early 28 blindback

[blacknblue]

Ran across an early 28 blindback sedan. How long did Ford have the cowl vent and does this make the car have any more value. My biggest concern about the car is the heavily wooded structure. It appears to be almost 10k for a complete top and body wood kit. Any Thoughts?

 

[Keith True]

I think you are going to find that raising the 10K for the body wood is the easiest part of that project.I've seen a lot of wood bodied projects stalled by guys that said,well I'm a woodworker,I'm a cabinet maker,I'm a furniture builder,etc.That's when they find that a lot of their learned skills don't apply much on a car body.Still,it's been done hundreds of times.If you know how it's done and have done a few,it will come easier.A lot of guys find the tedious filing,shaving,and fitting relaxing to do.I cut a pair of those cowl vents out of an old cowl years ago as it was headed for the dumpster.I had thoughts of grafting them into the cowl on my 30 pickup,but the compound curves were far to different for me to want to fool with.If the tinwork is sound on that body,then it should be done.It has to be the right person,and you can decide if it is you.

 

[jb-ob]

The 1928 Briggs Fordor used that cowl vent until September of '28. It wasn't a great idea as when open it captured the engine heat & smells escaping from the left hood louvers.

Yes, definitely helpful if you are a 'wood chuck', not easy project & expensive.

 

[blacknblue]

I think you are going to find that raising the 10K for the body wood is the easiest part of that project.I've seen a lot of wood bodied projects stalled by guys that said,well I'm a woodworker,I'm a cabinet maker,I'm a furniture builder,etc.That's when they find that a lot of their learned skills don't apply much on a car body.Still,it's been done hundreds of times.If you know how it's done and have done a few,it will come easier.A lot of guys find the tedious filing,shaving,and fitting relaxing to do.I cut a pair of those cowl vents out of an old cowl years ago as it was headed for the dumpster.I had thoughts of grafting them into the cowl on my 30 pickup,but the compound curves were far to different for me to want to fool with.If the tinwork is sound on that body,then it should be done.It has to be the right person,and you can decide if it is you.

I'm definitely not a carpenter. I told the owner if the wood is bad it's beyond my ability. I haven't seen the car yet, hope to take a look at it next wednesday

 

[Randy in ca]

There's a pile of wood in those bodies - even the full length subframe is large pieces of wood.

EDIT: Here's a couple of Fordor photos courtesy of Brent Terry's page:

-