zenith 3

Plan Zenith was made by Zenith

Zenith (Zenith Detroit) tops can be recognized by the Z marking located below the throttle shaft. The lower bodies are marked Zenith or Zenith-1. There are subtle differences in the dowel pins/bosses on the upper body and fittings.



The Holley (Holley Carburetor Company) upper body has an H or is plain below the throttle shaft. The lower body is plain or marked Zenith-2 (after 1/1/1929). Again there are subtle differences in the fittings both by year and by manufacturer.

Lastly, The Ford motor company produced 2 carburetors for the Model A in 1931. The upper body was either marked with a 3, or was plain. The lower bodies were marked Zenith-3.
 
The distinguishing characteristics of the 3 top is the thinner casting (be careful, this makes them easier to break) and the bracing cast under the ears. I think Henry was trying to take some weight off the sidebowl and compensate with a stronger brace.
 
Here is a picture of a ZENITH-3 side bowl I have. Note the thin casting of the mounting surface to intake manifold and the reinforcing rib below the back mounting bolt.
 
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All of the Zenith 3 carbs are not side bowl type. I think the Zenith 3 was made by Ford as a replacement part and was never standard on a new model A.
 
Jim Mason used to have a site that had all the carbs from a collection a friend had. It was presented with how they looked and who made them.
 
The first Zenith-3 carburetor had the gas inlet at the front like the Zenith1 and Zenith-2; the upper housing had the thin mounting flange and the reinforcing rib to the back.

With the indented firewall the Zenith-1 (Zenith Company), Zenith-2 (Holley Company) and Zenith-3 (Ford Motor Co.) changed the upper housing to accommodate the side bowl filter.

It is my understanding that all 3 of the carburetors could have appeared on A's coming from Assembly. I do not believe the Zenith-3 was a replacement item ?

Ron
 
Hi Ron,
The finish on your Zenith 3 looks correct. Do you know what type of finish was used and does it hold up to gas? Thank you, Jim Sinclair
 
Jim Sinclair,

The finish I use has a dull black finish; after it is dry I rub the finish with a piece of toweling and it takes on fine sheen; the heat from engine seems to set the paint; it seems to hold up quite well as long as there is no gas leaks.

The paint brand: Engine Enamel by AERVOE INDUSTRIES INC. Gardnerville, Nevada 89410 ; Flat Black #512; you can get it in a 6 pack, runs about $5.27 a spray can.
You can talk to Jeff Weaver, customer service, at 1-800-227-0196 .

Ron Rude
 
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