Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex Dragone
Brent, my specific knowledge of Model A's is not to the extent of the knowledge that I have about Model T's, but I do know that it is very possibe that Ford could have made a few Deluxe Phaetons with indented firewalls because parts were never wasted. As im sure you know, in terms of model T's, erlier parts were always exhausted in a new model year because why waste good parts? So for a very simple example take the 1915-1916 model years. In very early 1916 Ford cars still retained their brass radiators. Also, 1915 bodies, meaning they had wood seat frames, rivited windshield etc..but still had a 1916 designation. This trend was continued all the way up untill the end of the Model T in 1927. So, if I were to take a very educated guess, in light of Fords trends and to maintane efficiency Ford possibly could have used up any 180 A bodies that were not yet used. I am also sure there were some laying around because I doubt Ford would have ordered the bodies from briggs on a just in time basis (meaning one at a time) he most likely ordered them in larger numbers so there were probably a few laying around at the end of 31. But, FYI look at the picture I posted of the firewall, and as Tim has seen and confirmed, the firewall on my car has not been molested. I personally didnt even clean the firewall,under the car or under the hood for these various reasons...so you can not question the car itself. Anyway I love these debates! Let keep this going and see what kind of research anyone can come up with. Brent can you get ahold of soe of that research you are talking about and possibly post some of the info? Thanks!
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Alex, ironically I am on vacation right now down in Daytona on the Model T Club Winter Tour, ...driving our 1915 Touring. I also serve as the MTFCI Ass't Chief Judge so I am kinda versed on Model T's too.
As someone who has studied Ford and his production methods as my secondary hobby, there is something that many people do not realize. Contrary to popular myth,
nothing was manufactured at Ford just by "chance". For example, Ford did not tell the stamping department to make a bunch of firewalls. Instead there was an exact specified amount manufactured for each order from each of his departments. That is why I feel there is no such thing like using up parts to keep from wasting something. The same applies to Briggs. When a P.O. was issued to a body manufacturer (such as Briggs in your case) for XXX amount of bodies, Ford shipped XXX amount of firewalls & tanks to the vendor. I actually spoke by telephone today with two knowledgeable individuals who called me and offered their opinions regarding your car and the TCD firewall. The bottom line is our opinions do not matter and if you are happy with your car, then we need to be happy with you since it is not being entered into any type of club judging competition.
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