What year was it made?

Billmc52

Billmc52

Member
I have just acquired my father's Phaeton which he bought about 10 years ago. His bill of sale indicated it was a 1928 model and the engine number is from 1928. However, the emergency brake handle is located to the right of the gear shift and the tail light is a rear fender mounted teacup style as a 1929 model. I found a bill of sale to the owner that my father purchased it from under the seat indicating a 1929 model. The doors have interior handles, no exterior handles, like a 28. When did Ford began putting exterior door handles on the Phaeton, and without knowing what number is stamped on the frame, do I have a 1928 or 1929 Phaeton?
 
Like a lot of old cars back Then, things got replaced from the local wrecking yards. The idea then was getting back on the road and if the part fit it went on. The body and engine sounds 1928, and other parts are later.
 
Billmc52 .......................
Probably, you have a 1928 model. The fenders could have been changed years ago, as so, the emergency brake.
MIKE :)
 
Is the emergency brake handle that easy to relocate? I would think that would be a major job, easier to find and use parts from the correct year. And the previous bill of sale indicated 1929. I'm wondering if the engine was replaced at some time with a '28 engine, but I don't know when door handles went from interior only to interior and exterior ( I have interior only). I do know the emergency brake was relocated to the right sometime in mid 1929.
 
Outside door handles for Phaetons came out at the very end of 1928. My guess is you have a 1928 with a later tail light and shift tower.
 
Thanks Tom, please explain what a shift tower is. I'm new to Model A's and some of the terminology is unknown.
 
Thanks Don. The engine number puts it in Nov. 1928, but I was going by the location of the emergency brake lever since I did not know if the engine may have been replaced at some time. However, lack of exterior door handles seems to now indicate the car as a 1928 and the transmission top was replaced at some time. This car had at least two owners prior to my father buying it in 2000, and was restored to some extent sometime prior to 1996 but probably no earlier than 1985.
 
You may not have a reason to now but if you ever have reason to pull the body off the frame, you can verify if the frame number matches the engine and the title. It was stamped into the frame on the left side near where the driver door is located and under the cowl. A factory assembly man would have done this job right after the engine was installed in the frame but before the body was placed. Unfortunately since the body covers this, checking is not a task that is easily done nor all that necessary since your title is in line with the engine.

Kerby
 
Thanks Kerby, I knew about that frame number but you are right about not doing that until I have a reason to pull the body.
 
Yes, and also, it comes to mind that it would be beneficial to get a lower floorboard and floor mat of the earlier style at the ready as well before changing. I would change it though when you can so it will be correct.
 
i wouldn't change it. If it functions then leave it untill it brakes. Are you going to change the fender also since it has a hole cut in it for the tailight? i guess i am just trying to show you that things like this spiral out of control real fast. If it were in my shop i would do what ever you wanted me to do, but if it were my car i would just drive and enjoy it.....also i would enjoy not smashing my thumb on the gas tank with the early style e brake, but thats just meand every one knows what i am talking about who has done it before. tk
 
Billmc52 ............................
This is the type Emergency Brake Handle, that you need.
I would sell it to you, if you do not find a complete unit.
MIKE :)
 

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