Hi, a couple Model A questions here... Is it true that all Model "A" frame (dimensions) are identical, regardless if it was a pickup, roadster, coupe, fordor, etc? Is it true that all 1928-1929 Fenders for all the models are identical? That is, you can take the fenders off of a pickup and use them on a fordor? (same would go for 1930-31 body styles)? Thanks! Chris C.
Frame dimensions are basically the same however there are some body mounts that are located slightly different between years. Fenders are basically interchangeable on the 1928-29's --and there is a differences between the 30-31's. Naturally as a restorer I am going to be more picky about design changes when we are building/restoring a car but I think the general question you are wanting to know is can you interchange the front fenders. The basic answer is Yes.
His question was, " ... can you take the fenders off of a pickup and use them on a fordor?" The answer to that question is NO! The pick-up fenders are totally different for ALL years.
`28-`28 pickup rear fenders are the same as `28-`29 coupe and roadster..all fronts are the same tudor sedan , fordor and phaeton rears are the same
I think there is a difference in the rear fenders between models in a given year or years and some of the 1928 AR's might be different but usually the front's in a given year or years are the same. Now just wait, you are going to hear about eyebrow's and such variations from the sharp shooters who lay back until some one post's in an general area where there are slight differences then pounce on the statement.
Truck fenders are not different than cars. There are slight differences in all the years of the fenders, but only restorers really care about that, but you would want matching fenders however. 28-29 fenders bolt on any 28-29 and same for 30-31. 2nd post got it all correct for your BASIC questions. 28-29 and 30-31 frames use a different front cross member so you might run into alignment problems with your rad and grill shell to the hood etc. The difference is the height of the radiator bolt holes.
Frames are the same for cars and pickups, with the front crossmember differences noted above also numerous running changes in details that most hot rodders wouldn't care about (see Steve Pluckers threads on the Fordbarn forum). AA trucks are of course totally different. Front fenders fit cars, pickups, and AA trucks of a given year. Early 1928 fronts are visually different than later 1928-29 fronts in the splash apron, rear hood area but do interchange. 1930 fronts had a short section of side apron spot welded to the fender, and used a side apron the same length as the running board. 1931 fronts had are dimensionally the same as the 1930 but are designed to bolt to the side apron, and use a "long" side apron. There are other fine detail differences both early and late, and sometimes from side to side. Rear fenders are 1928-29 or 1930-31 year specific, with varing body interchanges.
This is fun! The rear fenders on my pick-up sure won't fit on a Tudor OR a Fordor. Roadsters yes, Coupes yes. But, back to the original question; " ... can you take the fenders off of a pickup and use them on a Fordor?" Answer is STILL; NO! Question didn't indicate FRONT OR REAR; so I'll concede the fronts would. But NOT the rears. I own a '28 pick-up and a '28 Tudor, and believe me; the rear fenders off the pick-up ain't going to inter-change with a Tudor or a Fordor! (Tudor - '28 & '29 - REAR fenders WILL fit a '28 & '29 Fordor)
Well then, ...to play your silly-*** game, I believe Chris asked if you can take a set of pick-up fenders and put them on a Fordor. I say sure you can bolt them on, ...you can screw them on, and you can even weld them on. While they may not look like Henry originally sent them out the door, I feel certain that I could use them interchangably. Since we really don't know what Chris' goals are, ...then maybe that is good enuf!!!
There is not a lot of difference between frames. 28 29 front fender mounting brackets are different than the 30 31. 30 31 are slightly longer. Coupes & roadsters no matter what year are different from tudors and pickups as well as Victoria. The holes in the frame for the steering box etc are different. Not a big deal, you can always drill new ones for a rod, but there are differences in body styles related to the frame and steering. Kinda confusing but long door cars (tudors pickups vic fordors) share the same frame while the short door cars (coupe & roadster) are actually different.
Thanks for the replies guys. I was thinking in terms of scavaging parts, what was interchangeable with what. I want to do a full-fendered rod. Thinking about doing a roadster pickup, but it really depends on what body I end up with (I'd be happy with a bare frame at this point though!). I see aftermarket fenders available (brookville), but they don't specify roadster, pickup, or what have you, only 28-29 or 30-31. Sorry I threw Fordor in there, I just meant that as a far fetched example. I just got a copy of the Green Bible and I am leafing through it.... Thanks again, Chris C.
Chris; welcome to the wonderful world of Model "A's!" I think after all the "spitting" that went on about your question; you can see there ARE differences between the different models. Some major, some minor. Ford did a lot of "running changes" to the various years. The big jump was between '28/'29's and '30/'31's. But even some of those years parts will interchange. I should have asked you for more information about the pick-up fenders - and what they would fit. Buried in a couple of the relies, are a couple of web sites that could be very useful in doing research for your project. Karl Wescott for one. It looks like he just joined the HAMB. Another fellow, BRENT in 10-uh-C is a restorer and very knowledgeable. So ... don't give up the ship! "A's" are GREAT FUN!! Dave
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