MODEL A CARBURETORS

The carburetors for the Ford Model A were produced by three companies. The Zenith-Detroit Corporation, the Holley Carburetor company, and the Ford Motor company. There are subtle differences both by year of manufacture, and by company.

Here's a copy of the Ford drawing explaining the numbering of the cabs (thanks to Vince Falter).

For a great site on the rebuilding and troubleshooting of Zenith carbs check out MODELA.ORG

NOTICE ALL DATES ARE APPROXIMATE
CONSULT THE 'STANDARDS' FOR MORE INFORMATION

For a larger exploded view of the Zenith carb (and other assemblies) click the link to

Piranos Antique Auto. Then click on component breakdown.

Image used with permission

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW

They first table shows the Zenith-Detroit carburetors used through out production. Zenith tops can be recognized by the Z marking located below the throttle shaft. The lower bodies are marked Zenith or Zenith-1. There are subtle differences in the dowel pins/bosses on the upper body and fittings.

ZENITH
	1927 DOUBLE VENTURI BOSS ON BACK	1927 DOUBLE VENTURI BOSS ON FRONT	1928 SINGLE VENTURI DUMMY BOSS	1928 SINGLE VENTURI BOSS REMOVED	1929 ZENITH-1 BRASS FITTINGS	1930 ZENITH-1 STEEL FITTINGS	1931 ZENITH-1 SIDE BOWL
FRONT
BACK

The following table shows the Holley Carburetor Company carbs used during the Model A production. The Holley upper body has an H or is plain below the throttle shaft. The lower body is plain or marked Zenith-2 (after 1/1/1929). Again there are subtle differences in the fittings both by year and by manufacturer.

HOLLEY
1927 DOUBLE VENTURI BOSS ON BACK	1928 H ON UPPER HALF H ON LOWER HALF	1928 H ON UPPER HALF PLAIN LOWER HALF	1928 PLAIN UPPER HALF PLAIN LOWER HALF	1929 PLAIN UPPER HALF ZENITH-2 LOWER HALF RAISED LETTERS	1929 PLAIN UPPER HALF ZENITH-2 LOWER HALF INDENTED LETTERS	1930 PLAIN UPPER HALF ZENITH-2 LOWER HALF STEEL FITTINGS	1931 PLAIN UPPER HALF ZENITH-2 LOWER HALF SIDE BOWL

The Ford motor company produced 2 carburetors for the Model A in 1931. The upper body was either marked with a 3, or was plain. The lower bodies were marked Zenith-3.

FORD
1931 ZENITH-3	1931 ZENITH-3 SIDE BOWL

While not in the Judging standards another Zenith carb exists. It is an early carb with a marking of ZENITH in raised letters.

The above collection of carburetors belongs to a friend. He was kind enough to allow me to photograph this superb collection. The help, knowledge, and friendship he has shown me has been invaluable. My thanks and gratitude to him.

MODEL A CARBURETORS

The carburetors for the Ford Model A were produced by three companies. The Zenith-Detroit Corporation, the Holley Carburetor company, and the Ford Motor company. There are subtle differences both by year of manufacture, and by company.

Page designed by Jim Mason 2007