The Ford Barn

peters180a/170b · 02-04-2012, 10:08 AM

I keep looking at that very nice 33 fordor sedan [all 1 color] w/ fenders. What changed Fords mind after 1932

Anyone know

Would a Model "A' look any better

or worse

.

28RPU · 02-04-2012, 10:27 AM

Considering Henry's reputation, I would guess it had something to do with saving money or saving labor.

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 02-04-2012, 10:29 AM

My guess is only a venture but when you compare his car to other marques of a few years earlier, the trend on more expensive vehicles was already moving to painting fenders one of the body colors, --or to a contrasting color other than Black. Therefore my answer would be that is what his customer base was asking for this.

Just like today, it is not enough to produce a product, you must produce what the consumer wants. Henry wanted to produce the Model T yet his customer base demanded something more advanced, --thus the introduction of the Model A. The same applied in 1931 when Chevrolet was kicking his hine-end 3 to 1 in car sales. They had better color combinations, a higher quality interior, and a smoother running engine (6 cylinder). He answered the need by producing the Model 18 to compete. It ain't about him saving money or doing it his way or he would have still been manufacturing the Model T in 1933!!

montanafordman · 02-04-2012, 10:32 AM

For whatever reason (probably simplicity and cost

) my grandfather painted his (now my) 31 coupe all one color. I don't think it looks bad but I'd like to change them back to black and a few other details that are "off" closer to original as time and money allow which is mainly just the fender color and interior, which is nice but not upholstered in an original reproduction kit and doesn't have door pockets etc. I'm getting all the mechanicals in good order first and I hope to just drive the car and have fun with it as much as possible and will eventually paint the fenders black and address the other areas. To his credit when he bought the car it didn't have a model A engine and had vinyl seat covering and a horrible metallic green paint. It sat in his garage that way for almost 30 years before he restored it to a much more stock model A.

David J · 02-04-2012, 10:37 AM

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Actually the change to body color fenders - aprons happened in 1934 . US production 33's had black fenders-aprons . There are a FEW exceptions to this but not many . Canadian 33's can have body color fenders . New Zeland 33's can also . I personally like the black fender - different body color look .

02-04-2012, 10:08 AM	#1
peters180a/170b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Putnam Valley N.Y. Posts: 2,151	Why Black fenders...Then to body color ? I keep looking at that very nice 33 fordor sedan [all 1 color] w/ fenders. What changed Fords mind after 1932 Anyone know Would a Model "A' look any better or worse.

02-04-2012, 10:27 AM	#2
28RPU Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South central Tenn Posts: 375	Re: Why Black fenders...Then to body color ? Considering Henry's reputation, I would guess it had something to do with saving money or saving labor. __________________ Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.

02-04-2012, 10:29 AM	#3
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,972	Re: Why Black fenders...Then to body color ? My guess is only a venture but when you compare his car to other marques of a few years earlier, the trend on more expensive vehicles was already moving to painting fenders one of the body colors, --or to a contrasting color other than Black. Therefore my answer would be that is what his customer base was asking for this. Just like today, it is not enough to produce a product, you must produce what the consumer wants. Henry wanted to produce the Model T yet his customer base demanded something more advanced, --thus the introduction of the Model A. The same applied in 1931 when Chevrolet was kicking his hine-end 3 to 1 in car sales. They had better color combinations, a higher quality interior, and a smoother running engine (6 cylinder). He answered the need by producing the Model 18 to compete. It ain't about him saving money or doing it his way or he would have still been manufacturing the Model T in 1933!! __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

02-04-2012, 10:32 AM	#4
montanafordman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Meridian, ID Posts: 583	Re: Why Black fenders...Then to body color ? For whatever reason (probably simplicity and cost ) my grandfather painted his (now my) 31 coupe all one color. I don't think it looks bad but I'd like to change them back to black and a few other details that are "off" closer to original as time and money allow which is mainly just the fender color and interior, which is nice but not upholstered in an original reproduction kit and doesn't have door pockets etc. I'm getting all the mechanicals in good order first and I hope to just drive the car and have fun with it as much as possible and will eventually paint the fenders black and address the other areas. To his credit when he bought the car it didn't have a model A engine and had vinyl seat covering and a horrible metallic green paint. It sat in his garage that way for almost 30 years before he restored it to a much more stock model A. Last edited by montanafordman; 02-04-2012 at 10:50 AM.

02-04-2012, 10:37 AM	#5
David J Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: St Croix Falls WI Posts: 2,080	Re: Why Black fenders...Then to body color ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Actually the change to body color fenders - aprons happened in 1934 . US production 33's had black fenders-aprons . There are a FEW exceptions to this but not many . Canadian 33's can have body color fenders . New Zeland 33's can also . I personally like the black fender - different body color look .