1929 running board splash apron hole

[Ragnar]

What is the purpose of big round hole near door opening in
running board splash apron? Near frame outer surface and You can
see to ground through it.

 

[Marshall V. Daut]

Maybe you have a splash apron from a Model A that had a side mounted spare tire. If so, that hole is for the tire support arm that is bolted to the frame and extends through the splash apron. A triangular plate bolts to that and the spare tire with wheel bolts to that via three lug nuts. Perhaps your car was put together from parts lying around the garage or a past replace a damaged side splash apron? A photo of the hole and surrounding area would be helpful to make sure our answers are on the right track.
Marshall

 

[Ragnar]

the sparewheel hole is much closer to front. I have that hole too.
Those holes are like this photo found in web.

x

 

[nkaminar]

Check to see if there is a bolt head or nut in that area on the body.

 

[Ragnar]

I have body (roadster) now of frame for painting.
And preparing splash aprons for paint also.
I measured that hole position, and its almost middle of door opening.
but under the body when installed.

Nothing useful for the hole nearby.

I am about to weld them shut if no good reason for those holes comes

 

[wrndln]

Why weld them shut? You wont see them when installed, as they are under the body.

 

[Bob C]

Henry must have had a reason for the hole.

 

[nkaminar]

I think my 1930 Fordor has a bolt or nut there that is used to attach the seat. I remember the hole in my apron. Just leave it.

 

[Ragnar]

Thanks for comments. The hole must be some different bodystyle thing.
Same apron used every model.
I will leave it there because it is original 95 year old Henry Ford hole.

 

[Thodge]

I’m curious whether these holes apply to vehicles that were built as a cowl/chassis bound for a commercial body installer or coach builder. I recall seeing photos of those vehicles having splash aprons and running boards installed. Maybe an additional running board bracket installed in anticipation of the running board not being attached to aftermarket body? Just a guess.