The Ford Barn

richard crow · 11-29-2025, 12:00 AM

are there any difference between 1928 to 1931 head light bars if so what are they

Bob Bidonde · 11-29-2025, 09:08 AM

The 1928-'29 & 1930-'31 headlight bars are not interchangeable because the geometry of the front fenders is significantly different.

History · 11-29-2025, 09:10 AM

Yes, the bends, radius, arch. I don’t know if one model will fit the other as the ends could have the same mounting angle? Looks like Bob answered it.

Tom F OHIO · 11-29-2025, 09:22 AM

They are definitely different.

Ray in La Mesa · 11-29-2025, 12:47 PM

Contrary to the above statements, our Aug. '28 coupe yard art has a '30-'31 headlight bar and it fits extremely well. The end mounting angles & length match the fenders very well. The only difference is the lights are 2"-3" lower.

richard crow · 11-29-2025, 03:42 PM

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the bar i have on my 30 mounts ok but there is a differance in the space between the head light mount. the left side is an inch futher away from center then right side any boby know why.

CarlG · 11-29-2025, 04:01 PM

My '31 CCPU came to me with a 28-29 headlight bar. It set the headlight buckets way too high. I have since remedied that with a correct '31 part. Will they fit? obviously, just don't look correct.

Joe K · 11-29-2025, 04:49 PM

The Avatar (pix) came with a 30-31 light bar. It seemed to fit.

I replaced with the correct 28-29 version as soon at I found one at a flea market. I think then I paid $15 for it.

I can't say I saw a big difference in light position/location, but for me satisfaction was having the right part.

I do remember the fenders/braces did require some "tug & pull" to put the bolts through for the correct light bar, meaning to me it obviously had "settled" to the new dimensional part.

Joe K

11-29-2025, 12:00 AM	#1
richard crow Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,908	model a ford head light bars are there any difference between 1928 to 1931 head light bars if so what are they

11-29-2025, 09:08 AM	#2
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,379	Re: model a ford head light bars The 1928-'29 & 1930-'31 headlight bars are not interchangeable because the geometry of the front fenders is significantly different. __________________ Bob Bidonde

11-29-2025, 09:10 AM	#3
History Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: NC Mountains Posts: 752	Re: model a ford head light bars Yes, the bends, radius, arch. I don’t know if one model will fit the other as the ends could have the same mounting angle? Looks like Bob answered it.

11-29-2025, 09:22 AM	#4
Tom F OHIO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mansfield, Ohio Posts: 690	Re: model a ford head light bars They are definitely different.

11-29-2025, 12:47 PM	#5
Ray in La Mesa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: La Mesa Ca Posts: 1,328	Re: model a ford head light bars Contrary to the above statements, our Aug. '28 coupe yard art has a '30-'31 headlight bar and it fits extremely well. The end mounting angles & length match the fenders very well. The only difference is the lights are 2"-3" lower.

11-29-2025, 03:42 PM	#6
richard crow Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,908	Re: model a ford head light bars Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) the bar i have on my 30 mounts ok but there is a differance in the space between the head light mount. the left side is an inch futher away from center then right side any boby know why.

11-29-2025, 04:01 PM	#7
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,211	Re: model a ford head light bars My '31 CCPU came to me with a 28-29 headlight bar. It set the headlight buckets way too high. I have since remedied that with a correct '31 part. Will they fit? obviously, just don't look correct. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

11-29-2025, 04:49 PM	#8
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 5,013	Re: model a ford head light bars The Avatar (pix) came with a 30-31 light bar. It seemed to fit. I replaced with the correct 28-29 version as soon at I found one at a flea market. I think then I paid $15 for it. I can't say I saw a big difference in light position/location, but for me satisfaction was having the right part. I do remember the fenders/braces did require some "tug & pull" to put the bolts through for the correct light bar, meaning to me it obviously had "settled" to the new dimensional part. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.