Hey Guys,
About 5yrs ago my Grandfather passed away and left me his 1923 Model T!!!. He did have it running back then…
Unfortunately it has sat at his house while I figured out a safe garage for it. I’ll be receiving it in about a week and I need some direction on where to start…
My goal is to do a restoration (not show quality) to be able to drive it, and clean it up. I’ve already purchased the Ford shop manual but I’d like some help via a local expert or shop. I currently live on Long Island. Does anyone know of a good shop / mechanic out this way?
Thanks for the help!
Contact the local club to see if they can help.
Model T Ford Club of Long Island
c/o John Cunnane
10 Birch Lane
Valley Stream, NY 11581
jcwillys49@aol.com
As they say on this forum.."Welcome to the affliction"!! This won't be your only T, they seem to multiply very easily.
You'll soon be getting a bunch of good advice from a lot of guys here who can help a whole bunch. I'm still learning, so I just keep reading, and reading, and reading. Once in a while I chirp in on easy stuff!
"T"
Good luck with your new toy.
May want to say how far out on L.I. you are. Most un-locals don't know just how wide L.I. actually is.
The club above is close in towards the city based on address. A frequent contributor here is a fella named Bob Coiro, who just started maybe 3 years ago himself. He lives in Commack, and I believe for the most part has been self-taught or at least knows someone who can tinker for the stuff above what he can do. Just hang lose, try the club shown, or hope Bob chimes in, but if you post where on L.I., it might even help surface someone.
I'm in Commack, LI and I'll be sending you a private message with contact info, etc.
Bob C.
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words and help... So excited to get started.
Sorry.. I'm in Nassau, LI (Cedarhurst)
"T" If you have the black Model T service manual read it and then read it again. Each time you will pick up on something that will be of the utmost rewarding. I have (3) books one beside my table here one in the garage and an extra just for good luck.
I have a 1919 Touring and a 1917 Depot hack. Love them both. My next ambition would be to build a Speedster, but I would have to build an add on to my three car garage. Oh well it is still a lot of fun
Bill D
Redding Ca.
"T"
Welcome to the hobby. I have 2 car, #1 is a 1919 Touring, #2 is a 1917 Depot Hack. The Hack Body came from Dewittlevill New York.
They are fun and be a challenge. There noise is something different. The knock, squeaks and the strange sounds they emit, but after awhile you get used to them and when a new sounds happens then you start looking for the cause. My Hack had a strange sound and it was finally traced to a wrist pin on #2 cylinder.
I just installed a Ruckstell in the hack but have only driven it short distance to check the shifting.
Well keep all of us posted how it works out for you and (CAPS LOCK) DON'T GET DISCOURAGED IF IT DOES NOT WORK THE FIRST TIME. Try and get some or one of the guys in the club mentioned above to give you a bit of moral support and believe me there is a lot of help here on the Forum. If you see a thread that looks like you could use it print it and put it in a loose leaf binder for future reference,as I have done several that way
The very best of luck on your new project.
Bill Dugger
Redding, Ca.
Sorry for the repeat posting but my computer did a strange thing, but it could have been the operator!!!
I purchased the Blue Cover Ford shop manual...I understand its a re-print and i agree pictures are not great...
Is the black cover one better.
Some pictures
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IMG_0731-2.jp2 (169.2 k) |
"T"
you got the size requirements right but the host will not recognize a jp2 format. Change to JPG or PNG and try a reload...I also think each post is limited to 2 or 3 attachments?
There is no limit on number of attachments that I am aware of (Chris, please correct me if I'm wrong), but usually only 2 or 3 of the attachments will show up correctly on the preview. If that happens, don't worry, the remaining attachments should show up correctly on the final posting.
Thanks Guy... I think I got it now (with some extra help from Bob C )
Hi T Thompson, I'm pretty new at the model T myself. I have found that the T is not particularly difficult to work on once you get a basic understanding of how Ford did things. The '27 Tourer that I bought - thinking that it was road-ready, took me three months to get to the point that I have a reasonable amount of confidence in it. Everything has been a learning experience, and fun. There's still plenty to do, but most are things that I want to do, not have to do. Mine's a survivor, and I have no plans to restore it - but every time I take something apart, I try to put it back together better then it was.
the car looks ready to go to me, there's nothing wrong with an old car that looks like an old car.
My advice is to first join your local Model T club. There you will find many new friends that share your love of the Model T. You will be able to talk with people who have been there and done that, whatever it is you need doing to get your T back on the road and in good condition. You will also have the benefit of being able to go on club tours and events.
Welcome aboard and Happy motoring,
Warren
Nice car. Definitely great to have a one-man top. I hardly ever put the top up on the '15 as it's too much of a hassle!
Update:
I met with LI Bob today and he was a fantastic help and wealth of knowledge!! Thanks for the connection.
Over-all car is in great shape. With no work I was able to start her up and take her for a ride (with Bob's help!). We discovered a few issues that I'd love some help with...
1) Car starts and runs in Batt no problems. When key is switched over to Mag car dies. Any ideas or solutions? I understand fixing a Mag is a huge job.
2). Once the throttle goes over 1/4 way down car shimmies severely It must be brought to a stop to correct. Fine in that slow 1/4 throttle (Low Gear) speed.
Unfortunately, I have very limited car knowledge and small garage to able to do repairs. I have shop manuals and i"m trying to learn as mush as I can as I go. I can change fluids and keep up on basic maintenance. I hope to change space issue with a new house in the near future
Thanks for the help!!
Looks like you're starting with great bones to me! I say get it running, mechanically sound, and enjoy it. And then decide if a restoration is really warranted. Remember, it's a lot easier to take stuff apart than it is to get it back together.
The magneto may need major work, but maybe not. Check the switch to be sure it's working properly. Be sure all connections are clean and tight. Be sure the magneto post is clean and making contact. Here's info on magneto testing: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/183126.html
T -- The front end shimmy probably means that the car's front suspension and steering need to be rebuilt. Check everything in the steering system, from the steering wheel to the wheels, for any play. Also check the spring shackles. They're usually worn out.
Anywhere there is any play, you'll need to replace those parts.
Looking back at previous posts I see I neglected to give you these:
http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html
http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG79.html
The axle book will come in handy when you do the front suspension. It will be vital when you get to the rear axle.