Beneath the mohair . . . . .

rivcokid

rivcokid

Senior Member
Hi all - I'm looking to put some bud vases in the back of my 160B town sedan. I'm puzzled about the width of the wood around the window frames - I've tried feeling my way around, and unfortunately, it seems like the person who restored this used perhaps some insulating material or something (even on the curves) to give body to the restoration. That said, I can't really figure out where the wood ends and the other material starts. Does anyone have the specs on how wide the pieces are? I know there are not many in my car (in looking at various diagrams online) but none of them give dimensions.

Also, does anyone have any pics of the 1931 S/W Town Sedan interior without the fabric on it? I'd love to see how this is done - unfortunately, all I've been able to come up with so far is more questions than answers.

Thanks!
 
Sorry I don't have anything specific to the Models you ask for, but I save this picture of the Fordors from a few years ago. I think Brent originally posted it on Ford Barn.

I always enjoy sharing a picture of my Town Sedan "naked" to the uninformed.

39994542125_3b40803abc.jpg
 
@Y-Blockhead - That's apparently the fordor "Skeleton" there. I've seen it - I have a 31 S/W Town Sedan which apparently has far less wood - mainly just the top and the window frames. I'm just trying to see how much wood I have to work with to install the bud vase. Thanks!
 
Try using a push pin or sharp pointed nail and poke around the area of interest until it falls through. This will locate the edge of the wood behind the panel. You might be able to use a stud finder HD25 from Home Depot for $15.
 
Using a pin or needle poking through the fabric you should be able to tell which is metal and which is wood.
 
The slant windshield Fordors had a lot less wood than the earlier types, Most of it was for the top and the rest was for tacking strip areas. This link is an illustration from Ford Wood that shows basic wood pieces that they produce.
https://fordwood.com/images/fordor31slant160new.jpg

The B pilar may be the better choice for attachment. poking pins though requires the smallest diameter pins that will work. Large pins will leave a hole that may not disappear after the poke through.
 
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When I wanted to install a bud vace in my 160B sedan, I used one of the screws in the drivers side rear window frame.
 
rivco - here are some pictures of the bud vases installed in my '31 S/W. I did not install them so I am not sure what they are screwed into, but the screws are solid. If I had to guess I'd say wood. Screws are in the center (front to back) of the pillar, top screw is 4" from the top of the pillar but your placement may be different depending on where the passenger light switch is located. They are on the "B" pillar, assist straps are on the "C" pillar.
 

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@JayJay - I never thought to put one over the light switch! Considering I don't use it really, having the vase there would be much easier - there is wood there and a fair amount, unlike in the back. Thanks so much!!!
 
rivcokid said:
@JayJay - I never thought to put one over the light switch! Considering I don't use it really, having the vase there would be much easier - there is wood there and a fair amount, unlike in the back. Thanks so much!!!
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My pleasure, although as I said I can't take credit for this idea.

Be careful after you install the vases that you don't lose the little thumbscrew that stabilizes the vase in the holder. Without it, the vase will rattle, and we don't need any more sources of rattle in a Model A. Don't ask how I know this...
 
Good pictures Jay-Jay. Be careful when drilling holes above the light switch. There are wires in there leading to the dome light.
 
When I installed my vases I used a small finishing nail to create the pilot hole. Tapping a litle at a time while twisting so that the nail was easily removed. Drilling can cause the drill to grab the fabric and damage it.
 
arnhemmer said:
When I installed my vases I used a small finishing nail to create the pilot hole. Tapping a litle at a time while twisting so that the nail was easily removed. Drilling can cause the drill to grab the fabric and damage it.
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I remember my Dad using a nail with the head cut off, in a drill, for drilling starter holes in wood.
 
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rivcokid said:
@arnhemmer - wouldn't putting a screw in do essentially the same damage?
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When you are putting a screw in it's a lot slower than drilling, you can control the "grab" into the fabric. For small screws I generally just use an awl or a scribe to punch a pilot hole in the wood.
 
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