Mid-1913 to 1925 Rear Cross-member Differences

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Mid-1913 to 1925 Rear Cross-member Differences
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 04:21 pm:

I've learned quite a bit more about T frames in my quest to find the correct rear cross-member for my damaged 1924 cross-member. I’ve now got one but thought I’d share what I’ve learned. This is from observing two different cross-members and doesn’t include other possible types so I’d like to know if there are others.

I know of three types of the longer 1913-25 rear cross-members.

1) May 1913 – Forged body mounts discontinued and longer cross-member introduced. Early type with the relatively flat body mount area at the top of the ends. Unknown what the inner reinforcement brackets look like but they may be the same as the second type described below.

2) Shortly after May 1913 - Raised body mount area at the top of the ends for the body mounts. Inside the cross-member channel at the ends were simple “|_|” shaped inner reinforcement strip metal with a two rivets roughly in-line and center to the top/bottom edge of the two frame rails. The corner brace was plain with no holes.

3) 1919 – Similar to the second type but with extra holes for spare tire brackets. Two holes were added at the top of the cross-member. The inner brackets were still |_|” shaped but was a little more elaborate with a rounded tab for the rear rivet that was now offset to the outside. Two holes were utilized for spare tire brackets at the back side; one appears to be located where the in-line frame rivet once was, and another located about 6 3/8” from the end. Each of the corner braces had a single hole for the brackets.

I don't have pictures of the first early type but these are the two others:




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 04:22 pm:




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 04:23 pm:

And last, found this picture of a ('25?) chassis on eBan showing a bracket on the left side supporting a tail light. Arrows point out the two holes at the back side of the 1919-25 cross-member;


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 09:16 pm:

Rich,

Great job in researching and showing some of the differences in the May 1913 to 1925 rear cross members! Thanks so much for sharing what you discovered so others can also use the information. Like many things, I wonder approximately how long the overlap was when two styles were used during the same time period. Hopefully others will add some more photos and information they may have.

I also like your web page about you and your Dad’s 1930 Model A Ford Tudor/Cabriolet. I have lots of fond memories of working on Fords and other cars with my Dad. Have you decided on what type of car, speedster, truck etc. you want your T chassis to become?

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rich Stinchcomb, Trumbull, CT on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 10:05 pm:

Hap - Thanks for the comments. The 1919 time frame is based on when the spare tire brackets for the demountable rim appeared. I'd like to hear more from others. I'm no expert here and found this thread informative: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/97650.html.

My goal for now is to get a running T chassis that can be driven around the yard. As for a body style, I'm leaning towards a closed car. With the Model A Cabriolet and my two MGB convertibles, a closed car would be refreshing. Yeah, hot in the summer, heavy, and too much wood are disadvantages but I like 'em. Whatever I get, I'm sure to mount a spare tire carrier off the back. :-) Looking forward to Hershey and not having to find a rear cross-member.

Cheers
Rich


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