Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

Curious to learn what was standard vs an accessory when our cars were new.

I have a 30 Tudor. Elk horn and kenewa green. Wheels are black but chipped paint reveals green similar to pin stripe (apple, I think). I have black tires but often see white walls.

My dash is solid green but I have seen photos that show pin stripe of detail.

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

You really need a set of the judging standards published jointly by both of the national clubs, MAFCA at mafca.com and MARC at modelaford.org. Many of the dealers also stock this book. What you are asking depends on whether you car started life as a deluxe or a standard. Cowl lights for example were standard on a deluxe vehicle but available as an accessory on a standard vehicle. Some accessories were available from the Ford dealers while many were aftermarket. White walls were very unusual when the vehicles were new and if they were used they were white on both sides (they are not shown as an accessory in the judging standards so I assume they were an aftermarket addition). I have white walls on my '32 roadster and wish they were black. Be careful you don't add too many accessories as it will "clutter " the car up.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

Not interested to add things. Just interested in what it was like in 1930.

Pretty sure mine is a standard. Plan to keep it that way.

I do not have a rear (or any ) curtains. Were rear curtains "standard" on a "standard"?

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

I am not sure, but I remember reading somewhere that there was no such thing as a deluxe Tudor until maybe 1931.

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

You should have a rear window shade that pulls down. It also has 2 string guides, one on each end of the wood stick you pull down. If the top upholstery hasn't been replaced, you should see holes for the two strings eye screws and also see holes for the two mounting brackets.

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

No cowl lights would make it a standard. If it has cowl lights it is either a deluxe or a standard that has cowl lights added. What do you have?

Charlie Stephens

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

Accessories are easy, it's the deluxe features vs the standard features you are looking for. A thread was attempted to define in one place in simple terms what was what but it died.

You can pick through the guidelines but it is not as simple as this car had this and that car had that.

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

What month in 1930?

As an example wheel colors;

Prior to June 1930, Wheels were dipped in gloss black
enamel. Colored wheels, beginning in June 1930,
were available as an accessory on all passenger
vehicles except Deluxe Roadster, Deluxe Phaeton
Convertible sedan, ....

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

1929 Town Sedans and 1930-31 deluxe models (including
the 68-5 and 68-C Cabriolets) had a 1/ 16" wide
stripe on the raised portion of the gas tank inside
the car.


Like I said earlier, You can't just look up Tudor and find what it came with, you have to look each section and pick out what was "correct" for your body type, manufacturer, year and month.

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

Many cars when new in the US had small ''extras'' added at sale [ Dealer promoted] like pedal pads, tire cover & spring covers but not the ''do dahs'' that laden modern era Model A's [ we will not mention radiator guards !].
These can be seen on original sales receipts published [ Legendary Model A & 1932 Ford Book] . The ubiquitous cowl lights probably stem from the repros available from the '60's but not before.
My car acquired a cheap rear carrier & kick plates after it was purchased & it still has these.

Re: Standard vs accessory for an original model A
 

All 1930 Tudor Sedans were a 'Standard' model only. There was not a 'Deluxe Tudor' model until 1931. The 'Standard' models were Plain Janes.
The wheels would have been black, no whitewalls, and no stripe on the gas tank inside the car.. Rubber floor mats, no cowl lights, and a single spare on the rear. Single tail light.