So from end to end my model T ford frame it 102 inches and the space between the rails is 23-1/4 inches. Bear in mind this car has been pretty much repurposed, Lost, Buried, Dug up, Rebuilt, Flooded and rebodied and repurposed again more times then i know.
Every time i have to remove or replace engine or rear axle it is always difficult. With no rear spring and the engine in the frame the rear axle does not quite line up with the rear cross member so installing the rear spring is difficult.
Is the frame too long? It would easily have been stretched by now.
Kep,
Please go to John Regan’s “Fun Projects” web site at: http://www.funprojects.com/techinfo.aspx and click on the “chose document” drop down and select the frame drawing and click on “view document.” It has a good detailed drawing of the 1909 – 1913 frames which the rear body mounts are in the same location they just don’t have the arms extending out. Per his drawing – if I read it correctly , the frame was 101 1/16 NOT including the front crossmember reinforcement strap. So something sounds a little off as you are measuring 15/16ths more – almost an inch.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l915 cut off
Thankyou, Good resource. Now to figure out whether the stretched frame can be compressed or if i find another method of assembly.
Kep,
I don't have time to do the math (ok -- never do math in public) but I would recommend check the distance from the centerline of the crankcase mounting hole to the centerline of the rear body mount hole.
Note the price list of parts shows the 1909 (not authentic for the early 1909 fish plate ones but as a replacement in 1910 it would have been used)to 1913 side rails and then adds a "B" to the part number for the side rails used with the wider rear cross member starting in 1913 to 1925. But I don't think the length changed as the engine and rear axle is interchangeable.
You can also compare the 1926-27 improved frame drawing at: http://www.wescottsauto.com/SubIndexes/Techindex.html . It also discusses how to align the frame. Yes -- a hot rod site -- but the frame drawing and information may prove helpful.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Off the top of my bald head, the T wheelbase is 100"
If this is taken at the centreline of the springs, add 1" for the back half of the rear spring, 3/4" for the front half of the front spring, then twice the thickness of the cross members, that makes about 102" and a little bit!
Allan from down under.
They always say the wheelbase is 100", but I believe it's actually 99".
If you add up the dimensions given on the drawing at:
http://www.wescottsauto.com/SubIndexes/Techindex.html
It gives a frame length of 103 1/2"