150-A and 150-B wagon door latches?

[Model "A" Fords]

After a Forty year search for the illusive 150-A station wagon latches we decided to make tooling to manufacture them. This project took more than a year which required numerous visits to the Benson Ford Foundation along with some rusted out original parts. Thanks to the owner of an original 1929 150-A wagon that has been so kind to let us take it apart, photograph and measure it we have ended up with a replica that can't be told from the original.
The 150-A latch as operated extends beyond the case requiring a separate stamped steel cover which we also made. We used hard tool steel on the wear parts to ensure a long trouble free operation for my brothers wagon.
Since completion of the latch we have had inquires from some 150-B wagon owners wondering if As & Bs are the same latch. I have seen a 1931 150-B at the Gillmor museum using the 150-A latch without the cover. Considering the similar outside look most people don't notice the difference as it does the same job and uses the same mounting points.
To make things quite clear though, the latches are definitely not the same! The 150-B was redesigned to be self contained therefore not requiring the separate cover. Since noticing the substitute latches at the museum I'm sure any judge will also notice the difference if you are working on a fine point car. I realize that this isn't what most people want as it takes a lot more time along with loads and loads of money.
Since the 150-B is different we considered possibly tooling for that latch also. We picked up information on the 150-B while working on the 150-A and found that some parts are the same.
I hope this answers the questions I've been asked. If anyone has further interest please let me know. Photographs of the 150-A latch are in the for sale section on our add.
Happiness is having a model A Ford!

Note; Had six pairs now need to build more, probably April/May 2023 will also be building 150-B latches

[Mtn Wudy]

What do they look like .....???
Inquiring minds ....

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Mtn Wudy

What do they look like .....???
Inquiring minds ....

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...54&postcount=2

[jwmckenzie]

Here are a couple of 150B latches.



Here is a pic of 150A latch and 150B latch. The 150 A is on the top. As well to the right of the 150A latch is a mechanism for a 150B. You can see the difference.

[ronn]

thank you for the photos and description

[jwmckenzie]

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For me more illusive for me are the male dovetails. I have found two 'in the wild'.



I do have the drawing from The Benson, so could get them reproduced. Maybe someday.

[Model "A" Fords]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...54&postcount=2

Thankyou Brent for the photo post. I was trying to add the photos but didn't know how. I rely on others at work to help with computer stuff. I do know tool & die making so as long as I can stamp parts people allow me to use a phone with a rotary dial.

[Model "A" Fords]

Thank you also jwmckenzie For your great photos and description. Great to see original latches that tell the story I was trying to tell with my thousand words.

[Oldbluoval]

So no website or price list to access?

[Bob C]

See the link for price and info. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321090

[Model "A" Fords]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

So no website or price list to access?

Sorry I am not an antique auto supplier and don't have catalogs, website, or price list for such. I only made the latches to help my brother restore his 1929 150-A Station wagon and over time folks found out about them and approached me to buy them. Unfortunately most thought they were the same as the 150-B's, which prompted me to explain the differences on FORDBARN.
Since I did make extra parts I put some together for those that needed 150-A's. I still have three pairs left along with the latch covers that I will sell for $385.00 per latch and $55.00 per cover.
The 150-B's have some common parts so I may recreate those.

Note; had six pairs one left. I'll build more April / May 2023

[bigjeff22]

I have a 1931 Station Wagon that I am starting to restore. The car has all the parts except door latches. I would be very much interested in getting 4 if you are making more. Please let me know how I can purchase them.

[Model "A" Fords]

Originally Posted by bigjeff22

I have a 1931 Station Wagon that I am starting to restore. The car has all the parts except door latches. I would be very much interested in getting 4 if you are making more. Please let me know how I can purchase them.

Thank you for your request for 150-B latches. Currently we have been making the 150-A latches as you probably read from above used for 1929 through part of 1930 and the 150-B continuing from there through 1931. Feel free to correct me on this as it may have continued past 1931.

We have a good start on 150-B latches as some 150-A parts are used on the 150-B. We have now committed ourselves to build the 150-B latches. This latch will not require the extra cost of the cover as the end stays within it's case.

If you're interested in the latches send an email with your request to
[email protected] and you will be put on a contact list. Payment is only required when ready to ship.

[henry's 31]

Thanks, I will email you with my information. I am very interested.

[CHuDWah]

Just idle curiosity but is the 150-B latch the same as the 255-A and the Travelers Wagon (dunno style number)? I know the latter, and maybe the 255-A, has locking doors.

[CHuDWah]

Originally Posted by Model "A" Fords

...people allow me to use a phone with a rotary dial.

Dang! They made me get one of them newfangled touch-tones.

[Model "A" Fords]

Originally Posted by CHuDWah

Dang! They made me get one of them newfangled touch-tones.

If touch-tone means that you still have to turn the crank to get the operator I'm way ahead with my rotary, no operator required, just call direct.

Originally Posted by CHuDWah

Just idle curiosity but is the 150-B latch the same as the 255-A and the Travelers Wagon (dunno style number)? I know the latter, and maybe the 255-A, has locking doors.

Both 150-A&B latches have holes in them to accept a lock mechanism but did not require them. Both were open vehicles if locked wouldn't stop entry
These latches must have been used for other ford closed models at the time or they wouldn't have the lock feature designed in them.
Does anyone know which other models would have used these latches with or without the lock mechanism installed?

[Bob C]

The Body Parts List show different part numbers for 150-A, 150-B and 255-A
door locks.

[Model "A" Fords]

Originally Posted by Bob C

The Body Parts List show different part numbers for 150-A, 150-B and 255-A
door locks.

Bob, do you happen to know if there is a drawing available for the 255-A latch. I plan on going back to The Benson foundation in a few months so can add this part to my list of wants.

[Bob C]

This is from the MAFFI site.


Number: 256100
Name: FRONT DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY - RH
Pre: A
Suffix:
EI: 26-17925
Draw Type: ASSY
Draw Date: 1931-02-19
Notes: A-256101 - LH