Front license plate clamp orientation

[Lewisag1]

I hope this is not going to sound anal, but for the purpose of judging I want to make sure that the front license plate clamps are oriented correctly and in the correct location. My 1928 AA will have the clamps with the ridge stamped in to the body of the clamp. I’ve seen pictures of the clamps mounted with the bolts both below and above the light bar. I’ve also seen where they have utilized the outermost holes on antique plates, instead of the elongated slot. Also, any info on correct hardware for both front and rear hardware would be helpful. Also curious if period toppers are allowed? I’ve searched in the judging standards and either I’m missing it or it’s not very conclusive. I’m including some file pictures for reference and would appreciate anyone’s input! Thanks!

[Hayslip]

In 1926 Ford offered bumpers for the first time. Unfortunately this made the front license plate obscured, so Ford redesigned the headlights to include a cross bar. The A13145 clips didn't fit very well, but did the job of holding the plate. This concept was carried over to the model A. A look at page 52 of the Dec. 20, 1932 Ford Parts Price List reads "clip(front license) same as L-8597-D" It looks like the 1926-1928 clips were Lincoln parts. Back in the Model A era plates came in different sizes, sometimes in the same state. I recommend (1)put a layer of friction tape over the bar where a clamp goes for a tighter grip (2) find the article by Doc Kalinka in a back issue of MARC News addressing front 1928 clips. (3) View the front photo of an early Model A In Victor Page's book on model A's. (4) I believe the nuts go on the outside. It looks like the photo in the Victor Page book has the plate hanging below the bar. This vehicle has open end bumpers.

[Neil Wilson]

Actually, Ford didn't install license plates on the assembly line. Customers would have installed their license plates themselves. Customers likely install the plates in many different ways. So I don't know why the installation arrangement would be judged by the judges.

[Lewisag1]

Thank you for the information! I’ll have to take a look at the suggested articles and see what direction their discussions take. Since the owner was responsible for installing the license plates, I would assume either position for the front plate would be acceptable for the purpose of fine point judging. I looked at some of Gary Karr’s 1929 Tudor pictures and the bolts he used are 1/4-20 x 1” bolts with a 3/8” head. And a 1/4-20 nut with larger hex. It appears that some of the fine point judging vehicles did not have period correct plates on them when they were judged and the front license clips where mounted on the light crossbar. I assume that judges would not count off if period plates where installed.

[Dan 82-A]

Here's a photo comparing an original 28 early 29 license clamp and hardware to a reproduction clamp and hardware. The original is on the left in the photo.
I haven't tried installing the early clamp with the bolt at the top, but I think it might put the license plate at an odd angle, or even bend the license plate when you try to tighten it. Give it a try and see how it goes.
The later clamp looks like it could be installed either way and would work.
If you are going for judging you will want to go by the Standards to receive the correct points.

[Lewisag1]

Sounds good...thanks for your perspective. The oe clamp would probably have interference if mounted in the upward position! I’m still on a search for the 1”x1/4-20 bolt with 3/8 head. I have the correct nut.