Improved car rear bumpers

[Arnie]

I am told that the later improved runabouts and coupes came with split bumpers. In the book Model T Ford by Bruce McCalley on page 375 there is a fordor with bumpers front and rear. On page 376 there is a tudor with bumpers front and rear. On page 377 there is a coupe with bumpers front and rear. On page 378 there is a touring with bumpers front and rear. On page 379 there is a runabout with bumpers front and rear. Perhaps all these vehicles have two bars for the bumper going across the vehicle.

A letter dated Jan 7, 1926 from the Fargo branch indicated bumpers would be available on or about Feb 1, 1926. A letter dated March 15, 1926 from the Fargo Branch said "We expect to be in a position to furnish genuine Ford bumpers within the next 30 days". It gave part number T-3101R for the front bumper, T-3119R for the Fordor, Tudor and Touring rear bumper , and T-3120R for the rear bumper assembly for the coupe and runabout.

I do not know, but looking at the pictures in Bruce's book, would these be for the two face bar bumpers and not for any rear bumpers with a split or four face bars, two on each side of the spare tire on the coupe and runabout? Also, the above would indicate that bumpers were probably not available until after the 1926 model year was well into production. Does that mean early production 1926 vehicles did not come from the factory with bumpers?

With regard to the split bumpers on the rear of the coupes and runabouts, does anyone have a picture of the split rear bumpers on the runabouts and coupes. Also would one have the option of split or full across rear bumpers when and if the split bumper became available? Also what would be the part number of the split bumper assembly for the rear of the coupe and runabout? Was the split bumper available for 1926 and 1927 or only 1927 if it was ever available?

Thanks,

Arnie

[DanTreace]

Arnie

Could be, haven't ever searched at the Benson Ford, and must admit haven't seen 'Ford' accessory split rear 'bumperettes' on a Model T. There were several mfg. of aftermarket rear bumperettes for the T, and those are still seen on T's today.

So can't add anything to this thread other than supporting documents by Bruce from his complete listing of Ford part numbers from his CD Encyl.

Those part numbers in the Letter from 'Fargo Branch' can't be found in his listings, but these are the rear bumper assembly numbers found in the Parts and Price Books, under Ford Specialties. In these listings only one 'bumper rail' or bar (3112SX) is listed, so only the one long length.

Image 12-21-20 at 10.29 AM.jpeg (29.01 KiB) Viewed 4774 times

A further look at the complete listing in Bruce's CD super list, via alphabetical, does show a left and right rear bumper, BUT, this listing is from an Australian Part List, so maybe the bumperettes are an export item only?

Image 12-21-20 at 10.17 AM.jpeg (79.56 KiB) Viewed 4774 times

Aftermarket rear bumperettes

[Dropacent]

I know parts numbers are listed, but I have never in my life seen a set of ford split rear bumpers. Had this conversation a bit ago with a friend who is putting original bumpers on his car.

[TWrenn]

Does this help? They're on my '25/26 "overlap" Fordor.

[Dropacent]

I don’t believe those are ford factory, Timmy. They are beautiful, however

[TWrenn]

Couldn't tell ya, but thought it wouldn't hurt to show 'em.
I like the rear bumpers, but frankly the front one can be a bit of a PIA sometimes.

[GG Gregory]

I have the Marquette split style on my 27 Roadster.

[Ken Buhler]

I bought a Canadian Roadster in 1982 that showed all indications of being unmolested/original. It is registered as a 1926, (not that - that proves year of production), Engine is #C681091. It came with wire wheels, nickel radiator shell, headlight crossbar, side curtain insert rings on the doors, and full bumpers on the front and split bumpers on the rear. The detail of stamping of the bumper braces is precise. I can provide detailed photos for anyone who would like.
Ken Buhler

[Arnie]

Ken:

Yes, if it is not to much trouble, please post some pictures of the rear split bumpers and the brackets and how they attach to the frame of the vehicle. Do you know if they are original, and have you seen other Model T Ford coupes/runabouts with the same configuration as you have?

Thanks, Dan for posting the information that perhaps split bumpers were used on vehicle produced in other countries.

Thanks,

Arnie

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Ford supplied split bumbers, (bumperettes), for 26/27 Canadian cars.

I owned a pair that I sold a few years ago.

[Dropacent]

Missing the cover but think this is a Canadian or export parts list.

[Arnie]

Tim:
Thanks for providing that information. We learn something new everyday!

The picture with the bumperettes also appears to have a tail light/stop light that might be different than the one used in the United States!

Arnie

[Dropacent]

[Russ_Furstnow]

Here are the rear bumperettes on my 1927 Coupe. I love the look. Russ Furstnow

[Dropacent]

By Jove, I think you’ve got it, Russ ! Thanks !

[henryford2]

Parts book that Tim mentions in his post. Enjoy, stay safe.

[StevenS]

Here is a set I have, it looks like a Marquette brand. What year would these go on?

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Here is a set I have, it looks like a Marquette brand. What year would these go on?



Bumper Model T 26-27 #1.jpg

Bumper Model T 26-27 #2.jpg

Bumper Model T 26-27 #3.jpg

Bumper Model T 26-27 #4.jpg

IMG_3143 copy.jpg

They would probably look appropriate on anything 1925ish or later. The front bumper looks like a genuine Ford bumper, but badly bent and with some add-on brackets at the ends.

[Nathan Pederson]

"Marquette" style split bumpers on a '26 Coupe:

[Ken Buhler]

Sorry for the delay. These are the bumperettes I mentioned earlier.
More images in next message.

[Ken Buhler]

Second part.
My front bumper braces are the same as the ones posted by Steven Sebaugh.

[Arnie]

Ken:

Thanks for posting your rear bumpers and rear bumper brackets.

Do you know if the center part that clamps the both side bumpers together is original or not?

Can anyone comment on if the rear bumper brackets are the original Ford design. The reason I ask is that the original Ford front bumper brackets appear similar in the type of design or cross section.

Also can anyone comment on if split rear bumpers were sold by Ford for the 1926 or just the 1927 coupes and runabouts as an accessory? If Ford offered split rear bumpers would the single across the rear bumper(similar to the front bumper) still be offered by Ford for the coupes and runabouts?

Perhaps Donnie would know if split bumpers were only offered for what years and models of Model T Fords!

[Dropacent]

Great to see these detailed pictures, thanks for the efforts. I hesitate to use rare on anything model T, but I thinks these are in the rare category! If I still had the roadster, I would just have to have a set.

[DanTreace]

Agree, seeing accessory mfg. offering for the T bumpers is great! Likely only a few sets of those 'bumperettes' or fender guards exist today.

Here is another mfg type, made for many autos, but the Ford is also listed.

Ford USA never listed a part number for 'split' rear or bumperettes, so all seen are other make accessories. The Ford USA used only the full rear bars on all body styles. Here are some photos and Ford adv. too.

And a nice close up of the front bars, the nickel finish on the bars and on the bolt heads for the clamps, with the large clamps black and the center medallion nickel with black lettering.

[Ken Buhler]

The frame was stamped for bumper mount bolts in production. I think all of my 26-27 frames are the same. It looks like the braces were made for both bumperettes or full face bars. The cross brace is correct for what I have. It is to stop the side swing/shake of the short ones that would not happen with full face bars.
Russ, do you have the cross brace? Is your coupe a Canadian car?