History 30/31 Ford Model A Firewall

I've searched this but haven't found anything. I am wondering why there are differences between the firewall I have on my Model A and most others I've seen for a 30/31 Ford Model A. The first photo is mine with the inset area where the gas tank spout came out, the other photos are what appear to be stock are flat in that area. Any Model A firewall experts out there?

 

you have a late 31

 

that's a late `31 firewall

 

I believe yours is a late 31 model firewall. The flat ones are 30 and early 31.

 

Stude, you have a LATE 1931 firewall, I think they came out in July of '31. The 30-early31 is the same dimentionally if you plan to swap one in. Bob

 

Some of these late firewalls were "restamped" early ones. If you look at the ribs in an early one see if they are flattened out in yours. The data plate was moved inward and the four holes will be there if it is a restamp. Maybe useless stocker trivia, but I had to get rid of it. Bob

 

Great info guys! Thanks!

 

Actually it is May 31 and later with the indent.

 

Now the inevitable, WHY? What was the purpose?

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The indented LATE firewall allowed the fuel shut off to be in the engine conpartment and allow gas to drip on the ground, not inside on the floor mat. The gas tank is also different. Bob

 

Thank you both for the answer. I've always wondered about that!

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It was the shutoff that was moved from inside to outside.
The sediment bowl was always on the outside.

Anyway, inside to outside was the reason........ not as handy, but safer.

 

Now I know "the rest of the story"

Thanks, learn something everyday