Types of trunks for model a’s
 

Hello all and seasons greetings!
I have a 1931 Ford model a Tudor sedan deluxe, spare tire in the rear...as most tudors seem to be.
I found a Karri keen trunk, but not all the brackets...will probably have to find someone to help me fabricate!
My question is.....were there any other trunks that go between the rear of the car and the spare?
Does anyone have specific measurements of the brackets for a Karri keen trunk?
I have a copy of the patent pictures, but the sizes aren’t listed!
Thank you in advance!

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

Hi Freddie,



I have the Karri Keen trunk and like it a lot. If you have the literature you will know that you can carry a bail of hay or other heavy objects in the trunk. It locks open. You have to remember to move the locks down to close the trunk. It is heavy with the spare tire on it but not impossible. I carry my tools and spare parts in the trunk with it closed but will carry luggage too with it open if going on a trip somewhere. I want to sew a cover for it so that I can carry stuff in the trunk with it open without the contents getting wet in rain. It is like having a small pickup bed.



i will take some photos of the brackets and make some measurements and post them here tomorrow.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

There is a good article on trunks in the March/April 2015 issue of the Model A News (Volume 62, number 2) on page 37. It includes Ford, Steelwood, F-K Trunks, Kari-Keen trunks, The Economy, and others. There is one picture that compares all the trunks that have the spare mounted at the back of the trunk. The article has a two page spread just for the Kari-Keen.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

Here are some photos and some dimensions. More to come. I am not sure what is Ford and what is Kari-Keen.



There is a rectangular piece of steel, 1/8 inch thick, that is 6 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches high that looks like it attaches to where the spare tire would normally go. It has the top corners cut off. It bolts to another 1/8 inch thick of steel that is 6 inches tall in the center and tapers off on both sides to about 4 inches high at the ends. It is 26 inches wide. It mounts to a tube that runs from one side of the fender mount to the other. The tube is 1 1/2 inch OD. The plate mounts to the tube with U bolts.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

More photos and dimensions. More photos to follow.

The spring steel parts on the sides that attach the truck and bumpers are the same thickness and width as the original steel to attach the bumpers. Remember that is a Fordor so a Tudor may be different. The bolt nearest the back of the car goes into the tube which has been capped and tapped.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

Under the trunk is a rectangular frame consisting of two equal leg angle irons running the width of the trunk and two equal leg angle irons running at the ends of the trunk. The end angles are supported by plates that are part of the bumper extensions. Hope all this helps. If you need more please PM.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

Good evening,
I was wondering where I could either get or purchase a copy of this issue.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

The model A restorers club sells back issues as well as MAFCA. A call or e mail to the offices or check their sites.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

I got my HEAVY DUTY BRACKETS and goodies from Snyders, and am very happy. (Tudor with a rear spare and a trunk.) It fits right, and does not sag. It just makes the car look finished off. Heck when we tour we put our clothes in the thing. It is lined with felt.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

I have a Kari Keen trunk for sale if anyone is interested. Includes the base platform.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

New information December 26:

There is a nice article on installing the Kari-Keen trunk, and some history, in the Model A News magazine, January-February 2016, Volume 63, Number 1, page 22. The article goes through detailed installation procedure with lots of pictures. It describes the various parts needed to mount the trunk.

According to the article, the trunk is covered under patents 1,713,159 of May 14, 1929 and 1,753,077 of April 1, 1930 which would be good reference sources.

The article says that the trunk can carry 400 pounds and has 7.5 square feet of area when opened. It was written by Steve Plucker, of Walla Walla, Washington.

Re: Types of trunks for model a’s
 

Seems to me I got my trunk from Varco. The add in Model-A News... Felt lined, nice. Bought a cover too. Has a nice rack, with the heavy duty hardware so it does not sag. Heck when we tour we put our clothes in it. No block of ice, or tools in this one. (Anyone know what that means?)

It looks nice. Kind of finishes off the car.