I posted on my daughters wreck about a year ago. Since then I have researched every thing I could find and become convinced that it was due to wish bone flex changing the caster and slamming the car in the direction of turn. This has happened to me in all of my early T's. Fortunately every time was at a slow speed sharp turn. Only one was not recoverable and caused my daughter to wreck. With the serious wrecks on the forum I am getting afraid to drive. I have tried to find where to get wishbone braces but have had no luck. Can you buy them or do you need make them? Any help will be appreciated.
Here is a few threads on the issue:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/102245.html?1250056365
And:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/286921.html?1336612978
And:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/238661.html?1317525072
And:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/245672.html?1320596790
Jim
Angle iron with a hole drilled in it. Someone on here will probably offer to make you one that will bolt on for a small fee or even free, Most seem like that kind of person.
Advice given to me is that the steering behaviour you have experienced could be caused by the following. Check when the front wheels are pointing straight ahead that the pitman arm is straight up and down. You may be getting over travel due to the drag link being of incorrect length. Will be interested to hear from you as I also experienced over travel due to having the wrong length drag link on my 1916.
George,
I think you will like the part at:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Model-T-Ford-front-dual-radius-rod-support-clamp-11-18-/ 160839453278?hash=item2572c74a5e&item=160839453278&pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Ac cessories&vxp=mtr
It can be used to build one and they discuss several option for doing so. You will need to provide the other parts (although they do see the under the axle ends if they are needed. )
Their e-bay store is located at: http://stores.ebay.com/Antique-T-Motor-Sports-llc?_trksid=p4340.l2563
Others may also have recommendations.
Another link which may show a repeat of one or more of the braces above is located at:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/82549.html
I remember reading about your daughter’s accident but when I looked I could not find the thread. If you still have the link would you post it and/or send it to me? I am trying to document cases of this happening. I would like to get past the emotional discussion and find enough documentation of what has and based on that what will happen in the future. I’m biased like everyone else, but I also would like to know what the fact do or do not support. In the mean time, I use the under the axle wishbone or the over the axle with an additional brace along with having the parts properly installed and maintained.
One other interesting note – Bruce made a comment that it might be possible that a ‘double wishbone support” came either from the factory and/or as a dealer installed accessory. One was installed on the Rip Van Winkle 1917 Ford that had less than 27 miles on it when the photographs were taken. I had asked about that on the forum but I cannot locate the thread (old age or too many threads?). He also shared the photos on page 279 of his book and in the CD of a wishbone brace and commented, “The accessory brace has been seen on many Fords from 1917 to 1919 and could have been a Ford-supplied item.” Does anyone have any documentation that would support that Ford supplied those type of braces? I’ve been looking but so far I have not found documentation to support that. But the fossil record seems to point that it may have happened.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
I searched this Forum, George, and can't find any post about your daughter's accident. Neither do I remember it.
My double wishbones were made by cutting the ball off a late one, bolting the front to the bottom of the axle, and then clamping the rear parts together, then welding. You need to be sure caster is correct first, of course.
The early perch studs are a little too short for the late wishbone domed nut, so it's best to spotface the wishbone to take a regular nut. You don't want it moving there, anyhow.
rdr
I have 2 new old stock under the wishbone braces but have decided to destroy them for to avoid any liability.
Royce, you're a real joker.
Interesting picture Ed — would you be able to post another that better shows the detail of how the brace is clamped to the upper wishbone near the ball? Thanks.
Here is a discussion George's wreck and steering last year:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/214520.html?1307066042
And:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/218600.html
Jim
Lang's has a wishbone brace now available. It is a new item in their latest 2012 catalog.
http://www.modeltford.com/item/2733S.aspx
Vance