Help identifying ‘31 Panel

[Daraidz]

I recently joined as a means to research a ‘31 Panel I’m buying to advertise my business. Since I’m completely new to the world of Model A’s, I’ve worn out Google and online forums teaching myself all this new info. Vehicle is NOT in my possession yet but have several pics.

Ad says 1931 Ford Panel. From my research I believe it’s actually a 1931 A (not AA) Deluxe Delivery with a 130B body.

I showed the pics to a local club member and he commented it has a ‘30 radiator frame. Not sure about that as well as so many other questions like:

-why are some spare tires mounted on drivers side while others are passenger?
-some panels are split rear door (2 piece) while others are single barn door?
-this one has a raised “hump” in the middle of the rear deck for the springs I assume? Haven’t seen any others like this. Most just have a cover plate.

There’s a few questions to get it started...

[Daraidz]

Originally Posted by Daraidz

I recently joined as a means to research a ‘31 Panel I’m buying to advertise my business. Since I’m completely new to the world of Model A’s, I’ve worn out Google and online forums teaching myself all this new info. Vehicle is NOT in my possession yet but have several pics.

Ad says 1931 Ford Panel. From my research I believe it’s actually a 1931 A (not AA) Deluxe Delivery with a 130B body.

I showed the pics to a local club member and he commented it has a ‘30 radiator frame. Not sure about that as well as so many other questions like:

-why are some spare tires mounted on drivers side while others are passenger?
-some panels are split rear door (2 piece) while others are single barn door?
-this one has a raised “hump” in the middle of the rear deck for the springs I assume? Haven’t seen any others like this. Most just have a cover plate.

There’s a few questions to get it started...

Here are the pics...if I did it right.

[quickchange]

130 B Deluxe Delivery 1930, welcome to the hobby , I see licence plate mounted in correctly at the front , brackets should not show , very common , also oil filler pipe looks strange, I have a 130 A unrestored & love it , Will make a real advertising vehicle that you can enjoy , always lots of help 0n here too. Where abouts are you ?

[30 Closed Cab PU]

If you end up buying, make sure it is fused, I do not see the after market fuse attached to the starter - if a short develops burns up the wiring and possible the A.. From the factory Models As were not fused. Also check the fan for cracks. Original design fans are known to fly apart in pieces, go through radiators and hoods, and possibly anyone in its path - new 2 blade aluminums fans are typically recommended replacement.

[BillCNC]

Wouldn't the 4 blade be the better upgrade?

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

There is debate about 2 vs. 4 blade fans. I think I have seen measurements saying the 2 blade modern aluminum is better, another that says 4 is better. My opinion is it depends on how the testing was run, and how the measurements were made.


Either way, if your cooling system is in tip-top shape either should be OK.


The two blade is closer looking to an original fan. The four blade not as original looking, and I think they are plastic.


There should be plenty of info on the Barn if you use the search feature. And you can form your own conclusions.

[1930artdeco]

Welcome to the Barn! If I saw correctly on my phone you have a late 30 delivery. I can tell by the split splash aprons. 28/9, early 30 and 31 all had one piece splash aprons. Why Henry did the split in 30 I don't know. But looks like a really nice rig. And yes the hump in the back is a cover for the rear spring.

Mike

[Bill Cilker]

This Delux delivery could be a 1931, but it is a real mismatch of parts. The delivery appears to have been made after June, 1930 and September or so of 1930, by the splash aprons. The front headlights are 1930-31 but the headlight bar is for 1928-29. The rear bumperetts are also for a 28-29. The front bumper is a 1930-31 style. The engine fan is a 1931 style original. I would advise replacing it with the aluminum replacement, because the originals tend to crack and through blades. The oil filler tube has part of an aftermarket oil breather unit on it.

[Daraidz]

The ad and I assume the title say it’s a ‘31.

Any comments on the radiator frame being correct for ‘31 Deluxe Delivery?

[Bob C]

The radiator shell is 1930. Something looks strange with the spare tire carrier,
almost looks like it is attached to the cowl.


Bob

[CWPASADENA]

It looks like the splash apron on the right side is a 2 piece as would be correct for early to mid 1030. The vehicle may well be a 1930. Thru the years, sometimes the year gets changed or it may have first sold in 1931 and some states years ago listed the year as the year sold and not the model year.


The VIN if it original to the car should confirm I is a 1930.


Also, I do not see a problem with the side mount spare or may be there is something I am not seeing?


I have a 1934 P.U. that is absolutely no question a 1934 but the Missouri Title listed it as a 1933.


My observation,


Chris W.

[Bob C]

Look at the spare tire bracket.


Bob

[Daraidz]

Is there a means to search and identify body model type/year by VIN number?

[1930artdeco]

Nope. The VIN we use didn't come into being until the 50's. The frame number was the number stamped on the frame and engine. It just says this engine goes with this frame-essentially. There may be a body tag in the cab somewhere. Don't be surprised if the frame number (which is on the frame under the body's driver side), and the engine don't match. People just swapped engines like they do with batteries when the engine wears out.

Mike

[CWPASADENA]

Originally Posted by Bob C

Look at the spare tire bracket.


Bob

Now I see what you are talking about.


You are correct, some thing seems to be a bit strange.


Chris W.

[Mike Russell]

As for your question about 2 rear doors vs a single rear door...the general rule is 2 doors makes it a panel (truck). 1 door is a sedan delivery (car). I'm not sure this applies to Model A Fords. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Mike

[Daraidz]

Originally Posted by CWPASADENA

Now I see what you are talking about.


You are correct, some thing seems to be a bit strange.


Chris W.

Here’s a better pic to show the issue. Not sure what the original is supposed to be though...

[Bob C]

Should look like this. Should be riveted to the frame.

[1930artdeco]

That is not that hard to fix. Especially, if you are going to repaint the car anyhow. Weld up the holes in the body and punch a hole in the fender. Done.


Mike

[Oldman Freeman]

I have recently revived a Facebook page called: Ford Model A Panel Trucks. There are almost 200 photos of Panel Deliveries and Deluxe Deliveries. Please join us!