new member

[jesster925]

First want to say hi, I'm new to this site and new to working on "Stock" model A's. I have recently acquired a 1928 fordor leather back. All stock and made this discovery. I have been working on cars for 40 years (Plus or minus) but the stock model a is a whole new game. Kind of one of those where it's so simple it's confusing.
I have a few questions and was told by a member of the MAFCA "If I had a question, This is the place for an answer"
First, When I went to register the car the nice folks at the DMV told me that the car had "custom plates". As far as I know they are the original plates. Is there a way to find this out, Without having to go thru the DMV. That could be a major project as I'm sure most if not all of you know.
Second, I need to line the doors. I found out how to on the internet. So I climb under the car to do the shim thing and the body is sitting on the frame, No wood blocks. I tried to find them at a few Ford place's but with no luck for the 28. Is it supposed to have them, And if so where do they go and where can I get them?
Sorry for my first post being os lengthy. And will shorten them up in the future and thanks in advance for any help. (o:

[Tiny]

Welcome to the Barn.
I can't see why you would have a problem with the plates are they 28 plates?
If they are you have to pay extra to run them.

[1930artdeco]

Welcome Jesster,

Never think a post is too long, just ask away and someone will give you an answer. For your first question: If it has stock 7 character CA. plates that are modern then no, they are stock. If they are original Black and yellow plates they are original and as long as they are registered to that car you are fine, just keep them.

Question #2: Go to Marco's 'Abarnyard' website (in the sticky at the top of page) and he has the instructions there. It should have blocks and they will be the same as the 28/29 fordors. They will be there in the catalogues and on the car. If not they should be added.

I really like the look of the 'leather backs', you got a really nice car there. Be advised though if you are not familiar with Model A's, you should join a local club. That car will have some quirks that they can tell you about-like the fact that the body is all wood clad in sheet metal. Make sure you check here out as far as reliability and then drive the heck out of her.

Mike

[Franchise_24]

Welcome. I have a '28 leatherback as well and I love it. Post some pictures of your car when you have time :-)

[James Rogers]

I don't think the fordor had blocks since the subframe is like my 68C and all wood except for the subrail extensions at the front. You adjust the doors by making sure they are secure at the hinges and just shim the frame to subrails with welting.

[Charlie Stephens]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Go here to see what your plates should look like:
http://www.worldlicenseplates.com/

There are companies that make plates to be used in shows, for TV and for film making and this is what you may have. Any pictures?

Charlie Stephens

[Dave Mc]

Hi & welcome , from Nevada

[Tom Endy]

If you are a member of the auto club I would go there and see if they can accommodate you. I would rather go to the dentist than have to go to the California DMV.

Tom Endy

[Michael M]

Welcome Jesster! You'll find a lot of help from the Ford Barn members. They're a great bunch.

Looking forward to seeing photos of your car.

[Dick M]

Welcome!! Is your CA plate from 1928 or perhaps a black CA plate from the sixties? Google "1928 California License plate" and you will see a picture of the 1928 plate. Should you have a set of 1928 CA plates, you can register your 28A with the 1928 CA plates under the CA "Year of Manufacture" law provided your plates have numbers not currently in use in the DMV system. DMV will surcharge for the "YOM" plates the same fee as vanity plates. I think mine cost about $80 per year.

Congrats on your great find.

[jesster925]

WOW! I expected like 1 or maybe 2 replys, You guy's rock. (o:
@tiny,1930ArtDeco and any one else who replyed about the plates. The question was more of should I pay more to run them and after looking a little closer at the renewal notice, It is only $10.00 more to run "Special plates" (they are the black and yellow ones with 6 characters), So it ain't worth the hassel.
@ Franchise Dave. Here you go. Just got back from a nice trip to town. Put about 75 miles on her today.
@ James not sure if they are or not either, All I know is they are not. I'm going to do some more digging and post what I find out.
@Dave Mc. Howdy right back at ya.

[somethingspecial]

Welcome to the barn jesster. Nice ride, enjoy her!

[Marco Tahtaras]

Welcome!

Wood blocks were used on bodies with stamped steel floor sills, both main sills (left and right, fore and aft) as well as lateral cross sills. These were formed somewhat like a channel and the blocks were fillers. Your leather back has solid wooden sills so there is nothing to 'fill'. There should however be reinforced rubber pads at each body bolt that the body sits directly on. We often refer to these pads as "shims".

BTW, don't let my website fool you. I'm a local 'city boy' and live just over the hill from you in Livermore.

[Duffy1]

Welcome to the Barn ;
Nice "A"
If it has an original 2 blade fan suggest you get a new aluminum two blade or a plastic 6 blade . Original fan blades tend to have cracks in them and will come apart . Very dangerous . You can do a search and find many post addressing this .

[henry's 31]

Hi Jesster:

Welcome to the great World of Model A's! I have "played" with Model A's for over 30 years but recently became a member of this great website. In a very short time I have received very valuable information to keep my A's on the road. In addition to a local club, and membership in the National Model A Clubs, this website completes the package to be able to properly keep your very nice "A" on the road. Do not be afraid to ask questions and enjoy this great hobby!

Henry's 31

[SoCal_Alden]

A root canal is more enjoyable than going to the DMV !!!

[SteveB31]

Wooden 4 door sedans made by Briggs and Murray have no wood blocks. The have wood sills about 6 feet long. Shims will be needed to adjust the doors, and need to be installed under the wood sills.

Any other questions, give a call.

Steve Becker
Berts Model A Center
800-321-1931
modelastore.com

[al's28/33]

Welcome!! post more pics, love the '28s. No shortage of opinions and advice here. You can also search old posts and find solutions to most issues.

[Tiny]

I would pay the extra to run them.
New plates look funny on old cars

[Mike V. Florida]

Welcome and we stand by to assist you in any way we can.

I too would leave the antique plates on the car.

I have two questions for you,

Have you joined a local club?
What books do you have, if any?