The factory installed 'Engine Pans' were installed on all Model A vehicles. These pans were deliberately installed to keep road debris and dust (remember, up until the mid-thirties, most all roads were dirt or gravel) from entering the engine compartment. And as importantly, working in conjunction with the fan and water-pump, they were designed to be an essential component to help keep the engine compartment cool, as well as helping with a solid electrical ground between the engine and the frame.
However, once the Model A began being serviced by the car's owner, rather than a Service Dealer (Ford or otherwise), these important shields, it was quickly discovered, were 'a pain in the but' to deal with while doing some maintenance work. It was much easier to work without them being in place. It was not long before the reasons for them being installed in the first place, was lost, and many 'shade tree mechanic' left them off.
As more dirt and gravel roads began to be replaced by paved roads, the road debris and dust became less of an issue. However, the role of the Engine Pans continues to this day to be a useful part of cooling the engine. Additionally, the engine pans connect steel to steel making an additional Grounding surface which will help your electrical system in a number of ways. They are well-worth installing if you do not have them installed.
Good reproductions are available for most years if you are not concerned about 'show' authenticity. The '28/'29 pans are different than the '30/'31 pans. Most Model A Parts Houses list them as being good universal generic for '28 thru '31. Both Bratton's and Snyder's work hard at getting their parts as close to authentic as possible in both quality and accuracy. They are a good place to start. If your are concerned with obtaining a specific year's original 'Ford Supplied' engine pans, try Bert's in Colorado - he has acres of original Ford-made cars and parts.
