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Old 01-11-2018, 10:26 PM   #1
Brad1929
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Default Yard sale "A" project

I found this at a local yard sale recently and I have questions.

This was represented as a 1931 Ford Town Sedan. I think the previous owner had it since the 1980's as a project that never happened. He said he had planned to build it with a steel inner structure as a street rod. At the sale It was all piled on a trailer minus axles, engine and cowl section. I paid $500 for it.

I already have multiple axles, an engine and etc. My biggest concern is the cowl section and building the wood inner structure. I think the Town sedan cowl is a totally different "Animal" than a standard coupe or sedan cowl...is that right ? Could a standard cowl section be modified to work as a replacement ? It seems like it would be very difficult to find a T.S. cowl. I love the stock Model A look, but I don't mind minor mechanical deviations from stock to get a car working and on the road.

Any guidance or advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

P.S. Is it a Murray or a Briggs ?
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File Type: jpg 1931Ferd.JPG (237.0 KB, 445 views)
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Old 01-11-2018, 10:52 PM   #2
Railcarmover
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

I felt sorry I had no shoes,till I saw the man with no feet..
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Old 01-11-2018, 11:38 PM   #3
J Franklin
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

It isn't a Murry body. I think wood kits are available.
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Old 01-11-2018, 11:39 PM   #4
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I think you did OK
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Old 01-12-2018, 12:35 AM   #5
Dave Mellor NJ
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

You need to find a 4door cowl. The coupe cowl is close but the doors are different,I don't think yours would mount properly. You have a Briggs body and I think either a murray or briggs 4door cowl would work
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Old 01-12-2018, 06:26 AM   #6
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Hey Brad , I paid $1500 here in Canada for a Fordor 29 Murray , complete but completely shot. check out my picture Album and see what I did to mine. wood in these beasts is expensive.
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Old 01-12-2018, 09:47 AM   #7
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Brad, what you have is a Briggs body. The clue is the door windows are straight at the top. The Murray has a slight curve. My understanding is that the difference in a standard fordor sedan and a Town sedan is the level of trim inside. The town sedan has upscale interior.
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Old 01-12-2018, 10:02 AM   #8
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Hi Brad,

The issue you will have is finding the right cowl section. You have either a early 30 body or early 31. The late 30 had a slightly different set of front fenders and splash aprons. If you have a lot of wood in the body the kits are available but that will indicate that it is not a slant window late 31.

Mike
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Old 01-12-2018, 11:39 AM   #9
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

$2300 worth of wood and you'll be good to go.
Forgot about subrails and doors $2880.

Bob
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Old 01-12-2018, 11:55 AM   #10
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Brad, Check out http://www.fordwood.com in Utah. They list all the wood needed, but it ain't cheap. For a Briggs 155/165, all the wood including the door with fasteners is $5,410.00, plus shipping. Maybe you can find cheaper.
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Old 01-12-2018, 12:22 PM   #11
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

I forgot to post up the serial number from the frame.

*A37903379*

The frame is very nice so the numbers are very legible. The 03 in the middle, between the 379's, are over stamped...3 over 0 or vice versa...what is that about ?
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Old 01-12-2018, 12:26 PM   #12
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

just some info
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Old 01-12-2018, 12:42 PM   #13
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Quote:
Originally Posted by canadian View Post
Hey Brad , I paid $1500 here in Canada for a Fordor 29 Murray , complete but completely shot. check out my picture Album and see what I did to mine. wood in these beasts is expensive.
How do I access this "Album" ?
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Old 01-12-2018, 12:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad1929 View Post
How do I access this "Album" ?
See the link https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/album.php?albumid=4633
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Old 01-12-2018, 01:37 PM   #15
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad1929 View Post
I forgot to post up the serial number from the frame.

*A37903379*

The frame is very nice so the numbers are very legible. The 03 in the middle, between the 379's, are over stamped...3 over 0 or vice versa...what is that about ?
August 1930
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Old 01-12-2018, 02:01 PM   #16
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

you will be upside down on this quick. make sure you want to go forward, before you do.

sorry to sound discouraging, but I always look for the path of least resistance.
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Old 01-12-2018, 02:07 PM   #17
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Is that a drop top dodge truck back there? picture please! I would say get a table saw some other wood working tools and cut down a good tree. thats a solid starter kit. I like it and that dodge gives me faith that you are the guy to pull it off!


How far ar you willing to go for a cowl. I have seen them come up. if you got everyone looking for one they will surface.

briggs. the number has an extra digit. the over stamp is probably a tired worker making a mistake.

I took a look around a nationwide craiglist searcher found 3 29 cowls. you should put up a want add on the swap meet page of the barn and on craigslists around your area. some of the best deals come from people who dont want to deal with listing something

i dont know how different the cowls are in 30 and 31 I have a briggs but have never inspected a different model in respect to the cowls.

Last edited by mike657894; 01-12-2018 at 02:25 PM.
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Old 01-12-2018, 02:16 PM   #18
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Sounds like a great project. The way I look at it you can take your time with the restoration. Purchase items as you can. The pleasure is in the adventure, gathering parts, meeting new people, fellowship with others and the pride when you finish. I am currently restoring a 1930 Station Wagon. Started with a chassis. Do not get discouraged, The adventure continues...
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Old 01-12-2018, 02:28 PM   #19
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Quote:
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just some info
Is there a larger version of this picture somewhere?
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Old 01-12-2018, 07:25 PM   #20
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Default Re: Yard sale "A" project

Find a cowl before you invest any money into the restoration of this body. You may be able to get a complete body easier than a cowl for a Briggs sedan. You don't want to start a project you can't finish.
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