A penny postcard from 1928, detailing repairs for the Model T.
Here’s what the postcard says:
Dear Sir-
We are writing this letter to you today because we want to help you get your money out of your Model T.
It’s still as good a car as it was the day the new Model A Ford was announced and there is no need to sacrifice it.
The Model T Ford is still used by more people than any other automobile. Eight million are in active service right now and many of them can be driven one, two, three and five years and even longer.
Bring your car to us and let us look it over. You’ll be surprised to see how little it costs to put it in tip-top shape.
New fenders, for instance, cost from $3.50 to $5.00 each, with labor charge of $1.00 to $2.50. Tuning up the motor and replacing commutator case, brush and vibrator points costs only $1.00, with a small charge for material. Brake shoes can be installed and emergency brakes equalized for a labor charge of $1.25. A labor charge of $4.00 to $5.00 will cover the overhauling of the front axle, rebushing springs and spring perches, and straightening, aligning and adjusting wheels.
The labor charge for overhauling the average rear axle runs from $5.75 to $7.00. Grinding valves and cleaning carbon can be done for $3.00 to $4.00. A set of new pistons and rings costs only $7.00. For a labor charge of $20.00 to $25.00 you can have your motor and transmission completely overhauled. Parts are extra.
DAYUM but those people back then probably made 40.00 a week
I just got brake pads, oil change and state inspection. I probably could’ve had them overhaul my whole car if I only had a time machine.
Now a days, they wont even mail you the post card for any of those fees!!
GRRRRRR! I had a cracked head gasket on a Ford product (Volvo) that required a complete new engine for the low, low price of $5,234! By my calculations, the $25 for a complete engine overhaul in 1928 should’ve only cost $313 last year. No wonder Ford didn’t need a bailout!
Carter, they got their bailout. I hope you got a Thank You note.
Jonco, Ford didn’t take a Federal bailout…unless you mean Carter bailed them out to the tune of $5k.
You got it Rev… that’s exactly what I meant.