1928 Ford Model "AR" Roadster

May 12, 2007. "I located a letter written by John L (the man I purchased the Model A Roadster from). I tried to call him, his wife said he has Alzheimer's so bad he does not remember anything or knows anyone. Really sad as he was a sharp cookie in the restoring and knowledge of old cars. He is (sadly, very recently passed away) about 94-95 years old so grew up with them.

However, I did run across a letter that he wrote about the particulars of this specific car. It is very interesting in showing it as an earlier version" Larry

John, L., Date Unknown, Title "AR" Ford (#104242 Restored by Fred G. RT. 1 Wilder, Idaho)

"Some things that are peculiar to the "AR" Fords  and which this car has.

1) Dark Red tail-light lenses, later 1928's and reproduction lenses are lighter red.

2) Early Style rear Ford script bumper clamps.

3) Lug nuts and wheels are different than later models.

4) Dust pans each side of the engine are a different configuration than later cars.

5) Numbered shock arms (front and rear shocks) are an early "AR" feature, this car has them.

6) Steer-Eye (teflon pieces) in the drag link and tie rod ends. These mate against the ball ends on the sector arm and the spindle balls.

7) New round balls on the spindle arm and sector arm.

8) This car has practically all the correct nuts, bolts and lock washers for the Model A.

The engine, transmission and differential were rebuilt as part of the restoration. The seller rechecked all these before I took possession. He is very thorough restorer and an honest man to deal with. He had this Roadster a long time before selling it to make room for another he is restoring.

THE EARLY WHEELS WILL NOT INTERCHANGE WITH LATER WHEELS

The parking brake lever on the left is one mark of the EARLY 28's and on later 28's, near shift lever.

REASON FOR CHANGING BRAKES FROM EARLY 28's DESIGN TO THAT USED ON LATER 28 & 29, 30, 31 was due to politicians in a few States complaining that using service brakes for a parking brake wasn't safe and threatening suit if Ford did not change them. (4 brakes won't hold as much as 2!)(BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT) Change was a wider brake drum to permit adding a brake shoe alongside to service brake shoe (on rear). This required changing wheels also. The reason early 1928's have different wheels than the 28's, 29's, 30's and 31's.

1928 calendar years production is given as 633,594, so #104242 is an early car. However, I wonder if that figure doesn't include 29's mfd in the fall  of 1928, as another breakdown of 1928 models by body types totals up @ 564,012 and lists total roadster production @ 82,206. 30,399 of those had rumble seats and factory price was $450."

In closing, Cute as a Bugs Ear and a Joy to Operate. This "Jewel" would be a perfect addition to any collection and the handwritten letter is priceless! Rock Solid and Ready to Go.. She is VERY SPECIAL! BUY NOW!! Sale, You can call Jim Toll Free @ 877-BID-WEBS (243-9327) for the early scoop!  GOOD LUCK!!!! 

Known Items: Free and Clear titled in the State of Idaho. A 25 year young restoration with a NO EXCUSES natural presence! Petted, protected and stored indoors since restoration! Recent Water Pump, Fan, Belt and Adjustment Bracket. Functional Turn Signals added for safe operation. Starts instantly, shifts nice and drives like she did in 1928!!! Common Oil Seepage/leakage is noted. Original ALL STEEL, Rock Solid and NO Rust Period! Now as I always say, Not Perfect and Not New (none are) but this one is SPECIAL!!