Differences Between '28/'29-'30/'31
- Thread starter Dragfink
- Start date
abachman3
Senior Member
The best easiest answer is to get a copy of the judging standards, as other than the gross differences between the 28-29 and 30-31's, Model A's evolved all four years. The standards will give you the number of changes and when each occurred. Some parts have 5,6,7 or more changes!
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
Aussies call the 30-31 the improved Model A. The bodies have a lot of differences, mechanically some but not much.
J Franklin
Well-known member
Wheels stand out as a big difference. They all sound the same though whilst running.
Chuck Sea/Tac
Well-known member
Just a wild guess, but somewhere between 1 and 4 years!
Seriously though. The book Henry’s Lady has detailed differences of all years and models.
Seriously though. The book Henry’s Lady has detailed differences of all years and models.
Kevin in NJ
Well-known member
Essentially as time goes on Henry's son was given more control over the looks of the A.
What you do not see is the change in fit on the interiors. Subtle changes to things like seat position and seat movement along with steering wheel position helped with making the car more comfortable to drive. Keep in mind I did say small.
If you are tall a 28 roadster pickup is not for you. You want to look at slant window bodies.
If you have ever been in a truck cab you know it is tight for 2. The ad shows 3 guys in the cab. All I can think of is being the middle person in the coupe as a kid and how you tend to get 'friendly' as you shift back to thrid. You get real friendly if it is an adult.
As for body panels and frames there are many changes that are not compatible. Trying to build a 31 vicky on a 28 frame is not going to be fun. Too many changes. It is important to have the JS and restoration handbook so you will know the differences in parts as you build even it you are only building for yourself.
What you do not see is the change in fit on the interiors. Subtle changes to things like seat position and seat movement along with steering wheel position helped with making the car more comfortable to drive. Keep in mind I did say small.
If you are tall a 28 roadster pickup is not for you. You want to look at slant window bodies.
If you have ever been in a truck cab you know it is tight for 2. The ad shows 3 guys in the cab. All I can think of is being the middle person in the coupe as a kid and how you tend to get 'friendly' as you shift back to thrid. You get real friendly if it is an adult.
As for body panels and frames there are many changes that are not compatible. Trying to build a 31 vicky on a 28 frame is not going to be fun. Too many changes. It is important to have the JS and restoration handbook so you will know the differences in parts as you build even it you are only building for yourself.