Stainless Ateel Fords

Bob Bidonde

Bob Bidonde

Well-known member
The attached newsletter has an excellent article about the 1936 Ford V8 Tudors made of stainless steel. Rarely do I find information about the Model "A" Tudor made of stainless steel. What has become of the stainless steel Model "A"?
 

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I've seen the '36 Ford, the Thunderbird, and many times the Tractor trailer{Mack?} as it was local to me. Have not seen the A.
 
I’ve seen the Model A. 30-40 years ago it was owned by someone in our area ….Chattanooga. Haven’t kept up but the owner was not very welcoming. Had to “know someone”…and I did back then!!
 
I would like to see aluminum fenders and hood and seats made lighter, perhaps with some foam like some modern cars. That would save the weight equivalent to a couple passengers. My 1915 Model T had an aluminum hood and it was super easy to lift off.

Sorry, can't help with the stainless A. Mine is full of stains so I know it is not stainless.
 
There seems to have been a renaissance in the metal shaping (panel making) profession in the US in the last decade or so. A set of handmade fenders is do-able, but I would guess the cost could easily represent, what? 200 hours x $100/hour?
I’m still looking forward to 3D printing (or the equivalent automated process) of sheet metal that would be indistinguishable from die-stamping but less costly than hand-forming. I saw a video about a process suitable for hubcap-size parts which aren’t very deep. It’s a start.
 
I've chased that stainles A since 1964. It was in eastern Kentucky from 1945 to
1956or57. It was bought by a man from Ky who lived in Chat Tenn. It last appeared on the board for $1mill. That was some time ago. Maby 15 years. Time flys at this stage of life. Give me a call wel'll talk stainless chase. 740 658 3495.
 
Edgecomb Steel was involved in the '36 and T Birds and built the truck cab for their own use. They claimed it ruined the dies when they stamped the body parts because SS is so much stiffer then regular steel. Were they responsible for the A also? The '36 and T Bird have been shown at Hershey years ago. I remember seeing the truck quite often on the road making deliveries.
 
a run of 10 As in china in stainless..............

gets one thinking-possibly a roadster?
 
AzBob
Exactly right. Some are magnetic (iron) therefore will rust. Many stainless will rust when welded even with stainless wire or rod of same alloy.

As to the pics on Vince website. By looking at dirty wheels, maybe the underside of fender is covered with dirt??
 
Until Allegheny Ludlum came along, Ford did not have the technology to manufacture with stainless steel. That's why the 1928 & 1929 A's have nickle plating. The stainless steel cars built were an Allegheny Ludlum advertising stunt.
 
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