When I got my 1919, it had the thick, cast rad cap shown on the right. An obvious reproduction. Someone recently gave me the cap on the left. It is a stamping. It also looks like it has chrome plating instead of nickel. Could it be an original? I like it better because it looks larger, is lighter, threads on easier and cools down much faster for easier handling. Which cap do you have on your black era car and why? Thanks.
Dave,
Based on a previous thread on this forum, "the original 09-12 high fin caps were cast and the original 1913-1927 low fin caps were stamped."
This site will give you some ideas too:
http://www.modeltford.com/pl.aspx?t=s&v=radiator+cap&page=1&pp=10
Jim
Dave, the 26-27 caps were pressed brass, but had a lip the thickness of yours on the bottom for better sealing. If yours is cast, it is probably a repo.
OK thanks. I guess either one will do. I'll see how it goes.
I have a moto meter on all my cars, black and brass. They draw people to the car, generate questions, and it's kind of nice to have a fair idea of what's going on under the hood.
No doubt but, I'm trying to keep my car original.
Beginning in 1916, radiator caps were nickel plated. Chrome was not used on Model T's.
Fellows,I have seen two distinct types of the pressed radiator caps. The earlier ones, usually not plated, have lower, more rounded 'ears'. Later nickel caps have taller ears. I have no idea when the change was made, nor a reason for the change, other than it might be seen to be easier to hold the later type when screwing it off>
Just for interest.
Allan from down under.