Help!! 1931 Model A Deluxe Tudor

[bobbersax]

I am currently restoring a 1931 Model A Standard Tudor and converting it over to a 'Deluxe' Tudor with different color schemes, upholstery, etc.


I have a few questions that maybe someone can answer:


1,) Did the '31 Deluxe Tudor have wood-grained inside window trim and dash rail? If so, is there a company that does this this type of work?


2.) Did the '31 Deluxe have metal stem tire tubes or rubber stem tire tubes?


3.) Were the front seats on the Standard Tudor different than the Deluxe Tudor? If so, is there a company that makes the Deluxe Tudor springs?


4.) Did the '31 Deluxe Tudor have a dome light? If so, was the switch located on the light itself or on the side between the door and rear window?


Lot's of questions but I heard this was the place to get answers!


Thanks -


Bob

 

[Jim/GA]

Hi, Bob!

Welcome to the Ford Barn!

There is a reference book that you can buy that has the answers to these and many other questions about the Model A. I strongly recommend you buy one and use it, instead of relying on random things you find on the Internet or answers that you get from well-meaning people in a forum like this; they may be incorrect for your specific vehicle. The book has been well-researched and is considered to be reliable.

You can buy one here:
https://mafca.com/cart/index.php?productID=115

Some people think that this book is only of value to a guy that is restoring a car for "fine point judging" (where every nut and bolt is exactly correct as Henry made it) for shows. This is not true. It is also a great reference for the average guy like you and me to see how things were originally done. We can follow that or we can make an informed decision to deviate from it. But at least we know what we are doing and why.

A lot of effort went into researching and writing this book. When you get it, you will see that it is worth many times what they sell it for.

I'm sorry if this sounds like passing the buck, but it is my honest opinion that this will set you up to restore your car the way it sounds like you want to do.

For seat springs, talk to the guys at Snyder's. They can make anything.

.

 

[1931 flamingo]

Driver's seat wider than passenger's and adjustable, woodgrain, switch on light,probably metal stems,also rear arm rests, and grab handles on thearea behind the front seats.
The TuDor Book is a wise investment whether doinf fine point or if just curious. When was yours built??

Paul in CT

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

Here's a link to the book Paul refers to...

https://mafca.com/cart/index.php?productID=223

Great info on the development of the Deluxe Tudor and its differences from the Standard.

 

[CHuDWah]

This MAFCA page (not a link to books) will answer your questions:

http://www.mafca.com/data_deluxe_tudors.html

 

[Bud]

I owned a Deluxe Tudor at one time. The interior trim was woodgrained. Various people do this type of work: Grain-it Technologies sells kits. I would recommend:
Joe Goss,
Woodgrain by Estes
2001 Charles St
Lafayette, IN 47904-1539
(765) 490-5634
gossp@emailaccount.com
Originally all Model A's had metal stem tubes. See the judging standards.
Front seats were wider than the standard tudor, they are the same seats as in the Victoria and A400. The drivers side is adjustable. Hard seats to find. Try Snyders in Ohio for seat springs.
Deluxe Tudor and the Deluxe Coupe shared the same domelight which had the switch built into the light.
Hope that helps.

 

[Bob Bidonde]

The dome light in the Deluxe Tudor is the same one used in the Deluxe Coupe. It has an integral switch.

 

[TerryH]

I would guess that they also came with cowl lights?

 

[bobbersax]

Driver's seat wider than passenger's and adjustable, woodgrain, switch on light,probably metal stems,also rear arm rests, and grab handles on thearea behind the front seats.
The TuDor Book is a wise investment whether doinf fine point or if just curious. When was yours built??

Paul in CT

Nearest I can figure out, May of 1931. It has the indented firewall.

 

[40 Deluxe]

Hi, Bob!

Welcome to the Ford Barn!

There is a reference book that you can buy that has the answers to these and many other questions about the Model A. I strongly recommend you buy one and use it, instead of relying on random things you find on the Internet or answers that you get from well-meaning people in a forum like this; they may be incorrect for your specific vehicle. The book has been well-researched and is considered to be reliable.

You can buy one here:
https://mafca.com/cart/index.php?productID=115

Some people think that this book is only of value to a guy that is restoring a car for "fine point judging" (where every nut and bolt is exactly correct as Henry made it) for shows. This is not true. It is also a great reference for the average guy like you and me to see how things were originally done. We can follow that or we can make an informed decision to deviate from it. But at least we know what we are doing and why.

A lot of effort went into researching and writing this book. When you get it, you will see that it is worth many times what they sell it for.

I'm sorry if this sounds like passing the buck, but it my honest opinion that this will set you up to restore your car the way it sounds like you want to do.

For seat springs, talk to the guys at Snyder's. They can make anything.

.

Good advice! Too often well-meaning individuals merely repeat what they thought Uncle Billy-Bob said 30 years ago (and Uncle Billy-Bob was known to just make up stuff).

 

[1931 flamingo]

bobbersax: My engine stamped 4/1/31, also an indent model.
Paul in CT