7 Secrets Of The 1936 Ford Spare Tire Cover: The Rare 'August' Anomaly That Trips Up Experts
The 1936 Ford V8 represents a pinnacle of pre-war automotive design, a masterpiece of Art Deco styling that cemented Henry Ford’s vision for the masses. Today, in late 2025, the pursuit of perfection in restoring these classic cars often comes down to the smallest, yet most visible, details—and few are as critical to a show-winning finish as the correct 1936 Ford spare tire cover.
This seemingly simple accessory is a deep well of complexity, featuring subtle year-to-year and model-to-model variations that can baffle even seasoned restorers. Getting the details right—from the correct trim ring to the elusive 'August' production anomaly—is essential to achieving true topical authority in the classic car world. This guide dives deep into the secrets of the iconic '36 Ford spare tire assembly.
The 1936 Ford Spare Tire Cover: A Detailed Entity Breakdown
The spare tire cover on the 1936 Ford was not just a protective shell; it was a defining aesthetic element that completed the streamlined look of the car's rear. Unlike previous years, the '36 design was sleeker, integrating more fluidly with the body lines of models like the Coupe, Phaeton, and Cabriolet.
- Model Year: 1936 (Often interchangeable with certain 1935 components).
- Chassis Model: Model 67 (The designation for the 1936 V8).
- Primary Function: Protect the spare tire from the elements and complete the rear styling.
- Standard Tire Size: 550 x 16 inches on a 3.5-inch wheel, which dictates the cover's dimensions.
- Key Components: The main metal "face plate" (the visible part), the inner cover (sometimes), the trim ring, the lock mechanism, and the rubber seal.
- Part Number Example: The popular 16-inch Spare Tire Cover Trim Ring for 1935-1936 cars is often listed with the SKU 48-1350.
Secret #1: The Crucial Deluxe vs. Standard Distinction
The most common pitfall for new restorers is failing to distinguish between the Standard and Deluxe model spare tire covers. The difference lies primarily in the security and aesthetics of the center hub.
The Deluxe Spare Tire Cover:
The Deluxe model features a more elaborate, integrated locking system. The hallmark of the Deluxe cover is the chrome flip-down cap or "hubcap cap" positioned in the center. This cap hides the lock cylinder, providing a cleaner, more secure, and more premium look. This cover is often referred to as the spare tire face plate for the 1936 Deluxe Ford.
The Standard Spare Tire Cover:
While still attractive, the Standard cover typically lacked the chrome-capped lock mechanism. Enthusiast forums often debate the exact appearance, but it was a simpler, less ornate design, focusing more on utility. It was a standard part available from January to December of the '36 production year.
Secret #2: The Elusive "August '36" Cover Anomaly
For the collector seeking ultimate rarity, the "August" spare tire cover is the holy grail. According to period discussions among members of the Early Ford V-8 Club, a completely new style of tire cover and mounting bracket was introduced in late August or early September of 1936.
This late-production cover is notable because it reportedly does not feature the typical center hub design found on the earlier Standard and Deluxe models. Some experts even call this the "Standard '36 cover," though its late-year introduction makes it a unique and rare find that deviates from the common design. Identifying this specific variation can add significant provenance and value to a highly correct restoration.
Secret #3: The Essential Restoration Components and Techniques
Restoring an original 1936 spare tire cover requires attention to detail, especially since many original parts are now over 85 years old. The current market for reproduction and NOS (New Old Stock) parts is robust, which is a significant advantage for today's restorer.
The Importance of the Seal and Anti-Rattler
A pristine paint job is useless if the cover rattles on the road. The Spare Tire Cover Seal (Part Number 401351 or B-18302-K) is a critical rubber component that fits between the outer and inner covers to eliminate vibration and protect the paint. Similarly, a Spare Tire Cover To Rim Anti-Rattler (Part Number 4018302S4) is used to ensure a snug fit between the cover and the wheel rim itself, preventing damage and noise.
Restoration Process for the Face Plate
For a metal cover in poor condition, the restoration process typically involves:
- Disassembly: Carefully removing the trim ring and lock mechanism.
- Surface Prep: Thorough sandblasting to remove old paint and rust.
- Priming: Applying an epoxy primer for maximum corrosion resistance.
- Painting: Applying the correct color in acrylic lacquer (often black or body color, then rubbed out and polished for a show finish).
Secret #4: Original vs. Reproduction: A Buyer’s Guide
The debate between using Original Ford Parts and high-quality Reproduction Parts is ongoing. For a Concours-level restoration, originality is paramount, but reproduction parts often offer better durability and a perfect fit straight out of the box.
- Original Covers: True OEM covers are rare and often require extensive bodywork and restoration to be perfect. The value lies in the provenance. Look for the original V8 symbol stamping, although this can be on the tire itself or the hubcap.
- Reproduction Trim Rings: Components like the 16-inch trim ring (48-1350) are widely available as reproductions. They come with new clips for installation, simplifying the process and ensuring a perfect fit for modern 16-inch tires.
- Lock Assemblies: Complete reproduction Hubcap Lock & Key sets are available, which is a major benefit since original keys are often lost. Ensure the lock is period-correct for the Deluxe model if that is your goal.
Secret #5: The Connection to the Rumble Seat
The spare tire cover’s placement is also crucial for functionality, particularly on models equipped with a Rumble Seat, such as the 1936 Ford Coupe or Cabriolet. The spare tire is mounted just above the rear bumper, and its assembly must be correctly installed to allow proper access to the rumble seat compartment, which is a key feature of these classic body styles.
Secret #6: Interchangeability with 1935 Models
While the 1936 cover is distinct, especially the Deluxe face plate, some components were designed for interchangeability. For instance, the spare tire cover seal is often listed as fitting 1932-1936 Ford Passenger cars. However, the main "face plate" is unique to the '36 Deluxe and is NOT the same as the 1935 Ford face plate, which had a different design. Always check part numbers (like 48-1350 for the trim ring) to confirm compatibility across the 1935-1936 years.
Secret #7: The "Ford" Script and Finish
The final, subtle secret lies in the finish and branding. The spare tire cover often featured the iconic Ford V8 symbol, either on the hubcap or the center of the cover itself. For a correct period look, the cover should be painted to match the body color or finished in a high-gloss black, providing a striking contrast to the chrome trim ring and the V8 script, completing the classic 1936 aesthetic.
By understanding these crucial distinctions—from the Deluxe chrome cap to the rare 'August' variation—restorers can confidently source the correct 1936 Ford spare tire cover components, ensuring their classic V8 achieves the historical accuracy and show-stopping appeal it deserves.
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