I'm curious about the possibility of getting a die to fix boogered-up threads so hubcaps can go on. A thread file is mighty slow work. It looks to me like the diameter of the hub is 2 1/16". The pitch is 24, but am I right on the diameter?

I borrowed one from Glenn Edwards of Tenn. I sent it back packed inside an old spittoon, which he appreciated.

It's better to have the use of something than to own it, as my late neighbor loved to say. The Long Beach Model T club is building up a tool crib, and that die will be needed sooner or later. I donated a couple of tools already, as have a few others. They have plenty of money for buying tools, too, but it's like pulling teeth.

rdr

If you're going to make one, make one that opens up and clamps (adjustable). Sort of like a tube flaring tool. This way you can install it toward the back, where the good threads usually are, and unscrew it to chase the threads coming off. Keeps the threads in alignment and a whole lot easier to start. Trying to start a die on already buggered-up threads is sure fire way to cross thread the whole works.

Just a suggestion.

Ken
Wow that is a really good idea. I need to remember that. Did you just split it say on one side or? A picture would save a thousand words.
Thx

Steve

Same here, Lang's has a thread chaser tool for hub cap threads, but it's $90.

Maybe you can get the size and a die from China might be cheaper.

I got a China exhaust manifold die, but would use a hub cap chaser die more often, I measured a hub and got 2.109+" or 2 7/64" ?

Dan

Steve,

If you ever get up here to Topeka, Kansas let me know before hand - and bring your wheels and hubcaps. I have this original tool we can use that only takes about 15 seconds to chase the threads. No charge of course.





Travis
Topeka, Kansas

Travis
Thank you for the picture.

Travis, I didn't know such a tool existed. That is excellent. I don't know when I'll make it up to the capital, but I sure know what I'll be looking for at swap meets.

Steve

Read on another post that the hub caps threads are 2 1/8" x 24tpi.

Is that correct anyone?

Lots of details and drawings at:
http://mtfca.com/encyclo/hubcaps.htm
It includes “The inside diameter of the cap was specified as 2.082 to 2.085 inches, and was threaded to 2-1/8 by 24 U.S.S.”

Respectfully submitted,

Hap Tucker 19l5 Model T Ford touring cut off and made into a pickup truck and l907 Model S Runabout. Sumter SC.

Travis - That really is a neat tool for re-threading the hubs.

To help us in recognizing one, could you tell us if it has a name on it or other identifying information?

Thanks in advance.

Keith Gumbinger

Stevenson New York is the brand name - they made lots of T tools. I have never seen one on ebay or cragislist and look everynight.

I got this one from Australia for about 5 bucks - and for some reason a lot of my tools lately have been found there.


Travis
Topeka, Kansas

I'll start saving up my $4.50.

Travis & Jeff - Thank you for the information. This will be a tough one to find, but it sure would be nice.

Jeff - Do you have one of these also?

Thanks again, Keith

Keith,
No I do not have a Stevens T-181. $4.50 sounds cheap by todays standards but that would have been about a days pay for many, more than a days pay for others, not sure I would have bought one back then. I know I wouldnt pay a days wages to by one today. Most of my Stevens tools I am buying from people advertising them as blacksmith tools, or V8 Ford tools, or other misrepresentations.

John McLaren sells a two piece die for hub threads. As said before in this thread you install it on the threads and then wind it off. I didn't find it on his website, but he has advertised it in the club magazines and had one at Hershey. Not inexpensive - over $200 if I recall correctly but would be a good purchase for a club.

Thanks for posting your picture Travis. I'll never come across one of those in my life, but wouldn't it be nice if all these specialized tools many of you guys have could be copied and reproduced! I know there's no market and prices would be astronomical but it's nice to dream.

Heck, maybe see if Jay Leno can scan it in his 3-D scanner atleast to have the data file saved for historical purposes if nothing else !!!

Thanks again Travis.

Garnet

it sounds to me like the $4.50 back in the day and the $90 tool from Langs are the same cost, about a days wages more or less. I sure like the service that Langs gives. I'd like them to stay in business.