The Ford Barn

crumbaa · 12-31-2013, 08:44 PM

Our 1930 cabriolet has had 28/29 style bumpers, front and rear. My dad is sure that the bumpers were like that when he was a boy in the mid 50s and is sure grandpa did not swap them. I have read a couple articles in some of dad's books that say some early 30's had 29 bumpers on them until the stock of older style bumpers was exhausted. The closest I can tell with the SN stamped on the frame (A2821143) tells me the car was put together in the middle of January 1930. I want to go back together with the right bumpers and do not want to get these replated if they are not "right". Does any one else have an early 30 with 29 style bumpers? Or can anyone confirm that some early 30's cam out with 29 bumpers? I attached pics of front and rear bumper and SN to help ID.

/Tony

Bob C · 12-31-2013, 08:52 PM

The middle of January 1930 was when the engine was stamped the
car would have been assembled a few months later.

Bob

Marco Tahtaras · 12-31-2013, 09:23 PM

There is no way they would install the old design bumpers on a new model, especially an upper line model like the Cabriolet. A dealer certainly would do so if it helped make a sale.

The engine was built at the Rouge and numbered January 30, 1930. It was then shipped to whatever branch ended up building the car. That takes time. During that period it could be as little as ten days but commonly three to five weeks and sometimes even more.

Your car was more than two months into the production period of the new models so it's not really all that early. The earliest 1930 production models DID use the '29 style tubular rear bumper arm cross brace. Yours has the first type stamped steel brace with three bolts on each end which came next. That's a fun item as they aren't too common.

crumbaa · 01-01-2014, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the information Marco, sounds like I start looking for 30 bumpers.

/Tony

CarlG · 01-01-2014, 07:52 PM

If you are looking for an authentic look, you need 19" tires & wheels also.

crumbaa · 01-03-2014, 07:56 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

CarlG. I have 6 pretty nice ( just a little pitting) that we picked up a local auction for almost nothing. I am sandblasting them now. Do you happen to have any suggestions on how to improve the look of the area that are pitted?

redmodelt · 01-03-2014, 10:44 PM

If the bumpers were on the car that far back and remembered by your dad, I think I would keep them the way they are.

Rowdy · 01-04-2014, 01:30 AM

I think I still have one 1930 front bumper with bumper arms left. It will need replated. Rod

crumbaa · 01-04-2014, 09:56 PM

Thanks to all for your comments. I think I am going to get my 19" wheels and tires on th car and wee if the 29 bumpers will clear. If yes I am keeping it if not then I will worry about getting 30 bumper.

12-31-2013, 08:52 PM	#2
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,741	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? The middle of January 1930 was when the engine was stamped the car would have been assembled a few months later. Bob

12-31-2013, 09:23 PM	#3
Marco Tahtaras Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 3,099	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? There is no way they would install the old design bumpers on a new model, especially an upper line model like the Cabriolet. A dealer certainly would do so if it helped make a sale. The engine was built at the Rouge and numbered January 30, 1930. It was then shipped to whatever branch ended up building the car. That takes time. During that period it could be as little as ten days but commonly three to five weeks and sometimes even more. Your car was more than two months into the production period of the new models so it's not really all that early. The earliest 1930 production models DID use the '29 style tubular rear bumper arm cross brace. Yours has the first type stamped steel brace with three bolts on each end which came next. That's a fun item as they aren't too common. __________________ http://www.abarnyard.com/

01-01-2014, 07:37 PM	#4
crumbaa Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canton IL Posts: 59	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? Thanks for the information Marco, sounds like I start looking for 30 bumpers. /Tony

01-01-2014, 07:52 PM	#5
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? If you are looking for an authentic look, you need 19" tires & wheels also. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

01-03-2014, 07:56 PM	#6
crumbaa Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canton IL Posts: 59	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) CarlG. I have 6 pretty nice ( just a little pitting) that we picked up a local auction for almost nothing. I am sandblasting them now. Do you happen to have any suggestions on how to improve the look of the area that are pitted?

01-03-2014, 10:44 PM	#7
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,340	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? If the bumpers were on the car that far back and remembered by your dad, I think I would keep them the way they are.

01-04-2014, 01:30 AM	#8
Rowdy BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gothenburg Nebraska Just off I-80 Posts: 4,893	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? I think I still have one 1930 front bumper with bumper arms left. It will need replated. Rod __________________ Do the RIGHT thing - Support the H.A.M.B. Alliance!!!!

01-04-2014, 09:56 PM	#9
crumbaa Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Canton IL Posts: 59	Re: 28/29 bumpers on early 30 cabriolet ?? Thanks to all for your comments. I think I am going to get my 19" wheels and tires on th car and wee if the 29 bumpers will clear. If yes I am keeping it if not then I will worry about getting 30 bumper.