MTFCA Forum

Flivver

I have released my latest documentary. This one is about the traffic in Toronto in the 1920s. Lots of Model T content of course! Hope you find it enjoyable to watch.
https://youtu.be/k1pJUZKvz_E

Flivver

Bob, this is another excellent video! Anyone who uses Lego in a Model T engine rebuild video deserves our respect. Those valve stem caps are a great solution for anyone who finds their stems have become too short. Neat.

Flivver

This is a great idea! Leave it to Mitch to make it happen. Good on ya!

Flivver Channel will contribute... just gotta find the right content to provide. If anyone has suggestions, from anything they have seen on my videos, let me know.

Flivver

Here is a link to my first Dispatch video. https://youtu.be/fdp7qBMVsEk It's random stuff that I find interesting... MTFCA forums are featured in this episode, as are Donnie and Cathy from Model T Camp and Adventures. The next Dispatch is March 20 2025.

Cheers!

Flivver

I've got to get some, or make some, to try!

Flivver

Thanks for all the great replies! There seems to have been two categories: those with a spring element,, and those without, like a leather belt. It's interesting that there is only one strap in many of the photos I have seen, but it would seem far more balanced to have two (or one on the centre-line...

Flivver

This photo was shared by dollisdad in Friday Flicks. It shows a belt around the front axle. I've seen this in other old photos too. I presume it's some sort of top-out limiter? Can anyone shed light on this? Was a belt used on the rear axle similarly, or only the front? Screenshot_20250302_074645.pn...

Flivver

Where do you find so many incredible and interesting old T photos?

Flivver

The best (my favorite) is Flivver Channel. He has some excellent videos on how to change a tire and one on how to do it without messing up the paint on the rims. Trash Bags. This guy seems to KNOW what he's talking about. https://youtu.be/LIaWMUB3FPk GarbageBagTrick.png Hahaha. I'll keep trying to ...

Flivver

Thanks Johns - I am sorry that I am so late replying to your post. I've been off this Forum the last while. Sure do appreciate the feedback. I hope to try more livestreams while driving the car, but the weather and my schedule have not yet re-aligned. Be sure to check-out the edited version of that ...

Flivver

I attempted the garbage bag one time many years ago - took me more time to retrieve the shredded bag pieces out of the rim than to mount the tire - might be good for straight sided tires but I had no luck with clinchers. These guys recently tried the garbage bag trick on Clinchers, and had the shre...

Flivver

Top-out limiting strap?

Flivver

KWTownsend wrote: ↑
Sat Jul 13, 2024 12:20 pm
I tried to clock the quarter mile and the calendar ran out...

Flivver

Reminder that the Model T Quarter Mile Drag Racing Registry is available, and anyone can log a quarter mile time. It will be fun to have more participants! Any T is eligible. View logged times here: www.tinyurl.com/modeltquartermileregistry Anyone can add their time: www.tinyurl.com/modeltquartermil...

Flivver

The collaboration video will be available on YouTube on Sunday March 24 at 8pm Eastern, and anytime thereafter. https://youtu.be/doZmLs5USa0 If you prefer audio podcasts, please use one of the following links, again, after 8pm Sunday. 🔗 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flivver-ch...

Flivver

It was great fun doing this collaboration with you Mitch! I look forward to continuing our discussion again sometime in the future. Although we are an entire world apart, our shared fascination with the venerable Model T brings us close together. I will post a link to the YouTube Premier of our vide...

Flivver

Like. Looks great! Innovative.

Flivver

I found this photo in the Toronto Guardian Archives. Interesting, isn't it? Lots of further comments and speculation here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Fordmod ... up_comment

Flivver

Super interesting.

Flivver

I haven't been called an "artificial idiot" yet, but there is still time. (How the Model T Transmission Works - youtube video by me.)
https://youtu.be/jsaRIrJX-NE

Flivver

I love your videos Donnie and Kathy! Your car sure starts and runs nice.

Flivver

Last in my Carburetor Rebuild series. https://youtu.be/La8MCRJ_Lc4

This is an English Zephyr carburetor.

Flivver

In my latest video, I show the carburetor Extractor Tools that we made. https://youtu.be/CpTfaGxa3lM Drawings of these tools are available free here, should you want to see them or make your own. https://www.mediafire.com/file/ad7m0z0oxzqoyq5/FlivverChannelMTextractorNEWJETS_v1.pdf/file ExtractorsYT...

Flivver

I agree. I found that the vendor head bolts were shorter than I was willing to accept. I cover that topic in the Head Bolts chapter of this video, if you are interested https://youtu.be/WLcaqM89iQE

Flivver

Have you seen this video by Tom Stanton? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb3iN4m9Bik He builds a hand-cranked generator, from scratch, that is remarkably like the Model T 'Mag'. Fascinating.

Flivver

Those are nice!

Flivver

Loftfield wrote: ↑
Sun Dec 03, 2023 8:47 am
is it true that Clara was the only person in the entire world of whom you were afraid?

Flivver

How about this one:

"Do you regret that you were unable to reach a deal with Peter Robertson for use of the square-drive screw in the United States?"

: 330px-Robertson_screwdriver_patent_illustration.jpg (25.52 KiB) Viewed 7023 times

Flivver

If you could ask the spirit of Henry Ford some questions in a seance, what would they be? Here are a few that come to mind, just to get things started: 1. Would you attribute the successful design elements of the Model T to your design team, or your own brilliance? 2. What is the truth about the ass...

Flivver

ABoer wrote: ↑
Sun Nov 26, 2023 5:44 am
HI ; do one of you us this Ford Tool # 20-Z-340 .
Toon100.JPG200.JPG300.JPG004.JPG

Rounded valve seat cutter! First one I have seen. Really neat.

Flivver

There are some diagrams and observations that you might find relevant in my video here https://youtu.be/WLcaqM89iQE

Flivver

Darren J Wallace wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 23, 2023 3:23 pm
Steve: come over some time for a visit! It’s so nice to see my former 1926 T being enjoyed so much!!!

I will! Thanks for the invite.

Flivver

A low coil amperage allows for easier starting when hand cranking on mag. Also when battery cranking with a weak battery. Art Mirtes This is really interesting. Does this imply that coil amperage is directly proportional to time-to-fire? i.e. Low coil amperage = more negative timing (advaced of zer...

Flivver

MKossor wrote: ↑
Sat Nov 18, 2023 11:11 am

When tuning coils for equal and consistent dwell time to fire spark, the value of coil current is a consequence of coil tuning not the objective...

Interesting. Thanks!

Flivver

Could you please take time to expand on your non-electronic means of setting coils?.. with no perceptible performance differences of ECCT adjusted coils. Thanks. I believe I covered this all in the video, but am happy to summarize here in written form: My Self-Tuned Coils: All were gapped to .008-....

Flivver

An unanticipated conclusion not supported by the TDAS data in my view. The data presented in the TDAS article does, however, support the conclusion; Coils adjusted for equal and consistent firing time using the ECCT performed equivalent to HCCT adjusted coils by an experienced HCCT professional use...

Flivver

Steven, Thank you for an excellent production and presentation. Your well planned methodical approach and narration was a pleasure to view. I applaud your curiosity, motivation and willingness to share what you learned here on the forum. Many great replies, valid considerations and thought-provokin...

Flivver

Something else to remember. Even perfectly match and timed coils will not make a worn or poorly made timer run any better. To get the benefit of well timed coils you also need an equally accurate firing signal from the timer. If the timer doesn't "fire" at 90 degrees between each rotation or the ti...

Flivver

Stephen Park, aka Flivver..... Any other thoughts or comments on the last group of postings? I'm not really sure what I can add to many of the last few postings. Couple of them are about distributors (not really relevant to my video) and very few others ask any questions of me. There are some anecd...

Flivver

Not sure what’s trying to be proved here... What does going from tested coils to tested coils actually show? Charlie: I was curious if my car, running on my coils, tuned by me a year ago using simple tools, would benefit from ECCT-tuned coils. It didnt. Some here have pointed out that the ECCT-tune...

Flivver

The buzz box does not test the coils in the same environment that they will work on when operating in the car running on the magnet. Read Ron Patterson Co's articles about the Model T ignition system and understand how it actually works. The Strobospark works just the same as a HCCT basicly but hav...

Flivver

Replying to @AndyClary: "thanks to Steven for posting another Model T video" You are welcome! I enjoy it. "so many experts disagree on tuning coils" Yep. I was expecting some vitriol. The funny thing is, I KNOW that I am not an expert. "Strobospark" Wish I had access to one this winter, because Russ...

Flivver

Replying to @JohnH: "One thing I don't recall being mentioned in the video was if the coils were run on battery or magneto." Good point. i should have mentioned that I always run the car on Mag; I only use Bat for starting. "For a dirt road of the gradient the car was being driven, 67km/h would be a...

Flivver

Replying to Art M: "What really stood out as I was watching, is the top speed of 67 kilometers per hour ( 42 mph). This is slow for top speed; however this is faster than I care to tour." Yeah, I determined that my car isn't performing all that well when I took the 1/4 Mile Drag Race Challenge. http...

Flivver

Replying to @speedytinc "The test subject was a poor, worn old motor. Coil tune is less important. The poor old motor wont do much better unless going down hill." Yup. That was the test. How would ECCT-tuned coils affect the performance of my old car? My jalopy only has 30-40 psi compression. I know...

Flivver

I'll do my best to answer your questions and suggestions, in order. I really appreciate that you guys took the time to watch, and to reply here. Thanks! First, @moxie26 "didn't cover everything necessary." Agree. I will do a follow-up video sometime. Have already planned to work with Russ, his ECCT ...

Flivver

This video is now available to view. https://youtu.be/HaTH32bvsSw

Flivver

In my newest video, I explore the real-world effects of ECCT-tuned coils on my 1926 Runabout. Premiers on Sunday Nov 12 at 8:30pm EST. Join me then and we can 'chat' about the topic, or watch at your leisure some other time. https://youtu.be/HaTH32bvsSw

Flivver

In this video, at 5:10, I talk about head bolt engagement, length, stretch, etc. It might prove helpful to this discussion. https://youtu.be/WLcaqM89iQE?si=u0V_VW2cYYcy5xSn. GrandpaFord's advice is very good.

Flivver

"Delrin bushes might do a good job on a Model T."

Interesting idea. Has anyone done any calculations, or tried this? I've got to re-bush my rear shackles soon...

Flivver

Can't wait to see some Montana 500 cars post a quarter mile time in the Registry!

Flivver

Norman Kling wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:18 am
Even the year of the car makes a difference. About the time of the first world war, the compression ratio was lowered so those before that time were just a bit faster than those afterward.
Norm

Thanks Norm. I'll use that for another excuse why I am so slow

Flivver

Been Here Before wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 18, 2023 9:58 am
A speedster is a stock Model T. Huh, who wouldhave thought?

This was never a "stock Model T" thing. Any T, stock or modified, is welcome to log a time. The Registry has fields to differentiate to some degree. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Registry www.tinyurl.com/modeltquartermileregistry

Flivver

Bruce was a lot faster than me! https://youtu.be/iuJycR6F7KU I think I need to tighten-up my motor, and learn how to launch... I have created a Registry for Model T Quarter Mile times: www.tinyurl.com/modeltquartermileregistry Anyone can add their time: www.tinyurl.com/modeltquartermileregform Join ...

Flivver

Despite the apparent simplicity of the Model T electrical system, it is actually quite a hostile environment to design anything for. So true! My brother and I have spent some time prototyping electronic gadgets for the Model T, and have found it very difficult to get reliable, consistent performanc...

Flivver

Years ago on a speedster run we came to a town that had many stop lights. Several of us became bunched up so we started drag racing from light to light. Was great fun till a police officer pulled us and told us if we were going to drive that slow we should run single file so we didn’t obstruct the ...

Flivver

1/4 Mile Attempt.
https://youtu.be/iuJycR6F7KU

Flivver

Model T song. Much more recent. https://youtu.be/YF_PCvT2wLA. Lettoman is a blues musician in Finland. See the video description for more.

Flivver

Donnie and Kathy: You two have a natural eye for capturing and constructing gorgeous, compelling videos! And you are willing to make the super human effort that is needed to film, photo, research, and gather all the clips and photos that you need, before you even begin the massive editing job! Well ...

Flivver

I sure do understand the cost factor. I didn't realize that you didn't live in the USA. BTW: Paris is a beautiful city. Am I correct in my understanding that Paris is or was putting restrictions on pre-emission era cars? I am in Paris Ontario, a small town just in-between Detroit and Buffalo. No pr...

Flivver

Scott_Conger wrote: ↑
Mon Jul 10, 2023 4:06 pm
Some folks will never, ever experience what a good running T can accomplish, or how it goes about doing it because their car is so lame and they've never driven another T.

Sadly, I am in that category. Have never driven another T. No idea how a "running well" T compares to my bag of hammers...

Flivver

I understand that all things considered, wire wheels are better then wooden wheels (my '27 has the wood wheels and they are staiyin') but why go to all of the trouble of adapting Model A wheels when there are factory wire T wheels that will bolt right on? I realize that the OP stated a better ride ...

Flivver

So, you didn't have them on there before you swapped wheels too? There is a dust cap for the hub and a hub cap for the wheel. Images from Lang's website. Scott, thanks for pointing that out! The depths of my ignorance are vast... I did not know about the dust caps. Never had them (!) I see them now...

Flivver

I am also concerned about that, yes. I just haven't got the hub caps yet. I will though.

Flivver

...good idea? you be the judge. Two videos in the series, so far: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... -UCp61k7IG

Flivver

following the flivver channel you tube,(generator three part series) Glad you found the videos helpful. Others here are giving you more nuanced advice, I see. Great! Here is the link if others are interested Ford Model T Generator System: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_qKSg1xvPWYcFTXi4NY...

Flivver

Looks like Model A carb and manifolds, and an interesting throttle linkage. Have I got that right? How does it run on the Model A bits?

Flivver

Scott_Conger wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 13, 2023 1:57 pm
I think it gives better advice than sometimes can be found here with a live respondent

hahaha

Flivver

Thanks for the kind words everyone, and thanks for watching my videos! it's nice to know they aren't just transmitted into the ether. I'm planning to do a Behind the Lens video on my in-car filming techniques. I tried many things before I found a way to get decent audio and video in the open car at ...

Flivver

Peek at the 19 inch Model A wheels on my T.

Flivver

JohnM wrote: ↑
Sun May 21, 2023 8:10 pm
... thanks for explaining your quick release steering wheel that I have seen in your other videos. If your passenger complains about your driving, you can pass it to them and say, here, you drive!

Haha. I've gotta try that...

Flivver

Ed Fuller wrote: ↑
Sat May 20, 2023 3:00 pm
I keep my paperwork for my Touring in a vintage metal Ex-Lax tin and use a couple of small magnets to stick it on the front seat riser on the driver’s side just below the seat spring.

Figured no one would want anything to do with it!

Brilliant!

Flivver

JTT3 wrote: ↑
Sat May 20, 2023 9:45 pm
... perhaps the disc type hubcaps won’t gouge into the walls like traditional hubcaps might have done if a shaft became more narrow.

I think you are right about that.

Flivver

My latest video is a walk around and detailed look at my car. She is completely original and correct, except for where she isn't

. https://youtu.be/AqiHEQD7A4g

Flivver

Great suggestions! Keep them coming.

Flivver

Can you guys recommend books or stories of early automobile road trips? Prefer those originally published in Model T era or earlier.

Thanks!

Flivver

I like the idea of Starlink mounted on the T runningboards!

Flivver

Great story Steve! Mom graduated from high school in the class of 1928. The following summer, she and her sister Ernestine, brother Clarence, and Clarence's wife Mickey went by automobile to Arizona to fetch sisters Mary and Jereldine, who had taken summer classes at Flagstaff. That trip made a big ...

Flivver

This video is superb! Very well done. Congratulations. It's a real challenge, I know. Beautiful car too - it runs wonderfully. If you find any of my camera or sound recording techniques helpful, just let me know. I will be happy to share. https://www.youtube.com/@flivverchannel

Flivver

I was privileged to interview Dave Woodworth, an expert of the history of early Auto Camping and early motor homes. Here is the interview: https://youtu.be/D8-w1ranXkA

Flivver

Never thought to use feet - will try that. My arms get pretty tired from the 'CPR' method...Thanks John. Stand kind of bowleged on the tire with your feet at 4 and 8 o'clock. Rock your weight from one foot to the other and work your way to 12 noon being careful not to pinch the tube between the bead...

Flivver

Thanks Steve.

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:11 pm
It's such a pleasure to see a how-to video that's well-produced — very nice.

Flivver

Great idea using the spare tire mount as a holder! I will try that. Thanks!

Dave Young wrote: ↑
Sun Mar 26, 2023 9:56 am
I use this same method on my T and Model A wire wheels. Only difference is I first bolt the wheel to the spare tire holder on the back of the car. Man, it’s SO easy it’s silly.

Flivver

Great that you found a tire technician that takes care, Allen. Keep that guy!

Allan wrote: ↑
Sat Mar 25, 2023 8:06 pm
My fitter puts a little pad of electrical tape on the three holding fingers before he puts my rims on the machine. No contact with the rim.

Flivver

How I install a tire with NO TIRE LEVERS. No risk of scratching the paint on the wheels. https://youtu.be/LIaWMUB3FPk

Flivver

The part numbers are given in the video. With those, you can find everything at an autoparts store and/or tractor parts store. I ordered the valves online at Rockauto I think, and the keepers were from my local tractor dealer. The valve length was just right for adjustable lifters - I did not grind ...

Flivver

I am in Canada, but far, far from you, so that's no help. I had the same issue, and found a cost effective way to do 3-angle seats myself. Video here:https://youtu.be/WLcaqM89iQE

: ValveVid.jpg (19.19 KiB) Viewed 6392 times

Flivver

A T will drive calm and steady on a smooth paved or gravel road, IF the Caster and Toe are correct, and IF all the play (backlash) has been taken out of the entire chain of mechanical gears and pivots from the steering wheel to the road. Be sure your Caster direction is correct; I have seen and driv...

Flivver

Amazing info in this thread! So interesting. You guys (this forum) are an incredible resource for those of us who are interested in the history and lore of these cars. And particularly the technical details, as they change over time at the factory and dealer to dealer. Thank you.

Flivver

My interview with Don Booth, where we talk about the 1916 Center Door and many other things.... https://youtu.be/LUZmP2KYJvA

Flivver

The interview is live now on YouTube. Hope you enjoy it. https://youtu.be/LUZmP2KYJvA

Flivver

Flivver Channel Talks to Don Booth (FordorGalore) Join us tonight on YouTube at 5pm ET (17:00 ET, 22:00 GMT) for an interview with Don Booth (FordorGalore). We talk about restoring Model Ts, Model T wooden coachwork, and other interesting things. https://youtu.be/LUZmP2KYJvA FCT-DonBoothFaces_Thumb...

Flivver

If you have questions about the original cut-outs, my videos might help. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_q ... Wo-GxTmDBD

Flivver

Thank you Rich. This helps me to confirm that by 1926 the armrest area did not wrap around seamlessly, from the back, like it did on earlier cars. The seat back is fairly independent from the armrest areas. Also I believe that the buttons were dropped at some point.

Flivver

Can anyone point me at old photos of the original upholstery in the Improved Ford 1926/27 Runabout? I can find pictures of the nice job people have done on restorations, but I would like to see some clues about the original upholstery design.
Thanks,

Flivver

Really enjoyed that collection of old photos, thanks!

Flivver

Every 5000 miles!

I wish. Maybe next year...

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Sat Nov 05, 2022 1:52 pm
I wonder how many current Model T owners follow the T era recommendations.

UPKEEP AND CARE

...
Every Five Thousand Miles:

Test body bolts for looseness.
Put grease in gear case under steering wheel.
Lubricate spring leaves.
...

Flivver

Thanks Scott.

Flivver

I finally finished composing, recording, and editing a mini-documentary about the Germans' Coast to Coast trip. Enjoy.
https://youtu.be/x2nHVJWF5HU

Flivver

Thank you for the link! I searched the forum before posting my question, because I inevitably discover that anything that occurs to me has already been discussed. But in this case I could not find anything... until now! From a 1979 issue of the Japanese magazine “Car Graphic”. https://www.mtfca.com/...

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