82A CC pickup (Roof)

[Joe K]

Getting ready to head into a roof for the "Avatar" (29 CC Pickup)

Confronting the $620 plus for EIGHT pieces of wood.

Many have asked previous about patterns or "drawings" of these pieces of hardwood.

So yes, I guess I'm looking to "bypa$$" the process. But I am a talented woodworker with a full complement of woodworking tools.

I see from the "Body Parts List" (Ford April 1, 1932) that each of the roof pieces have been identified on a separate part/drawing number.

These are:
A-83910-R Frame (Roof) Assy
A-83935-R Rail (Roof) Front
A-83931-R Rail (Roof) Side RH
A-83932-R Rail (Roof) Side LH
A-83936-AR Rail (Roof) Rear
A-83950-AR Rib (Roof)

I am aware that drawings exist for MANY (not all) Model A components. These are tracked at https://www.thehenryford.org/collect...parts-drawings

And they have a "remote" database at MAFFI.org. https://www.maffi.org/WSContent/Parts.html You can check online for confirmation of the drawing.

There is not assurance that either of these actually "have" the drawing.

And Henry Ford wants $30 per drawing, a cost I might be willing to pay. Or $35/hr for the research labor even to confirm they exist, a cost I would probably pass on. (They might no longer.) And since I don't intend to make a living from this (not seeking to be "Ford Licensed") I could use these drawings "for my own use." That is - if I can get them.

As it is I search the MAFFI "search" box and they are not coming up with the drawings - any of them. Or any variations on the numbering convention.

Can anyone add to this discussion? Perhaps some have found or even have the drawings and would be willing to share and "split" the Henry Ford cost?

I'm suspicious that most providers of these parts are selling a product made from "good originals." Which certainly is not the Avatar condition - which are made/reproduced in pine. (previous owner.)

Again - any information anyone could provide.

Joe K

[wrndln]

I just installed a wood kit from Classic Wood in NC on my 29 CCPU. I am a decent woodworker, however, I am glad I bought the kit. For one thing, I had virtually no wood left in my pickup. Except for the 4 top bows, all the other 4 pieces are tough to made as they have curves, notches and other complicated areas. I guess if you have decent patterns from your pickup wood, you could copy them. However, if the wood has been replaced, they may not be correct. I did have to slightly modify most of the perimeter top wood pieces. I think you would be wise to swallow hard and buy a top wood kit. The wood kits for the 3 model A's I have were made of white ash from Classic Wood. It would save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Rusty Nelson

[Joe K]

I am more or less in the same condition. The pine wood is there and it supports a fabric top - but who knows how closely the former owner made it to original?

The question perhaps is even more fundamental. And goes more to the "purpose" of the Henry Ford and even MAFFI. What is the point of keeping original documentation if it is unavailable?

While I like the possibility of looking up "existance" of a drawing on the MAFFI online search, I'm not finding ANYTHING that gets a hit on the search? Does the search even work? At this point I would be willing to hear from ANYONE who has found that any Model A drawing exists on the MAFFI file search.

There are a few "escapees" from the Henry Ford deadlock of information. The Henry Ford has one on their website. https://www.thehenryford.org/collect...tifact/517748/

Curiously this Henry Ford Floorboard drawing AF-35130-B from 9/12/30, which is obviously extant, is not picked up in the MAFFI search. I tried several variants on the number to no avail.

There have been other floorboard drawings seen at other sources, some here on this board.

And how did these come to escape?

Today's digital age has done a tremendous service to those seeking "information." By computer automation it has cheapened the search aspect to be virtually zero, and CERTAINLY made the transport of that information to "consumers" almost a non-cost.

One even thinks of the "services" now available in the preservation of printed material. With 14 boxes (of 100) of 35mm slides from my parent's life, I'm considering digitalizing at least part of those pictures. The cost is not exorbitant.

As it is, the Henry Ford Microfiche are at least part way there already.

I don't wish to belabor the point - but information AND a confirmation of originality is key. We complain all the time about "non-original" replacement parts. HERE is where you start in trying to correct this.

As in - a "service" to the hobby.

I mean I like and use "dogbone" connectors for the shock connectors - but I can "restore better" with information about the probably 25 "cores" I have in a box - IF I can find said original information.

Not to impune Classic Wood - or any other producer of the top-wood - or any other part.

They are but producers of "a part" without a provenance to go with it.

Joe K

[Joe K]

I think I found the "key" to using the MAFFI search.

A "trick" if you want to call it that.

You enter only the five digits of the drawing number. Leave off the precursor alpha and after alpha (or other symbols.)

As in:
A-83935-R Rail (Roof) Front (As specified in the 1932 Body Parts List) becomes simply "83935."

and you get back:
83935 ROOF RAIL FRONT A R 7-15347 1930-04-01
83935 ROOF RAIL FRONT AA 13140 1929-06-06
83935 ROOF RAIL FRONT AA 8810 1928-05-22
83935 ROOF RAIL FRONT AA 483 1927-06-08

Obviously one has to "further filter" this to get closer to your application.

This gives me some assurance to go ahead with a query to the Henry Ford.

(As the MAFFI data is FROM the Henry Ford)

Probably no $35 an hour to confirm a drawing number "exists."

Joe K

[the cooch]

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Im about to tackle my second one of those in recent years and considered making the wooden cab parts (admittedly the idea was to change the profile slightly instead of chopping the top) so it could be customized. After just a few minutes I realized the time involved would far exceed the number of hours I’d have spend at work to cover it. The front and back headers are simple but the sides and pillars have a lot of subtleties in the design and the slight arch in the bows seems like there’s a whole ‘nuther can of worms (or steam) involved.
It is definitely a pricey item (and the cost has inflated substantially since the last one I did) but considering the complicated details in each piece and the trials and tribulations getting the alignment finalized I’d say it’s a good value. I think if I made that kit for sale I’d be charging even more for it.
I hate to discourage anyone from making their own parts, I love that attitude, but I always try to balance out where I put my energy, so to speak. I’d say it just depends on how you like to spend your time. I’d certainly be keen to follow along if you decide to tackle it. Of course, good luck and please keep us posted (haha, wood pun snuck itself in there) on your progress! -Chris, in Boulder.