Early 28
 

I have a 1928 Tudor. The engine number indicates a 29 engine. The car has always lived in Pennsylvania. My title shows VIN A7890. That would indicate January 28. My title also shows "Date Pa Titled" 6/15/28. My tail light attaches to the body, and there is a slot for the left hand emergency brake. I have looked through the Judging Standards but it is very confusing. My question is what other things could I look for that could not be easily updated that would confirm the January 28 date. I don't really want to lift the body. With my luck the number would be gone. And help would be appreciated.

Re: Early 28
 

The radiator shell would have the lacing woven through slots rather than riveted to it. The front fenders would have a rounded curve rather than a sharper change right where the fender joins the running board apron. The running board apron will not have a bump in the back where the brake rods connect to the backing plate. The rear brake backing plate will not have an emergency band. The wheels will be narrower where they attach to the brake drum. There was a modification forced on Ford as the Model A came out in 28 some states would not allow it to be sold with the brake system and they had to change it but the change did keep the left hand brake. If you don't have the left hand brake then additional things were changed. But it has been 80+ years since the car was made and things got changed. It is not uncommon for the engine number to be wrong. It was a common practice to buy a rebuilt motor and change it rather than have the original motor rebuilt.

Re: Early 28
 

Light switch handle has "on-off-dim" stamped in it, lower complete switch is different, Tail light will read Duolight with a small Ford Script, A larger Bezel around the speedo, Smooth pedals, Fan Shroud with three tabs to hold wires, etc-etc.. P.S. I have Engine # A7747

Re: Early 28
 

WMWS,

Confusing? Not at all if you just sit down and read it!

OK...Look at the frame. Go over the frame section very well. If still confused, go to my website and review the frame article I did for The Restorer. It shows photos and describes when the changes took place.

http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/frame/..._Assembly2.pdf

Does it have an assembly plant number on the subframe just behind the front floor board on the body?

Look for a date on the gas tank...being this early of a car, I doubt it has one but who knows.

http://www.plucks329s.org/pdf/studie...ND%20CODES.pdf

You can ID the aproximate build date...just be patient...it will be a learning experence!

Pluck

Re: Early 28
 

wmws, can you post some photos here for us to see? We can probably help you better if you get some photos of various locations on the car such as the front & rear brake backing plates, front axle/steering components, engine area, firewall, center chassis crossmember area, instrument panel/gas tank area, pedals, etc...

Lots of interesting characteristics of the early cars.

Re: Early 28
 

My 6/1/28 tudor has many early features. Some that I've added over the years because I like 28s.

Re: Early 28
 

As pluck says, slowly read the E28 section of the standards and most of all your questions will be answered. We are here to help also but slowly read them and they will help you

Re: Early 28
 

He cought it!...I knew he would!:eek::eek::D

Re: Early 28
 

I think the Tudor Sedan WITHOUT outside door handles is categorized as being right there with the 'Scarce as hen's teeth'.

Re: Early 28
 

Oh yes...Very scarce!

Pluck

Re: Early 28
 

Re: Early 28
 

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I think the problem with this car is that it was owned by the wife of the Ford dealer in Jefferson Pa. She owned it for about 60 years and I think whenever there was an update announced he would update her car. So lots has been changed but I think if I concentrate on the frame and major body components I can narrow the date down. Pluck I will read your article on frames. It seems to be more detailed than the Judging Standards. Give me some time and I will report back on my conclusions.

Re: Early 28
 

Maybe you can write an article about it.😁

Re: Early 28
 

If I did...It would be very, very scarce!:D

Pluck