First off, I am sorry for being a bit quiet for the last week or two (just life getting in the way), but since a few of you had begun to organize a search party for me...I thought I should pipe up and post something new to let you know I'm still alive and kicking and working hard on the '26

Last time I had been doing quite a bit of machine work, so the updates were a bit lacking (one can only take so many pics of steel chunks spinning on a lathe). I also had put the engine in frame for the first time. Now I have the head bolted down, the ignition on time and the block sealed up. Next id the hogshead and bands.

Here is the latest:















Had a bit of a side track getting the fenders for our other T, The '13 Mercer inspired speedster.. "Becker Special" finally in paint.

...not bad for cardboard







Stay tuned for more (regular) updates!

Cool photos. You remind all of us that we should have the camera ready more often when we work on our cars so that we can share more.

How much compression do you think you have with that domed pistons?

Really like how the Becker Special turned out. It has the right curves and stance that made the Mercers so stunning looking. Unusual for me to say: I also dig the Pontiac color. Thank you for not painting it Lamborghini Fly Yellow or Ferrari Rosso Corsa.

Hello Bernard,

That is why I always have my camera and it is always charged.

Those are acctually standard style flat top pistons. With the "Z" head I should have about 6:1 compression. The High-Dome won't work with the "Z" heads....not enough clearance.

I'm pleased with the "Special's" look too. The Mercer look and feel is what we were going for. That green is just awful, but in a good way...and with black and bright orange pinstiping it will look REALLY sharp!

I love the Green. Is it '67/68/69 Pontiac Vendoro Green Poly?

cardboard?....Clayton, did you have to build the "housing adaptor" to run the distributor? I have heard of a pinto elec. dist. on a T eng. but it must require cobbling up some gears and a shaft housing. The subject seems to be taboo on the keyword search I did, most often breaking down into a debate about stock vs. distributor and never really getting into technical details or info. Has anyone ever endeavoured to put modern style bearings in the bottom end of these blocks instead of babbitt? One would think after all these years someone would have found a '67 vauxhall or something with the same size journals etc. anyone have any ideas, rumors, stories? I found out my block is hooped and I'm just "babbitching" about having to find someone who does this relatively obscure job and the cost involved.

Dana,

You are correct...it is Vendoro Green Poly. The darker green striping is a '68 or '69 Buick poly color as well.

Rik,

Yes cardboard ...I built all of the fenders out of corrugated cardboard, then fiberglassed. They have a steel steel frame work for support, but are all cardboard.

My distributor housing is a "Texas T Parts" kit with a Mallory auto advance distributor head setup specifically for Ts. The kit provided both gears and all the mounting hardware.

I have heard of insert bearings being adapted into a T motor, but it is costly and machine work intensive. I had my babbitt bearings re-poured.

Should be we built them.... the darker stripe is 1968 Buick Olive Poly.

Rik there are insert bearings on the market now for T's, but I think it requires a oil pump and the bearing surface is very thin. So don't quote me, I haven't really looked into inserts as I have two really awesome engine re builders that do excellent Babbitt bearings.

Bernard the color is for my dad we have 1913 White GAF 30 touring car that he and I were working on until he passed away two years ago that was painted this same color scheme except in solid colors.We copied the color scheme from Harrah's Auto Collection 1911 Pope Hartford. The car is based on the Mercer that Harrah's owns as well. Dad used to tell a great story about riding in that particular car.

Clayton sorry to barge in on your thread. You just seem to be able to get the pics and info out faster then I can and you are way more computer savvy then this young truck driver!!! Thanks my friend.

Bernard, thanks for the compliments on the Special it means a lot. Thanks you.

*UPDATE*
A new wire loom, some hoses and torqued down head..

Made some good progress this weekend. Got the new wire loom made up, the head torqued down, hoses put on and the clutch throw-out spring,bearing assembly put in as well.









I also got the new wheels blasted and ready for prime and paint



Stay tuned for more!

Clayton, did you get the Chicago repaired yet? Don't forget me on that bearing lock. Keep up the good work! Dave

David,

We are still working on the final stages of the work on the Chicago adapter and I haven't forgot about ya

*UPDATE*
Bands are in and adjusted..


I finally got the bands relined and installed. Chris helped me rivet the new linings to the old bands and got them installed and wired up waiting for the Hogshead...





Also got my latest parts shipment from Snyder's which included my new fan...



..And Troy was kind enough to help me out getting the exhaust machined down so that I don't have to trim the frame. We had the machine shop take a little more then 1/4" inch off of the 3/4" inch of casting..





stay tuned!

Clayton, You will need to match your intake manifold flanges to this header. You will want to be careful with the cast aluminum. The flanges break in a heart beat, and now they will be thinner still....so tighten carefully.

Clayton, I think you put the removable band clips on the wrong side. I will be very hard to change change bands without removing the hogs head next time. Les

What is that manifold????

Ford installed the removable ear to the pedal side for ease in removal as one just lets the opposite (attached) ear drop into the abyss which allows one to easily remove the detachable ear then simply retrieve the opposite side from within the depths of darkness and bring around the drums for removal.

John,

That is a very good point. I will probably just leave them alone and make some adapters.

Les,

That was how they were in my engine before and I had intended to put them in the correct way....but that is what happens when your brain is on autopilot and it's 1:00 am

They will be a pain, but I can get them out....I have before.

Jerry,

The manifold is a Model A cast iron header. Bought it from Snyder's for $235.00

Steve,

You are correct and that is what T-1 shows as well.