1931 Hood Louvers - How many?

[sandiegobrass]

Incidentally, mostly interested in the roadster (if there is any difference). Looking at a 1931 Deluxe roadster. I count 22 louvers (each side) however my research suggests that there would be 20 on the standard and 25 on the deluxe. This particular car seems to have all the characteristics of the deluxe (shorter windscreen, cowl lamps, etc.) but I am confused by the number of louvers. Also, by counting them on advertised cars (in pictures), I see quite a few that also have 22.

What is the complete story? Are those with 22 aftermarket hoods? Or is my research wrong?

Thank you,

Jim

[Phil Brown]

Both my 31 truck and my 31 standard coupe have 22 louvers in the hood sides. the truck could have been changed out at some time ? but I'm fairley certain the coupes hood is original to the car

[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.

[sandiegobrass]

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.

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)

---------------
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.

[Keith True]

When I saw,AI,that explained it all.Looks like stories on facebook or youtube.Not factual at all.There are half a dozen,(at first glance)absolutely wrong statements in that article.

[Marshall V. Daut]

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'Just goes to show how a little bit of knowledge can be dangerous, especially if that "knowledge" is just flat wrong!
Marshall.

[sandiegobrass]

Originally Posted by Keith True

When I saw,AI,that explained it all.Looks like stories on facebook or youtube.Not factual at all.There are half a dozen,(at first glance)absolutely wrong statements in that article.

One interesting point though, is that (if you read the extended version), AI vociferously defended its information and claimed it was referencing the Ford Manuals and Parts list. An excerpt:

Me:You mentioned differences in the number of hood louvers. Was this conjecture or established facts that might affect “judging” scores?

AI: "The difference in the number of hood louvers between the 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Roadster and the Standard Roadster is an established fact, not conjecture, and it’s a detail that can indeed affect judging scores in concours or authenticity-focused Model A competitions, such as those governed by the Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA) or the Model A Restorers Club (MARC). Here’s the breakdown based on historical production data:
Hood Louver Specifics
• Standard Roadster: Typically equipped with 20 louvers per side on the hood. This was the baseline configuration for most Standard Model A body styles in 1931, reflecting a simpler, cost-effective design.
• Deluxe Roadster: Featured 25 louvers per side, an increase that aligned with its upscale styling and improved engine bay ventilation. This change was introduced with the Deluxe models in mid-1930 and carried into 1931 production.
This distinction is documented in Ford’s original production specs and has been corroborated by Model A historians and restorers. "

....which of course just shows you how wrong AI is. And the arrogant attitude might be convincing to some.

Anyway, Got my answer... Thank you all...

[marty in Ohio]

All I'll say is that when Model A's were built, they couldn't even spell AI.
Marty

[Keith True]

AI is shorthand for,run the other way.I have a pretty heartbreaking story about a man here using AI generated information to work on his 855 Cummins engine.It cost him thousands.

[katy]

I don't see anything in the judging standards about the number of louvers in the hood.

[J Franklin]

I think Ford stamped out millions of hood panels and they went on the next car on the line. I doubt there would be any reason to mix and match, let alone manufacture different hoods.

[Randy in ca]

It seems that somewhere along the way AI (Absolutely Ignorant??) got the facts mixed up - 1932 Fords are the ones to have either 20 or 25 louvers in the hood.

[Marshall V. Daut]

This is the kind of misinformation that gets into the bloodstream of the Model A Ford community and is difficult to purge from people's minds. We'll probably see posts about this in the future, as well as questions posed or statements made in the national Model A magazines. For some reason, oddball "facts" like this spread like wildfire, while true statements make the rounds slower. It has been said that a lie will go around the world twice before the truth has had a chance to put its pants on. 'Pretty well sums up this louvre tempest in a teapot, doesn't it?
Marshall