The Ford Barn

History · 11-06-2017, 11:07 AM

I'm not sure which this is, a,business or sport coupe. Can you fellows help me tell which and some kind of rough value? My parents both passed recently and I'm the only sibling interested in the car. My dad bought it when he was older but also when he was less healthy so we never got to take it out.

I love older things and especially these older cars. I don't think my dad was especially crazy for this car it just happened to be the one he found.

What is that spring hanging for? I think it's on one of the brake rods. Photos were upright in my library, not sure why they are turned.

WHN · 11-06-2017, 11:21 AM

Could you take a picture of the top frame inside the car. Either the drivers side side rear corner or passengers side side and rear corner. That should tell us whether you have a Sport or business coupe. Top is wrong for either one. Enjoy.

CarlLaFong · 11-06-2017, 11:22 AM

As the new guy here, I'll chime in with what I remember about these cars. Ford didn't catalog a business coupe until much later. The "A"s were Standard, Deluxe, Sport and Special. I'm sure Dad's is a Sport but the more knowledgeable may prove me wrong

History · 11-06-2017, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHN

Could you take a picture of the top frame inside the car. Either the drivers side side rear corner or passengers side side and rear corner. That should tell us whether you have a Sport or business coupe. Top is wrong for either one. Enjoy.

Yes the top is wrong as the rear window is plastic

This is the only photo I have that's close to what you need, I'm sure it doesn't help you. I'll get more photos when I'm there again. Thanks

WTSHNN · 11-06-2017, 11:36 AM

As others have said you'll need to show a picture of the inside top bows to get a better understanding of which it is but even that may not be original and not help too much.

The Business Coupe was introduced by Ford in 1928 and just over 37,000 of them were made that year.

These were differentiated from a Sport coupe by; a trunk instead of a rumble seat, no landau bars on the Business coupe, and in 1929 an oval window was added for one year only dress-up to the Business coupe.

The spring looks to be a homemade fix to act as a brake rod anti-rattle setup.

It looks like a solid car that is still relatively stock looking. I'd say clean it up, drive it, appreciate it, maybe one day fix the top and just have fun with it.

-Tim

CarlLaFong · 11-06-2017, 11:39 AM

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History · 11-06-2017, 11:43 AM

I forgot to say it is a 1930 model a, maybe you already knew that. I have crawled all over it and it does seem to be a solid car. The paint isn't great with large chunks coming lose here and there,but I don't see any rust holes or bondo but that doesn't mean it's not there. Doesn't look like it was prepped correctly when painted. I would say it's an excellent candidate for a full restore, just not sure I'm that guy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTSHNN

As others have said you'll need to show a picture of the inside top bows to get a better understanding of which it is but even that may not be original and not help too much.

The Business Coupe was introduced by Ford in 1928 and just over 37,000 of them were made that year.

These were differentiated from a Sport coupe by; a trunk instead of a rumble seat, no landau bars on the Business coupe, and in 1929 an oval window was added for one year only dress-up to the Business coupe.

The spring looks to be a homemade fix to act as a brake rod anti-rattle setup.

It looks like a solid car that is still relatively stock looking. I'd say clean it up, drive it, appreciate it, maybe one day fix the top and just have fun with it.

-Tim

WTSHNN · 11-06-2017, 11:43 AM

Should add that Ford dropped the Business coupe in 1930, only 110 were made and all in Foreign locations. None were made in 1931.

-Tim

Steve Plucker · 11-06-2017, 11:46 AM

If you can determine if the Rumble Seat set up is or is not original to the car, that might narrow it down...Business Coupe did not come with a Rumble Seat...Sport Coupe came with a Rumble Seat.

Look and see if the gastank has a date stamped on it. It would be in the engine compartment on the left side corner area of the firewall just above the horizontal lip attaching the gas tank to the cowl section.

Well now...since it is a 1930 I guess it is a Sport Coupe!

Pluck

Pluck

WHN · 11-06-2017, 11:57 AM

If the rumble seat is original, and I think it should be. The top frame looks to be that for a Sport Coupe.

Having owned only Sport Coupes. Given what you have shown, I would say your car is a Sport Coupe. Enjoy.

duke36 · 11-06-2017, 01:17 PM

Have restored a '30 spt coupe which this is-- the interior restoration is a major project to do it correctly even with the kits which weren't (at the time) 100 % factory correct for the top fabric composition. All the wood and bows have to be properly prepared to receive the fabric but it appears that all the parts are there except perhaps the rear window frames etc.and the interior (cardboard) panels. etc.. The vendors thankfully now have many of the trim parts, which years ago weren't always readily available. See Le Baron Bonney, at al.
Not too many of the spt coupes were produced compared to other coupe and sedan models so it may be a good investment.

History · 11-06-2017, 03:14 PM

I had one more photo of the inside that I wanted you guys to look at. It goes from the top of the bow to the front and attaches just over the rear view mirror. There’s a hole in the center that I first thought might be to attach the headliner but that doesn’t seem likely. Could it be for a dome light and if so did it come from the factory that way? The slat looks like it’s wood but I think it’s metal, can’t remember for sure.

WHN · 11-06-2017, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by History

I had one more photo of the inside that I wanted you guys to look at. It goes from the top of the bow to the front and attaches just over the rear view mirror. There’s a hole in the center that I first thought might be to attach the headliner but that doesn’t seem likely. Could it be for a dome light and if so did it come from the factory that way? The slat looks like it’s wood but I think it’s metal, can’t remember for sure.

The slat is not from the factory. Added by someone.

The Sport Coupe top, if done right, will be expensive.

You could have the beginning of a really good looking car. Enjoy.

duke36 · 11-06-2017, 08:13 PM

# 13 post is correct; no slats like that originally and no dome light. There are 2 fabric ones with snaps that catch the rear curtain when folded inward. Le Baron Bonney in Mass. has the kit info and also a good picture of the interior and other info. in the book the Model A Ford by De Angeles et al.
As a side note, there are landau bars on the top sides with special hardware. Hopefully you have them as the originals were metal (forged or cast) with stainless trim cover parts. The vendors have non stock replacements but have the end fittings which look close to the originals.

m.ralph · 01-07-2018, 04:34 PM

I've built 6 Sports Coupes. Its a lot of hard work to get them correct, but they look good when finished. Good luck

Marshall V. Daut · 01-07-2018, 04:40 PM

For anyone looking to buy a Sport Coupe project at a reasonable price, follow this link:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1515361124. It's been for sale on the MTFCA website for quite some time. Probably the wrong target audience for a Model A, though, which is why it hasn't sold.

Marshall

Dick Carne · 01-07-2018, 05:14 PM

I agree with those remarks favoring a 1930/31 Sport Coupe - a very nice model in my opinion in that you have some of the best of both - a sporty car with windows. The fact that the windshield will open as will the back window flap (when a proper top is installed) make this one of the nicer models during summer months because of the enhanced air flow; likewise the fact that it has windows and can be fully enclosed also makes it a nice car during the winter months. It appears to be a solid car, and well worth your time and trouble as you would have a nice car when completed.

2manycars · 01-07-2018, 06:20 PM

For some reason it bothers me when people put roadster top support bars on a coupe.

CarlLaFong · 01-07-2018, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2manycars

For some reason it bothers me when people put roadster top support bars on a coupe.

Same here. Drives me nuts

Railcarmover · 01-07-2018, 08:02 PM

they made 134k Sport Coupes in '29...only 19k in '31..one thing for sure,the hotrodders dont like them.It doesn't make sense to me,they are the easiest to chop. Some times they actually weld coupe roofs on them.The worst one Ive seen,in my opinion,it slicing off the tops of the doors and rigging a roadster top..like a fat chick in a bikini,it captures your attention in the wrong way..

glenn in camino · 01-07-2018, 08:37 PM

It's not a business coupe if it has a rumble seat, unless someone added it.

11-06-2017, 11:21 AM	#2
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,823	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j Could you take a picture of the top frame inside the car. Either the drivers side side rear corner or passengers side side and rear corner. That should tell us whether you have a Sport or business coupe. Top is wrong for either one. Enjoy.

11-06-2017, 11:22 AM	#3
CarlLaFong Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Sunny SoCal and Valley Mills, TX Posts: 63	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j As the new guy here, I'll chime in with what I remember about these cars. Ford didn't catalog a business coupe until much later. The "A"s were Standard, Deluxe, Sport and Special. I'm sure Dad's is a Sport but the more knowledgeable may prove me wrong

11-06-2017, 11:36 AM	#5
WTSHNN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,413	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j As others have said you'll need to show a picture of the inside top bows to get a better understanding of which it is but even that may not be original and not help too much. The Business Coupe was introduced by Ford in 1928 and just over 37,000 of them were made that year. These were differentiated from a Sport coupe by; a trunk instead of a rumble seat, no landau bars on the Business coupe, and in 1929 an oval window was added for one year only dress-up to the Business coupe. The spring looks to be a homemade fix to act as a brake rod anti-rattle setup. It looks like a solid car that is still relatively stock looking. I'd say clean it up, drive it, appreciate it, maybe one day fix the top and just have fun with it. -Tim __________________ No one wants advice - only corroboration. -John Steinbeck

11-06-2017, 11:39 AM	#6
CarlLaFong Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Sunny SoCal and Valley Mills, TX Posts: 63	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) See, I learned something, today

11-06-2017, 11:43 AM	#8
WTSHNN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,413	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j Should add that Ford dropped the Business coupe in 1930, only 110 were made and all in Foreign locations. None were made in 1931. -Tim __________________ No one wants advice - only corroboration. -John Steinbeck

11-06-2017, 11:46 AM	#9
Steve Plucker BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walla Walla, Washington USA Posts: 6,066	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j If you can determine if the Rumble Seat set up is or is not original to the car, that might narrow it down...Business Coupe did not come with a Rumble Seat...Sport Coupe came with a Rumble Seat. Look and see if the gastank has a date stamped on it. It would be in the engine compartment on the left side corner area of the firewall just above the horizontal lip attaching the gas tank to the cowl section. Well now...since it is a 1930 I guess it is a Sport Coupe! Pluck Pluck Last edited by Steve Plucker; 11-06-2017 at 12:20 PM.

11-06-2017, 11:57 AM	#10
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,823	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j If the rumble seat is original, and I think it should be. The top frame looks to be that for a Sport Coupe. Having owned only Sport Coupes. Given what you have shown, I would say your car is a Sport Coupe. Enjoy.

11-06-2017, 01:17 PM	#11
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j Have restored a '30 spt coupe which this is-- the interior restoration is a major project to do it correctly even with the kits which weren't (at the time) 100 % factory correct for the top fabric composition. All the wood and bows have to be properly prepared to receive the fabric but it appears that all the parts are there except perhaps the rear window frames etc.and the interior (cardboard) panels. etc.. The vendors thankfully now have many of the trim parts, which years ago weren't always readily available. See Le Baron Bonney, at al. Not too many of the spt coupes were produced compared to other coupe and sedan models so it may be a good investment. Last edited by duke36; 11-06-2017 at 01:22 PM.

11-06-2017, 08:13 PM	#14
duke36 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,414	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j # 13 post is correct; no slats like that originally and no dome light. There are 2 fabric ones with snaps that catch the rear curtain when folded inward. Le Baron Bonney in Mass. has the kit info and also a good picture of the interior and other info. in the book the Model A Ford by De Angeles et al. As a side note, there are landau bars on the top sides with special hardware. Hopefully you have them as the originals were metal (forged or cast) with stainless trim cover parts. The vendors have non stock replacements but have the end fittings which look close to the originals. Last edited by duke36; 11-06-2017 at 08:21 PM.

01-07-2018, 04:34 PM	#15
m.ralph Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 250	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j I've built 6 Sports Coupes. Its a lot of hard work to get them correct, but they look good when finished. Good luck

01-07-2018, 04:40 PM	#16
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,112	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j For anyone looking to buy a Sport Coupe project at a reasonable price, follow this link: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages...tml?1515361124. It's been for sale on the MTFCA website for quite some time. Probably the wrong target audience for a Model A, though, which is why it hasn't sold. Marshall

01-07-2018, 05:14 PM	#17
Dick Carne Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 467	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j I agree with those remarks favoring a 1930/31 Sport Coupe - a very nice model in my opinion in that you have some of the best of both - a sporty car with windows. The fact that the windshield will open as will the back window flap (when a proper top is installed) make this one of the nicer models during summer months because of the enhanced air flow; likewise the fact that it has windows and can be fully enclosed also makes it a nice car during the winter months. It appears to be a solid car, and well worth your time and trouble as you would have a nice car when completed.

01-07-2018, 06:20 PM	#18
2manycars Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern CT Posts: 2,732	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j For some reason it bothers me when people put roadster top support bars on a coupe. __________________ Bill www.brauchauto.com

01-07-2018, 08:02 PM	#20
Railcarmover BANNED Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,262	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j they made 134k Sport Coupes in '29...only 19k in '31..one thing for sure,the hotrodders dont like them.It doesn't make sense to me,they are the easiest to chop. Some times they actually weld coupe roofs on them.The worst one Ive seen,in my opinion,it slicing off the tops of the doors and rigging a roadster top..like a fat chick in a bikini,it captures your attention in the wrong way..

01-07-2018, 08:37 PM	#21
glenn in camino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camino, CA. Posts: 3,086	Re: Sport Coupe or Business?j It's not a business coupe if it has a rumble seat, unless someone added it.