Get the book. Get the book! GET THE BOOK!!!

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration
Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Get the book. Get the book! GET THE BOOK!!!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 03:04 pm:

I have a few minutes, so I'll flog this deceased equine some more. It's remarkable to me that so many people dive right in and start taking things apart without reading the directions first. Regulars are probably sick of me saying it, but I'll repeat: The T is comparatively simple but it's different. Fortunately, lots of people have gone to a lot of work to give you a heads-up before you start. The FIRST Model T parts everybody should buy are these.



The Ford manual and the MTFCA books will tell you the proper order for disassembly so you don't wreck something. They tell you what measurements to make so you know whether to reuse a part. They warn you about signs of trouble. They can save you lots of time and money.

Will you run into things the books don't tell you, or that aren't clear to you? Sure. That's what the forum is for. But for most jobs, if you have the information with you while you're working, you don't have to wait for somebody on the forum to have the time to tell you about it. Be smart and get the books.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 03:16 pm:

I got the Model T service manual, it is a big help, but I am unable to do the jobs in the allotted time. I guess I need more practice.
Best
Gus


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Gregush Portland Oregon on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 04:24 pm:

You would have to be 18 with nimble fingers to pull the times in the book off. I am afraid most of us are just a wee bit past that! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Semprez-Templeton, CA on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 04:45 pm:

Get the Jelf Book Shelf! As Steve has pictured.

I find that much time is spent here on the forum trying to figure out what the New Ford owner is trying to describe!

These publications will educate one to the proper Model T vocabulary as well as the systematic procedures to follow for a successful repair.

With the information covered in these books,one gains a head start on diagnosing problems and will quickly learn how the various Model T components work as a system.

To repeat what one experienced T owner and "ace" mechanic has repeatedly recommended, "Get the book"!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 05:28 pm:

Steve,

With many computer games they are designed to promote an interactive method of learning. The player starts out at level 1. They run down the valley or climb the stairs etc. Often times they do not get very far before they encounter something that that kills their character. The words “GAME OVER” come up and the player starts again. And soon they learn to shoot, duck, shields up, etc when they encounter that sort of circumstance again. No harm done and they are enjoying the learning process.

But with the T, there is not an “undo” button or “restart the game” button. Some things are self correcting – like installing the ring gear on the wrong side of the pinion gear in the rear. The driver notices the car now has two speeds in reverse and one speed forward – and that it is time to put the ring gear on the proper side of the pinion. In other cases such removing the starter from the engine. What works great on 1928 and later Fords –disconnect the battery, disconnect the appropriate wiring, remove the bolts holding the starter and with draw the starter from the engine assembly not only doesn’t work but can ruin the magneto field coil. [the Ford Bible – says to remove the floorboards, remove the bendix cover, and remove the bendix before trying to remove the starter.] And the starter still cannot be removed form the engine assembly (assumes the car had the original style magneto field coil). In that case the replacing the magneto field coil will require the engine to be pulled and disassembled and a rebuilt magneto field coil for the starter engines runs around $200. Of course the car can be run on battery – until the repair is made, but the cost of all those books new from Lang’s is $78 and on that one repair job it can save a person $200 and a lot of frustration. Some of the local clubs have a lending library so the cost of the books may be free. So yes – reading the books can save you time, money, and injury. And the books have great pictures to help explain the parts and process.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William L Vanderburg on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 05:37 pm:

I suspect that more than a lot of people cannot perform the tasks in the manual in the allotted times.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 07:00 pm:

I also see the "Jelf shelf" of T books as a must have. I also like to see the job being done and love the videos from MTFCA very much. I am very glad my club purchased all of them. I have all the books and can borrow any of the videos as needed. Next best thing to having a T guru in your back pocket. This site and your local club can supply the gurus.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wes Nelson ........Bucyrus, MO on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 08:48 pm:

Which fellow forum member in MO has these books for sale? Please pm me, Thanks Wes


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 08:54 pm:

Wes, I think that John Danuser in Fulton has them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 08:55 pm:

Why is it that, when I saw the subject line, I knew who had started the thread? :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Thode Chehalis Washington on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 08:59 pm:

For those that can't wait for the books to come in the mail, all 296 pages of the service manual are currently posted online at:
http://mtfci2002.readyhosting.com/manuals/Model_T_Service_Manual/mtsm.html

Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Smith on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 10:18 pm:

The only one you really need is the Ford Service Book.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By M Philpott on Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 11:08 pm:

I have a new copy for sale for $20.00 plus actual mail price. 541/417-0258


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Danuser on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 12:21 am:

Wes Nelson I have 60 years of used, some NOS, and an almost full line of reproduction T and TT parts, I don't run a catalog, but Bobs in Rockford Ill is my main supplier of reprod. parts, but I keep lots of original parts that are not being remade. Ex. 26-7 used gas tanks, short and 5 black used riad. shells, Lots of TT parts. etc. call me 573-642-2473 or email me at danuser88@ktis.net, we will be in Springfield for the Hillbilly tour in Sept, we are home most days except when a special auction happens


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 03:28 am:

Steve J,
I am not sick nor tired of seeing your admonishment. And like Dick L, I knew when I saw the heading, who's name would come up first. I opened it, I read it, I enjoyed several comments by other posters. I would say I enjoy reading your postings, I suspect that many people do. You also do a service to the hobby as a whole.
Thank you.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cameron Whitaker on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 11:59 am:

I completely agree that every T owner should have a copy of all of those books. The T Bible is a must! I must have read it cover-to-cover at least 6 times before I bought my first T! I always keep a copy under the back seat of my '24 Touring. I've been purchasing the MTFCA books as I tackle their respective parts of the car.

I would also like to add either the catalog from Langs or Snyders. As a beginner, I found it very helpful to look at every part listed in the catalog, figure out where it goes, what it does, what it replaces, etc.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill dugger on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 12:18 pm:

Guys and any Gals:
I want to say YEA for Steve. I saw some of his place in May when I stopped there and It was a sight, meaning Great. He is a great guy to ask questions and get answers from. He is a big EATER also, but I am to blame as I invited him to lunch and paid dearly for it! Just kidding STeve and it was great to meet him, so if anyone in or on the Forum passes thru his town stop and see him. From his house I was on the way to Lawton to meet a R.M. (BOB) Davis, which was a T'rbut has since changed. Everyone have a warn day 108 yesterday 106 or7 today, in Northern California where everything is burning up by Fire.

Bill D


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 01:28 pm:

I have the Ford Service Manual and have tried making it a habit of referring to it first before coming to the forum.

I am very thankful for all you gurus who post here because it seems like, for the things I have gone to the SM for, that reference hasn't given complete information for completing those tasks I was needing to do.

The latest examples were low and brake band adjustments I did over the past couple of weekends. For both of those tasks, for newbies, there isn't enough information to "git 'er done" properly in the service manual.

Nice thing though, is that once you guys helped me out, it's information I'll have for good going forward.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 04:46 pm:

Cameron's suggestion is excellent. The catalogues can be very helpful references. I would use Lang's for determining what years the various versions of a part apply, and Mac's to show what they look like (and often how they go together). Mac's doesn't have a superior reputation as a supplier (the owner says he's working to change that), but their catalogue is far better for illustrations than all the others.

Another helpful reference is the Ford parts book. Actually, there are several. The one dated 1928 covers what was being sold at the time for all years of Model T's.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 06:09 pm:

Yeah,....yer' basic "Jelf Shelf"! I like it!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Hoshield on Monday, August 13, 2012 - 10:18 pm:

To this end ... Suggestions for a decent carburetor book?
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/search.php?q=carburetor+book&x=0&y=0

I have a '24 Roadster ... Had a Holly NH on it and I have a Kingston L that' I'm attempting to rebuild and run on .. while I rebuild the NH as well. Might the one listed above, have both? I like Snyder's .. I order most stuff from there. What I mostly need (and learn from the most) are the exploded view. Wouldn't ya know I exploded the Kingston L, and think I have a part left over!

The NH is much more straight forward, and I'll probably end up ordering the parts and getting IT rebuilt first, anyway.

Dennis


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Hoshield on Monday, August 13, 2012 - 10:27 pm:

I should add, I have felt I might have over-used the forum before going to the book(s), myself. I only have the black service book, which is a is sometimes a bit too generic. Some things you just need a bit more specifics on, so the right book helps!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 12:14 am:

Yes, the MTFCA carburetor book includes both NH and Kingston L, as well as the Holley G and others. I've found it very helpful. It taught me this money-saver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTiStUTU9IE.
Since the book was published there have been some changes. Some parts which were unavailable are now being reproduced, and vice versa. Since 1988 we've learned that there are much better penetrants than WD-40. But the basic information on carburetor function and repair methods is still valid, and the section by Bruce McCalley and others on evolution and features of the various T carburetors is as good as ever.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Philip Berg on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 01:29 am:

I bought four of the MTFCA books from Lang's tonight. Reference materials are priceless when doing any type of automotive or motorcycle related projects.

Philip


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Hoshield on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 07:43 am:

Thanks, Steve ... it's on order! ... as well as a couple books on pick-em-up plans and the hardware used on them. The pick-up bed will be a more useful fun thing to do. I like fixing it up to get it to run .. but I'd like to be able to actually USE it some day! LOL

Thanks for your (and everyone on the forum!) help, as usual!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john kuehn on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 09:49 am:

Again as the old saying goes, read the instructions. It almost never fails.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian Sullivan, Powell WY on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 10:39 am:

I would really love it if someone would produce a large print version of the T service manual, like the size of the Macs catalog....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 12:16 pm:

Brian -- Be on the lookout for an original hardcover version of the book. It has larger print and much clearer pictures.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john kuehn on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 07:37 pm:

Just wondering if the original Ford Manual was bigger than the ones we have now. If it had large print and clearer pictures I bet many of those wound up being dirty and well worn by the original Ford dealership mechanics.
Which is as it should be if your a mechanic.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 07:45 pm:

A spiral bound version of the Service Manual in a larger format would be great.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 07:48 pm:

Brian, I have a soft cover version of the ford bible that is full size, 8.5x11, that I got new at a show. They are available and easier to read.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 07:57 pm:

Erich, is there anything in the large version that tells who is the publisher?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob McDonald-Federal Way, Wa. on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 08:43 pm:

Steve
Here is a hardcover repair book that was published and updated yearly from 1915, this is 1920 edition. The type is just slightly larger.It also has a thank you to Henry Ford and son and there service department for providing the up dated information. This is the only one I have, very interesting. This one has 410 pages, plus 37 pages of other books available, not all on the automobile.
Bob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Schwab on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 10:06 pm:

Does the axle book cover Ruckstell's???


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Semprez-Templeton, CA on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 10:44 pm:

David, you will want to add the Ruxtell Axle Repair manual to the Jelf shelf for that information. Glen Chaffin carries that booklet.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 12:12 am:

Hey Steve, whats your opinion of some of the books that are offered by The Ford Company and the Model T Ford Club of America? Do you uh, think they're worth purchasing? Just asking.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 09:00 am:

Yep.


Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.
Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration