Hello, my name is Cliff. I am a new member and fairly new to the Model T, being a Model A fan since I was very young, I would like to find out about T's starting with radiator shells. I have a shell which I believe to be 1915-1925, which is copper plated brass, is this the norm or is it a specific year. any help appreciated. Thanks Cliff

More likely it is a 26-27 shell. They were Nickle,over copper or brass.

Here's some radiator info:

http://mtfca.com/encyclo/P-R.htm#rad

It's from the Encyclopedia on this site, a very useful resource. A more extensive version on disk is available from the author, Bruce McCalley.

With your shell standing on the floor, if it's for a low radiator (before July 1923) the top of the hole for the filler neck is 19.75" above the floor. The hole on the high shell is 21.5" above the floor.

Anything is possible. up to 1916 T's had no radiator shell and what showed was all polished brass. The finish of the brass had to be very good. The sides were vertical, the top was level and there was a 45 degree slope one each side of the top tank.

So in mid 1916 Henry made rough looking radiators and stamped thin steel shells with the name ford in the center piece to cover the rough round topped radiator. These shells are rounded on the top and the filler cap stickes up through the shell. In mid 1922 Ford made the radiators taller and the shells taller too. I don't know the defferent sizes in inches but am sure someone will know and post it here.

I have one of the radiator shells along with several other pieces i'm interested in getting rid of. I beleive I have two different side panels and tail gate, the heavy firewall where the steering wheel comes through and the inside dash plate that has the steering wheel clamp on it.

I just sold all four fenders, the motor and transmission, a side panel, and 10 leaf, leaf spring......had the find above just a few hours after the guy picked up the first find.

Call if interested 2176221930 and I can will send pictures for your review.

Thanks in advance!

so am I correct, there were plated radiator shells available on T's prior to the introduction of the "improved Ford?"

In the US, plated shells before the "improved Fords" was a "dealer option". Dealers in large metropolitan areas with lots of competition removed shells from new Fords and had them plated by local plating shops. Then they charged a few extra dollars for the car. This was done as early as 1913 with the brass radiators and continued through most of model T production. Headlamp rims were also sometimes plated in this way.
Drive safe, and enjoy, W2