Early Fordson Telltale Parts

Now, there are lots of folks out there who know more about Fordsons than I do, but since none of them has replied yet, let me take a stab at it...

A tank stamped "Henry Ford & Son, Inc., Dearborn, Mich. USA" *should* indicate an early tractor -- provided it"s original to that tractor, and not one that someone found to replace a rusted-out tank. To determine just how early, you"ll need to compare the serial number on the engine (hand-stamped into the block near the far-right end of the manifold) to the Fordson production matrix (and even then the result may not be accurate if someone changed the engine at some point in the tractor"s 80-year history). Let me know if you need further help with serial numbers, & we"ll go from there.

OK, now for a bit of corporate history: Henry Ford & Son was formed as a separate company from Ford Motor Company, ostensibly because the board of directors of Ford Motor Company did not want to risk the company"s money on Henry & Edsel"s pet tractor project. So, the father-son duo started a new company without Ford Motor Company"s help. The Henry Ford & Son company remained on its own until 1919, when all non-family Ford Motor Company shareholders were bought out, and only then was Fordson taken into the fold of the Ford Motor Company"s family of products. Very likely the fuel tanks and other labeling were changed after this occurred.

I believe that fuel tanks marked "Henry Ford and Son" were used until early 1922. (Probably a case of using up whatever tanks were on hand or in the production pipeline). After that, the ends were marked "Fordson / Made by Ford Motor Company / Detroit, Mich., USA". Again, though, if you want to be sure, check the serial number. Lot of Fordsons were cannibilized to provide parts for other tractors, and you may have a hodgepodge of varying parts, or what I have called in the past a "FrankenFordson."

Other features on early Fordsons (besides the ladder radiator sides) are a three-hole drawbar, Holley 234 vaporizer/manifold setup, distinct oil filler cap, six-spoke rear wheels, etc.

Hope this has answered most of your questions. Let me know if you need any additional information; I"ll do my level best.

-- Maine Fordson

Seriously, though, they are usually stamped very well, certainly well enough to read easily, but are often obscured by decaades of accumulated paint, rust, or grease -- or a combination of all three. Be sure to take a small (narrow) scraper with you, as well as a toothbrush-sized wire brush to help clear away any foreign material that may be covering the serial number.

Once you have the number, compare it to the matrix at the website link listed below. This site will also help you find the serial number if you don't know where to look.

-- Maine Fordson

• Fordson Model F serial numbers