Today, I accidentally posted a question on the classified page about using improved, updated parts. I'm not going to repost the entire question, but if you read it on the Classifieds, you can respond to it here.

Terry, In my opinion. I do not think anything "needs" updated. The only two exception to that would be bronze thrust washers in the rear axle and safety glass. If as you state the car is likely to be driven very little, Why would anything need to be updated. I would only worry about making things safe. And if it is a "family heirloom" the more you leave it alone, the better. Just my opinions. submitted with respect, Donnie Brown

If it is your car, you can do whatever you want with it. If you are planning to drive it, I would suggest that you update the brakes and install safety glass. I would also replace the babbit thrust bearings inside the rear axle with bronze. Those would be the very least updates I would suggest. If it will only be on display, then just clean it up and leave it as is. The decision is entirely up to you. As for paint and upholstery, you are not going to get exactly the same materials which were on the original car. Tires of today are much improved from the ones available in the day. If you will drive the car, you do need to install new tires. Any internal engine and transmission parts which are updated are not visible from the outside. Anyway, you can achieve a car which looks very much as the original car, but which runs like a T ran when new. Or you can soup up the engine and make it faster than original.

Any or all changes to be made depend on you and you alone to decide.
Norm

Thanks to Steve R,. Gary L., Donnie B., and Norman K. for sharing their ideas on my posts on whether or not to use modern parts on a garage queen. The front axle has been refurbished as has a rear Ruxtell (but with full floating hubs). I'm using the original Vaporizer and I have two complete setups (one off of a running car when removed) so I ought to be able to make at least one run right. The fuel tank is clean and I have a spare (just in case) and the radiator is cleaned and a new neck installed.

I would like to keep oil leaks to a minimum, so I'll do everything I can to seal and prevent leaks in the engine area. The trans is my concern. I have a rebuilt mag ring. I'll have to test and recharge the magnets but since I have a pacemaker, I'll probably be cranking and running on battery, most of the time. The trans was rebuilt in the late sixties and in the time since, it probably hasn't been driven more than 300 miles, not enough to need to adjust the bands, so I don't think I'll change anything in it. The U joint was replaced as were all driveshaft bearings and bushings. The engine short block was rebuilt recently with new parts so I guess I'll just leave it at that.

Terry, the question of possible magneto interference on a pacemaker came up on the forum a few years ago. I suspect if you ask your doc you'll be told it's OK to drive on magneto.

If you want to relay the level of the magnetic field to your doctor so he can make an informed decision, it's 50 milligauss within 18 inches of the trans cover and coil box. (I couldn't isolate the two at that distance.) Less from the engine area. It drops sharply to <10MG at 24". Closer than 16" pegged my meter so I couldn't get a reading.

I'm not a doctor and suspect he's not Model T knowledgeable so give him the numbers so he can decide if it will affect the PM. I think as long as you aren't laying in the floorboard or over the hood while it's running, you should be OK.

Just for comparison, I get 50MG from a running 120mm PC fan at about 3" from the intake side.

Terry, first of all let me say how fortunate you are to be the caretaker of the family heirloom. The one in my family (1910 Stanley) fell victim to the WWII scrap drives. By the sound of it this car has already seen lots of love. Change fluids, check the adjustments, and take the old girl out and drive it. Make a decision from there what it needs...or what your wallet can afford. As far as the vaporizer goes: some folks have great luck with them. Mine drove me nuts and is now garage wall art. But most importantly, decide who will be the next "caretaker" of such a special piece of family history. None of us seem to have much luck living forever.