There was a thread last year where folks updated the tinkering they did on their Model T recently. I figured I'd share part of the project I worked on the last few days.
I've been refinishing the 13T's firewall and decided to take care of the steering wheel while I was at it... here are some pictures:
What have you done on your T today?
Darin
I drove it to run an errand. Brought a couple a neighborhood knuckleheads for the ride. Ran into trouble and had to push. Too much trash in the sediment bowl. Made it home but not after leaving the bowl valve off the last time I cleared it and ran out of gas one last time.
I argued with the manifolds on the '25 Fordor.
It had the "2 pieces do it all" gaskets and a piece was blown out so I got an original style set with the copper rings but there was no way no how I could get either manifold to line up.
I grabbed a 1 1/4" woodruff cutter from the shop and cleaned out all the ports which allowed the intake manifold to fit properly but the exhaust manifold is toast as there is NO way it's ever to properly seat. It fit good enough to start it up and listen to things again but a new exhaust manifold is on the way as the rings will never properly match the ports on the block.
So to answer your question.......today was a big PIA......and back.
I disassembled the coupe body to get it out of the basement and start final assembly in the garage.
Drove the 09 with kids to pickup a new kitten. Worked on the Model K running boards, then drove the N to town for ice cream, a perfect old car afternoon.
Nothing done on the T's in weeks.
I am about a week from being done with my dads 70 chevy pickup engine work and then maby I can get back to my speedster project.
On the upside I DID take the '19 touring to both churches today and it was my only means of transportation all day.......so the day wasn't ALL bad.......
I had noticed a squeeky rattle yesterday and found today it was the headlight glass. fixed that today. Drove it to dinner this evening..
Tried to install the poor excuse for brake shoes now being sold. Will spend tomorrow at it too.
Fortunately I found some really good tips by doing a search on the forum. Tomorrow looks like a better day!
Cheers
schuh
Flushed the radiator and block on my 22 cutoff pickup, put some fresh antifreeze in. Then took it for a spin downtown for some errands.
Unloaded and reassembled the engine hoist I had to take apart to bring home from yesterday's auction, then started cleaning up the shop and putting things away for the Model T tour coming here next Saturday.
Pulled the diff for my '26 Touring ute apart for cleaning and checking.
Peter
Worked on the new roadster rebuild... Turned the triple gears bushes for 2 1/2thou fit. Gnawed some steel out of 2 of them them so they all weigh 412grams(?)
Set the valve clearances and in the process split a lock nut on the 3 spanner liters:[
Dug out a 1/4UNF nut ant turned it down to half it's width, then hand filed it to 3/8ths across the flats so it doesn't foul the lifter bore... new part in hand and the job is done.
Might put the cam nut on next. I don't think I'll bother with advancing the cam because the car isn't a heavyweight.
Next trick is to fit the trans shaft/flywheel and check for runout. I have a new crank, a turned true trans shaft and a refaced flywheel so here's hoping it will work as an assembly.
Provided it does I'll have to silver solder the scoop back on the oil pipe and then fit the mag plate.
Hold on that'll need testing, I'm getting too far ahead again!!
Better get on with it;)
A
Sat: Mounted 5 tires on split rims (4 new, 1 used) for the '24. Getting pretty good at it.
Reset the gear mesh on the speedster's dizzy so the fan doesn't hit the cap hold down clip when timing advanced.
I didn't work on T's yesterday. It was Mother's Day, remember? I washed and ironed her car, much to her delight, and we had her mother over for dinner.
Saturday was another matter. Here are the latest pics of the Hucks Starter truck I'm now building.
I just need to round off a few sharp corners and paint it, then it's on to the upper part of the starter drive mechanism. The lower part is all in place.
I pulled and set aside my intake manifold then replaced it with one I had gotten from Model T Haven which I had tapped for a vacuum port. While I was at it I re-installed my hot air pipe just to see what happens. Then I mounted and hooked up my Trico fan----works nicely!!
Sunday hottest day of the year so far . So a very good friend came over to help me on installing a new top on the 15. Still have more to do but we got over the hump and now the finish stretching. Today high over cast will have to wait for the sun to come out. What a learning experience.
Putting the firewall back on the T. I have a car show I plan on taking the T to this summer... need to get her running soon.
Love the T project pictures so far.
Darin
Tested assembly of (AC? Bennett?) brakes to begin linkage fabrication.
turned the front axle around so the truck is driveable. the divots on the perches go to the BACK. repeat THE BACK. Now it should be safe to drive.
I replaced the radiator this winter and have been trying to make it steam ever since. Spent the afternoon with a visitor from the eastern part of the state (NC) who has a T and a full of interest but can't find fellow owners to form a club. We rode around, told our individual T stories and had a nice time. Always great to meet new Ters and swap tales.
Mike,
Why right hand drive? Is it headed across the pond, or across the pond and down under?
Ted -- It will be going to a vintage aviation museum in New Zealand. They want it to resemble one which would have arrived there by way of England circa WW-I.
Finally painted the boat tail of #22. The Rootlieb oval gas tank went sour a year and a half ago and we replaced it with a modern boat tank with a fuel gauge. The carburetor is above the fuel tank and we use a hand pump to pressurize the fuel system. The tank can stand four pounds of pressure but is flat and rectangular so the body had to be re-shaped. The Rootlieb tank popped at two pounds. The seats needed repainting because rocks from Speedster runs had chipped the paint. While I was at it I obtained some drum headlights and restored them changing them over to high and low dual beam using parts from the Restoration Supply company in Escondedo, California. The rear of the boat tail will have a stainless steel stem protector much as a Chris craft speedboat would have. The deck will be of two tone woods with white piping caulking and stainless steel boat cleats to make it look nautical.
Worked on the beginnings of reassemnbly by putting the firewall back onto the T. Bought a new rubber mat and rubber foot pedals from Langs. Took off the hand Klaxon to repaint the base.
Put the rear axle back in.
worked out that you shouldn't always believe what you read and what you're told, my top bows for my 13 touring should be 56" NOT 54" or 54 3/4".
Order some more and ship them back downunder again.
54" top bows - steam bent oak FOR SALE for a 15-17 touring......
David.
Hi Folks, just got in from the garage 12.43am.has been a busy nite,started stiching a patch on my back mudgaurd of the 26pickup.Then I worked on the back right quarter wood work of my 1929 Rover weyman saloon,This car has been a mager job ,about 40% of the wood work was rotten,but I can see lite at the end off the tunnel now. So its time for some sleep,and more tomorrow.
Cheers Gerryde.
Worked on Fordor reassembly after timing gear installation. Put on timer, generator, pulley & crank, cut new gaskets, etc.
Took the original top off my 1926 Tudor and the front header as it needs to be replaced.
I was pretty amazed yesterday, when I put water in a 1915 radiator that is on my '13 roadster, and it actually held water! I was expecting the worst, and it didn't happen..........yet.
Re-installed my rebuilt generator this morning, and it works perfectly! My first generator rebuild, it went great, no problems. I need to paint the hood on my 24 coupe, and it will be finished - the complete restoration from the ground up.
Installed anti-rattlers on my Fordor door handles,installing Dyna-Beads for balance.
Rick
Sent 5 coils to Ron for rebuilding so Barney can run properly! Also moved the Fun Projects pinon bearing kit to the garage for the future rear end overhaul (gotta put the brass washers in, so might as well do the other stuff too).
Now I have to fix the windshield wiper switch on my modern truck--rain predicted next week!
T'
David D.
I went for a drive and bought fuel for a trip to the south coast of Devon on Monday as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations (Queen's). Fuel is a bit cheaper than in recent weeks - £1.31 per litre. I think that's $7.43 per US Gallon.
But before that, I worked on my conversion to LED turn signals. The 18W 6v bulbs I have now take 6A, obviously, and this is rather a lot.
I already converted my STOP lamp with 36 red LEDs. The motorcycle lights I have are only 1" diameter. I have bought 50 yellow LEDs and I can get 12 on a 1" diameter circuitboard. But they have to be connected in 6 sets of 2-LEDs-and-a-47-ohm-resistor-in-series. Lots of soldering - thank Goodness for reading glasses.
I've done one; it works. Just 3 more to do.
And yesterday, I remade my Coupe's rear quarter trims. The card backing got wet last year near Ben Nevis and shrank. Cut new card about 0.5" wider and re-stuck the cloth. About 2 hours' work for both. Fine now.
Cars are running pretty well so I'm just watching the weather to see if I should get wet driving the speedster to our club meeting or let better sense reign and drive modern. I've been wet before and it isn't bad but it does make clean up a little worse and makes people wonder if I'm losing it. Ah, that's a good reason to take the speedster! I offered a ride to another fellow, may let him choose.
Picked up sand blasted frame (not painted)and the powder coated wheel parts (ready for new spokes). Started to put Diff. back together and cleaned most of the small parts. Needed to stop and clean shop area after all the mess of rust ,dirt and the old stuff that came off an old dirty chassis. Now its time to move forward,
this will be a early (25-27) Snow Bird when done
to go along with my Snowmobile.
Bob
Today we went to the club breakfast and meeting in the T. Not really doing anything but using it today. Also going to John Aldrich's to help with his top this afternoon.
Thanks to quite cool weather in Memphis yesterday and today, I have done the following:
Replaced the front right wiring harness with a new one from Lang's. Fits perfectly and looks great.
Replaced spark plugs with new Champion X's.
Replaced the old roller timer with a new Anderson. Spent more time on re-timing the new timer than all the rest of the work. Finally gave up and moved the timing rod to above the lower water hose, not below. That allowed me to get it timed correctly without the rod hitting the #3 terminal when fully retarded. Still needs a little tweaking, but works great.
Tightened the panel that holds the hood holders,right side. Used Nylon locking nuts instead of the original square nuts. Will do the left side next work day.
Spent some time trying to find the squeak that squeals when the right running board is stepped on, and may be the same thing that squeaks continuously when the engine is running. No luck - will get the wife to help by stepping on the running board while I use a piece of tubing for a stethoscope.
Oiled the oil holes in the spring perches, tie rods, king pins, etc. Considered getting the kind of grease cups with a zerk hidden inside. Noticed they are "no longer available" on Lang's website, but emailed them and they replied that they are available under a different part number, apparently not shown on the site.
Drove to the gas station and filled up, adding Sea Foam. He ran perfectly.
All this required several trips to Lowe's and Auto Zone, both of which are about one mile away and next to the burger joint where I normally eat lunch while working.
All in all, a most satisfactory two days work (total of about 10 hours).
Hauled the engine out of my T by myself using a ramp to slide it down from the chassis. Took the crank case off, truned the engine upside down to take a look at what I need to do to get my engine going again. Removed timming cover. oiled/lubricated all parts and cleaned out the gunk collected over the years. Began to take the flywheel off. Hope to have the transmission off tomorrow.
Decided to spruce to the 1926 TuDor a little. It is all black, nothing original. I figured that a contracting belt line would set off the car a little. Stopped at the hardware store and purchased a rattle can of dark hunter green and some sand paper. I taped off the belt and scuffed up the paint with the sand paper, then shot a few coated of the paint. After it dryed it looks pretty good. When I repaint the car I think that I'll keep the green belt.
Took the car for a ride out in farm country! Saw an auction going on...tempted to stop but decided to keep on running. Going to head for ice cream in a bit! God bless the T!
Brought the 23 and the trailer back from storage last Wednesday to get ready for the Nebraska tour. Had to buy a new battery today after the old one wouldn't hold a charge. had to drive back through town last eve at dusk with no lights. Drove on a few errands and adjusted the Rocky's. gotta get ready for touring,... and a son's wedding on July 6. Going out for our 34th anniversary this evening. We plan on driving the touring.
I had plans to work on mine, but my wife wanted her engine compartment cleaned up on her 67 Mustang and install her new valve covers. We are a big Ford family.
Had my T inspected along with 17 others at our T Club Annual Inspection Day. Followed MTFCA Tour inspection sheets . . it's amazing what ya can find . . Ask Chris B about cotter keys . . again!!! Was it 4 or 5 Chris?? We had use of a members tire / Auto repair shop complete with Hamburgers, pop, water all for a donation of $3.00 to a local charity.
Great event, best attendance yet!!
Went to the Alpine History Day for their annual event. My car was on display. I got to show quite a few people the car. I had an ad which showed the car for sale for $290. If you wanted starter and balloon tires $85 extra. Mine has the starter and also bumpers and Ruckstell with Rocky Brakes, so it might have sold for around $400? I also had the pictures taken during restoration.
There is a bad rattle in the car which is most noticeable on dirt and gravel roads. I have been thinking it was the hood rattling, but after the History day, I took the hood off and drove it down the gravel driveway and it still made the noise. I am now thinking it is the Rocky Mountain Brake equalizer and rods, or maybe the ball joint on the wishbone. I will take a better look next week.
Norm
I got my stop/brake light switch installed and working!
Also installed the filter/screen in the hogshead.
Took my son for a ride to the Dippy Whip to celebrate.
The front right wheel has a strong shimmy over about 20-25 mph and the steering seems to have loosened up quite a bit. I've got play at the ball at the bottom of the steering column (steering arm?) that is causing a lot of slack. Shop manual says to file the clamp down until it's tight, but that seems excessive. I'm wondering if it's worn too far. Need someone else to look at it.
I did hit a large pothole last time out that tossed me into the next lane)
Went on a drive with a few friends.
Chris, how about posting some photos of yer LED conversions. I think many folks here would like to see what you've done. I converted my racers lighting last year but just used store-bought items.
Garnet
James,
What a wonderful photo! That's for sharing it.
Orlando
James,
Thanks for sharing it! Used wrong word. Wow, and I'm not even old!
Orlando
Yes, an excellent picture! The varied lighting and the cloud shadows give it a great sense of depth.
Brian, you can try a temporary fix on the loose steering ball. Put a thin washer or a small piece of tin can in the cap as a shim. Tightening the bolts will squash it round enough to fit the ball. Be sure it's well greased.
Lately work has been getting in the way of my "T" time....... two weeks ago, I cleaned and re-gapped the spark plugs...... regapped by eye that is .
Went for a ride, nice sunny day with little traffic, just a beautiful ride. Started up earlier in the week, and the engine was running rough. No matter how the carb mix was adjusted, engine was no up to par.
Today, got out the trusty round feeler guage and found out my eyes are not what they told me. Average gap was .018 ....... opened up to .025 and engine is back to it's peppy self.
Gotta blame the bad glasses, will write a strongly worded letter to Lens Crafters !!!
Engine now stronger & responsive as it should.
Bob Jablonski
James, now thats a cool drive.
James,
that's a photo I would hang in my house. Calender-quality cool.
James' photo is the new background on my PC.
Simply Awesome!
Worked on making the front seat upholstery for my
touring.
Finished the seat...
I've started on the back, those bloody channels are a pain without a machine.
Run out of gas.
Sanded, spot painted, sanded...spot painted, sanded, buffed. I then got whizzed off and quit for the day.
Crashed into the garage door. Automatic garage door may have relaxed a bit from fully lifted and I no longer had clearance. Door critical---coupe suffered minor abrasions, will survive---self esteem, not so good.
Broke 2 piece valve and punched hole in piston.
Norman, every time I see you post about Alpine I jump! I grew up in Alpine, but it was on the other coast! Alpine, NJ.
As far as what we did, Got rained out for a show on Sat and went to a show on Sun, that lasted a little more than an hr. Then got wet on the way home! Fun, fun, fun!!!!
I took off the hood and the car still rattled. I tightened the nut on the left end of the radius rod about 3 notches as it was a little loose, but I wiggled the equalizer for the Rocky Mountain brakes and it sounds just like the noise I have been hearing. I will drive it today and see if it still sounds the same. If it does, I won't worry anymore. It only makes that noise on very bumpy roads such as our driveway which is gravel for 1180'.
George, our town was first called Viejas Stage Stop. There was water here so the stage from San Diego to Julian stopped here for fresh horses and water. It is near Viejas Mountain and the Viejas Indian Reservation. It is said that during times of war, the old women were taken to the mountain and so the name Viejas, which means in Spanish, "old women". Later people from Switzerland came here and thought it looked like the Swiss Alps, and so they named it "Alpine". Well here in winter when everything is green and a touch of snow on the highest peaks it looks like Switzerland in summer, but in summer here it is quite brown and hot. Anyway, that's how it got it's name. You can get a glimpse of it in spring by looking at my profile. If you look to the left of my head in the background you will see one of the "Angels"candle yucca's which bloom profusely. They grow wild all over the mountains.
Norm
Put an engine together Today, fingers crossed now !!!
Toon
Got the top put onto my Montana 500 roadster. Still have to put the edge snaps on the top irons and install the "hydem" tips.
fixed the oil leaks out my pedal holes in the alumin trans cover, today, l'll fire her back up and see if can get an oil drip free run
Going to argue with the rear window in the Fordor today.......I'm busy procrastinating on the door windows.......sort of....... ;)
Didn't have replacement tie rod bushings..... tapped old bushing out with spare differential spider casting, gripped bushing with back edge of channel-locks pliers, made 2 indents 90 degrees apart, & tapped bushing back in with a hammer. Took up slack temporarily until time to re-bush entire front axel requirements.
Put a new drip pan under the 14 and noticed no oil drips this morning...meaning only one thing. I need to add another 4 quarts of oil to the engine. Bone Dry in Bakersfield.
worked on the radio and AC. :-)
Also, started to degrease the rear end for blasting and painting.
Finally got around to oiling the leaf springs with the Knowlson Spreader that l picked up at a yard sale last fall for a dollar. l slathered them up with chainsaw bar oil and she rides beauuuuutilful now!
I sanded and buffed, sanded, sanded, sanded and oh yea...buffed~
I am getting ready to drive to the Petit Jean swap meet. So today I changed the oil and cleaned the filter, adjusted the bands, greased the outer rear wheel bearings as well as the U -Joint and drive shaft bushing and fan, oiled everything, checked and filled all of the tires, made sure all of the lights were working, and started packing for the trip.
Paul
I got the rear window in and the windshield strip on......oiled and greased da Tooring car too for a little shindig in Stevens Point (17 miles) tomorrow.......
It's supposed to be 90º so it'll be good day for a ride in an open car!
It looks like I'm good to go to Petit Jean.
Reinstalled the newly painted floor boards with newly repainted metal trim held on by correct slotted wood screws in place of the Phillips(!) screws which I tossed.
Changed the oil, flushed the radiator and block, refilled with 50/50, and greased the steering arm ball. Gave the yellow rear spokes a quick black rattle can job to match the fronts. (still need to change the rear tires, but that can wait)
Headed out to the 1st annual swap meet at Ron's Machine Shop in the morning. (Also to visit the Shandon Strawberry Festival)
Wash and wax. I think I over did it.
Grease, oil, lube, polish brass and clean the T. Get ready for a show tomorrow.
It's 93º in the shade today but I didn't feel like being captive to the heat and sitting around falling asleep.......so I put the "new" Tudor rear fender in the Tudor and zoomed over to the shop along with a wire brush, a scuffing pad and a rattle can of oil based primer.
It was comparatively "cool" in the shop and with a fan nearby it wasn't too bad.......though not "too bad" enough to keep the sweat out of my eyes.
The fender cleaned up very nicely and, hopefully, some semi-gloss flat black paint will make the "new" fender not stick out like a sore thumb.
Here it is baking in the sun.......
I figured this time I'm going to be ready for the Old Car Festival. So, I've been going through last years list and I upgraded the front wishbone and also the handbrake lever on my car. I re-installed the trim strip on the back of the top and am now repairing the chipped paint on one of my doors. I'm also making sure the side curtains are ready and fitted for my annual two man top demo. I have the funny feeling we're getting rain at the show this year.
It also looks like my four year old battery is acting up with an intermittent dead cell.
This 96 year old isn't perfect but she'll be safe and presentable.
Yesterday I had a chat with an 87 year old gent who used to rebuild turbines and dynamos for General Electric. He told me all about the vertical shaft two stage turbines that were in the Rouge Powerhouse which is now gone. He mentioned the fire hydrant in front of his house is painted with his favorite paint; Glyptal.
And finally my son and I have been practicing Spear the Spud with Idaho and Michigan potatoes so I think I have all my bases covered.
Craig.
Have you fitted the fender to the car yet? I made the mistake of straightening out a rear fender and it looked perfect. I painted it, and then attached it to the car. In order to fit the running board I had to pull the front of the fender back and that is when the outside of the fender buckled. It is still buckled and will remain so until such time as I decide to repaint the fender. If you don't know how yours fits, now is the time to check, before you get the final coats of paint on it.
Norm
Craig the fender was NOS but w/lots of surface rust, It looks nice cleaned up..
Thanks Norman and John.
I looked and looked and LOOKED at every bend in that fender and decided to LEAVE IT THE HELL ALONE.
It's very deceiving where the rib begins at the inner, rear, side.....it LOOKS like there's a "lump" there and there is......just part of the forming process.
I just gave it the first shot of semi-gloss flat black......it's going to look great!.......
Was able to start the 14 engine on battery and continue running on mag. No bad noises smooth & quiet. Bill
I'm still working on the T Snow Bird. Its a put together and it takes a lot of tweaking to get fits close, It won't be perfect but it will represent the winter work horses of the T era.
Bob
Bob......when something's PERFECT all you do is worry about it.......looks like that one is gonna be a lot of fun.......
Lots of great tinkerin' going on today, I see. great fun.
Carol and I did a late breakfast at Dixies, watched a movie and then afterward I came home to finally get the radiator flush done. I posted a vid on another thread. It's draining very slowly...going to take awhile.
Nice looking Ford, Charlie. Original owner?
I had been battling rust issue in my 26 roadster gas tank. Tank pulled cleaned by rattling drywall screws inside, after removal of screws blew tank out till no dust coming out, cleaned with a gas dissolver then cleaned with a metal prep, once dried coated with Caswell gas tank sealer. It has dried and looks very smooth inside. Going to allow to cure and will then see if I can keep her running without rust clogging up the lines. It should be one trouble less and hopefully can stay one the road.
Went on a 75 mile run yesterday so tightened up any loose nuts, wiped off oil, and fixed Ruxtel linkage to shorten the throw--the shifter was hitting the seat front and not engaging sometimes. Thinking about building a pick-up box to put on my Roadster so I can haul more stuff. Don, Portland, OR.
The past couple of days I have been getting back to the '13 (speedster). Been cleaning up both of the '13 engine blocks I have. Most of the repair work has been done. I still don't know which one will end up in the mostly '13 speedster. But that is okay. I think I have a soon-coming project for the other one.
I also got one of the rear end housings cleaned and readied to replace the twelve rivets in. I even have the rivets sitting on a paint can ready to begin putting in. The other housing is already done.
Friday, I FINALLY got the outside door lock installed in the coupe and two duplicate keys made.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Finally have been able to start reassembling the chassis for our speedster, the painter had parts for over a year. Got the axles mounted, dropped the engine and Warford into place, along with smaller parts the past couple weeks. Then decided to go ahead and put the RMB pedal in place. Yep, dropped the nut and washer down into the transmission and spent the better part of a day fishing them back out. You can bet I'm going to pack the transmission with lots of rags next time.
Next step is engine ancillaries like generator, starter, manifolds, carb, exhaust, etc. and getting ready for first start - then to post some pictures.
I just finished installing a new fuel line and shutoff valve in the 1909.
Just dropped off 5 rims at the platers. I'll spend the rest of the day stuffing the tubes into the tires.
Steve
Built the missing hinges for my coupe. (4th post on this thread.)
Put a sight glass on the 1926 TuDor so that I no longer have to leak oil to check it.
Richard E, That micrometer looks just like mine. Is it a Lufkin?
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Decided to get that horrible fender changed today.
The one from John looks great.......still have to do some banging on the other fender.......grrrr
Plus the right, front, fender is dinged up too.
I'd sure like to know what was going on.......or maybe not.
Here's the old one. Anybody have the ambition to bang it back into shape? It's a shame it got that way because otherwise it's a nice, smooth, solid fender.
Wayne, mine are both Starrett. Top is a No.213. Bottom No. 203
Friday I installed an inline gas filter. Saturday we went on an approx 110 mile tour to the Oregon Garden. Today I re-installed the aluminum intake and the repaired Kingston L4. I had to drill a small hole to drain the gas that was inside the float. I thought I had gotten it all. Seems to be good. I found with a little work the NH throttle shaft fits the Kingston. Added a second shut off valve back by the sediment bulb. I re-adjusted the brake band as coming home on Saturday I was down to using the parking brake to help bring the car to a full stop. Band look's ok just needed a little more adjusting. Reamed the low pedal shaft hole for the over sized shaft on an hogs head for an engine I am rebuilding.
I've been trying to get some last minute parts cleaned up for the Long Beach Model T Club Swap Meet this Friday and Saturday. One thing in particular, a set of TT High Speed gears from a rear end I'm breaking down to parts.Bearings, axles and carrier all in good shape.Previous owner/owners had removed all the brakes and put the wheels back on.
Not much. On the '24 Depot Hack project, put new wood firewall with hardwood hood former in place. I gave up later this morning and tore out the shop window and put an AC in it's place. It was getting too hot by lunch time to keep working. Had lunch and now it's 100+ outside. Heat index likely 110+ so stayed inside.
On my 17 future panel, I got the last of my tires and tubes mounted on my rims after cleaning them up and painting them. The nuts got painted today and the last of the rims will be put on the car once the paint gets hard enough. Then its onto the rest of the body and get it finished and get the lights wired.
I thought I was going to smash the '27 Tudor rear end all to pieces today.......
I lined one brake shoe yesterday and did the other today except TODAY things went a bit differently.
Screwed on the puller and gave it some whacks with an 18 pound mall.......nothing.
Tightened some more and whacked it some more.......nothing.
I took the puller off and was fortunate to be able to get a die started and chase the mushrooming axle threads!
I grabbed another nut, welded a 3/8" thick piece of steel on one side, screwed it on TIGHT, put the puller back on, tightened things TIGHTLY and whacked some more.......and MORE.
FINALLY after a few more good shots the hub loosened!
I was thinking if it didn't give pretty soon I'd be in the market for a new wheel.
While the hub was off I checked the hub bolts for tightness and snugged up all of them.......only to have two twist off.
I guess I'll be ordering proper new bolts as the rear end will be coming apart in the future anyway.
At least NOW when I pull on the e brake THINGS HAPPEN.......
One shoe was completely naked and the other wasn't much better.
I'm glad THAT'S done.
Still sanding off original paint and that darn original RED primer, wow that stuff is tuff to get off.
Took a sample to the local Paint shop and color matched up the original red baking primer, for the re spray, sadly this aint got no lead in it... ah the times and the lead disease complaints..
Polished brass, polished paint, finished repairing loose spokes and now to clean the inside of the car! Off to a show this weekend!!
Finished adding a pair of shocks to the front of my speedster. The rears went on last week and work great so decided to add them to the front too. In the process found the radiator mount springs were broken and picked up some new replacements from Steve Tomaso. It's nice to have him nearby when you need the odd little piece and have a tour the next day. Plan to put about 250 miles on the speedster tomorrow. Mike Conrad with his speedster and a few other speedster types are joining our local T club on tour.
Maybe I'll get these wheels put together sometime in the next week or two.
I started mine for the first time....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUl-qlxOWiE&feature=player_embedded
The '24 depot hack project is on the back burner while I rebuild the rear end of the '27 speedster. Found the sleeve on the drive shaft loose. No cotter pin on pinion nut. Nut finger tight and pinion gear loose. Safety wire (bailing wire?)on differential halves pi$$ poor and nuts barely tight. No washer betwix the axles. Babbit thrust washers in pretty good shape. Go figger. Wheels a bit loose on axles and shims worn. Think that was causing clank I was getting when rotating wheels. Parts ordered.
Re-did rear grease seals with 'modern' ones, re-assembled everything, then adjusted brakes. Re-adjusted bands. Today I hope to take out for a short test drive, to help drain SOME of the remaining gas out of the tank, so I can install a refurbished potato, screen and petcock , and install a fuel shut-off at the carburetor. Hopefully, can drive a bit for the weekend, then rebuild carburetor and replace exhaust pipe, muffler, etc after I sell a spare engine!
Clayton.......your smile at the end says it all!.......
To all:
Well have the engine back in the frame, after a 4 piston wrist pin replacement. Now comes all the tedious hook up the bolt here this wire here and then an electrical test and fuel and oil fill and hope I have not forgot something. To me it is a bit of hair pulling and with short hair it is difficult. Again hopefully in the next few days it will RUN.
Thanks for letting me vent my frustation. Bill d
Added a rubber chicken.......
A rubber chicken?? Pics or I call BS! haha!
Lately, with the nice weather, when I take the T out for a jaunt around town, I come back and park it right in front of the house. If I'm outside, it never fails that someone walking through the neighborhood will stop and ask about the car. I love it.
I think it was Erich Bruckner who first told me about the fun of chatting up with folks about our Model Ts.
Today had a fella with a teen son stop by on their way back from the corner grocery.
His first question was, "Do you drive this regularly?" I told him as much as possible. He was relieved. Like me and most of us here, his attitude about old cars is that they MUST be driven. We had a great chat.
This is where I park my car during the day:
OK here it is:
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA That's FANTASTIC.
test
Oh Holy crap..hahaha...love the rubber chicken.
Steve,
Those wire spokes look a little thin and you need a few more!
I installed a new electric water pump.
Dean -- I hope it's powered by the magneto.
Or a wind generator.
Nothing much today, but a couple of weeks ago in the mountains of Colorado I turned my Model T into a police car. It was totally spontaneous and lotsa fun. For the whole story, go to hcca.org and click on the discussion forum when it appears on the right. It's in the automotive discussion section.
Gil Fitzhugh, Morristown, NJ
12v remote controlled so my hood ornament can once again empty his bladder.
Made a new door skin for the coupe and now trying to make it rust and match the rest of the car. Had no luck finding a door on the Classifieds.
Rich
Went to start it and the battery was completely dead. Put the charger on it for about an hour and it charged up. Drove it around until it got warmed up and parked it. Disconnected both battery cables and The positive had a reading on the ohm meter, so I traced down the problem to the stop light switch. Hope it didn't ruin the battery.
This switch is one of the ones which strap onto the starter bendix cover. This is the second time I have had one ground out. This is a different one than the first. Problem is that the double nuts which hold the post in place and tighten down the wire. If the nut toward the switch is loose and allows the terminal to turn, the contact inside will ground out. This is a very poor design.
I had some trouble with this because the light was not coming on a month or two ago. The link between the low pedal and the clutch lever was rubbing on it and moved it out of alignment with the brake pedal. I moved it at that time and got the light to working very well, but since that time the battery has gone dead several times.
I have ordered a new switch, this one fastens to the back of the hogs head and attaches to the pedal with a spring. The catalog says it will work with Rocky Mtn brakes and Ruckstell.
Does anyone have experience similar to mine with the old style or have the new kind. How do you like the new kind.
Getting ready to tour Saturday, but will use one of my other cars on the tour.
Norm
I have one like the "improved" kind (and pikes peak brakes) and it works fine. Easy to install and rig.
Built equipment today. Making some wheels.
Checked out the speedster - added a quart of oil, a bit of gear lube in the Chicago trans, and a touch of water to the radiator. Greased the drive shaft bushing, king pins and shackles and generally checked things over before an endurance run coming up this weekend in Nelson, BC. Supposed to be something over 200 miles on Saturday and another tour day on Sunday of about a 100. Need lights for going through an old rail tunnel and the word is we'll cross a trestle or two as well. Should be an adventure and I know the scenery will be special. Weather prediction is for lows in the mid 50's and highs in the low 80's. It doesn't get much better.
Walt,Good luck in Nelson! make sure to get a pic. of what's left of Rays oil pan for us.
Worked today on more of the install things for the Rocky Mtn brakes. These are the type for the small drum axle, but give you big brake function over the AC type.
Got the pieces yesterday, and painted the parts.
Spend some time fitting the brackets, the long bolts with the kit interfered with the clevis for the emergency brakes, had to use Ford bolt and special low nut, drilled hole for cotter.
So, fitted up both sides.
Bought the optional pedal, with the tab, and took the brake pedal out, of course the Bendix cover had to come off
Duh!! Always test fit first, the equalizer clevis would not fit on the pedal extension, as the casting was too thick....ugh...
Grind down extension to fit....
So then finished today by fitting longer bolts into the rear wheel, with the new large drums against the wheel hub, then the small Ford emergency drum against that, all bolted up....
Tomorrow, connect things up....
In checking bad backfiring after cleaning and swapping plugs, and cleaning other wiring connections, I followed suggestions and pulled the coil box out. Just ordered parts to rebuild the box and all connections. Need to figure out how to test the coils.
Guess I won't be driving it to the show this weekend! ... but .. I'm much more interested in getting it to start and run smooth!
Dennis
I got out the 22 Roadster and aired up the tires, oiled and lubed it, and checked the radiator level. This afternoon I plan to wash it up getting ready for a tour from Chula Vista to Coronado and back. This will be a tour around the San Diego Bay and across the bridge. We plan to stop at the Hotel Del Coronado "Some Like It Hot".
Norm
Today I made a wheel. Tomorrow I'll make another one.
Great thread! Nice wheel, Steve! I've seen a few, but only in photos. What was the reason for the holes in the solid tires? Soften the rid a bit??
Dennis
Steve, how did you determine torque on wooden wheels ???? Did you peen those ends over ???
Steve - Awhile back, I saw pictures of some very nice looking accessory wheels that had metal spokes that were painted black. Those spokes in the wheel you just built have such a nice even black finish on them that they almost look like those metal spoke wheels! Nice Job! There really isn't much that you're afraid to tackle is there?
By the way, just out of curiosity, is that "machine" you built in accordance with the plans and instructions provided by John Regan of Fun Projects, Inc.? Whatever the case, it appears that it must have worked great!
Installed my new Cartouche interior cardboards in my '26 Touring Car. Went well and now the old girl has a new-looking interior. Also did my yearly maintenance on her; oil, grease, cleaned and gapped the plugs, cleaned and gapped the Bosch distributor. Running like a watch.
Hey there. -- What did I do on my T today? Sent a check for the purchase of my first "T".
Dennis: The holes may have softened the ride on those solid tires ninety years ago, but they're extra solid now. I bought them at the auction last week just for display as an unusual item.
George: I'm using the Regan method. Torque to 30, run awhile, torque to 30 again, repeat until they won't turn at 30 anymore, then peen.
Harold: Yes it's the Regan spoke press. My first use of it was pretty slow. I had trouble keeping the first spokes up while I installed the next ones. Maybe I'll get better at it as I make more wheels.
Ken: Excellent! You know we want to see pictures as soon as you have them.
Steve,
Didn't someone on the forum a few months ago mention he used inflated party balloons to hold the spoke tee-pee in place? After the spokes are in place and start to press down the balloons go away by themselves.
You can also use a paper or styrofoam cup to support the spokes.
I used Simple Green and scotch bright pads on my brown wheels. Wish the proper help, it's sooooooooooooooo easy!
Mike
Steve Jelf, Awfully nice job on the wheels! Regards,Mike
Recharged magnets in my 1916 T. Runs good on mag now. Loose felloe's are next.
Sam
I'm still working on the Snow Bird Project. This week I had the skies sand blasted and put on a coat of OSPHO (mite paint them later). I needed to make new runner keels and mount them. Also mounted the battery,master shutoff switch and the starter solenoid with wiring and checked for shorts. waiting for the engine and castings for final assembly. I will put it in the closed trailer and deliver it to my sons ( he lives in the snow area ) and will have it out and running this winter. Will post pictures when that happens.
Bob
I finished a running board spare tire carrier
still filling and sanding, l think l'm done with that now..... or is that l'm over that now ... either or.
David.
Today's big thing was getting the "new" rims ready and mounting a few tires.
Feel all over for rough spots, then grind them.
To one and all "What have you done on your T today
WELL NOT A DARN THING HAD TO PULL WEEDS IN THE GARDEN, and my ears are sunburned, I'm hot, sweaty and tired. I think I will have a beer and take a nap. Steve I see you still have the tape measure on your bib overalls pocket, and Steve and everyone else have a great day. Oh one last thing I picked a small buck of NICE cucumbers for a BBBIIIIGGGG salad.
bill d
For first time since becoming a T owner I was able to start my 1916 on magneto. (After zapping magnet yesterday). First time in a very long time it has started on mag. even before I got it.
This forum is the best tech manual one can have.
Thanks loads to all members for helping a newbie learn about my T.
I primed the cool galvanized tool box I bought for the '27 Tudor with Rustoleum etching primer and painted it with the same semi gloss flat black paint I used on the fender.
If I have any ambition I might bolt it down tomorrow.......
While waiting for ordered parts to arrive, I started making a running board spare tire carrier.
Steve, I think "Dauntless" is an understatement.
A couple of weeks ago I went to start the T and found the battery completely dead. I traced it to the stop light switch which was mounted on the bendix cover. I don't like that design. It grounded outside inside the switch. I ordered one which mounts to the universal joint and is activated by a light spring from the brake pedal. I installed it today, and it seems to be a much better design.
Norm
Finally got the '13 back together but don't have the seat covers quite finished yet. Took it for a drive to the gas station yesterday with a grandson
Last Sunday, despite the hot weather, I mounted the toolbox on my Tudor.
I think it looks pretty neat and now I have a place for the jack, some tools, a coil, a foot powered tire pump and even LUNCH if it comes to that.......
I see I need to raise the back end a bit......it was a PIA mounting it.
Nice Job Craig, l have been watching your progress with that box, your right, it fits well and certainly looks the part.
John, WOW thats perdy.
Gave my son in law a crash (I hope not) course in backing My T out of his garage (that's where I keep it), so he can straighten up the place. He was offered a second job fixing small equipment. Well, we have all been told 'the private sector economy is doing fine' so fine that he decided he couldn't 'afford' not to accept it. Back to the point he backed it out OK and there are 2 big cinder block 'wheel chocks' on the garage floor that will prevent the T from making it to the work bench when he puts it back in unsupervised. He's going to have to learn how to drive it sooner or later anyway, It will be his and my grand son's some day.
Getting rear end together. Put one sleeve and bearing in and started on the other when I remembered the inner seals. Rats. Out with sleeves and bearing, in with the seals. Needed a little modification on my home made sleeve puller and it works fine now.
Mounted 'new' potato, and bent up a new gas line. Pulled off old carburetor and disassembled .. appears pretty 'rusty' to me but will keep it off to the side and maybe rebuild later. Also have a Kingston, and that one appears to be in much better shape, so will order parts to rebuild. Replaced cable from starter switch to start with 2/0. Hefty duty stuff! Looks like I should do the same with the battery-to-starter cable. That's the same size as my starter cable was.
So I said to myself .... myself, if Steve Jelf can do self portraits so can I.
Working on the front end of my 26 Touring, painting most of the parts, a mix of half flat and half gloss Tremclad.
A friend was over 2 days ago to help me with the luan plywood I chose for the top on the Fordor......yes I'm pulling a Dave Huson....... ........I saw his and loved it!
The stain had two days to dry and the plywood is where it belongs.
I'm going to do the same thing with the Tudor.......eventually.......
Finished starter overhaul, just needs a coat of paint and it's good to go. Added sealed bearing on the brush end and lip seal on the engine end, reamed the engine end bushing to fit, checked Bendix to snout babbit bearing fit, put on new brushes and it spins like a top.
I did not waste anytime sweeping my shop floor.
Knocked the big dust off, gassed 'er up and put my car show supplies (table, chair, cooler, tools, etc) in the trunk.
Taking Betsy to the first car show I've ever been in. It's local so I can drive there which will be nice. Picking Carol up along the way.
We'll do ice cream afterward.
I have Texas T disc brakes on my 1926 TuDor and am very pleased with them. They work great. This morning I wanted to remove the rear wheels and with the calipers being hard tubed it's a little difficult. So..... I stopped by the local place that sells motorcycle and race car stuff and they supplied me with some fittings and two flexible hoses.
I cut off the hard tube and added the flex tubes which will make removing the caliper & wheel a lot easier.
Finally got to 'pit crew' practice on just backing the Hack out of its' place in the garage, and pulling the '15 straight over on its skate plates from the blind corner of the garage...all by myself and mostly one handed...not too shabby for an old fat guy with a bum knee!
S-w-e-e-t
A hi-lift/ quick lift pump handle hydraulic jack takes all of 5 minutes total to get the 15 off of skates and ready to roll.
Of course my time trial was interrupted as a newbie who now owns a 27 stopped by, wanted to know why he couldn't get his flat tire off with irons and was wanted to confirm if 55 pounds was the right pressure as someone had told him at a car show! Well we had show and tell...lol and thats why the rim compressor is on the ground and with both cars were able to show him the how's and the why's and why 55 PSI was wrong for his car! Great day so far...now to tear into the '15 tranny hogshead...(again)
the sharp end of the parking brake pawl (3458) was worn down and wouldn't hold, so I removed the assembly and welded more metal on the pawl and ground it to a point. I know it's not hardened and will wear quickly, but it will suffice until the new pawl ordered gets here in a few weeks.
With everything back together (rear end rebuild) and the rain finally gone thought I'd take a little run about to see if everything is working OK. Just in time remembered I needed to add lube to differential. Did that and everything is working OK except reverse pedal needs some adjustment.
It could have been nasty, Gary. I once helped my son put a rebuilt tranny in a S-10 pickup and we both forgot to put in the lube. It went about 100 miles before it locked up. I felt stupid as I was trying to educate him!
Noel, that welded up pawl will last a long time if you squeeze the handle each time you use it. I built up mine about three years ago and it is still working great. I don't know for sure, but I don't think the original ones were hardened. Dave
To day I got word that my engine is ready, so I rearranged things. I removed the tracks and moved the chassis to the patio (straight shot for rolling) and am ready to back the PU in the garage and hoist the engine, roll the chassis back in and drop ( carefully ) on to the frame
and finish the assembly. Should be done before winter. (THINK SNOW AT MY SONS PLACE)
Bob
I waved "bye-bye" to the Hucks Starter truck I've been building for several months.
This is the second one I've built; it is destined for a Vintage Aviation museum in New Zealand. I had to remove all the upper drive parts and pack them to travel with the truck, so it would fit into a container.