AA Bumpers

[John - NNY]

What is the different between Model A bumpers and the AA trucks bumpers? I have a mid to late 1930 AA. I had heard that the AA bumpers were thicker or wider or something. The judging standards mention a heavy-duty bumper.

John
NNY

[Neil Wilson]

Page E-20 of the Judging Standards has drawings of the two AA front bumpers which started in mid to late 1930.

The double bar bumper was chrome plated, optional, and available through October per the information. It is entirely different (both bumper and brackets) from the A front bumper as can be seen from the drawing. This bumper was standard for some body types in 1931 and would have been available for service also.

The single bar bumper started in November 1930 and was the standard front bumper from that time on (except for those few body types using the double bar bumper).

[Arche22772]

I'll attempt to post a photo of the double bumper that was on the AA truck that I purchased about three years ago. Took some pictures in spring of 2006 and so far have not done a thing as far as restoration. Truck is titled as a 1931, but has tapered frame. Long wheelbase. Vin on title is AA4498429. Engine has been replaced. Don't know if the bumber is from the factory or was put on later.
Would love to find an original flat bed for this long wheelbase truck. Or maybe even an express bed. (I know, fat chance.)

Ray

[Arche22772]

Another view.

[Neil Wilson]

Hello Arche22772,
Given that your truck is not restored, then it is likely that it came with the AA double bar bumper (just a guess). If you are not a Ford Model AA Truck Club member, then you have not seen the 2008 newsletter which has an article covering the 185-A, 1930, AA157 platform body. It is quite different from the platform used on the AA131 chassis and the 1931 AA157. Attached is a picture.

The AA157 express body was released to fit the 1931 AA157 parallel frame. Some of the Ford archive photographs are dated late 1930 which has lead to the belief that there was a 1930 AA157 express. The 1930 pictures are actually pre-production prototypes. I am sure that the 1931 AA157 express body could be fit to the 1930 tapered frame AA157.

[John - NNY]

My bumper looks to be similar to a Model A car bumper.

John
NNY

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery ... umid=33475

[Arche22772]

Hi neil,

I do have your latest newsletter detailing the 185-A platform body. I have not yet read the newsletter. I just spent the better part of a years worth of my "Model A Time" detailing an unrestored 1930 Fordor to show at the Joint Meet in Dallas this past June. I have never shown a car at a National Meet and absolutely did not realize the incredible amount of time it takes to prepare a car for this kind of showing.

I was a little "burned out" on Model A's after this effort, but am slowly becoming more and more interested now in working on the "A" truck and "AA" truck that I have.

My interest in the express bed is because I believe a Great Uncle of mine had one.
He moved from North Denver, Colorado to Santa Monica, California in the late 1920's. He drove a Model T Ford to get there. Once there he worked as a vegatable peddler.

I am attaching a photo of him and his son taken sometime during the mid 1930's with his truck. This is the only photo we have of this truck. I believe it to be a long wheelbase because of the three upright posts on the canopy top. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

Thanks,
Ray

[Neil Wilson]

John - NNY,
I agree that your bumper looks like an A bumper. This would be correct through October 1930. The Judging Standards says that the AA single bar bumper started in November of 1930.

[Neil Wilson]

Hello Ray,
The truck in your picture is an AA157. It has the spare wheel carrier hanging under the rear of the frame. This is a 1931 feature with the parallel frame. Neat picture!

[Drew Mashburn]

Ray:

Any idea of whatever became of the truck in your photo? Cool looking AA!!!

-- Drew

[Arche22772]

Hi Drew,

According to family members, Clyde used that truck through WWII. He then traded it in or sold it and bought a new truck to continue his peddling business. Wish I had that truck now.

Ray