28 Canadian Roadster questions

[chrs1961815]

I checked the engine serial number on my 28 roadster and it is a canadian built 1931 engine which should not be in the car but that is besides the point. My car was advertised as a 28 Roadster but the wheels are a 1930-31 type and the windshield post has mirrors on the post instead of on the wings. Also, when I bought the car, somebody had a 1930 model a plate holder on it. Is there anyway for me to tell if the car is actually a 28? Frame numbers or body numbers?

[Graham]

My Canadian Roadster has a body number on the sill by the seat frame and just inside the top edge. In my case it starts with a T (Toronto assembly). I don't know of a list of assembly numbers sorted by date, but it may be possible to find a similar one and get an idea.

It was easy to mix and match parts as evidenced by the 30 and 31 parts that have made dating mine tough as well.

[chrs1961815]

No number near the seat frame that I can find. This is probably a good time to ask what this plate is on the floor in front of the clutch and brake.

[Steve Plucker]

If you were to lift it up, you will see just where the battery is located...Therefore it is refered to as the battery inspection plate or something like that.

Pluck

[heneste]

Access cover for the battery.

[springerpete]

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That looks like the battery access cover. Allows you to unscrew the cell caps and look at the electrolyte levels. Does your car have Robertson ( Canadian) fastenings or ones with a straight slot in the cockpit ? Also check the scxrews that hold the seat back wooden frame together.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by chrs1961815

I checked the engine serial number on my 28 roadster and it is a canadian built 1931 engine which should not be in the car but that is besides the point. My car was advertised as a 28 Roadster but the wheels are a 1930-31 type and the windshield post has mirrors on the post instead of on the wings. Also, when I bought the car, somebody had a 1930 model a plate holder on it. Is there anyway for me to tell if the car is actually a 28? Frame numbers or body numbers?

Yes there is...Get the MARC/MAFCA Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards and you can quickly figure out if you have a 28, 29, 30 or 31 Model A Ford.

I do not think that Canadian built Model A/AA vehicles had frame numbers but could be wrong on that fact.

Pluck

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by springerpete

That looks like the battery access cover. Allows you to unscrew the cell caps and look at the electrolyte levels. Does your car have Robertson ( Canadian) fastenings or ones with a straight slot in the cockpit ? Also check the scxrews that hold the seat back wooden frame together.

Most of the screws are robinson typed. Let me check the seat frame.

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Yes there is...Get the MARC/MAFCA Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards and you can quickly figure out if you have a 28, 29, 30 or 31 Model A Ford.

I do not think that Canadian built Model A/AA vehicles had frame numbers but could be wrong on that fact.

Pluck

Thank you for the helpful information. I went on their website and downloaded some files that are helpful. Still looking for some more input from anybody.

[chrs1961815]

The seat frame has robertson screws as well.

[SGT in Ont.]

Pictures of your car would help. Headlight lenses, tail light, rad shell, overall picture etc.

[chrs1961815]

Here are some more pictures. I have replaced a few things already. The car is already restored, not the best restoration, but this car has virtually no rust. Under the dash there is still some original paint, Niagra Blue dark.

[Tinbasher]

Do you a picture of the tailight? If it's 28 and early 29 it could be a drum style that mounts off of the body. With the "Robertson" Screws that tells you it's a Canadian car. The rad shroud says 28-29. 29 was chrome. The straight flutes in the headlight lenses say 28. Here's a copy of the Canadian Serial numbers.

Hope this helps. I'm working on a Canadian 28 Sport Coupe. And trying to make it right.

[barnstuf]

From the photo I would say it is a 1928 amateur restoration. Overdone in some areas, lacking in other areas.

[chrs1961815]

Here is some photos of the old tail light.

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by barnstuf

From the photo I would say it is a 1928 amateur restoration. Overdone in some areas, lacking in other areas.

What do you mean by overdone in some areas? Thanks for your input.

[fundytides]

I have a 31 Canadian built Std. Roadster. As mentioned, the main difference is the use of Robertson screws. Luckily, since I did a complete disassembly of mine, Robertson screws are generally available here in Canada at hardware stores and fastener suppliers. The only ones I have been stuck for is the door hinge screws. I have managed to salvage most of the old ones and used socket heads where I need new ones. At a glance you don't notice the difference. There is a difference in bumper clamps and data plates both of which can be obtained from Mike's Afordable and probably others. Mikes also sells the Robertson screw kits for Canadian cars. The other difference that I am still struggling with is that the original paint on my firewall is Ford Maroon which is not listed as a color choice for 1931 Std. Roadsters. I can only assume that different color choices were offered in Canada but can find no documentation to back this up. In spite of the lack of documentation, I am going to finish the car in Ford Maroon when I have it completed.

[chrs1961815]

Originally Posted by fundytides

I have a 31 Canadian built Std. Roadster. As mentioned, the main difference is the use of Robertson screws. Luckily, since I did a complete disassembly of mine, Robertson screws are generally available here in Canada at hardware stores and fastener suppliers. The only ones I have been stuck for is the door hinge screws. I have managed to salvage most of the old ones and used socket heads where I need new ones. At a glance you don't notice the difference. There is a difference in bumper clamps and data plates both of which can be obtained from Mike's Afordable and probably others. Mikes also sells the Robertson screw kits for Canadian cars. The other difference that I am still struggling with is that the original paint on my firewall is Ford Maroon which is not listed as a color choice for 1931 Std. Roadsters. I can only assume that different color choices were offered in Canada but can find no documentation to back this up. In spite of the lack of documentation, I am going to finish the car in Ford Maroon when I have it completed.

I hope someone will compile some information on the canadian built cars eventually. As I mentioned earlier, mine definetely had Niagra Blue Dark as its original color, as some is still visible on the car.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by chrs1961815

I hope someone will compile some information on the canadian built cars eventually. As I mentioned earlier, mine definetely had Niagra Blue Dark as its original color, as some is still visible on the car.

The Restoration Guidelines section F has 39 pages devoted to the
Canadian A's.


Bob

[Graham]

There is a good Canadian Model A history site - the Canadian model A Ford Foundation.
check cmaff.com

It has lots of the service bulletins, advertising, etc.