1930-31 Front Apron Tool Box

[Bob Bidonde]

HELP please! I need help from someone who has installed the tool box shown.



I need closeup photos of the support brackets, of the tool box shown, that are attached to a 1930-31 Model "A" so I can determine the hardware I need to buy.

Please post some pictures here or email them to me at [email protected]



A search of the Fordbarn yielded no joy in my quest to learn about this tool box installation.



I do know that the apron attachments screws are 1/4-28, and it appears that there are a lot shim washers needed and much longer screws / bolts necessary to get the support brackets in proper alignment.

[MickeyT]

It looks like it might use the screws holding the front apron to the frame horns.
Sorry didn't see last part of your .

Check out Bratton's: https://www.brattons.com/metal-tool-box.html

[jw hash]

I have that box on two of my A`s , no extra hardware is needed. when you install the side brackets remove the nuts and lock washer on your front bumper brackets install the brackets install the nuts and lock washer but do not tighten them. now install the box there is four screws that go down inside of the box. now you can tighten all the bolts and nuts. I added a nice little bracket to hold the lid open.

[Bob Bidonde]

JW, you have the correct way to go. My confusion was the location of the brackets. As you say, they pickup the bumper arm attachments and not the screws holding the apron on.
Shortly after posting this thread, a friend sent me some photos of his car and as happenstance would have it, it has the tool box.

[M2M]

Can you still hand crank when this tool box is installed?

[TomballMottershaw]

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I love my front tool box.

[Bill Cilker]

Bob
I have a front tool box on my 160B sedan. I have the box support bracket on the outside of my front bumper brackets, The 4 bumper brackets bolts hold the support on.

No, you cannot use a hand crank to turn over the engine with the box installed.

[johnbuckley]

Originally Posted by M2M

Can you still hand crank when this tool box is installed?

No. Not with that tool box.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I must confess that I have only been involved with these in actual use on a couple of vehicles (-seen them on many, just not been involved with a couple) however the issue I saw in both examples was you could not have placed the stuff inside both of those tool boxes any better with a dump truck. As I recall, neither driver could locate what they thought they had inside. Since both of these were not being used as a tool box but more of a catch all, my question to others is just exactly what do you carry in these that is such a necessity to have?

[Y-Blockhead]

I have the smaller, more streamlined tool box (on the car when I bought it).

I carry a small bottle jack, a wheel chalk, two pieces of 4x4 wood , some rags, a lug wrench and a small assortment of tools. And no you can not use a hand crank on this type either.



https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/tool-box

[M2M]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I have the smaller, more streamlined tool box (on the car when I bought it).

And no you can not use a hand crank on this type either.

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/tool-box

The link page says:

"The box does block the crank hole in the radiator shell."

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by M2M

The link page says:

"The box does block the crank hole in the radiator shell."

Look at my picture... You think you can get a crank in there? I wrote "And no you can not use a hand crank on this type either

[M2M]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Look at my picture... You think you can get a crank in there? I wrote "And no you can not use a hand crank on this type either

You're right, sorry.

[divcoone]

Easy to cut a spare crank handle and weld a large nut on the end. Match the grille hole with one in the box with a rubber plug and you can crank the engine over. I never tried to start the motor but it’s probably possible.

[Mike]

Good idea! divcoone

[Don S]

I carry 2 gallons of gas, a pair of coveralls ,a quart of oil, a roll of paper towel,and a pair of gloves. Any of the long tours where I may need gas before the rest, I can pull over and add if needed. I don't want to put the gas in my rear trunk,where it may cause a smell. Works for me.

[Bob Bidonde]

The tool box is on my Victoria, and it is loaded with a tarp, 1 gallon of water, a full bag of tools and some spare parts. I took the car out for a run yesterday and I noticed an unintended consequence. The mass of the box and its contents has dampened some of the vibration levels in the frame.

Thanks to all who posted.

[Ruth]

Looks like it hangs down enough so you could hang your license plate on it instead of blocking the radiator.

[Bob Bidonde]

A license plate on the face of the box below the bumper should work.

[Clem Clement]

Hey Bob. How you be? Hot and rainy here in DC area. My tool box is full of tools and parts. So is the under seat area. For the front box, I found a cardboard box that exactly fits in the steel box. Perfect for stopping rattles. Under the seat of my 30 Cabby, I have plastic small parts box(Fishing lure box) the little stuff stays in plane view.

I have a list of what is where stored in each site as CRS has set in. You may remember it did many a tour in the A and carried a ton of spares for any occasion. Always carried instant beer and an 8X10 glossy on Momma.
Stay well