Source for a 1931 Ford Roadster?

[Andrew McD]

A buddy of mine has a 1931 Ford roadster in restored condition.  I want to build a model of it for him.  I've not been able to find a kit.  Any suggestions would be welcome.

Andrew

[Ace-Garageguy]

Nothing in 1/24-1/25, But Minicraft did one (several versions) in 1/16.

If you have to have one in a smaller scale, Monogram did a 1/24  kit with a cabriolet option, that can be converted to a roadster with some work (the 1930 and '31 Fords are almost identical).

For 1/25,  Revell did several kits based on this one, and a '32 Ford roadster body shell can be reworked into a very good representation of a '30-'31. The rear fenders will require modification to fit the roadster body correctly too.

Edited June 7, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY and ACCURACY

[Dave G.]

I've got one of the Minicraft Model A roadsters half built and a second one unopened. The door hinges are inaccurate but functional or you could just do your own or even glue the doors shut. Mine has a slight fitment issue of the rear body to the fenders but I think clamping while glue sets will take care of it. These are old kits so in mine there is a little warping in the fender assembly that I don't believe is a manufactured issue but just age/storage etc. I didn't see it before paint at any rate. But it's all workable and 1/16 is a nice size. One thing that bugs me about the kit is no up top, just the down boot. The door hinges are fussy to get right and use a good strong plastic welding glue is my suggestion, even if it takes a bit longer to cure.

Pretty sure Monogram had a 1930 roadster, it's pretty close to the same as a 31. I believe it was in 1/24.

Any of these kits will be old stock someplace, mine came off of Ebay sellers. Scale Mates might have the Monogram, not sure. But the Minicraft 31 roadster comes up often on Ebay.

[Ace-Garageguy]

29 minutes ago, Dave G. said:

...Pretty sure Monogram had a 1930 roadster, it's pretty close to the same as a 31. I believe it was in 1/24.

Cabriolet. Posted above. Different body style.

But yes, 1930 and '31 Fords are almost identical...also posted above.

Edited June 7, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[Andrew McD]

Thanks Bill and Dave for your comments.  The Minicraft in 1/16 caught my eye but I've not located one yet.  I'll also keep an eye on ebay for the Monogram.

[Ace-Garageguy]

19 minutes ago, Andrew McD said:

...The Minicraft in 1/16 caught my eye but I've not located one yet...

I'm sure you noticed that, besides the stocker, they also make a flathead V8 equipped hot-rod version.   

[Dave G.]

There seems to be 3 Minicraft A roadsters on this page, no promises on condition: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-Imma-Minicraft-Models-1931-Ford-Model-A-Deluxe-Roadster-1-16-Scale-READ-/294794849667?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c4#viTabs_0

[ctruss53]

Ace covered it, but I was going to come in here and just say grab a 1930 Ford kit. They are so close to a '31, I don't think it would matter.

[Ace-Garageguy]

On 6/7/2023 at 11:24 PM, ctruss53 said:

Ace covered it, but I was going to come in here and just say grab a 1930 Ford kit. They are so close to a '31, I don't think it would matter.

Pretty much, all minor, especially roadsters.

Differences between '30 and '31.     https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/30-31-model-a-differences.352181/

Edited June 9, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[stavanzer]

So, Who Makes the Best 1930 Model A Roadster?