As some of you know I have been working on a '15 runabout for a few months now. I realized that the cowl was wrong (thanks to the forum) so I got one.
While fitting the new firewall I realized that the cowl that was on the car was about 3/8 too long so I thought why not change it now and get it out of the way.
I peeled the later cowl off and tried to install the correct cowl and this is the problem I now have.
I included some windshield and interior shots to see if the body is actually a '15. According to the engine number and casting date the car was assembled in the last week of production for '15.
In any event can you eagle eyes have a look tell what I am into and offer some advice as to what to do next?
I should have done more homework before buying this mess.....I actually do know better.
Sigh
Jamie
Here are the pictures
Before anyone comments, the engine in the car at the moment is and '18 with a starter. The original block is cracked in a few spots.
Repairing the block is my next Model T project
Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't the windshield hinge be riveted to the frame on a '15 to '17; not screwed to the frame like my two man top '22?
Regards,
SteveB
After looking through some earlier threads regarding your car, I would consider it to be a "collage." Most of your car appears to be much later than 1915.
With that being said, I wouldn't waste my time trying to marry a 1915-16 cowl to a later body. Put the cowl that you removed back on.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/423193.html?1392344282
I was going to suggest the same thing. Put the other cowl back on.
Pretty much what I was thinking as well. I will fool with the cowl and try to get it to fit better.
I'll get this one running sell it and look one that is correct now that I have learned some.
Thanks
Don't waste your time to try to make it fit.
Your body is much later than 1915. Put the original cowl back on.
It appears to be the correct riveted w.s. frame - the rivets hold the lower frame into the cowl lamp brackets - later models have the screws holding the frame in. All the hinges are screwed on.
It's the correct windshield for a '15, but with later hinges.
Good catch, Mike - should be equal.
Jamie,
I think that once you have it all together and driving, you'll have so much fun with it that it really won't matter what year body is on your "1915".
Above all, do NOT get discouraged. It's all worth it.
You don't say anything about the radiator. A 15 has a brass radiator with electric lights. If you have a black radiator, it is not a 15. From the pictures you have posted, the car looks very much like my 22 roadster.
Whatever year it is, as the case with many Model T's they have been assembled with parts from several cars and sometimes the chassis, engine, drivetrain, wheels and body are not all from the same year.
In my opinion, for whatever it's worth, you should put the cowl back on if it fits with the hood and radiator, and just leave it as is. If you have your heart set on owning a 15, look for one which is more complete and original.
Norm
if the last photo is the new cowl, I don't think it should have that moon shaped cut out on it if it's a 15.
It has the wrong coil box lid it should be one pice should be tapered leaf springs on front and rear and open spoil on the torque tube is wrong I would say for sure someone just made the car to look some what like a 1915 like some others said you will spend a lot trying to make everything right for a 15 so get it running well and have fun with it. :-)
There were only two years with the cowl and brass radiator. 1915 and 1916. The earlier models had a high wood firewall with hood former. The later models had the black radiator.
Norm
You must get excellent gas mileage with that invisible gas tank! The "tool compartment" was a feature of the '25 and up bodies, but your cowl area is all wood, so the body must pre-date '25.
I also vote to put the cowl back on and enjoy! If the radiator rod cut out bothers you that much, just weld a filler piece in there and touch it up!
We previously had a long discussion about the car.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/423193.html?1392344282
It really isn't worth the money, time and effort to make "corrections" to make it a 1915. If he did that, he would be replacing 50% to 75% of the car.
The body looks to be somewhere between 17-22 with 15 front fenders.
I have a 1919 Roadster and without the front fenders your car looks like my 1919.
Looking by the pic where you can see the frame, it looks like it has the channel type running board brackets which appeared around 20-21.
You probably have a 21 or 22 frame. 19-22 Low cowl Roadsters look pretty much alike as far as the body is concerned.
The body is later than 1917. (I have an unrestored '17 roadster in the garage.)
I believe the body is 1919 or 1920. Note reinforcement strap near the top of the original cowl (the cowl he took off) and the interior angle iron brackets where the body is attached to firewall. I believe indicates the body is at least 1919 model year.
In the 1921 model year, the top saddle brackets went through the body.