Speedometer questions

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Speedometer questions
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, October 07, 2014 - 10:23 pm:

I want to start looking for a proper 1915 speedometer at swap meets, so I need to clarify a few things.

I gather the S-W Model 100 is most plentiful. Is there something I should watch out for that's likely to make a unit unusable? I don't want to buy it if it's junk.

Where should I look for the G?

The S-W specification chart lists a "Rear Gear" (11077). I gather this is different from the #1322 road gear. What is it?

Are the "Cut Out Type" and "Plain Type" road gears interchangeable?

If the Cut Out gear is OK to use, does it have a part number on it?

I'll probably have more questions, but these will get me started.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Verne Shirk on Wednesday, October 08, 2014 - 07:54 am:

I don't believe Ford offered a speedometer for 1915. What you are probably looking for is a "period correct". Perhaps the most popular and easiest to find are the Ford Specials. There is a smaller gear that fits on a speedometer hub which goes with the Ford Specials. If I remember right, the head may or may not have a Ford script but the shaft sticking out is about 1/8" diameter and has a pin near the end so it looks like a lower case "T". I think the Jones is a good speedometer. Some brands you want to avoid because they have pot metal in the mechanism which deteriorates over time. Russ Furstnow's book on speedometers is where to get the facts...I'm just going from memory from hanging around guys that work on them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Patterson-Nicholasville, Kentucky on Wednesday, October 08, 2014 - 10:27 am:

Steve
I will second Verne's observations about Russ Furstnow's Speedometer book.
Get one.
Ron the Coilman


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Wednesday, October 08, 2014 - 01:24 pm:

Speedometers were standard during the 1915 model year. The speedometers are of the "Ford Special" type. The best ones are the Sears Cross, Johns Manville, and Jones, in that order of preference.

Steve I recommend you get either the Sears Cross or Johns Manville.

The Stewart Model 100 would not be appropriate for 1915.

Ford discontinued supplying speedometers in August 1915


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Wednesday, October 08, 2014 - 02:22 pm:

Good thread on this topic:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/472648.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Wednesday, October 08, 2014 - 03:02 pm:

Russ Furstnow told me that the Jones is the best-made of the Ford Special speedos.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Friday, October 10, 2014 - 11:06 pm:

The Jones is the rarest of the Ford Specials. I have yet to see one in person.

The Sears Cross units are usually found in working order, and are not too rare. They are easy to see with the black hand and white background, combined with a lot of sweep radius, more than any other brand.

You can see one of mine here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUhFZSZOotU


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John P. Steele, Montana on Friday, October 10, 2014 - 11:22 pm:

I had Russ rebuild a Ford Special for my 15 roadster but I believe he told that 14 was the last year they would have been used. I didn't care because I liked the Ford Special. He told me the model I needed and I wrote it down and put it in a safe place. If I ever find it I'll let you know. Maybe Russ will see this and post the model.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Kramer on Saturday, October 11, 2014 - 08:29 am:

Steve, I acquired a nice JM unit from a friend for my 14 a while back. The rest of the hardware I found at Langs except for the two hole spindle arm. They are not very common but can be found. Saw two at Hershey, Expensive! You can get by without the special wheel hub with a little lathe work on your hub. Russ's book is invaluable. MTFCA has them. Great meeting you Thursday at Hershey. Jerry Kramer


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Georgetown TX on Saturday, October 11, 2014 - 08:50 am:

John, the Ford Specials are the correct speedometer through the end of 1915 model year.

Here is a picture showing workers at Highland Park assembling 1915 firewalls, each with a Stewart (least favorite and worst in my opinion) Ford Special speedometer attached:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rodney Aspenson on Saturday, October 11, 2014 - 03:18 pm:

I have a speedometer,swivel drive, drive sprocket and drivechain/cable on E-bay right now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301343958578?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m15 55.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301344056676?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m15 55.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301344089701?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m15 55.l2649


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