1929 Model "a" Ford, Popcorn Wagon, Cretors, Woody, Solid Maple Body, 90+% Done on 2040-cars

VIN: A1586553 Year: 1929
Number of Cylinders: 4
Make: Ford
Model: Model A
Trim: Popcorn vehicle
Options: Leather Seats
Drive Type: Stock drivetrain with manual 3 speed transmission
Mileage: 999,999
Sub Model: Popcorn Wagon
Disability Equipped: No
Exterior Color: red body, black fenders and aprons, Maple body
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Interior Color: Maple wood body, black leather seats

Condition: UsedA vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections.Seller Notes:"Ongoing (19 years) recreation of the vehicle in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Museum. Wood in perfect condition, sheet metal also fully restored with no rust or dents. Paint on sheet metal is lacquer and somewhat dulled. I would sand it and repaint it to bring it to modern show standards but it needs no body work. Maple body is covered with marine spar varnish on the outside but inside is bare wood and needs finishing. Also needs the fabric top installed and wiring for the body and whatever graphics you wish on the exterior. All the glass except windshield is installed/supplied. Frames for windows and doors (including interior cabinets) are completed but need installation."

 This is a unique vehicle. There is only one similar vehicle known to exist and that is in the Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Mine, in my humble opinion, is better. 

In 1994, as the result of a devastating tragedy in my life, my wife suggested that I restore a Model "A" Ford.  I often talked of this and she felt it would be therapeutic.  I found a Model "A" Ford, in terrible condition, in Rapid City South Dakota.  About then my issue of "Model "A" News" arrived with the vehicle, on the cover, that I instantly related to.  My hobbies include woodworking and automotive restoration and this project would call all my skills into play. 

The cover vehicle was found as a rotting hulk in a farm field in Michigan.  The story is that two Armenian immigrants, Leo Oumedian and Mike Yavruian met in the early 1900s and combined their talents. Leo worked for Hayes Body Company and Mike was a metal worker.  Jake Oumedian, Leo's son, entered Michigan State University and with his father, struck a deal to have four popcorn vehicles, one at each corner of the stadium.  The business continued for forty-eight years when the wagon was retired alongside the family barn.  After the restoration started the magazine vehicle exchanged hands more than once, with the saga including a death or two. A Model "A" club in Wyoming, Michigan, the Grand "A"s", volunteered to finish the project.   The found remains were very incomplete and the club members came up with a design based on the remains.  When completed they donated it to the museum as part of it's tribute to the hardwood industry that once thrived in the forests of Michigan.  I have the 1994 issue of "Model "A" News and I'll include it with the sale if it is purchased.  It gives the entire story, in detail, and you'll surely enjoy reading it.

Back then I went to the museum and met the curator who's name then was Frazier.  I checked the museum site and I no longer see him listed.   I'm not allowed to add a link to this description but, if you go to the Grand Rapids Public Museum web page and search the word "popcorn" it will show a picture of the restored vehicle and a description.  He allowed me to photograph and measure the vehicle.  He then took me to the room where they stored early wooden bodied vehicles and I was able to examine the construction.  Although the museum vehicle is well done, it is built a lot like kitchen cabinets.  I believe mine is more authentic in construction.  I drew up plans and went to work. 

In the Model "A" era, much as today, one could purchase a chassis with fenders, hood and drive train and build a custom body to suit your business.  I, therefore, decided to chuck the bad Tudor body.  I'm not sure if the Model "A" I purchased from Rapid City is a 1928 or 1929.  It has much of the early Ford features, although not an AR, and is titled as a 1929.

This vehicle is totally restored mechanically and sheet metal.  The mains and rods were re-babitted by Effingham Regrinding in Effingham Illinois.  They've been in business for 60+ years.  New pistons rings valves and seats and machining were done by Integrity Automotive Machine located on 2858 N Cicero Ave in Chicago.  New spindles and all the bearings seals steering box transmission bearings and seals universal joints all restored rebuilt or replaced.  I installed a new higher ratio ring and pinion gear with new bearings and seals and matching speedometer gear.  I don't remember the exact ration but it is meant to make highway speeds safer.  There is a new radiator and beautifully restored nickle plated radiator shell.  The major departures from originality which might offend purists are a 6 volt alternator and hydraulic brakes.  I used 1939 ford components and mounted the master cylinder under the chassis so it is out of sight.  The purchaser can have the original mechanical brake parts if desired.  At the time I thought my wife might be driving it and  the hydraulic brakes would be safer.  The chassis and suspension components were all painted with Dupont Imron black.

The body is 100% solid maple, even the secondary wood on the drawers is maple.  The drawers are dovetailed front and back.  The flooring is 2" solid maple tongue and groove full length pieces, not spliced or short pieces.  The construction is all rail and stile.  Screw holes are plugged.  Rear wheel wells are solid steel painted with Imron.  All the glass is 1/4" plate glass fully tempered and beveled 1" on all edges, even the curved edges.  The only glass not supplied is the windshield and that can easily be cut out of flat safety glass.  The driver's and passenger seats I've upholstered in black genuine cow hide.  The passenger seat is not installed.  The vehicle is dusty from storage but otherwise ready to be finished.

 In 19 years circumstances in my life have changed.  I'm a Shriner and planned on using it for "Hospital Day".  With the financial crisis in the world we no longer have that celebration at the hospital.  I stopped working on it and have put it storage for the past two years.  In the meantime I restored a 1946 Indian Chief and currently am working on a 1961 E-Type Jaguar.  Sadly, the Ford is being ignored.  I drove up the the indoor storage facility in Rochelle, Illinois, where I keep it, put some gas and a battery in and it started right up, as it always did.  Unfortunately, the float stuck, even though the original Zenith carburetor was rebuilt, and gas was dripping out.  There must be some old gas and I'm sure it just needs cleaning and new gaskets.  I doubt the float valve needs replacement because it was new.  Before I started on the body I drove the chassis around the block a few times and it ran extremely well.

The storage facility is in Rochelle Illinois, 80 miles from my home in Chicago.  I will work with whichever  vehicle transport company that you choose when it is required.

Incidentally, I have a 1928 table top beveled edge glass enclosed Cretors popcorn machine with the original clown in original costume, that I was intending to incorporate in this vehicle as well as a restored nickle plated small size candy store National cash register that I also was going to use.  The museum vehicle has a modern popper.  I will list these if the vehicle sells as I will have no further use for them.

If you have questions or are further interested in the history call my cell phone, 847 606-1702.  If I can't answer immediately just leave a voice mail and I will return your call.