aa-fords.com

Hi,

I am assembling my 88-A platform bed and I have a couple of questions.

1. The 3rd stake pocket (AA-88239) from the left on the rear d3 crossmember (AA-88097-B) has a square hole in the side. Does the hole go to the right when view from standing behind the truck?

2. Two of my stake pockets have holes in their faces. Are these correct, or should I weld them up (see pictures)?

3. What finish of black would the platform be (gloss, semi-gloss, or satin)?

4. Is there a list of details showing which rivets are finished with domed shaped heads and which get the waffle pattern? As far as I can tell all are domed shaped except all the rivets that attach the cross members to the side members (AA-88091) including the floor corner reinforcement brackets (AA-88074) (picture attached).

Thanks,
Dave

1. The 3rd stake pocket (AA-88239) from the left on the rear d3 crossmember (AA-88097-B) has a square hole in the side. Does the hole go to the right when view from standing behind the truck?

The drawing you have shows it on the right side.

2. Two of my stake pockets have holes in their faces. Are these correct, or should I weld them up (see pictures)?

My '28 has the same holes. I'd leave them, unless,,, they are not perfectly located, as if some one added them. I think they are from the factory..

Aren't the holes for the steak locks?

1. Locking stake pocket - square hole on the right
2. Rear external stake pockets – no holes on the face
3. Platform finish – RGJS E-83 - The cab plus the hood were painted with pyroxylin (lacquer) paint which was not polished. Wood parts on open cargo bodies were completely assembled and painted with a satin finish of a matching color including all body hardware. All body equipment (like stake racks, stock racks, etc.) were completely assembled and painted with a satin finish as well. Beginning in late 1930 the satin finish was replaced with an enamel finish.
See attached restoration example. Most AA’s are over restored with bright a finish.
4. Rivet installation – list does not exist. If you make an Excel worksheet listing the connections you want to know about and email it to me, I will check an original 88-A and indicate waffle or domed. Maybe I will publish it on AAFords for others to reference. Most are waffle (most rear cross member rivets are domed).