Does anybody know the whereabouts of the early factory machines? did they get recycled for the war efforts?
I believe they were all recycled. But some probably made their way out of the factory . Years ago I saw an original factory un-drilled block, no holes drilled in it- at a swap meet on display. That means someone took the block before it made it to the drilling machines.
the Henry Ford in Dearborn has one of the original Model T block mills on display. I doubt if the Model T tooling was destroyed, typically the machines are flexible enough to be refitted for the next models and used many years. Odds are that many machines were used to the point where it was difficult to hold tolerances and then the metal was recycled.
I read several years ago that the machines used to make the older style Scandinavia Transmission linings were disposed of in the early 60's.
The older equipment to weave the linings weaved a really tight weave which would wear a little longer than whats used today.
Even the old Wards bands and other older brands would wear quite a while because they are really well made.
Yes we do have Kevlar and wooden bands but good cotton bands are still great for what they are.
I wonder if Ford made their own linings or used a supplier to make them.
The original running board stamp press is now still making "T" running boards at Rootliebs in Turlock California. When it squeezes a new one the ground shakes like an earth quake.
brasscarguy
Brass car guy: Concerning what happened to Ford's T presses and machinery, I read a few years ago on the forum that Rootliebs bought several forming presses for body parts. Wonder what else Rootlieb got besides the running board press.
I believe they were the first company that started reproducing fenders and they have been doing it for quite a while.