Anyone recognize these springs? I thought they might be an old type of anti-rattle spring for the parking brake rods, but I'm not sure. Starting work on getting a 1919 Speedster back together after 33 years, and I'll need some help identifying some parts. Thanks in advance!
I believe they were used in the front end.
Between the spindle arm and the drag link or tie rod. I have seen them on old front end assemblys that became a Model T frame cotton tralier.
Got it in one, John.
That's a Band-Aid used on a loose front end instead of fixing it.
My 16 coupelet had them on it when I received it from my mom. By the condition of the front end I'm sure they were sorely needed.
Don't re-install them.
They eliminate a symptom but are not a cure. Also, they cause wear marks on the steering system, such as the spindle arm and tie rod.
Those are "Little Brats" anti-rattle springs. Jay posted a picture here a while back.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/173455.html?1293467783
Thanks to all. I'll be restoring/rebuilding the front axle and steering anyway, so they won't be going back in the car.
I put mine back on after rebuilding the front end. They are a good conversation piece as an aftermarket accy. Lots of people see them and want to know what they are for. KB
When I was working on my first T years ago I would visit a friend my parents age. I spotted a pair of these on his shop wall. He had mounted the short end with a large washer to the wall and used them for coat hangers. I pointed to the "coat hangers" and he said "Oh you don't want those--if you leave them on your T too long they bend the axle. :-) Miss him and his humor. Always had a good story to tell. Dennis
I tried to sell 2 sets of similar springs on eBay and couldn't get $5 for the pair. They are now in my recycling bin, at the curb.
If they aren't worth $2.50 each, I'm not going to be their caretaker for the rest of my life. (That's my new philosophy on hoarding stuff versus getting it gone. We'll see how long I can keep it up.)
I have the style that clips on the tie rod. Like the looks of any old accessories on my T's These were on Nellie when she came home. So they got put back on.
Shame to throw out accessory parts for the T, the aftermarket auto parts industry of today owes its existence to the Ford!
These have been in place for many a year.
Have worn grooves in the spindle arm, but heck, if you just keep replacing that spindle bolt bushing the wear won't go all the way thru!
Thanks for the nice pics of the accessory tie rod spring clips. Come to think of it I've seen several spindle arms over the years that have the worn in grooves in them as Dan points out.
In fact I used a good spindle arm assembly on my 21 restoration and welded up the grooves to smooth them up.
I have a few in my parts piles and was thinking about throwing them out. But I just couldnt do it. They dont makeum anymore. At least not that I know of.
The two types shown aren't too bad. But there were a few types made that wore on the tie rod. Having broken a tie rod with that wear on it, I would strongly recommend not using any that wear on the tie rod. Fortunately, when I broke that tie rod, I was trying to remove it from the front end.
I have also welded up some spindle arms from these. In fact, just a short while ago.
Drive carefully, and enjoy the holidays! W2