MTFCA Forum

I used Jerry's advice to search the forum. After reading a few pages I decided to narrow down the results using Chat GPT. Practical Tips & Tricks for Using a New Day Timer Installation & Setup • Run it dry — no oil or grease inside the timer. Multiple members have emphasized keeping the New Day time...

John and Allan, That is exactly the type of tips I was looking for! I agree that the spring likely overheated due to a loose brush and excessive oil. The idea of the replacement brush using the copper wire and spring from a ballpoint pen is an excellent idea, that I plan to try. I wonder why no one ...

I have been using a New Day Timer for a while now. I recently found an issue, now it runs much better. I would love to hear the experience of others using New Day Timers. Especially tips and tricks. Here is a video that I made fixing it: https://youtu.be/01v1ENa2514?si=q0u6TRagbb8e_lck

Matt

Thanks for the advice as I showed in the video. I tried it. I will need to post a follow up video where I found more critical issue. But I will say that it did seem to run a lot worse in the thick fog that we have.

I have been doing winter driving at 40-60 degrees. I added the hot air pipe and made a short video:
https://youtu.be/3Y-bwJgEpos?si=5NiDepOqZRDrBidu

I am not sure I saw much improvement from the rough running.

What temperatures do you think Ford intended by “cold weather.”

Matt

Question #4

One more question. I noticed that some people are suggesting to turn down the bushing OD before pressing them in. Is that necessary?

With a pilot on the end of the adjustable reamer, the reamer is held in line with the bushing not being reamed, so the reamed bushing is in line with the lower bushing. Then the reamer and pilot are swapped end to end to ream the second bush. The pilot is the answer to align reaming the two bushing...

I appreciate the responses. I think the short answer is that spindles are made to different sizes. I looked up and Lang's states: "The bolts mic out at exactly .500. The original ones where .003 oversized." https://www.modeltford.com/item/2710SB.aspx Snyder's states: "SPINDLE BOLT DIAMETER - .498" R...

Question #3
Is there a such thing as an undersized kingpin? I am reading approximately 0.493 inches.

Question #2
Was a split bushing was that something that was available in the past? I noticed in examples of rebuilding these people are using a lathe to turn down bushings. That is not something that everyone has access to and it’s a bit difficult to hold onto.

Question #1
I have a spindle bushing Reimer. I picked up somewhere for some reason. It seems to be oversize. Does anyone have an explanation?

Thanks! I was hoping someone would have an idea

I got this with a bunch of Model T stuff. If you know what it is, please let me know if you’re interested in buying it please let me know.

I decided to put together a dedicated video of Austin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMChAR6IfLI It’s genuinely inspiring to see an 18-year-old with this level of passion for the Model T hobby. Austin’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to get involved give a lot of hope for the future of ant...

That is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

I really encourage you to watch the segment with Austin, an 18-year-old high schooler who built his own 1915 Model T from a basket of parts watch to the end In the description, I had laid out the different sections hoping people would find that. Again, it’s worth watching just the section where Aus...

"Desperate for sunlight...after weeks of fog" Boy does that bring back memories living in Modesto, with Dec/Jan Tule fog. 10 feet of visibility, driving by tailgating the one in front of you while reciting 3 prayers: 1) I hope this guy can see the road 2) I hope he doesn't get in an accident 3) I h...

Just posted a new Model T road trip video from Fresno into the foothills of Central California—camping at the San Joaquin River Gorge, roadside brake adjustment, North Fork, and a run out to one of the disputed locations of California’s geographic center. If nothing else, I really encourage you to w...

Thanks Allan,
It doesn't look to special. I was wondering because it had been cleaned up.

Everyone
12/11 10:00am PST Part 2 Live Stream & ID Help - Unloading a Model T Haul

I appreciate the comments here! It is always humbling to realize how little I know. I never took in consideration the wear on the throwout bearing when coasting in neutral. Many times I will coast toward a stop for much longer than needed thinking it was like a modern neutral. I am now reconsidering...

I don’t know how to tell these from the really early ones. Is there anything special here?

I got these to probably a starter. The bearing has a 1904 patent date.

Re: 12/2 7:00pm PST Live Stream & ID Help - Unloading a Model T Haul

It looks like they have some fancy marketing going on. But Andy‘s experience seems to speak well of the design.

Since I got such amazing response on that, here are some of the other items that did not get identified in the first video:

AndyClary wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 03, 2025 9:36 am
I’ve had one of those timers on my roadster for 15 trouble free years.
But it doesn’t have wooden rollers.

Andy

Wow!!! How often do you drive? Any idea of what the rollers are made of?

That timer is the Fan Steel brand, 1923. Scan0157.JPG Thanks Dan! This helped me find Jay’s post: https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/426260.html And I am surprised to hear the testimonials here: https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/426132.html?1393359310 The examples that I see he...

This may not be worth much. But I thought it was interesting. Evidently the rollers were made out of wood and swelled upAny one know much about this type of timer? IMG_6241.jpeg IMG_6240.jpeg I can’t imagine having four different contact points, making the ignition system any better. But I have to g...

The early diff discussion about having bushings is here. https://www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=50735 Mark, Thanks for sharing this. It looks like the bushings were used on earlier axles. I have another example that I pulled out of an axle used for a trailer. At least with that one there wasn...

I love the handles forged ironwork for the pick-up tray sides. How will the distraction of recording the unload make it easier? Allan from down under. Allan, I live a couple hours from a Model T club. I enjoyed being connected with others in my insanity:lol: I didn't get to even pull out the pick-u...

Update: PART2 Okay I need to finish cleaning things out New Stream link: https://youtube.com/live/3D4LtFjmDjo?feature=share Original Post---> I just picked up a big estate sale haul of Model T parts — everything from scrap to salvageable pieces and some real mystery items. I used to rely on a close ...

Steve,
I appreciate you so much! When I started in this hobby about 15 years ago, your posts were my inspiration!

One of my favorite was a video you posted of yourself sand blasting. I can't find the video, but found this photo:

: IMG_1983.JPG (72.06 KiB) Viewed 1518 times

With much appreciation!

Matt

Scott, Thanks for sharing Dave Young’s post! Does anyone have more information on these? Is there any period literature that mentions them? Mine were rusted, so it was very difficult to turn the locking mechanism. But even in the best-case scenario, I still don’t see how the ear was intended to be r...

... That said, anyone who has worked on any number of Ts will have noted how band linings wear unevenly, sometimes to the point of failure, when the bands are out of round or sprung. They still work, though ! The best service and performance is to be had when the band is concentric with the drum, a...

I was going through my transmission bands and found this. It appears that the mechanism to turn his damage on the top. I used a punch and did slight damage on the bottom too get it to come off. I suppose this could’ve been something that someone made after the fact using Ford parts if so, they defin...

Thanks for all the responses! I didn’t expect a vocabulary lesson, an engineering lecture, and a comedy show all at once, but here we are. I really enjoyed reading everyone’s explanations and learning from you all. I had no idea my misspelling of baling would take on a life of its own and spark so m...

Thanks, John! Good to know I’m not the only one who’s improvised a “band tool” out of whatever was on hand. A coat hanger or welding rod probably would’ve saved me a little grief, but the bailing wire did the job in the end. That Ford advertisement is great — I hadn’t seen it before. I’ve wondered w...

I recently replaced the brake band on my Model T and ended up doing it in a way some of you might appreciate (or laugh at). I didn’t have the proper band-changing tool available, so I improvised with bailing wire to snake the new band around the drum. I also chose to do the whole job in the car, wit...

Since when is there a Ruckstell low? You are either in Ruckstell or you are not! Now if you are in Ruckstell, and low pedal, then you are in Ruckstell low. If we’re gonna talk about standardizing language, we should do the same language that Ruckstell advertised: IMG_5893.jpeg What I have found to ...

My father uses Ruckstell as a verb… …the person before him with shift to Ruckstell low, requiring him to slow down and go to low pedal. He had just been "Ruckstelled". He still tells that story, more than 1/2 a century since he has driven a T. Keep crankin', Eric Eric, your dad is very funny! This ...

That's a pretty cool ascent. The road in the 12 to 13 minute section of your video is similar to what I drive on near my house. A Ruckstell would be a fantastic addition to my car, especially for the return home, which takes me up a 27% grade. That part requires stopping and letting the engine rest...

A cherished childhood memory from about 1950 is riding down the road from Mineral King in our 1941 Plymouth. Dad steered and worked the brakes while Mom sat beside him and held the gearshift in second so the car wouldn't pop out of gear. I imagine that road would be a good place to try a Ruckstell....

That's a pretty cool ascent. The road in the 12 to 13 minute section of your video is similar to what I drive on near my house. A Ruckstell would be a fantastic addition to my car, especially for the return home, which takes me up a 27% grade. That part requires stopping and letting the engine rest...

Back in the 70's I lived in Madera Ranchos area and was a member of a small Model T club based in Course Gold, The Central Sierra Chapter. There was another club, Roaring 20's Auto Club in Fresno. They had all models of cars 1916-1936. Toured with both. Toured up the old Toll House grade to Shaver ...

Way to go Matt , going up Toll House Grade is a fun challenge in a stock Model T , the Ruckstell is a big help , but you have to have a strong left foot and a tire pump to put pressure in the gas tank if you have a pre 1926 car , even a full tank of gas in a round tank doesn’t gravity flow so well ...

Took the Model T out for a spin last weekend and found myself on some pretty good hills — the kind that make you lean forward in the seat like it’ll help (and maybe it does… just a little!). Here is the video: https://youtu.be/3MAbgJ4h3GE?si=6ASOj5odzwS96_WD There’s something genuinely satisfying ab...

I really love this Tourist Kitchenette! If you search the form, you will see where I discuss redoing the decals. Here is a video of the process I followed: https://youtu.be/_N2BURcOSOo?feature=shared It took me a lot of time to work on mine, but I really enjoyed the outcome. Unfortunately, most of t...

One of my favorite quotes from an 1923 Autocamping book with video from the Amalgamated Order Of Motor Campers 2025 Tahoe National Tour.

https://youtube.com/shorts/a9lGtnfijb8?feature=share

Dennis,
Thanks for posting the photos!

Day 3 Tour around Lake Tahoe - https://youtube.com/shorts/Xn1i6MRgNMw
- Start at Raley's South Lake Tahoe
- Drive Up US-50 then NV-28 along Lake Tahoe
- CA-267 to CA-89 to Donner Picnic Area
- Truckee
- Tahoe City
- Back to South Lake Tahoe

Enjoy!
Matt

I attended the National Motor Tour in Tahoe last week. It was really great. I am glad I went. I got to meet new friends including Dennis! It takes me some time to put together videos. But here are my first two: 1st Night - Camps https://youtube.com/shorts/v4nHpCcGPa0?feature=share Day 2 Activities: ...

I am considering buying a T chassis from someone in Chula Vista, CA. I was wondering if there is anyone traveling up to the Bakersfield Swap meet that would be willing to help transport a Model T chassis. If so, we can discuss what would make it worth it for you. I still trying to work details out w...

Dan, You have a point, these accessories can be removed and all that would be missing would be would be the original perches. Henry, I can only imagine how much it would cost to make it worth your time. It seems like it would probably be cheaper to find someone willing to sell a whole set like Dan m...

Moritz,
Thanks for your feedback! Feel free to share about your process. Did you send the boards out to be made? Did you have any trouble programming?

Matt

Dan, thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like they work as advertised for damping.

Craig, I believe you are correct these as not intended for heavy loads.

I do need the special perch to use this rear set. Maybe someone has it in their stack of rear axles!

Matt

I picked these up at a swap meet. I was hoping to use them because my car tends to get overweight with camping stuff :-) IMG_2204.jpeg I looked up forum post and found the following https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/175423.html?1292024995 I see that I’m missing the perch that would be nec...

Martynn, I hope all is going well for you. Sorry to hear about your PDF headache! Donnie and I both agree what you have come up with looks great! I would just need the PDF. (I tried to print what is in the gallery here on the forum and couldn’t seem to get that format to work.) I believe the PDF wil...

A week ago, I received the sad news of Bill’s passing. Since then, it has been hard for me to find the right words to express how I feel. So instead, I’ll share some memories and reflect on the remarkable ways our lives crossed. My dad was an auto shop instructor at Mt. Whitney High School starting ...

Garrett, I have a 1926 Fordor Project that I have picked up 4 years ago. See: https://www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8061&p=66970#p66970 I bought the body and gathered most of the parts. The idea was to keep it as original as possible. If you are interested I am willing to talk. Just send ...

Matt Made a revision, some of the letters looked a bit narrow for the type face, so had to change them a bit, also added more curves on F and M, also took out the "muddy" look of the letter M (too many extra nodes, which made superfluous curves that just ruined the structure of the letter in compar...

I have something here in California, but I’m sure you’ll find something closer.

Update: weather was beautiful! The conference was at the Broadmoor that houses the Penrose Heritage Museum with the Hill Climb cars. Literally I walked by and in the museum each day. Here is the Model T. IMG_0692.jpeg IMG_0698.jpeg IMG_0697.jpeg IMG_0695.jpeg Here is a short video I made of the muse...

I will be flying into Colorado Springs directly. Thanks for the tips on the museums. They look interesting. I’m not sure if I will be able to get out of town. Sounds like there’s a bunch of stuff to do in town. From where I’m coming from it’s hard to imagine it’s snowing somewhere with the beautiful...

I travel with work more than I need to, so I am always trying to make the most of it. A year ago I went to the Henry Ford Museum and was blessed by the time of a member joining me. I appreciated Doug's time and it was much better than touring alone. (see: https://www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f...

Norman,
Thanks for sharing your experience. It is always important to hear the sacrifice that people made in war times. And hopefully we can avoid war in a more diplomatic way in the future. And to the point of cars, WWII caused a lot of Model T to be repurposed and recycled.

Matthew

I saw this in the Smithsonian and found it effective! When I am driving and not I feel guilty:(

I exclusively hand crank my Model T. I was expecting a photo of myself or a fellow Model T “strange starter”

Thanks for everyone’s input! I ended up going back to Smithsonian national Museum of American history and then revisited the mall and headed to Ford’s Theater. (I don’t think there there’s any connection between Henry Ford and the Ford stater, but perhaps his name became very recognizable because of...

Actually, if you don't want to leave DC, I think you can take the Water Taxi and cruise the Potomac through DC on it from Georgetown to Old Town Alexandria (also a nice walking area at the harbor and the Torpedo center has neat shops, just buy a day pass. Simple search of DC Water Taxi will bring i...

DHort wrote: ↑
Fri Oct 25, 2024 9:42 pm
Go to Air and Space to see the Enterprise.

Thanks for the tip. I just looked it up and I need to reserve passes and there is none available for tomorrow. ;(

I had some meetings in DC this week and was able to get away for an hour today. I looked here on the forum, and people suggested going to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and visit the General Motors Hall of Transportation. Yes, there is a Model T there :-) IMG_0262.jpeg Here is a...

Richard,
Yes, that is an issue. Interesting that the part I selected they seem to removed all information!

Try replacing with part# C5339819
https://www.lcsc.com/products/Ferrite-Beads_527.html

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Matt

Did he measure SOAP, TOWELS, BREAD, LUNCH and DISH-PAN? They look a bit larger than those other letters...it may be an optical illusion and I might be a bit over cautious, but I'd like you to check and make sure, if you could please. :? Oh and did you also want that diamond logo on the under side o...

There is no need to drill hole in the running board to mount it, or many other accessories. Simply make up a wooden plank, or use heavy marine plywood, and bolt it to the running board using longer running board and/or fender bolts. You can eve space this plank off the running board with some washe...

One of the greatest “back in the day” camping instructions are in a chapter in my 1920’s Dykes Automotive Manual. Of course the drawings look pretty much like a T and it shows how to construct bedding that involves the car. Extensive list of what to bring as far as clothes, tools, what foods to bri...

5/8" for all the other letters would be pretty small (just a wee bit bigger than 1/2"), you sure you don't mean something a bit bigger, like say 3/4" for those letters. Also not all the letters are the same size....Eggs and Butter for instance are smaller, now they may be 5/8", but the rest of thos...

... Great memories. Put a finger anywhere on a map of CA, OR or WA and we were there, or close by... But camping with the T....that just stirs my imagination!! Kurt, I’ve heard it said that camping trips are great bonding experiences for the whole family. I would add as long as the marriage survive...

Was the camp stove your family stove or included in the camp site? [/size] That picture is from the summer of 1946. In those days most of the campgrounds had tables and stoves installed by the WPA, but later (much later) we had a store-bought camping stove. Dad went to Sears and bought a tent, but ...

What a treat! Seeing Nathanael was a good sign, and it was no surpruse that I enjoyed his video. On FB occasionally he will post a conversation among or with his kids, and they are a hoot. The semi-formal stodge of the longer passages makes for a good read, and I am jealous of writers who are up to...

Steve, The guy in the striped shirt is the perfect ag for camping! Was the camp stove your family stove or included in the camp site? I came along the last out of four kids over 12 years, so my parents liked to camp outside the area by the time I came along. So I am excited to explore these areas mo...

Here you can view a short video depicting the camping setup: https://youtu.be/op7aiyrqrOA?feature=shared Longing for Adventure and Learning from the Sages The acquisition of a motor car transforms transportation from mere practicality into a splendid gateway for adventure. Having primarily utilized...

Here are the measurements of the decals you made on my box:

Donnie Could you measure the original decals on your large box to confirm the size?

Thanks!
Matt

Wow! Lots of great insight and experiences. I have been reading everyone's responses and wanted to do some more research. Here are the things I am learning/considering: Types of oiling systems How much flow does each oiling system provides? Maximum grade each system works at? Too much oil? Or too mu...

Martynn, I believe the letters are all the same size except for the ICE BOX. I believe 5/8" all other letters. The letter spacing you could do similar to the other words. If you could fit all the words on one 8x11.5 pdf it would be ideal, so anyone could print decals. Box Model A ICE BOX SOAP TOWELS...

With the cost of tires these days I would like to get a set to save them!

Alex, I agree it is a fun accessory!

Please see attached file- credit Martynn Vowell. Perhaps we should ask Martynn to add some words found on other cabinets including: SUGAR, SOAP, SPUDS, EGGS, BUTTER, FLOUR, and MEAL. Is there anything else missing?

Enjoy!

Matt

I am making to take the T in the mountains for camping. This would involve going up continuous grades of more than 6% for many miles. And certainly, I would need to go above 10% grade in some sections. A friend of mine agreed in the sanity of this idea and suggested that I get an outside oil line in...

Looks good, ready to make it dirty and use? Thanks for the kind words! No worries I have already chipped and scratched paint. It is designed search that cause it scrapes against itself. I don’t mind having the paint scraper because I am going for a Weather look. The original paint must’ve been of e...

More Before and After B9D76682-104B-478A-856A-8275527478C2.jpeg 3770B24F-B52D-47DC-B6C7-7F2A6DBB9D0A.jpeg 91DDEC13-E937-4600-82C4-A824941596E6.jpeg Video Here’s a video I made describing the restoration. https://youtu.be/_N2BURcOSOo?si=0r_Jk7X9QXmJawBe . A very special thanks to Martynn Vowell for d...

Before and After

... We ended up buying it and a large collection of 20s era camping gear. In the collection were three kitchenettes. They were all the same brand as the one in this thread. But all three are different sizes. There is a small, medium, and large. The large is just like the one in this thread. The one...

It has been a year and now I have a significate progress photo. A72C3F1F-C92E-4462-947D-8FF41866AE84.jpeg I was able to paint, decal and clear coat the main cabinet. I still need to finish the three drawers and the front and lid. The lid will likely be the last part as I learn how to make a multilay...

Alex’s post on this thread is timely. Until recently I hadn’t done any work on this since last September. The hold up has been the need for reinforcing the left side where the bottom had partly torn away, perhaps because someone was sitting or stepping on it. I was waiting to find a spot welder. Whe...

George,
Thanks for the idea with the boat company.

Alex your box looks great! I see you’re is a larger one. Mine doesn’t have much black paint on the outside either. How does the inside look on yours? Feel free to post photos.

Matt

It looks to me like a cotter pin. Perhaps a large one from a main bearing?

Matt - I received my V4 PCBs from JLCPCB yesterday and had it fully built up and running perfectly within a couple of hours. My coils are now all tuned up to perfection having found one double sparking, one firing rather late and another firing very early, today I had my longest adventure to date (...

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 04, 2024 4:20 pm

...it's a shame the new wheels weren't painted black as they were originally...

I didn't bring it up because by now everybody is probably sick of me reminding them it's a modern fad. I suspect Larry agrees with you.

It's a shame that original wheels were painted black!

But is this an example of a double spark situation? PXL_20240515_153502047.jpg I didn't double check, but I thought I had posted the manual here. Here is the FACT Cheat Sheet: FACT Cheat Sheet.GIF For myself I really find the Oscilloscope function, either single fire or continuous, to be the most u...

I have a friend looking for a flywheel for his Metz engine...

Just for the record the pending payment is not coming out of the Hello Kitty back pack.

Rich Eagle wrote: ↑
Thu Dec 07, 2023 1:48 pm
It would make a great painting wouldn't it. I'll put it on the pile.

Let me know how big of a check I need to make:)

Just suppose someone had the opportunity to buy an old tent trailer that needed to be restored. What would it cost to replace the canvas?

Also suppose it was a Gilkie, is it hard to get the plans if there is no canvas?

Matt

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