Bob Ulrich

Editor

Bob Ulrich was named Modern Tire Dealer editor in August 2000. He joined the magazine in 1985 as assistant editor, and has been responsible for gathering statistical information for MTD's "Facts Issue" since 1993. He has won numerous awards for editorial and feature writing, including five gold medals from the International Automotive Media Association. Bob earned a B.A. in English literature from Ohio Northern University and has a law degree from the University of Akron.

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How do automotive service costs in 1928 compare to today? Get ready to cry

By: Bob Ulrich

We recently received an e-mail courtesy of our chairman, Ed Bobit. A car repair mailer from 1928 was attached.

The advertisement was a pretty amazing look at a point in time none of us in the tire industry can remember. "We want to help you get your money out of your Model T," it read.

Here are the prices for services offered by the C.R. Gleason Co. in Bottineau, N.D.

* Brake shoe installation (and emergency brakes equalized) for a labor charge of $1.25.

* Tuning up the motor and replacing the commutator case, brush and vibrator points: $1, with a small charge for material.

* Front axle overhauling (including rebushing springs and spring perches and straighteing, aligning and adjusting wheels): $4 to $5 labor charge.

Of course, the labor charge to overhaul the average rear axle is more expensive: from $5.75 to $7.00.

A set of four new pistons and rings cost $7.00. And for a labor charge of $20 to $25, the Model T owner could have his motor and transmission completely overhauled (parts were extra).

By the way, according to the information in Mr. Bobit's e-mail, by 1927, a Ford Model T cost $290.

The flyer didn't mention tires, but we wondered what they would have cost anyway. According to the "1920 Tire Pricing Guide" (we don't throw anything away), the Model T used a 30x3.5-inch clincher tire. The cost of a fabric tire was about $21, while a corded tire went for $35. The tube was an extra $4. That compares to an average passenger tire price of $109 today.

So, according to the postcard, a tire probably cost more than the price of overhauling an engine!

I searched the Web and discovered that this flyer had made the rounds last year. The Hemmings Blog tried to track down the C.R. Gleason Co.; author Daniel Strohl discovered it had been sold, and eventually became Theel Inc., a Buick/Chevrolet dealership.

Checking out Theel's website, I discovered these specials (after a mail-in rebate):

* oil change, tire rotation and 27-point vehicle inspection: $29.95;

* brake pads installed for $74.95 per axle;

* Genuine GM Parts transmission -- $200 off on eligible 2003 or older GM vehicles (I wonder if the Buick Model F is eligible).

As for tires, the car dealership is offering to match competitive prices for 30 days. Elgible tire brands are BFGoodrich,, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Firestone, General, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Pirelli and Uniroyal -- all original equipment tires.

"Bring your car to us and let us look it over," read the 1928 flyer. "You'll be surprised to see how little it costs to put it in tip-top shape."

Owners today also are surprised when they hear what it costs to fix their vehicles. Especially the price of tires.

Related Topics: Car dealerships, Ed Bobit, OE tires, Tire prices, Under-car service