Coil box differences

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Coil box differences
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joseph Magedanz on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 07:54 pm:

coil boxes

Both coil boxes are of the type with the integrated switch on the front. The one on the left has squared holes to accept the special carriage bolts like the one shown to mount it to the firewall. The one on the right has round holes.
Does anyone know the approximate time-frame for each style?
What about the box lid shown with the separate side panels? Any time-frame for it?
Thanks a lot.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Garnet on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 08:14 pm:

A good place to start research is the club Encyclopedia Joesph.

Regards,
Garnet

http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/index.htm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 09:30 pm:

Joseph,

See: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/29818.html for a discussion of the bolts that hold the coil box to the dash which will help with your question. Bruce’s encyclopedia and Gail Rodda’s Vol I of “Model T Ford Parts Identification Guide” [available form the vendors] also add details but they vary a little on the dates for the different parts.

The 3 piece metal coil box cover will fit the earlier coil boxes and was used 1917-1925. The 1915 - 1916 originally used a one piece coil box lid with rounded corners (Gail Rodda (pg 43 vol 1) states continued into early 1917 while Bruce stated they were introduced during late 1916 in one location and after 1917 under the caption of a photo on the same page. That may or may not be a contradiction -- i.e. late 1916 calendar year would be 1917 model year cars. But another item that would be nice to clarify -- and possibly document how long the overlap of different style parts were used. Ref CD Coils section 1914-1919 area.)

While Bruce’s on line Encyclopedia does not contain photos of the 1915-16 and later coil boxes his CD version has excellent photos of them along with the tops.

Note the coil box on the left with the square holes was also made with several different variations – some without a switch – used on the starter equipped cars 1919 – 1922 and then on all cars starting in 1922 to 1925.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By KEN PARKER on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 09:50 pm:

Joseph,

Is your round hole box a flat top or slant?
The round hole metal coil box started in 1913 models. The bolts are flat on one side. I just posted a picture of one on your KW switch question and you can probably see the flat side next to the box. The box kept it from turning while you tighten the bolt.


Ken in Texas


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joseph Magedanz on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 11:05 pm:

Ken,
It is a slant top box. Thanks for the pictures.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 09:04 am:

The coil boxes for 1913 - 1918 do not have the metal support above the switch. Easy to spot early boxes in this way.

1913 - 14 coil box:


1915 - 1918 coil box (this has a KW ignition lock added, and the new for 1917 three piece cover):


1919 - later coil box (should not have a brass switch plate) - see the little tab above the switch?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 10:46 am:

Here is a 1915 coil box - note there is no support above the switch:


This is a 1919 - later box. Notice the support above the switch that divides the center of the box:


Coil box lids - the 1915 box has separate latch pieces riveted on but integral ends:


Inside view - the later coil box lid was much simpler to manufacture:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Tomaso - Milton,WA on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 12:08 pm:

Nice tutorial, Royce.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joseph Magedanz on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 12:41 pm:

Thanks, Royce. What a great place to get info...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Semprez-Templeton, CA on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 07:03 pm:

Thanks Royce, Now I know for sure what I have!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kerry van Ekeren (Australia) on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 07:31 pm:

I just did a coil box re-wood on my 15/16 canadian, the switch housing, although looking like metal, is made from something like the black coils.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 09:39 pm:

Royce -- thank you so much for posting the excellent photos and explanation!

Kerry,

You are correct, once Ford introduced the metal coil boxes during 1913, they initially put a Bakelite switch on them through at least 1916 and from memory (not as good as it once was) apparently continuing into 1917 -- anyone know when the steel cover switch was introduced and approximately how long the overlap was when both would have been used? [ ref http://mtfca.com/encyclo/C-D.htm#cb1 see 1913 K-W and Ford coil box.]

There is a good photo of a reproduction Bakelight switch housing at: http://www.modeltford.com/item/4730SB.aspx which shows how they look with the internal parts removed. Somewhere I had the posting saved that showed those compared to the later ones that had a metal cover instead of the Bakelite housing. But at the moment it is lost somewhere on the computer.

While I did not find the photos I was looking for I did run across a related thread on the metal plate that attached to the Bakelite housing at: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/123686.html?1266363995 which gives a good transition from the brass to plain steel. I don’t recall if someone is reproducing the “Made In Canada” switch plates for the Bakelite housing or not. At http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/111476.html?1257441180 the thread discussed the Canadian ID Patent Plates being available and a source(s).

Again thanks to everyone for adding to the information. It will not only help Joseph, but others in the future who wan to obtain the correct coil box for their car.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


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