Hey I'm 16 and I just bought my first model a pickup! It's a 1931 model a pickup. It's sopposed to be all maching numbers what is the best way on finding out if it is all original?
Google Model A serial number location and see what comes up. My 29 had same number on the frame (stamped on top rail under the cowl area) as the engine.
Once you pull it apart to build a hot rod you won't have to worry about matching numbers and things being original! Get rid of all that extra weight, lower it down....ROCK AND ROLL
Jeff, good for you! its great to see young guys get into this madness. I was 15 when i got my first model A That was in 1966, and i still have it today, restored it in high school. Has a total of about 4300 miles on it since than. Me and my gal took it out for a ride couple of weeks ago, sure are fun. Good luck on your build and anything we can do for ya just howler...........
I originaly thought I was going to make a hot rod out of it but its so nice. It looks like it came out of the factory about two years ago. It was in the guys family for generations. It looks to be all original so I dont know now.
There is nothing wrong (and a lot right) about keeping it original. Maybe consider little changes... juice brakes, downdraft carb... Or maybe not. Keep it original for a while, drive it, maybe decide next year.... you have a lot of time.... you will find lots of Model A's to hot rod, but not many that are worthy of keeping original....
Welcome Jeff, enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxAW3oV8tw8&feature=youtu.be Sorry guys, somebody had to do it! (Jimmy's test run)
BS. Numbers can match, Rare! Think about what you have, appreciate what you have. It'll never be the same... Ever. Only advice i can give you, congrats.
Stick with bolt on modifications and drive it . you can change parts back to stock later or modify it more after you decide what you want.
there are a bazillion of those A's out there running around stock so don't be afraid to hot rod it. that car got to be original for 82 years NOW it is time to put some git in that piece of car. good for you and good luck with it.
OK...engines were all (all Ford USA) built at the Rouge plant and stamped with sequential serial numbers, which can be dated. Ford Canada had its own foundry and numbers, Ford England made some A engines but within USA serial range. Engines were shipped out to all the ***embly plants, and when engine met frame the engine number was stamped ito the rail under the body sill. Engine number if original is stamped on an as-cast rough pad. If pad is machined smotth, someone restamped a rebuilt engine that once had a different serial. Here are the two best Model A sites on the planet for detailed and very well researched/do***ented info: http://www.fordgarage.com/ (scroll down, click away for the next three weeks. Don't miss the vintage pinups!) http://www.abarnyard.com/index-2.htm Check out the workshop, then the 10,000,000 pictures of perfect restorations. Vince and Marco are deities in the Model A world, and anything they put into print has been researched back to year one. Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.
On parts original to the vehicle...most Model A parts interchange, but the variations are endless, and restorers obsess about getting exactly the right version. The '28-32 parts book is a start on this, the current Judging Standards book is for the obsessed who will start blood feuds over the correct plating on late 1931 cotter pins... IMHO Bratton's is the most careful parts supplier. If more tha one repro is available, he selects the best and even describes the shortcomings in his catalog. A&L (owner just died, I hope his followers are as good) is a fanatically careful supplier but only has limited stock because most repro parts do not p*** their scrutiny!
Bruce mentions getting the brattons catalog, which is full of exploded views and specifications. the catalog can almost be used like a repair manual. start there.
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