MTFCA Forum

Rich Bingham

Granted, it may be easier to encounter a unicorn, but what about one if those “crank from the seat” mechanical gizmos that were offered back in the day ? Would that help you at all ? Next question, do they work as well as “as advertised” ? I’d like to think a concerted effort by forum members would ...

Rich Bingham

It’s interesting to note how far advanced KDs techniques were. It has only been recently that bio-mechanical solutions in the medical field have come to be applied successfully, and nowhere near as invasive as the apparatus he installed for Winston’s betterment. This ledgermain feat did not go entir...

Rich Bingham

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 08, 2019 12:28 am
In these parts chain binders are usually called boomers . . .

Is that the “OK boomer” Tim Rogers has been writing about ?

Rich Bingham

That’s exciting news for movie fans, Rich ! For anyone wanting to see an advance trailer, the movie is titled “Dances With Moles”. I understand there’s some breathtaking footage of the moss plantations in bloom.

Rich Bingham

Like a moth to the flame, I’ll hazard a guess, so folks who REALLY KNOW what they’re talking about can correct me 😊 Even plowing deep, eventually you’ll nick hard-pan ! 😜 Like a locomotive on rails, narrow tires concentrate the weight, so tractive effort is most positive. Given the high clearance of...

Rich Bingham

Jack, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one amused by comparisons of "the horse" vs. the Model T Ford. For what it's worth, here's a modern comparison: In round numbers, feed and shoeing costs me about $1000 annually to keep my saddle horse. Through the year, I'll ride about 1,200 miles. A thousand b...

Rich Bingham

Another instance that proves the necessity of this forum where questionable and spurious historical commentary can be examined and corrected by fact rather than rumor. Kalamity Dick became reclusive and retired to the basement of Ernie’s Saloon in the early’40s. Sometime before 1950, he and his old ...

Rich Bingham

Errata:
We’re perplexed by the “Bud Light” sign in the background of that photo, clearly dated as “Thanksgiving, 1931”. Anhauser-Busch didn’t begin marketing Bud Light until 1982. Anyone ? Anyone? Bueller ?!?

Rich Bingham

That wonderful photo of the Thanksgiving banquet at Ernie’s in 1931 deserves comment. Thanks to Sebastian for his tireless efforts tracing and re-tracing the aisles of the basement archives. (We really should buy some rubber to put on that tricycle he gets around on. The rims are marking up the parc...

Rich Bingham

Looks great with side mounts !

Rich Bingham

Holy cow !! 😳. Case in point as to why this mere mortal will never own a CDO this side of Heaven !! The creativity factor is a moving target. Rich, I’ve seldom seen such “creativity” as your successful efforts to replicate original parts and hardware. In 1962, when I fell in love with my first Model...

Rich Bingham

Well I remember the proffered “Nib”. Before I could read I was attracted to that red and yellow box with the camel on it. Harvey Sweetbine, an older, mischievous playmate,ruined them for me forever by informing me they were “camel dung”. Familiar with sheep droppings, I believed him and willingly su...

Rich Bingham

Speaking of things fun to look at, Rich, you’ve done it again !! Thanks for posting this, I especially enjoy the close up details. As for the “made up” CDOs, perhaps the motive was “pure”, i.e. to have and enjoy something that would be otherwise unattainable. Much of “hot-ridding”, building T speeds...

Rich Bingham

From the start the whole Raven Bran history is something of a fiasco. Problems arose early on as few could tell the difference between a raven and a crow. Those tasty dark nuggets of goodness in the Raven Bran were actually “Black Crows” at times, dome shaped licorice flavored gum drops sold only at...

Rich Bingham

There but for fortune . . .

Rich Bingham

If I recall correctly this was a suggestion for installation of Kevlar lining with an attendant rationale which seemed reasonable. Retro fitted “improved” items often require a different approach than the originals.

Rich Bingham

?!? Oops !!

Rich Bingham

It’s possible KD’s association with Fierstein was motivated by Kalamity’s research on controlling rubber maggots. An infestation left most automobile owners in the Tri-Burg basin literally tireless. Dick soon found Cuthbert’s home remedy for thrush (copper sulfate and tobacco juice) solved the prob...

Rich Bingham

It’s possible KD’s association with Fierstein was motivated by Kalamity’s research on controlling rubber maggots. An infestation left most automobile owners in the Tri-Burg basin literally tireless. Dick soon found Cuthbert’s home remedy for thrush (copper sulfate and tobacco juice) solved the probl...

Rich Bingham

Speaking of latter-day actors, it’s interesting to note that Pernicious Pictures began a re-make of “Man Without Gingham” in 1956. Vincent Price was cast in the role of Fentmore Google, with Peter Lorre as Kalamity Dick. The initial “takes” were shot on location near Ozone, Idaho but the project sta...

Rich Bingham

Jeff, that’s great ! “B’ar grease” was pretty universally used by the old timers for everything from cooking, to hair oil, to oiling boots and harness ! Leather needs to retain a certain moisture content to remain viable. Oils help to soften leather and retain that moisture level, providing a certai...

Rich Bingham

Kenny Edmondson wrote: ↑
Wed Nov 27, 2019 7:12 am
. . . you’re wrong . . .

Nothing new there Kenny. I’m ALWAYS wrong.

Glad to hear it worked well. It sure would be handier than heavier rope !

Rich Bingham

That’s a wonderful thought for the season Rich, something we can all take to heart. I’m reminded that Cuthbert had a mockingjay brazed onto the radiator cap of his ‘13 Ford, not quite the same thing, but that’s a story for another time. (It was a pretty unique mascot though)

Rich Bingham

Good observation Eric !! I believe you’re right. The seat cushion does look like old “leatherette”.

Rich Bingham

perry kete wrote: ↑
Tue Nov 26, 2019 2:44 pm

I used thread myself . . .

Good thinking Perry ! But have you considered your tires are full of thread under that there rubber ? Save yourself a lot of trouble by simply running them tires you got that are wore down to the cord !

Rich Bingham

It’s a real treat to review the wealth of information in this topic and ponder on its historical importance. Coincidence or destiny? A year agone, and we’ve come full circle, back to Ernie’s in Medicine Bow.

Rich Bingham

. . . chains tear up fenders when they come loose . . . :lol: Ah yes ! Sounds from my youth. When streets and roads were all “snow floor” the traffic that was moving would sound with the sort of chirping whirr of tire chains, and the inevitable metallic slap of some element that had come loose bang...

Rich Bingham

Rich, while we’re waiting, please hold forth on using rope. I know you’ve done it, I’ve always wanted to ! From old pictures, I’d guess the old timers used 5/8 or heavier. The rope in the pic Perry posted (more alliteration 😜) looks too light to me to be much use. ‘Nother thought (? Question?) seems...

Rich Bingham

Is it possible to make the seat material (leather?) more pliable? . . . This would be a good opportunity for someone with knowledge and expertise restoring / conserving leather to offer some wisdom. Research-wise, methods for doing so would depend on the nature of the material used. Was it top grai...

Rich Bingham

Looks strictly urban. Heat pipes? Water would have to be nearly up to the frame before that would be a problem. This is why Henry gave us splash pans. How many early cars do you reckon crossed streams without bridges fairly regularly? I don’t think hubs or axles would ship any water while moving. Ju...

Rich Bingham

I suppose there’s no value in speculating without solid documentation but I’d be willing to bet they came unpainted. Then as now, some seeping or sweating if fuel is inevitable which would (will) ultimately remove a coat of paint.

Rich Bingham

From what I gather, the moving assembly line was a benchmark wherein the transition began to bodies made in-house. I believe open car bodies were increasingly made by Ford through 1915-16 until most if not all were made in house by 1920. The enclosed styles continued to be supplied by outside source...

Rich Bingham

There's an amusing story behind Kipper's Hudson. Thornberg Kipper was a successful moss planter in the Tri-burg Basin who dominated moss production there, and became quite wealthy. With the increasing popularity of the automobile, Thornberg (Thorny to his friends) purchased a Hudson automobile. As w...

Rich Bingham

Great sources fellows. The short answer is bodies were delivered painted with brushes before the moving assembly line (1913-14). When Ford began building their own bodies paint was flowed on in a recirculating system with a sort of “garden hose” apparatus. When color was once again made available in...

Rich Bingham

Minutes in hand can be hazardous. Bartholomew just came upstairs from the Institute archives to show me the single copy we have on file of the “Saddlestring Evening Standard” (a very short lived periodical published only from February through September, 1908 before being absorbed by the Saddlestring...

Rich Bingham

. . . They are labeled as chipboard screws! My theory is that tapered wood screws would tend to work out of chipboard, but parallel threaded screws would maintain their hold . . . The wood screw we have known for decades is tapered, and depending on the application (wood species, etc. ) they operat...

Rich Bingham

A little bit of "parts salad" to this one. The starting crank goes with the late model engine. The steering wheel is earlier than '19. Perhaps the earlier stirrup handles got replaced for tee handles ? I had a '20 with forged runningboard braces, certainly a '19 would have them. What a great car !! ...

Rich Bingham

It all boils down to what thrills you more as an object of desire. 50 years ago a Model A could still run the roads with modern traffic, while a T was markedly slower. Today both are equally problematic. Is an "A" less troublesome and more dependable than a T ? Of course it depends on which A and wh...

Rich Bingham

"Silly beings" ?!? We have met the enemy and he is us !

Rich Bingham

I'm having a ball in geezerville - not much has changed. I've always had bum eyesight (wore glasses since I was six) so wearing specs is no big deal. I've always been scatter-brained and forgetful, but now I can claim a "senior moment", and I get a bye. Kinda like hollering "King's X" when we were k...

Rich Bingham

Oftimes negative opinions have been expressed about some of the events that have been included by the International Olympic Committee through the years, saying they are too sedentary (e.g. Parcheesi, Tiddly-winks and four-handed Pinochle) to be considered along with extreme athletic events such as p...

Rich Bingham

These photos are great ! Dating by the two "new" cars, no earlier than '38 or nine. "Dopey" scrawled on the car refers to Disney's "Snow White" (1937). It's interesting to me to note the changes we never seem to notice. The T is only 14 years or so old, but looks really ancient. Does anyone even not...

Rich Bingham

. . .Views may change over the years . . . I believe they have, and will certainly continue to do so. When we began our Model T journey over 50 years ago, most perceived the restoration process to mean total disassembly and re-painting, replacing and re-plating everything "brand new". This was unfo...

Rich Bingham

You tell 'em, Tom.

You're the best and the brightest, and you're always right about everything. No need to offer other points of view. Thanks for posting.

Rich Bingham

I believe Norm is correct that no Model T is 100% authentic. If it were possible to examine random examples from each benchmark year during the evolution of the Model T., preserved as they came from the factory in some kind of time-warp, it's my opinion there would arise many interesting discrepanci...

Rich Bingham

Oh ! Now I get it. Typo in my cook-book says "thinly spiced". I'll try again.

Rich Bingham

Relics seem even more appealing under a blanket of snow !

Rich Bingham

I seem to recall that, Rich. The Neumanns were a bit odd. Only family in the neighborhood to grow Sudan Grass for a lawn. Something to do with gophers, I understood. Maybe not.

Rich Bingham

A wonderful and instructive contribution Burger. Thanks for providing it. The lithograph was the work of Erasmus Mingo, grandfather of Norman Mingo, who produced the Mad Magazine covers in the 1960s. While a consummate draftsman, the Elder Mingo balked at rendering human features. He solved this con...

Rich Bingham

Two horsepower ?? One for each patrolman I'd say (and that's plenty ! ) That is genius ! Wonderful what can be done with LED lights. Be safe out there guys !

Rich Bingham

Back to Jimmy, not one of Cuthbert's cavvy, but there's a connection. In the late 20's Cuthbert traded a yearling filly to a traveling salesman who took her back east. At the ripe age of 22, the mare foaled Jimmy in 1950. Giving the lie to the song, Jimmy actually COULD roller skate in a buffalo her...

Rich Bingham

I swear too, but I shouldn't. Like Dad told me, "Son, don't swear. It sounds like hell and don't do a damn bit of good. "

Rich Bingham

Yes there were. I especially remember how friendly and cordial were the couple in the green Packard touring. Proof to me how pleasant encounters sustain the hobby !

Rich Bingham

I'm really enjoying these, Rich !! Thanks for posting them. You kinda do them a disservice by calling them "sketches". They are very refined, finished ink drawings ! (I remember that Packard - gosh, '91 seems a long time ago

)

Rich Bingham

I use spark plugs in my Model T, and can highly recommend them !

Rich Bingham

Ruxstel24 wrote: ↑
Tue Oct 29, 2019 12:48 pm
Lots of shine being made out there still . . .

words to live by

Rich Bingham

That doesn't look so bad John, here's to today, wind out of the north at 23mph, chill factor -8F
. . . Because it's Idaho ! (Winter ! My favorite thing !)

Rich Bingham

Oddly enough, a large file containing Barnswoggle's working drawings featured prominently in the collection of documents which formed the core of research materials when the Institute was established. It was noted that the Barnswoggle drawings were donated by Miss Muriel Von Hoopnagle. In an addendu...

Rich Bingham

Just an aside, but a curious fact is, in Idaho, the month of March always lasts 90 days. Prove it to yourself next time you get the chance.

Rich Bingham

Thanks for the pix Robert. Interesting stuff. Seems like the tubes are too stingy for an outside oiler, what does that cylindrical item do ? As for the ball-end nut, is it possible the two pieces didn't originally go together ? I've seen hinge pin finials that were threaded to go in the body of the ...

Rich Bingham

A fine drawing !! (Ain't they never heard of "artistic license" ? -

)

Rich Bingham

Can you post a picture ?

Rich Bingham

. . . why didn’t Henry go with the “single spark system” when the starter cars came out in 1919? Think of the savings . . . Bob, as Henry had pared costs to the bone, I'm pretty sure any re-design, re-tooling and sourcing different components would not have made for savings. Unless the motor had be...

Rich Bingham

Long John Yahoodie's short-lived but iconic "Long "John's Panhandle & Unmentionables Inc. " gave seasonal employment to a number of Chugwater residents while the burlap mill and stitchery was running. Yahoodie's literal rags-to-riches-to-rags story was, indeed, the inspiration for the book, "The Ris...

Rich Bingham

Model T rear axles were often modified for application on farm implements. Around here, many one-row spud diggers used them. (Blackfoot, Idaho - world potato capitol -

)

Rich Bingham

Thanks for posting that photo of the turdbine processor, Perry. A wonderful example of the sort of complex machinery KD developed. Many wondered how he was able to produce such engineering marvels working alone. Truth is, he did have the benefit of the assistance of many bright minds in an indirect ...

Rich Bingham

I had to check. Yup. Posted a picture. I should look through the "family album" more often.

Rich Bingham

Even better ! Let us know how you make out.

Rich Bingham

How cold do you drive ? If your core temperature drops below 95F, you're hypothermic. Don't do that.

Rich Bingham

Wayne, please do grab the Victrola. I'm certain this topic qualifies for a new record, as I'm sure no other topic has ever appeared on these boards that has continually been at the top of the "current" posts for over two years running. Rich, kudos to your uncle for his perspicacity. The correlation ...

Rich Bingham

. . . i can't seem to crank it.It seems as if it binds up and is very hard to crank. I can relate. If my '13 Lizzie is laid by for any length of time (usually when the barn door is snowed in) I've noted that she feels very "dry" on cranking, and harder to turn than normal. This is not the elastic t...

Rich Bingham

Excited by the prospect of discovering works of art from KD's hand, Sebastian was greatly disappointed to learn that none of his paintings exist. While a mechanical genius, KD could be amusingly literal when out of his metre. When he essayed to begin painting pictures, he understood "oil colors" to ...

Rich Bingham

For many years, children in the tri-burg region were convinced that KD actually WAS Santa Claus. With his mysterious comings and goings, and legendary generosity, it certainly was plausible. Although KD's wide circle of friends and their high regard for him could have made KD a very successful figur...

Rich Bingham

Perry, easily confused as Porkey and Percy were just one set in the ten pairs of twins in the Pinkwort family. Yes, Mabel was just one of the sisters, but Aspidistra Pinkwort counted as seven of them. She was known in the family as Ma Pinkwort's "miracle baby".

Rich Bingham

Weight of a bear chassis - variable. Black bears weigh anywhere between 90 to 600 lbs. Grizzlies can weigh over 1,000. Bare bear chassis ? Bare bones, figure 12 - 14 % of live weight.

Rich Bingham

It's always a treat to see your work Rich !

Rich Bingham

"Fatman" steering wheel and Firestone demountables ?

Rich Bingham

"Dezincification".

Look it up in your Funk & Wagnall's

Rich Bingham

That IS neat !! Thanks for sharing.

Rich Bingham

Speaking of turning stones, the Pinkwarts were an odd family. They never bought groceries nor patronized local beaneries, but the whole family was, well, rather rotund. Shortly before their residence was condemned for rodent infestation, it became very uncomfortably drafty and cold in winter. Pa Pin...

Rich Bingham

Joseph, thank you for posting. It's a pleasure to see everything orderly, with proper tools, and so well thought out. Such a contrast ! Inspires me to try to follow your example, rather than my usual "down on hands and knees, in the mud, and the blood and the grease !" Thank you for posting. Here's ...

Rich Bingham

As the subject of stunt doubles has already been broached, further research indicates that during Perturbation (1919-1933) a notorious boot-legger named Irwin Caltrop used his uncanny resemblance to Cuthbert (Mad Dog) Maddox to elude local law officers and federal agents bent on enforcing the Volste...

Rich Bingham

I'd vote to make both available. I had to cut the long ones down to clear the fender iron bolts on my '13, the plate wouldn't clear the original "tall head" fender iron bolts, which set the radiator stud at an angle. Yup, a short plate will spin and can be difficult to disassemble, but then, if the ...

Rich Bingham

:lol: Henry, sounds like the title of this thread should be the title of that book !! :lol: Those who pretend to write history have an ethical obligation to be accurate. It's hard enough to research factual accounts without some jackass cluttering up a subject with wrong information. Shame on them. ...

Rich Bingham

Rich, that's fascinating. I had no idea. I was visiting with Sebastian just the other day about the movie stuntmen of the '40s and 50's. Interestingly, he told me Buckwalter was the father of at least one set of Doublemint Twins. No doubt it ran in the family ? (twice!) As for Hollywood stuntedmen, ...

Rich Bingham

Good timing Burger. Heinrich is notoriously allergic to latex. We'll await your further expletives. The Moss Control Center thanks you for your input. Expect a plaque at the next St. Swithin's Day awards banquet.

Rich Bingham

Henry and Dennis are on to the "meat" of the price issue. Many were working for a dollar a day back then, making a new runabout cost nine months' wages ! I wonder what the equivalent purchasing power of $260 00 is in today's emaciated dollars ?? Another thing to consider - excepting those within wal...

Rich Bingham

In spite of the reverse vote, the castigator syndicate was successful insofar as in our part of the West, "Ws" are often denunciated as vowels, giving Jameson the last laugh. Actually, Jameson's last laugh occurred when he offered to buy a round of the whiskey branded with his surname in an Irish pu...

Rich Bingham

Once again I'm mystified by a repro part that is not made to original spec. Why ?!? How much more would it cost to do it right ? Spring frames will bend even when they're steel. Aluminum sounds like sure failure sooner than later.

Rich Bingham

RustyFords wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 07, 2019 8:03 am
. . . this one has found a place in my heart like no other.

likely most of us agree heartily !!

Rich Bingham

Even though their open screens you're still adding an impediment to fuel/air flow. Can't see what good it'll do really. I'll bet it's even odds Charlie. Flow is impeded, but the fuel is vaporized better. At moderate speeds the theory was that better fuel economy would result. Better performance ? N...

Rich Bingham

I've fought this battle too ! It took a while to find all of the pieces of the puzzle. I'm guessing my problem was same as yours, Steve: seepage kept the "spud" damp (and smelly) with gasoline, never quite leaking enough even to cause a drip. I removed the "spud" and gave the valve a good working ov...

Rich Bingham

Darren J Wallace wrote: ↑
Wed Oct 02, 2019 3:47 pm
. . . I’ve posted it a million times

And it's a pleasure to see it every time you do ! Thanks Darren !

Rich Bingham

I'm sure you're right Larry. The only striping I've seen on 1913 "style" cars has been in old photos; no telling the build date, or the color, either. For that matter, pix showing striping are might scarce !! Using period photos as an indication, striping on wheel spokes appears to have been common ...

Rich Bingham

True enough Mark, but kerosene was much cheaper than gasoline nonetheless. (and no road tax !). It was common well into the 1950s for gasoline tractors to be fitted with two tanks, winterfronts and adaptations to enable them to run on "low-cost fuel" kerosene, fuel oils, etc. saving "expensive" gaso...

Rich Bingham

It's well worth the discussion anyhow. My pet peeves re/ striping are stripes too heavy (wide), too much, and wrong color. On '13s, one often sees the belt line stripe coped around the windshield back-brace bolt head (mine was done that way). Period photos show it low enough to clear the bolt head. ...

Rich Bingham

Just to be nit-picky, 171.2" (14'-3") is the overall length of the Yaris. Correct on Model T wheelbase, wheel base is the distance between axels. Wheel/tire diameter plus fender overhang gives you overall length. Probably should add the overhang of the touring top when it's down as well for a Model ...

Rich Bingham

Interesting note on the comic strips, "Waxford & Mabel" and "Over at Our House". Both appeared in the Saddle String Herald and the Chugwater Times, but neither were syndicated. Cartoonist Bud Sagendorf seems to have plagiarized KD's appearances in Waxford & Mabel, as he introduced a "crazy inventor"...

Rich Bingham

There are many references in the record to KD's animal allergies, and none indicating that he ever owned pets, or any animals at all. If Kalamity Dick had owned a cat, it's most probable the creature would have drunk Happy Sally, and not champagne. It's not that KD didn't like animals. He was fond o...

Rich Bingham

Regarding reproduction dashes for the brass cars, many seem to be made from plywoods faced with cherry (?) cabinet veneers. Not a problem in the short-haul, but as furniture grade sheet stock is not required to do much more than look good, soft-wood interior plies, often with multiple voids, are not...

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