I just put an older low style steel firewall on a 1926 frame. It looks to be 1 1/2"-2" too far back. Do I have to drill new holes? Does anyone know the correct measurment from the front of the frame to the firewall?

Check the dash to frame brackets to make sure that you have brackets for the steel dash. The brackets for the wood dash leave the steel dashs almost an inch ahead of the body.

When the steel dash first appeared, the dash to frame brackets for the steel dash were not available. So Ford installed 4 aluminum spacer pillars, held in place by the dash to dash bracket bolts and nuts, to move the steel dash back up against the body. If nothing else, you could always make your own pillars and move the dash back that way.

Respectfully Submitted,

Trent Boggess

Bill,

1. To get the steering column and firewall to line up with a mixed combination of:

a. Frame year ranges (i.e. they used certain frame holes with certain firewall brackets [when the low firewall was first introduced they used a space washer on the firewall bracket for a short time (as well as continuing to use the wood firewalls on some cars) and then – I don’t remember if they changed the bracket or the holes in the frame – but something changed). Often when the change to the hole position is made the frames will have both sets of holes for a while.

b. The Brackets are not necessarily interchangeable – i.e. the are designed for a type of firewall and type of frame. If used on a different firewall or frame the holes may have to be redrilled.

c. The steering column bracket that attaches to the frame is different for different years and also models. I.e. they will set the angle of the steering column at differently. The 1911 torpedo; the most common 1911-25, the 1926-7 had one for all cars and then a different one for the 26-27 Fordor, the TT trucks 1918-27 is different

2. If you keep the same year group parts together everything lines up correctly. When you swap them around you will need to do some fitting so you don’t bind the steering column.

3. See the following threads listed in order of helpfulness at:

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/24786.html general discussion about why the frame, brackets, and steering column bracket impact the alignment. And another “got cha” You can get the steering column to line up well – but the hood may not fit properly if you use the different year parts. So as you test fit the items – include the hood also.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/26547.html excellent info on the frame holes for the different brackets

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/45350.html excellent info on the 1917-22 and then 1923-25 brackets

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/6/1639.html more info on 1926 but also addresses the earlier brackets

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/6035.html info on making the brackets work with wood filler blocks

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/44000.html points out the 1923-27 bracket are the same but they are installed flipped around on the 1926-27 (which also means you could inadvertently turn them around on you other car and move the firewall.)

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/34852.html Royce shared a key point: Also take a look at your firewall brackets. If someone replaced the firewall and did not locate the brackets properly it will pull the body down in front or lift it up depending on which direction the error was made. You can remove the firewall to test this theory. It is easier than it looks, I took the one out of my 15 in less than an hour last time I had the engine out. You have to remove the steering column which is the biggest part of the job.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/44133.html Key point: Jack Daron shared: They are commonly referred to as transitional frames and there were at least two that I can recall. Starting as early as 1915-1919 and then 1919 onto 20's. The 15-19 were drilled for both sets of RB's/firewall brackets and the later included the starter switch hole and battery box.

Others if you still have questions:

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/18479.html

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/27949.html

If other would please add additional links they know about and comments and suggestions that would be great. It is getting easier and easier to share a more detailed answer as we can combine what others have shared through their pictures and experiences. The bad experiences are also very helpful – i.e. that many of the parts will fit either way – but only correctly one way (the ring gear in the rear axle for example) they can save the next one of us from re-learning that one again.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap Tucker 1915 Model T Ford touring cut off and made into a pickup truck and 1907 Model S Runabout. Sumter SC.

Bill, Am I glad that you did not tell everybody where you got all that missmatched stuff.