Gentleman, I've stepped up and purchased my second Model T. Its basically a pile of parts that the 2 previous owners never finished or assembled. I usually can put things back together again if I took them apart, but this is a new ballgame for me. Most of the sheet metal is new. It has a 1917-1922 Fordwood kit. All of the original wood is gone. It appears to have a new metal firewall 1924 or later, and the front leaf springs have an extra 3 added, for a total of 10.
Looking for some thoughts on how to proceed. I will check engine etc. as it "ran when last parked". Numbers on engine indicate a mid 1921. I will try to post pictures. I do have a local mentor, Bill Duggar. What's the difference in inches for a high vs. low radiator?
r/s Bob

Robert,

You need to proceed by gifting it to ME .....

That is my T of choice - in unrestored rusty dusty crusty glory.


FreighTer Jim

Robert
That's about the dating for my 21 Touring that I restored. Its a mid year car also.
The difference is about an inch as far as the radiator goes in determining a low or high radiator
The low radiator is 17" and the high is 18 3/8". The measurements are taken from the height of the core.

Next question is your sheet metal parts for the back of the Touring you have for a 3 or 5 piece back. My mid 21 is a 5 piece back car.
There is some confusion about dating the Touring cars because of the number of sections that make up the back. It was a Transition from the body style to another.

There are some cars that are dated 21 and have a 3 piece back. Some have different ideas how to date them and you will get different ideas how to do it.

Part of the issue is when Ford actually sold the cars and what was the dating on the title.
I would get a wood firewall since the higher firewall wont work with the low cowl sheet metal you have. Its to high.

The Fordwood website has some tips for the type of body brackets you will also need for your car. As far as assembling the body a set of plans from Leon Parker can be of help to do it. You should have a basic set of instructions on setting up the wood and fitting the sheet metal from Fordwood. Its fairly good to use but not really detailed.

Also be aware that any wood kit you use will not simply drop in to place. It will take some fit up here and there. Same goes for the sheet metal.

Also make sure the frame is straight and square FIRST which goes a LONG way in putting the car together without issues with the doors and etc.
Good Luck!

John, copy your advise, thank you. I do not know the prior history, 2 attempts by well meaning men/'women. I have all the metal and a wood kit, I don't know if they are in harmony. The encyclopedia does not go to that depth. I have a metal fire wall, lifted radiator by 3'leaf springs, and a pile of sheet metal, all newish.???
r/s Bob

Jim, it's yours, come and get it.
r/s Bob

You may find this useful. Most of it is correct.

Bolts_nuts_threaded_items.pdf (127.8 k)