Hey T guys! I'm Daryl, I'm the new guy here and building a '15-ish Speedster for my friend/Boss. He bought the pallets of T parts many years ago. He pestered me to finish my Chevelle so I could build his "Ford", and I decided that we needed to get his T parts out to see what we (he) has/ doesn't have, and where to start. I knew that if he waited for me to finish (never finished) my Chevelle, his '15 Speedster would never get built!So...after many weeks of research, videos, and you guys...I know I'm in the right place for all I need. I hate to be a pest, but I'll probably be asking questions everyday.
so, here's the jist..we have 2 chassis. the earlier one, which I think is "teens", is cleaned pretty well, but very pitted, We have a 26-27 (I'm pretty sure) in "very good" condition. I'd prefer to use the early one since we are staying "Brass" Nothing past '15, and in some things, nothing past '14, correct? I need to see some Speedster build pics and especially the wood-to-frame stuff. We're going with a flat firewall, no cowl, no coils....updating with distributor/gen (or alternator)I'll need your help on this... Have 3 20-something trannys with the starter mounting area. I know that that's the wrong terminology,but I'm semi-sure they are 23-ish. I've rebuilt the rear diff/axles with your help and the steering from steering wheel spider nut (brass) to the hub bolts! Non-detachable wooden spoked wheels. I'm in search of a fine monacle frame, rounded rear fenders, running boards, front fenders, Brass radiator '14-15 with hood and hood former. Seriously we have almost a running frame! We (he) has a '21 block that was repaired in an unusual way, and a clean '23 block. The '15 block has some cracks at the top, on the side where it obviously had frozen back in the 1900's.
so...my friend and boss is paying me (even though I'm finding myself addicted and doing it on my own time) to take 4 pallets of chicken poop and make chicken salad out of it! That's where all you guys come in! Any and all help will be great!

Do you have the manuals and bible yet?

Daryl: Get a frame and rolling chassis going. Make sure that the frame is not sagged ath the resting place of the rear part of the transmission. Frame must be 100% "STRAIGHT" If it is not it will come to haunt you with problems. Things and part will not line up. If you do not have "Model T Ford Service book get one. They are the most valuable book you can own. I have three, one in my desk, two in my shop. Work slow but precise and if you get in a hurry you will make mistake. As the say goes "MEASURE TWICE AND CUT ONCE". Get in a hurry and you will make a mistake, I know I have two cars.
Take photo and post as you go and ask questions as you will get a lot of good info here! Believe I know from past work.

Bill Dugger
Redding, Ca

Bible is on its way from Smith & Jones today, wish I had it yesterday....

Thanks for the advice Bill! I agree with you all the way. This isn't my first car to build, but it IS my first Ford, and my first "T"!! I love it and want everything to be perfect. It truly is a whole different animal compared to my usual knuckle-bustin'. Tried to upload some pics, but the site was not playing nice for my uploading?

You say gen or alternator, the later blocks will bolt straight on but to use on the 15 block will mean making your own or buying a kit to mount, dissy not a problem or setting up with later fly wheel and hogs head for a starter.

Frank, that's where I think something went wrong years ago. Boss said he bought a '15 block, but the numbers are very hard to make out. They're at the shop, so not in front of me now,,,however its a 6-digit number with a gap in the middle. I think he got lied to back in the 1900's when he got it. Here's something I need to know... we have 3 blocks, 1 is definately '23, and 1 is a '21 according to the stamped serial numbers on the water inlet side. Am I getting the correct numbers for verification? Also, 2 of our blocks have a "1 valve cover setup" and the oddball '21 has a 2 valve cover setup. Hopefully I typed that to make sense...

Frank, that's where I think something went wrong years ago. Boss said he bought a '15 block, but the numbers are very hard to make out. They're at the shop, so not in front of me now,,,however its a 6-digit number with a gap in the middle. I think he got lied to back in the 1900's when he got it. Here's something I need to know... we have 3 blocks, 1 is definately '23, and 1 is a '21 according to the stamped serial numbers on the water inlet side. Am I getting the correct numbers for verification? Also, 2 of our blocks have a "1 valve cover setup" and the oddball '21 has a 2 valve cover setup. Hopefully I typed that to make sense...

Daryl, go to the MTFCA home page and log into the encyclopedia, that will give you all the when's and how's on ID'ing parts, dates of changes etc.

Tried to delete the rerun there,,,sorry. I'll get some pics on here tomorrow if it will let me. The "error" said that they were too awesome...

Thanks Frank! I'll probably be there so much, they'll be charging me rent! G'night!

Daryl, a 15 block will have two valve covers. these ran up to 1921 on our Canadian blocks. Also, a 1915 block, through to 1919, will have a rounded integral casting behind the timing gear on the cam. Later two cover blocks and the one cover ones will have that casting missing and will have a machined surface to accommodate the generator mounting.

Hope this helps.

Allan from down under.

Along with the Ford shop manual, every T owner should have the encyclopedia. The online version on this website is NOT as extensive as the disk version. That's the best $50 you can spend on a T. Info here:

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

Welcome to the "Affliction, Steve Jelf"

George n L.A.

Lots of pictures here. http://www.nwvs.org/