Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

A few days ago I visited with an elderly man near me that has purchased what migh be an early '28 Model A 4 door Blindback. Right off the bat I noticed the red hard-rubber steering wheel. The clutch inspection plate on top of the transmission was missing and it looked like it had a multi-plate clutch. Also, there were no tail lights or holes for them on either rear fender, however there were holes on the lower left rear of the body which indicated evidence of a missing light and bracket. I failed to notice the engine serial # or if it had a Powerhouse generator but will look at the car again on Monday. I know also that very early Model A's had a very different/complex brake cross shaft arrangement and will check for that too.

What other things should I be looking for to confirm whether or not it might be an AR??

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

Easiest & biggest 'AR' feature is the location of the hand brake, either in front of the shift lever or all the way over on the left cowl. Left cowl side = 'AR".

All the other features you mentioned are common almost all thru 1928.

If the car has all it's original interior, chances are that the wood body substructure MIGHT still be good. Alot of wood Fordor bodies and if bad it quickly becomes a parts car.

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

I can guarantee it is not an "AR" as Ford never designated one of his cars by that acronym. That is a Ford Parts List term only for parts.

Also realize that the left-handed brake lever was carried thru the first half of the production year, -and the red steering wheel was carried thru February of 1929. Neither of those features make it an early car. Even a multiple disc clutch is not an indicator of an early, or a very-early car. A Restoration Guidelines & Judging Standards book will be your best way to determine the approximate date of the car. Too many subtle feature changes made in 1928 to list all of them. Good luck...

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

wheels/rims also different!

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

Early ‘28 hoods had an upper slant to the top of the louvers that were not parallel to the hood hinge. Lacing on the radiator shell was threaded into holes in the shell. Most had shrouds on the radiator. Lug nuts were a different shape than later. Air in the tires was cleaner.

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

The politically correct term nowadays is E28. Brent doesn't define what DOES make an E28. I would think it is the brake system where the handbrake operates the same linkage as the footbrake. This was declared illegal in many US states and foreign countries. As far as I know, the LH handbrake indicates the early braking system. Are there any cars with separate handbrake linkage and a LH lever?

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

I would think the most obvious visual evidence is if the emergency brake handle is on the left cowl, all the other visual "Early" 28 features could be leftovers or replacement parts on a later production car.
-red steering wheel
-uneven hood louvers
-rear brake light assembly
-cowl panel indented bolt at lower coupe pillar
-powerhouse generator
-vertical fluted headlight lenses
-square box type starter switch and/or off-set started rod
-radiator fan shroud
and several other miscellaneous "Ford" script specialty items

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

Air vent at L.H. kick panel and a different interior trim panel that crosses from side to side above instrument panel. Wood behind the trim is also different.

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

as Gary mentions- narrower hubs on the wheels.........


Ive seen so many repro red steering wheels in all my years. they are the worst indicator.


yes on the powerhouse and engine serial numbers.

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

I believe another good indication is the front engine mount is solid/ one piece in the front crossmember

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?
 

A big help with all the info received - thanks to all for responding. The good news is it's another Model A being pulled from a barn and back on the road again!

Re: Early '28 Model A - possible AR?