Hood former to body part?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Hood former to body part?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael grady on Monday, October 07, 2013 - 05:35 pm:

Newbie..restoring a 16 touring.

I remember there being some sort of cloth or fiber that went between the hood former and the main part of the body.

Anyone know what this is called and is it available?

Thanks,

Michael


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Monday, October 07, 2013 - 05:46 pm:

I don't believe the cars came with anything there. I've heard that dealers added a sealant there after customers complained of water getting through that connection. You could put some sealant between the firewall and body if you're worried about leakage.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Monday, October 07, 2013 - 06:31 pm:

Michael,

Good question. Ford engineers provided an answer to a similar question on Mar 24, 1915. It is from: http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/doc15.htm

MAR 24, 1915 Acc. 509, Letter, Ford Archives
Letter concerning leaks between the dash and the cowl. Noted that no felt or rubber was being used at the factory but that dealers should install same if customers complained about leaks at this point.

We know that Ford often changed things but usually to save money. So unless Ford changed the procedure later, they did not put anything there but dealers probably did put something there but only for the customer who complained of a leak.

Why didn’t they put something there from the factory? Cost for one thing. But also look at the way many of the Ts were shipped around that time frame. Someone would have to keep track of that piece of rubber or felt and put it back between the body and the firewall.


Note, having the correct thickness of the firewall plays an important part of aligning the body with the firewall. Also having a straight frame is important to that process.

If you wanted to use felt anyway, I would think roofing felt sold at the hardware stores would work great. I would recommend contact someone who puts on shingles and have them give you a small amount would be much better than purchasing it as it comes in large rolls. If you were near here – you would be welcome to as much as you needed for free. Actually if you drive to Myrtle Beach, SC on I-20 and then Hwy 378 you come within minutes of my house. But other wise it is way to far to drive just for some free felt.

I would also think some black RTV sealant would also work and probably do a better job of filling in any imperfections. I think it was Royce that mentioned the technique of using that on the transmission cover to rear engine area. If I remember correctly (50 50 chance?) I think he cleaned and put the sealant on the engine, put down some wax paper and then laid the transmission over over the sealant. After it dried, he removed the cover, removed the wax paper and now there was a really nice seal for the transmission cover to press against. Even if I remember that all wrong – you could still put the RTV sealant on the body, put wax paper between the body and the fire wall, tighten it loosely and let it dry. Unbolt and remove the wax paper, trim sealant, and re-bolt body to the firewall. I need to run so some of that may be off a little (or a lot). I’m sure others will chime in with suggestions and corrections etc.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael grady on Tuesday, October 08, 2013 - 08:56 am:

Hi Hal and Mike!

Thanks so much for the advice. I just wanted to be sure I didn't miss an important step.

I plan to keep this out if the rain. But who knows what it will be subject to 50 years from now, eh?

One of these days, I'll have to head out I-20 to visit you Hap. !!

Michael


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