERIOR/TRIM
Standard level Model As aren’t lavishly
equipped vehicles, although they did
have a speedometer, something most
Model T owners lived without. Wool
broadcloth, mohair and corduroy covered seats in closed cars, while artificial
or real leather was used in open cars and
commercial vehicles. Carpeting and rubber mats were used on the floor. Authentic reproduction interior materials are
available today, and kits containing
everything from door panels to window
welting make restoring the interior of a
Model A a simple task.
The customization of these cars has
been a popular pastime since they were
new; fenders with spare tire wells, spare
tire covers, wind wings, pedal covers, lug-
gage racks with fitted trunks, radiator
stone guards, Motometer radiator caps
and a thousand more things have been
made to dress up the simple beauty,
and there’s no end in sight.
Being from well before the safety era,
these Fords offer little in the way of
passenger protection, so drivers who travel any distance
in their Model As are encouraged to retrofit them with
such devices. Jim explains,
“Safety items like seat belts
will never be deducted for
in judging; people drive
these cars at 50-55 MPH, and
Model As are more often used
LeBaron Bonney
800-221-5408
www.lebaronbonney.com
Mac’s Antique Auto Parts
877-220-8223
www.macsautoparts.com
Mike’s “A” Ford-Able Parts
706-652-3866
www.mikes-afordable.com
Sacramento Vintage Ford
916-853-2244
www.vintageford.com
Smith and Jones Antique Auto Parts
800-422-1928
www.modela-t-snj.com
Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts
888-262-5712
www.snydersantiqueauto.com
Tam’s Model A Parts
800-272-7871
www.modelaparts.com
What to Pay
Low
Average
High
Coupe
$9,000 $16,000 $27,000
Fordor
$5, 500
$9,000
$20,000
Roadster $14,000 $25,000 $40,000
Open cab
Pick-Up
$7,000 $13,000 $24,000
in touring than Model Ts, so installing
seat belts, extra mirrors and turn signals
is fine. As came with a single taillamp,
but adding a second gives more visibility
and allows you to run turn signals, and
side mirrors can help with the cars’ terrible blind spots. These additions are forgiven, even in Blue Ribbon judging.”
