Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith True
Where did you get the information there are different numbers between the DeLuxe and Standard? I've never heard of that before. The best place to find out is from the Ford parts list.If they were different,the parts list would show it.
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First, let me say that the 22 louvers is no doubt correct. The confusion came when I did an internet query that lead to an AI discussion of the differences between the Deluxe and Standard and the “rabbit hole” of the number of louvers.
A short version is posted below and the entire entertainment version is attached as a pdf
It went like this: (all the emphasis is mine)
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Not including optional add ons what were the factory specific differences between the deluxe and standard 1931 Ford roadster?
Here are the factory-specific differences between the 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster and the Standard Roadster, excluding optional add-ons like luggage racks, side curtains, or accessories that could be ordered separately. These distinctions reflect the Deluxe’s positioning as a sportier, more refined variant compared to the utilitarian Standard model, based on original Ford production specifications and Model A historical documentation.
Exterior Differences
1. Windshield Height:
o Standard: Taller windshield glass, approximately 15 inches high.
o Deluxe: Shorter windshield glass, approximately 13 inches high, contributing to a lower, sportier profile.
2. Top Assembly and Bows:
o Standard: Taller, more upright top bows with a boxier shape when the top is raised.
o Deluxe: Lower, more sloped top bows with a streamlined, rakish appearance.
3. Body Side Moldings:
o Standard: Plain body sides without decorative moldings.
o Deluxe: Featured stainless steel beltline moldings along the sides, adding a touch of elegance.
4. Hood Louvers:
o Standard: Typically had fewer hood louvers (often 20 per side).
o Deluxe: More hood louvers (typically 25 per side), enhancing both style and engine ventilation.
5. Wheels:
o Standard: 19-inch wire wheels painted to match the body color.
o Deluxe: 19-inch wire wheels with chrome-plated spokes (though some late 1931 Deluxe models might still have had painted wheels as standard, chrome was more associated with Deluxe styling).
6. Cowl Lamps:
o Standard: No cowl lamps as standard equipment (available as an option).
o Deluxe: Equipped with chrome-plated cowl lamps mounted on the cowl sides, adding a premium look.
Interior Differences
7. Upholstery:
o Standard: Basic cloth or leatherette upholstery in simpler patterns or solid colors.
o Deluxe: Higher-quality leather or leatherette upholstery with pleating or tufting, often in richer colors like tan or brown to match the upscale aesthetic.
8. Door Panels and Trim:
o Standard: Plain door panels with minimal trim.
o Deluxe: Enhanced door panels with additional trim details, often matching the upholstery for a more finished look.
9. Floor Covering:
o Standard: Rubber mat flooring, practical but basic.
o Deluxe: Carpet or a higher-grade rubber mat, offering a slight upgrade in comfort and appearance.
Mechanical and Structural
10. Frame and Body Proportions:
o While the chassis and core body structure were identical (both built on the same Model A frame), the Deluxe’s lower windshield and top design subtly altered its stance and visual proportions, though no functional mechanical differences existed at the factory level.
Color Options
11. Paint Schemes:
o Standard: Offered in simpler, single-tone color schemes like black, green, or blue with basic pinstriping.
o Deluxe: Available in two-tone color combinations (e.g., body and fender contrasts) with more elaborate pinstriping, emphasizing its premium appeal.
Summary
The Deluxe Roadster was essentially a dressed-up version of the Standard, with factory differences focused on aesthetics and comfort rather than mechanical performance (both shared the same 40-hp, 200.5-cubic-inch inline-four engine and 3-speed manual transmission). The Deluxe’s lower windshield, chrome accents, enhanced upholstery, and sporty top design set it apart as a stylish option for buyers willing to pay a premium—about $475 for the Deluxe vs. $435 for the Standard in 1931, a notable difference at the time.
If you’re looking at a specific car to identify its trim level, these features are the key giveaways, though decades of restorations might blur the lines. Does this help with what you’re investigating?
Then I continued the discussion with AI about issues including the 20, vs 22, vs 25 louvers;
See attachment for other details.