kyvetteman
Junior Member
Can anyone tell me the height of the letters and numbers on 1929 Model A engine and chassis numbers? Are they the same at each location? Thanks in advance for your help.
Model A engine number character size
- Thread starter kyvetteman
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Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
Quarter inch
Charlie Stephens
Well-known member
Mike is correct about 1/4 inch but there is more to the story. The same stamps were used in both locations. The shape actually changed during the Model A production. The numbers have a unique shape that you would not get by buying a set of stamps from the local machine shop. The "6" and "9" had straight vertical tails. The "1" was actually an "I". There serial number for a Model A started with n "A". There was a unique 5 pointed start before and after the numbers. The correct shape for the numbers can be found in the Service Bulletins and the Judging Standards. I hope that you are not planning to change or add a VIN number as that will get you in trouble with the law.
Charlie Stephens
Charlie Stephens
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
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kyvetteman
Junior Member
Thank you all for the information and advice. I have a '29 Roadster with correct title that belongs to the car, that has a different engine and is on an original, but not original to this car frame. I'm not trying to counterfeit anything or do anything illegal, but I want to "marry" the body and title by adding one of the patent plates that has a place for the VIN to ease any potential headaches with registration.
I have the same issues with my '32. A prior owner "upgraded" to an aftermarket chassis and a later model flathead so it's numbers don't jive either. A very crude and obviously homemade aluminum plate with the VIN stamped on it done by a previous owner got past the local deputy sheriff, but with no VIN at all visible on the car it would be a major hassle and I'm simply trying to avoid that. I even told the deputy that the VIN would be on the frame rail under the cowl but that both the engine and frame had been replaced. He said "okay, as long as it's there I don't care how it got there". Things are way different in rural America than they are in Los Angeles. AND, I have copies of the last two titles and a Bill of Sale proving that the car is legit and I am the rightful owner.
Thanks again.
I have the same issues with my '32. A prior owner "upgraded" to an aftermarket chassis and a later model flathead so it's numbers don't jive either. A very crude and obviously homemade aluminum plate with the VIN stamped on it done by a previous owner got past the local deputy sheriff, but with no VIN at all visible on the car it would be a major hassle and I'm simply trying to avoid that. I even told the deputy that the VIN would be on the frame rail under the cowl but that both the engine and frame had been replaced. He said "okay, as long as it's there I don't care how it got there". Things are way different in rural America than they are in Los Angeles. AND, I have copies of the last two titles and a Bill of Sale proving that the car is legit and I am the rightful owner.
Thanks again.
kyvetteman
Junior Member
I should add that neither of these cars are concourse quality show cars, nor are they street rods or (gasp) rat rods. They are built to be driven and enjoyed and that's what I do with them.
I have the utmost respect for those that stay true to the early Fords as they were when they left the factory, that's just not my thing. Hope that doesn't get me banned from the barn.
I have the utmost respect for those that stay true to the early Fords as they were when they left the factory, that's just not my thing. Hope that doesn't get me banned from the barn.