MTFCA Forum

My 1917 Touring was not built with a starter, generator, battery or electrical system. I decided to install a 12 volt system primarily because 12 volt accessories are readily available, 6 volts not so much. I started out with a rebuilt 6 volt starter but had problems, mostly with the Bendix. Five ye...

I did not buy a Model T because I wanted to drive it fast like a modern car. A Model T at 50 mph starts to feel scary and in my opinion can be unsafe, even with auxiliary brakes (I have hydraulic rear discs.) The Ruckstell gives you a gear between low and high which in my experience really helps per...

I suggest you sit in a car with a Warford. I'm a big guy with big feet and there's just too little room for me to ride comfortably with the standard pedals and levers plus the warford shifter. A Ruckstell with the lever mounted on the far left works better for me.

Look closely at the other drums. It might be a good time to replace all three.

Coil points..... now there's an item that can cause real trouble for model t'ers down the road if supplies dry up. Another example of how we are dependent upon so many small suppliers to keep the hobby going. We must do our best to support all those who support us.

I used a different approach, wrapping the exhaust pipe up to the manifold with a aluminized heat shield material. I wrapped the exhaust all the way back to the muffler and around the muffler as well. It also keeps the floorboards in the rear seat from getting hot.

John Regan used to sell a neat little unit. It does a good job of keeping a battery charged as long as you don't run your lights all the time. It keeps the Odyssey battery in my '17 charged all season. If the diode shorts the bulb blows and protects the magneto. I had a diode short and it worked as ...

Missed you Dave. Sometimes life is tough....like you said, all we can do is make the best of it.

Tim

If the lug has a foot, it is likely a Hayes - no foot, a Ford. Pictured is a Hayes - the wheel felloe requires a small cutout to accommodate the foot. Generally, a Ford rim will fit either a Ford or a Hayes felloe.

New Day - I have 13000 miles on 'em - I'm on my second brush and changed the cap (although there was nothing wrong with it) in order to compare it to an original cap at 6000 miles. Older repops like the "S" or Best should be avoided. If you buy a New Day kit from Langs or Snyders you'll get one made...

I've used flaps since the beginning. My front tires have 13,000 miles on them without issue, the rears had 11,000 before I changed them. IMO, flaps prevent the tube from being pushed down between the beads and possibly on the rim itself. It can chafe on both. If you don't have demountables, you may ...

For the last six years I have loaded my Touring in a enclosed trailer with a winch attached to the right front axle as far outboard as possible. I believe pulling from the center risks bending the axle. So far, my wishbone ball remains fully ensconced in it's socket. When I secure the T in a trailer...

My rear tires wear faster than the fronts. I'm using Universal T Driver's all around, running 60-65 psi in my '17 Touring. At 11000 miles the center tread was gone on the rears. Nearing 13000 miles I still have a little tread on the fronts but have new tires waiting to be installed on my new INDAZ r...

I have Blockleys and use a valve stem cover I bought from langs. I also use this rim nut, also from Langs.

If you can't find one you can make one. The circuit is fairly simple. You need a diode such as the 1N5042, P600M or equiv. , a bulb socket , and a automotive light bulb. If the bulb burns out, it may mean that the diode shorted (had that happen once). The blown bulb protects the magneto. You never w...

Many of our members don't care, including me...Blockley makes a quality tube with well-affixed brass valve stems. There are period-looking caps in brass or Nickel to complete the look. It has been suggested to remove the Blockley stem and replace it with a salvaged "correct" type which I find ludicr...

If you don't find him thru facebook, contact the MTFCI and MTFCA and see if he is a member.

I did the same to my 1917 Touring. Yes, it does require pulling the engine and the aforementioned modifications to the transmission. I didn't do it, rather had an experienced engine rebuilder do it as part of a total refresh. I went with a 12 volt AGM battery under the rear seat and instead of a foo...

Tariffs.....used to be you could avoid them if total less than $800 - that loophole has been cancelled.

I have gotten a vaccine whenever they became available....up to ten now I believe. No side effects from the vaccine that I'm aware of. I have had Covid three times, each time manifesting itself as a mild head cold and a general unwell feeling. I count myself lucky as to date, I'm aware of 15 friends...

Reminder-If you want to pick up your rims at Hershey you need to get your order in by 9/15

Craig - here are some photos - I don't think they're Model T but I'm no expert. I suspect they will be available but the owner wanted more info on them before putting them up for sale. If you know what you're willing to pay for them why don't you email me and I'll run it by the owner. IMG_5528.jpg I...

Mr. Devine - nice to see you on the forum. The straight "dope" goes a long way towards stamping out the rumors that circulate in the hobby. As you probably hear on a daily basis, people are interested in many of your products that for one reason or another are currently not produced. Speaking for my...

someone else told him around $5k for either it or the 27Tudor. I'm not sure. We may try to see if either one will start. They've both sat a long time but at least they were on a good floor and out of the elements.

You can buy used rims for around $100 but they are often corroded (especially on the inside) and may have sharp edges on the "clincher" that have been known to cut tires. You can file the edges down but then you have less holding the tire. The main problem is that good original rims are getting hard...

I will say this, the car is interesting - the spark and throttle linkages especially so. I suspect RHD parts could be difficult to find in the US, even in Canada as I believe the RHD's were for export. I find it interesting that Canada had the exclusive rights to sell cars everywhere in the British ...

In my garage....truthfully, I hadn't really thought seriously about buying it. RHD? Geez, I have enough trouble keeping everything straight on my '17 LHD. You shouldn't put ideas into my head

Ahaaa! Indiana Lamp Company - I worked the contrast on the photo and can just pick out the A. The dad probably picked up them up at a swap meet many years ago. Thanks Jerry. The controls all seem to be reversed - the throttle and spark linkages are quite interesting when compared to LHD cars. IMG_55...

I need the help of the experts on this forum. First item: A fellow came up to me at a gas station and asked where he might get help selling his father's Model T's. One is a 1927 Tudor the other is....a mystery. The car is Right Hand Drive and both front doors open. Canadian car, right? Maybe. The se...

I just heard from Rodrigo at INDAZ-USA. He will be in space OAF43 at Hershey.

When I spoke with Rodrigo a week ago he said he hadn't received a site number yet. He's going to let me know and I will post it. He and his daughter are planning to attend and bring a selection of their wheels and rims.

Steve, There is parking near the entrance to the village - just get there early if you want a close one. The vast majority of visitors are like you so you'll have no problem...I forget what the charge is but it's worth it. The cars are mostly divided up by year, so you'll find different brands parke...

I'm posting this for a friend and neighbor - the car belonged to his father, who was also a friend. The father died about six years ago and the car has sat since then. It was used for parades and an occasional trip to the ice cream store, not touring. The body appears solid and in good condition, al...

Terry,
That's a new one on me.... I've never experienced that with my car, but then I usually start on battery, switch to Mag and then shut down by switching the mag off. When I've had the carb set too rich I have experienced back fires when switching off with either mag or battery.

Some months ago Steve Jelf mentioned that he'd heard of a company in Florida that made wheels for classic cars. I tracked them down and learned that the owner, Rodrigo Diaz, was in the process of developing demountable, non-demountable and split-rims for Model T's. I offered my help and encouragemen...

I take it your car is a non-generator car. Most of the setups I've seen mount the alternator on the driver's side and use one longer belt. I don't know if that would be practical for your situation but you might consider it.

They make a puller for that purpose or you can try to carefully drive it out. I tried to drive it with my drive shaft (which I was replacing) and sheared off some of the rivet heads holding the ball on. I was able to replace them but it made what looked like a simple job much more complicated. Langs...

Back in 2022 Jerry VanOoteghem knew how to contact him. I have no idea of his status now.

You don't always go up the hill first. I've had the experience (before I got disc brakes) of going down a steep hill in low, from level land to a stream crossing. The engine was whining, the car still accelerating while I pumped the tranny brake trying to slow it down without locking the wheels. I c...

Thanks Charlie.... Did you by any chance take a photo of it?

At last year's MTFCI International Tour in Cadillac I saw a couple of radiator caps with little anemometers on them. The cups spin as you go down the road (or it's windy.) Does anyone know who might be making and selling them? I have a Berg's radiator and have learned the hard way I can't put anythi...

The 2025 Michigan Jamboree was a great one! Based in St. Ignace, all enjoyed the beauty of the Straits of Mackinac. Over 90 cars attended, from several states. The planners did a good job, even though the principal organizers (Brian, Dale & Roy) belong to a chapter (Borderline T's) based in SE Michi...

I installed floating safety hubs and disc brakes a few years ago and have driven thousands of miles with that combo. My pedal it set up so if the discs should fail I still have the tranny brake. I believe strongly in having auxiliary brakes. I chose discs because the work wet or dry, forward or reve...

Is the TW still available? I see a website but couldn't find one in Langs or Snyders.

You also ought to share your problem with the "reputable engine rebuilder." He may have some responsibility here.

Eric, Snyders may have sold the "Best" but I don't think they made it. I will admit some ignorance of it's history. If you look at the picture of your "S" cap you can see the beginnings of plastic being pushed up over the contacts and on the face of the brush. Look back at my picture of a Tip-Top wi...

"S" caps were sold by Snyders, before my time. That said, they still turn up on cars and at swap meets. They are made of a softer plastic and stand a little taller than they should. I've seen a couple with grooves cut into them by a fan belt as a result. The interior surfaces of the cap wear quickly...

Sounds like you did everything right. It certainly is a mystery. One thing I do to the brush is round the leading edge of the brush slightly thinking that it will reduce brush and cap wear as it spins. Does it make a difference? No idea.

The rain gutters for wood firewalls were not available until 1919...I have a 1917 but installed one anyway. They show up now and then at swap meets. Below is a Vowell drawing showing the arrangement. The arrow points at the gutter. Originally they used felt to seal between the body and firewall. Any...

People love or hate New Day timers. It usually comes down to original versus reproduction and if the latter, the quality of the reproduction. There were a number of attempts to reproduce the New Day in the past and they all pretty much missed the mark, until Tip-Top came out with theirs. If you buy ...

I've been using New Days exclusively for the 12000 miles I've put on the car. I use timers made by Tip Top Timers of Spokane Valley, WA exclusively. I've never seen wear like you've experienced and typically get around 5-6K on a brush - longer on the cap. I wonder what else might be going on here? I...

I installed floating safety hubs. Sure, you have to trim a little off the axle tube but I think it's worth it. It transfers some of the weight off the axle and has the added advantage that if your axle should break, the wheel stays on the car. I also replaced my axles when I installed the safety hub...

Put the battery on the charger and make sure it is fully charged before you go. Check the obvious things such as oil level, coolant, tire pressure, etc. Have you lubed the differential and drive shaft lately? How about the rear outside hyatt bearings? Wouldn't hurt to check the level in the rear dif...

A couple of questions to help the rest of us who might know of available cars. 1-open or enclosed? 2- Two or four passenger? 3- camping or motels? (on your journey) A common cross country choice is a roadster pickup where the rear tonneau has been replaced with a PU bed or enclosed box. You could al...

Joshua - for what you're planning I would avoid the early cars. 1920 and newer would probably best suit your needs. They have a starter, generator and electrical system which became available as an option in 1919. The radiator is a little bigger than the brass cars and one in good shape or a reprodu...

I have disc brakes and love them. They do provide better stopping for my 1917 than the transmission brake. Being hydraulic, discs don't require adjustment like the Rocky Mountain and AC brakes. They work in reverse, wet or dry. Before I got the discs I had experience in hill country where I was not ...

John has the answer I believe. I've seen this many times. My 1917's camshaft is that way. I put a small mark on the end of the camshaft showing the correct alignment to reduce the risk of installing it 180°

i am very familiar with this problem. In 2019-2021 my newly rebuilt engine & transmission suffered a series of such failures beginning within a couple of months of getting it back on the road after a 30 year sleep. The rebuilder was very aware of the importance of adequate clearance between the pin ...

Other threads on this forum have been asking where to get WOSP 12 volt starters. Snyders shows "out of stock" and the other WOSP dealers likewise. I decided to go to the source, Neil Tuckett of England's Tuckett Brothers, who originally designed the starter along with WOSP. Here is his reply: "I hav...

I think I know this car. It was restored and formerly owned by Dave Crompton Sr. who is not only a Model T'er but one of the "go-to" guys for the restoration of WWII German Kubelwagens and Schwimminwgens - the German version of our Jeeps, the latter amphibious. He even owns a WWII German Hetzer Tank...

Welcome. All clubs in Michigan are associated with the MTFCI - two, Piquette and Northern Michigan T's are affiliated with the MTFCA as well. Looking at the chapter listings I found this in your area: Model T Flivver's Roger Hoheneder N 2705 River Dr. Wallace, MI 49893 A great Wisconsin club (althou...

I'd like some recommendations. Looking for some lightweight folding chairs that are compact enough to be carried in or on a touring car at events. I want something sturdy, rated to 300 lbs (I weigh 280) with armrests and a seat wide enough not to to pinch my ......you know. Some of the hunting chair...

The MTFCI has Model T Flivver's c/o Roger Hoheneder N 2705 River Dr. Wallace, MI 49893 Not real close but a great MTFCA Wisconsin Club Dairyland Tin Lizzies c/o Pete Humphrey West Bend, WI 53095-8744 (google them) Note: All Michigan clubs are affiliated with the MTFCI, two are jointly associated wit...

Dan is sure right about that - such an original car may have babbitt thrust washers in the differential which should be replaced with bronze. If the babbitt ones fail, you could be left with no power, no brakes and a chewed-up rear end. While in there a modern pinion bearing would be a good idea, as...

The WOSP starter for Model T's was designed by the Tuckett Brothers in the UK. Checking their website they are out of stock as well. I sent Neil an email asking if there are plans for future production and will report back if he replies. FWIW - a clever person could do something similar over here if...

I've not had a knee replaced but have had discussions with my doctor about it. He told me that they've been getting the best outcomes with "Mako" robot assisted replacements. Smaller incisions, quicker recovery, the ability to customize knee replacements to each patient’s anatomy for a more natural ...

I've had others suggest putting something in the tank and mechanically cleaning it. One fellow I know ties the tank to a tractor tire and drives it for awhile. I thought of doing something along that line but not knowing the clearance around the baffle I was reluctant to do so. It's one thing to put...

I'm surprised you can still get one. I wonder what else uses that size?

Brent, I'm sure you are correct....the most likely culprit is the preparation. I followed the instructions as best I could but could see only a small area of the cleaned tank through the filler hole. Opening the tank as you describe sounds like the best approach....it certainly gives you the access ...

I recently had to replace my original 1916 round gas tank. the left end had been cut open by a previous owner and poorly repaired. When it started to leak last year I attempted a repair with JB Weld's Tank weld. It held a year but I pulled on a loose end last week and it pulled right off. Due to tim...

It's a miracle! My wife was doing the laundry today and came to me with a little nut in her hand. "Is this important? I found it in the lint filter of the dryer." I feel pretty dumb but pretty lucky too. I must have put it in my pants pocket at some point and forgotten it. Taking Eric's comments to ...

Good point Erik. Thanks all for the info.

I'm putting my car back together after removing the steering wheel, firewall and etc. in anticipation of some engine work that has been postponed until winter. I went to connect the commutator rod and when I tried to connect the swivel end, I couldn't find the nut. No big deal, right? I went thru my...

Look at other cars going down the road.....I seldom see one that doesn't have a little wiggle to it. i/8th inch is nothing to worry about.

While I loved the Holley G that came with my '17 I learned it had some drawbacks. When compared to a NH, the NH actually produces more power. Add to that the Scott Conger Full-flow valve and most of the problems you described are eliminated. FWIW, we did a side by side dyno test of a Holley G and a ...

Gee! When I posted my question I didn't think I'd create such a "Flap"

The illustration from drobnock shows what I believe is a rim liner, which is much thinner material and fitted tightly against the rim. The flaps I've used are pretty thick and don't extend much into the gap between the beads. Regardless, the tubes show no wear marks after thousands of miles. Hey, to...

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I like flaps... my current rims are a little rough on the inside which seems pretty normal. I ordered the latest flaps for a pair of brand-new rims along with new T-Drivers, Blockley tubes and balance beads......The new rims, tubes, flaps and tires will replace a set whose tires still have some trea...

Neal,
That was a good suggestion. They have them in stock so I went ahead and ordered them. Thanks!

I ordered two 23 x 4.5 inch flaps from Universal /Coker recently for my 30 x 3.5 inch tires and was told that they would not be available for probably six months or more. Does anyone know of someone who has flaps available or expects to get them sooner?

My take is this.... If I was one of those guys who wanted to do everything, master all the necessary skills to maintain a Model T, I might try to re-spoke my own wheels. I am not one of those guys. In my opinion, sometimes it's just better to let an expert do it. I've never been disappointed by the ...

I'm sure this question has been asked many times before, thanks for your patience. My friend has a 1922 Model T. Is it possible to convert the steering to 5-1? If so, what must be changed?

I have a friend with a pacemaker - he has no trouble driving his T but was warned against using an arc welder.

Pure artistry, congrats! Any plans to produce a 12 volt version?

Talking about mileage - I got 11000 on a set of 30 x 3.5 Universal T Drivers on my rear wheels and currently 12000 miles on the fronts. The fronts look good for at least another couple thousand miles or so. When it became time to replace the rears I decided to stick with T Drivers so all would match...

Thanks for your comments. I have to scale back my driving this summer due to medical reasons so this is what I think I'll do. Inject epoxy into the cracks, at the same time giving the wheel a very thorough inspection. When the season ends, the wheel is off to Stutzman's for rebuild.

I have 30 x 3.5 demountable wheels. Two have been rebuilt by Stutzman and two are original. One of the original wheels has a single spoke that has a crack. In fact, there is a crack on both sides which may go all the way thru....I don't know. The spoke is otherwise very solid and the other spokes ar...

Is it only shaky when moving? Perhaps the tires/wheels are out of balance. I have a stock engine but it's pretty smooth. I balanced the tires with balance beads and they roll smoothly down the road.

I just cancelled a room at the Baymount by Wyndam if you're looking for a room. 6/11

That's really something Mark..... you see your work everywhere I bet!

Score one for Jerry! What a find!

The bottom photo shows the profile of the clincher tire, flap and tube in a clincher rim. If the stem were pictured it would be like the drawing with the flat of the bridge washer against the flap and the "Wings" bent towards the rim. I should point out that I've re-used flaps and tubes (Blockleys) ...

I use them - otherwise when you tighten the valve stem you can actually pull the tube down into the gap between the beads of a clincher tire. Like Dan says, it adds strength.

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Not to change the subject too much but I am appalled at the number of online news articles posted by reputable organizations the read like they were written by a 5th grader.

You did a wonderful job with that coin....very professional looking. Maybe I should say better than professional. Our sheriff's department made a commemorative coin to honor our volunteer units.....if you notice, the AERO unit was misspelled AREO. A nice ($$) idea that fell flat. Doesn't anyone ever...

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