Was the purpose of adding 1 3/8" to raise the car or give it a lowered appearance?
Depends on whether you added it to the top or the bottom.
Am I the only one that doesn't understand the question? Can you be more specific? Jim Patrick
I think you are referring to the 26/27 if so it was to lower the car.
It also increased road handling capabilities by lowering the center of gravity.
Jim,
No, I did not understand what Rion was asking either. But when he clarifies the question I'm sure the folks here will be able to give him some good information.
I've done that before also. It was clear in my mind what I was talking about, but I forgot that the person I was talking with didn't know what year or sometimes even what make of car I was asking about. Some times the "devil is in the details" so to speak.
Rion, please add a little more clarification such as what year/modle year. And what did they add 1 3/8" to? And are you sure it was 1 3/8" or is that your estimate etc. ?
Is that your 1925 roadster chassis on your profile picture or another project?
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Well, it is in relation to the short firewall, hood, radiator thing that Ford did. I seen a T with a short radiator in it (just the cap poking out of the radiator shell). It was my friends 23 Coupe. Got me thinking on the reason why all of those components were made taller. I do believe it is 1 3/8" give or take a 1/16.
What was the purpose.
Yep, that's my Roadster. Waiting for me to set the body on. And the few other minor road-worthy details.
In the fall of '23 (1924 model year) the radiator, hood, and cowl got taller. I suspect the car you're referring to has a 17-23 radiator with a 24-25 shell on it.
It had nothing to do with appearance. It had everything to do with making the cooling system more efficient. The taller radiator was due to Ford incorporating a larger radiator on the T so the cooling system would hold more water and therefore not be as prone to boiling over as it was with the shorter radiator. Even with the larger radiator, it will still boil over in a parade on a hot day, but not a bad. Jim Patrick
Jim, I respectfully disagree. Ford did make the change with styling in mind too, to keep up (within sight..) of the competition. Here's from Ford's press release for the 1924 models, august 27, 1923:
http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/1921-25H.htm
"Introduction of a higher radiator, bringing new and improved body lines to all Ford cars, is announced today by the Ford Motor Company. (--)The new radiator sets an inch and a half higher than the former and has an apron at the bottom which joins a similar apron effect of the fender on either side, giving a highly finished appearance to the front of the car. The larger radiator also increases cooling efficiency. (--) From the dash there is a graceful sweep in the cowl to the radiator bringing a pleasing effect to the front. (--) The result brings a most pleasing effect to the exterior appearance of both types. The improvement in the Touring Car which came when the one man top and slanting windshield were introduced, is greatly enhanced by the larger radiator, the car appearing lower and more attractive than ever."