Byron discover a problem with both cast B-Pillar Brackets, which will need to be rectified. Although they look right they both had at onetime been cut off where the B-Pillar Bracket bends at a right angle to the sub floor.
They were welded back together during its previous restoration and as you can see it wasn’t that well done. Sometimes I stop and wonder why the previous restorer didn’t replace them, or at least try to repair it correctly. I’ve always been somewhat of a perfectionists when restoring cars and my motto is “do it right the first time”. I guess 30 years ago they worked with what they had and with today’s internet the world became a much smaller place. I remember back in the late 70’s early 80’s restoring a 1928 Model A Roadster and sourcing parts via phone or writing letters. Times have changed.
The bottom of the bracket does not lay flat on the sub floor and is raised up over a 1/2 ” above the sub floor. The bracket should actually step down over the sub rail and then lay flat on the sub floor. Its not correct so I will order a new set of B-Pillars from Ted Spain in New Zealand at www.flatheadted.com
Photo: Ed Solari from FordBarn
Ed Solari is also restoring a 34 roadster at the same time as me, what perfect timing. In this photo of an original roadster you can see where the B-Pillar steps down over the sub rail and the bracket lays flat on the sub floor. Also note the additional carriage bolt in the bottom corner of the B-Pillar which should be there and was not on mine.
Photo: Bill Monzo from FordBarn
Bill sent me this photo and you can see how the B-pillar bracket lower flange conforms to the shape of the sub floor. Bill also reproduces some unique parts specific to 1933 and 1934 Fords. www.northnbill.com
Photo: Ed Solari from FordBarn
In discussion with Ed the bolt hole which the red arrow is pointing at was not used on original 34’s and this hole was used in the factory as an alignment dowel (probably) at production because there is a gap under the B-pillar as it steps over the subrail edge and flattens out onto the sub floor. There is also a weld point at the bottom of the B-pillar to the top of the sub rail as indicated by the black arrow. In Bill Monzo’s photo above you can see the same weld point that I’m referencing. If anyone has any additional insight into my B-pillar dielemma please email me at steve.staysko@focus.ca
Photo: Ed Solari from FordBarn
This is a great photo of an original roadster B-Pillar. Although a little rusty, it shows some wonderful untouched details and I just like the overall look of the photo.