e28 headlight switch

[dean from bozeman]

Gravelroad, I have seen the open bail light switch without knurling on it. I have also seen one with the Ford script on the brass part that clamps to the rod.

With the open bail, your switch on the steering wheel should be steel. Most likely it would say on-off-dim on it but the second generation was identical without the words and accompanying arrows. Since it is made of steel it could show some rust like the one pictured. Also, please check to see if it has a seam on the underside of the handle. Though most I have seen have that seam, I did see one that didn't have the seam (reproduction? different manufacturer?). In the handle, there is a "plug" of material (most likely a type of masonite like that in the open bail that holds the contacts). Sometimes this plug would get wet and swell, thus splitting the seam open.

Gravelroad, what is your engine number and body number?

Dean

 

[Gravelroad]

Dean, Cannot confirm any of the details you mentioned above until I get home in about a week. The vin on my title is 12601 as is the number on the engine. I do not know about the frame number. This car was sold new in Harrington Wa. Original owner sold to nephew, nephew to son, son to me. I assuuume it is original vin number but have not exposed frame number. Car has left knee positioned emergency brake, red steering wheel, early light switch, second style Zenith carb, and a few other things that my model a buddy says makes it a pretty early a. There is a body number on a cross member under driver seat SFA 44?. Need to verify that too when I get home. Thankyou Dean, Tom, Charles, Tim, Roudy, Doug and all who have responded with info. Will try to digest it all when I get home with all the parts in front of me. Jerry

 

[dean from bozeman]

Gravelroad,

The features of your car conform with an engine number A12601, which indicates that it was manufactured in the middle January, 1928. The SFA44? body number shows that it was built in San Francisco. That information is found at http://www.mafca.com/downloads/Technical/Assembly%20Plants%20Body%20Number.pdf

With the few number of owners and with the features that it has, it is sounding that this is a truly unique survivor. To identify other unique features there are a couple ways to proceed. One, check out the thread Photos of a Very Early 1928 Chassis A495. Though many of its features are unique to three digit cars you will find the curved spring perches, smooth backing plates, and other features are similar. Second, please use this forum to show some photos of your "A". There are a number of folks on the Fordbarn who are interested in the early A's. Others just love to learn aas much as they can about A's. Third, send me an e-mail or two or three at a495dean@gmail.com. Four, you live in Eastern Washington. I live in Western Montana. Road trips are possible. At the end of February I take my daughter to a gymnastics competition in Coure d'Alene, ID. That would put me close enough for a day trip. A good friend and fellow early '28 enthusiast Mike Gooding lives in Western Idaho. These are just some ideas to get more information about your car. Five, a local guy has an original early March,1928 Tudor. As time went on changes to the "A" slowed down. It would be interesting to compare features of your vehicle to this one.

Personally, I find it exciting that another e28 Model A has been discovered. If there is any way that I can help you identify features on your car please use Fordbarn or send me an email.

Dean

 

[Neil Wilson]

Early Lighting Switch Handle & Horn Switch - A-3616?

I have a Feb. 1928 with this early part. Longer rod and steel handle. It does not have the ON-OFF-DIM stampings.

Has anyone else found this situation?

Attached is a picture showing some more details of the corresponding lighting switch.

 

[dean from bozeman]

Neil, I found this type of steel handle without the "on-off-dim". It is identical to the "on-off-dim" in all ways except for the markings. I believe the one I got came off a chassis that had a A4XXX type number. I can find out about that.

The rod is longer as you said. It is 46 3/4".

By the way, where did you get the open bail photos? They're really good.

 

[Neil Wilson]

Dean,
Thanks for the confirmation on the handle without the stampings. At least I know that another exists. I have not measured the rod yet. But, it extends into the switch and the horn wire has the connector to plug into the switch.

I took the photos of the early switch from my AA19871 February (er) stake truck. The switch cover was from Fred Gooding since I destroyed my original cover while removing the rust in an acid tank.

Attached are some more pictures. Dean, sent me an email at neilwilson2@comcast.net and I will send you my higher resolution copies which I can't post on Fordbarn do to size.

 

[Gravelroad]

Dean, I am about 90 miles west on I 90 from CdA. Would like to get together sometime. Will keep in touch.
Neil, The light switch you pictured is exactly like mine only in much better shape. Mine is so burned, don't know if saveable. Thank, Jerry