I'm driving down state to look at a T tow truck this weekend. The old timer who has it can't make pictures or use a computer so I have nothing to go on till I see it. I think it has a Weaver AutoCrane for the tow rig. No idea what year/model T it is.
Just like to talk to any members who have a Model T tow truck to go armed with a little more info & savvy when I see it.The pictures I've seen on line so far look like many were made from converting ordinary T's and not a TT chassis.
Jimmy
Here's one previous thread on Weaver AutoCranes: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/193625.html?1299515588
This is one that I am currently building.
Tom,
It looks like the hand winching section is all original and you are making a new boom?
Seems odd to respond to my own question but I just located a great link for Weaver Auto Crane reference pics.
http://www.castleequipment.com/Museum/auto_crane_weaver_history.htm
James there just isn't that many of them. In the years I have been doing TT's I have only seen pictures of them never one up close. Weaver it seems is the most common.
Sounds exciting though and please post the Photo's when you get them..Fred
I have both the fixed boom and the sliding arm for the other side. What I need to do is extend the fixed booms 8". Someone prior to me cut the boom and welded the sheave to the shorten boom.
Well I have to say that just today I acquired the remnants of a Weaver Autocrane! What I have is the winch part that was cut down to be used solely as a winch. The tag, spool, gears, ratchets and most of the frame is there. It is basically the top half of what Tom shows in his picture of the green crane. It is probably the hard part to get?
Herb
Herb I found another picture of the crane. Hope this helps.
James,
The Weaver 2 T Auto Crane was produced for the T chassis and the 3 T was produced for the TT chassis. As in Tom's pictures, the 3 T has 3 geared shafts and the 2 T has only 2 geared shafts. Originally, the units were fastened to the tow vehicle frames - not beds as nearly all are nowadays. And originally they used 33 feet of chain but nowadays lots of guys have gone to cable. Lets see. . . . what else . . . . our friend Bob Scherzer the hobby foundryman repopped my 2 data plates in brass/bronze - and they're beautiful. I spent 2 months restoring my complete 3 Ton unit and its now for sale. Oh yeah, Gator Gould is repopping the handle for the Weaver Auto Crane.
Heres a winch I got from a fellow in Winston Salem NC,his dad worked for Ford there and this is the winch used there,it is dated 1920