MTFCA Forum

Rich P. Bingham

I have a feeling the length of service of Ts as regular transportation had a lot to do with what part of the country they were from. Our family’s experience was likely typical. My granddad bought a used Model T pickup in 1929, his very first automobile. He was 38 at the time. By 1931 he had traded f...

Rich P. Bingham

Oil ? Yes ! Use it !!

Rich P. Bingham

Double check the commutator wires at the coil box as well, just to be sure. FWIW, yes, wiring out of sequential order definitely CAN result in a kick-back. Also, trying to start against a kick-back can result in a broken starter motor. Price of parts these days, almost as painful as a broken arm ! :...

Rich P. Bingham

DanTreace wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:14 pm

But remember the saddle will have a leather strap laying in the curve, so you have to add that thickness too.

Dan, is there a specification for the thickness (weight) of the strap leather ? Diameter of the rolled strap can be adjusted by skiving down the thickness of the strap.

Rich P. Bingham

Yes, he's long gone - John Borinaukus (SP) has been remanufacturing top irons for many years. Steve, when did he pass away ? Very sorry to hear this. When a falling tree branch damaged the top on my ‘13 runabout in September of 2020, Langs put me in touch with him. At the time, he said he was havin...

Rich P. Bingham

I beleive Restoration Supply has replacement mirrors . . . A quick look at their 2020 catalog shows they offer replacement nickel plated brass reflectors 5-1/2” dia., No glass. I have not seen any glass reflectors offered in parts for sale for many years. I bought a pair long time ago, of course th...

Rich P. Bingham

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Sat Jun 28, 2025 1:27 pm
Complete, factory-correct Model Ts were scarce by 1920.

The Model Ts produced in 1920 weren’t “factory correct” ?

Rich P. Bingham

Mexico City, c. 1925, the Universal Car !

Rich P. Bingham

March 2, “in like a lamb”, sunny, 50f, the snowdrift blocking the garage doors finally melted, time for me and my crew to get Lizzie out of hibernation ! Sure glad I did, because today it’s snowing again . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Strange ?? Not for many T guys, I don’t think. At age 5, I was gifted with a “Revell Authentikit” model of what they called a “1910” Model T Torpedo. I was smitten. A year later, the Bovey collection of antique cars in Virginia City Montana sealed my fate. “Hot rods” never appealed to me. I’ll apolo...

Rich P. Bingham

#10 - I’d love to know the story behind this photo. New-looking 1913 with electric lamp conversion (for the side lamps too, maybe ?). That tent is going to be there for the season, with a wooden floor. The two gents look pretty comfortable, and the saddle horse has a real solid ground tie !

Rich P. Bingham

Looks like the windshield glass is also missing in the first photo. The photo looks like a “still” from some movie. Movie cars often had the windshield glass removed to eliminate reflections and glare while filming. By late 30s, Ts were considered “funny old cars”, emblematic of failure, poverty or...

Rich P. Bingham

Perhaps I’m mistaken, but over time, posts about gasoline seem to indicate fuels may vary a lot regionally. Ten years or more back, I found ethanol blends caused me a lot of problems with my small engines. Changing to non-ethanol solved my problems, so I’ve adopted it for my Model T too. Re/ the pro...

Rich P. Bingham

Be aware of lining fragments in your oil as the clutch discs fail. They can cause an engine failure. From experience, I agree the original clutch pack is best. Lining fragments likely caused a piston-pin to seize in my T by blocking the oil hole.

Rich P. Bingham

Be aware of lining fragments in your oil as the clutch discs fail. They can cause an engine failure. From experience, I agree the original clutch pack is best. Lining fragments likely caused a piston-pin to seize in my T by blocking the oil hole.

Rich P. Bingham

While we’re on the subject, does anyone have any recommendations for a source of red rubber tubing ?

Rich P. Bingham

Kenneth, again, my thanks ! This makes more sense to me now. So, to be clear, when the tubing exits the crankcase block, you ease it out of the frame channel and under the steering bracket to end within 4” or so of the radiator connection ? No abrupt bends, just flexing the rigid brass tube -

Rich P. Bingham

Ken, thank you much ! So, if I understand correctly, you end the rigid tube behind the steering bracket, and use hose to flex under the steering and connect to the plumbing at the radiator ? Makes sense !

Rich P. Bingham

Mark, Kenneth, many thanks for posting the links to previous discussions ! It would seem the line is placed inside the frame rail just forward of the control shaft, where it is secured by a clamp: then it passes between the frame and crankcase support arm presumably the wood block bevel allows this ...

Rich P. Bingham

I’m interested to know how the acetylene line is supposed to be routed. On my ‘13 it’s essentially straight, suspended at the rear by the hose to the generator, and clamped at the front on the forward hood shelf bolt.

Rich P. Bingham

I also use EZTurn BUT be careful to use it sparingly - it will block the orifice ! Well said Steve !! “A little dab ‘ll do ya !” Apply a thin film to the “cone” make sure none gets in the orifice of the valve. It keeps the moving part from seizing, and will stop a minor leak. Three years now, mine ...

Rich P. Bingham

There is an aircraft product called “EZ Turn” that is fuel resistant, meant to lubricate the turning parts of fuel line valves and petcocks. It will stop minor leaks and seepage.

Rich P. Bingham

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 13, 2025 2:00 pm
What is a blackboard?

OK, OK, so it’s a geezer exaggeration. Some of them were green !

Rich P. Bingham

<r><QUOTE author="John L" post_id="356566" time="1739453366" user_id="254"><s>[quote="John L" post_id=356566 time=1739453366 user_id=254]</s> They don’t even teach them to write cursive any more, or to even sign there names. <e>[/quote]</e></QUOTE> Why the genius education PhDs failed to grasp the i...

Rich P. Bingham

Interesting ! The lady and little girl aren’t dressed for cold, but the T is sure buttoned up against wet weather. I’m guessing the hood cover is to keep the plugs dry and not shorting out in a real goose-drowner ? The stock T hood allows plenty of rain to descend on the engine through the center hi...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . I plucked out a felt from an old pack nut and unable to tell if its felt . . . :lol: The “go to” common fix back in the day was a few wraps of common cotton packing string and brown soap. (not common anymore. When was the last time you bought an item in a store, and they rapped it in brown pa...

Rich P. Bingham

FWIW - I’ve always used the felt packing on the carburetor feed pipe. Once disturbed, they seldom seal well on reassembly. Felt “donuts” from the vendors come dry, the old packing can be difficult to remove from the pack nuts. New, dry felt doesn’t really want to go in the nut and around the pipe. I...

Rich P. Bingham

Perhaps it’s possible for members of national clubs to organize and work in concert to prevent legislation that is harmful to the whole community of vintage car enthusiasts ? In unity, I’d think the constituency should be fairly impressive. Ford organizations alone, there are two Model T clubs, Mode...

Rich P. Bingham

RecklessKelly wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 27, 2025 1:55 pm
Its funny how they can evolve from treaded to smooth in little time.

I remember tire ads in the 60s claimed there was a parasite called a “squirm” that ate tire tread !

Rich P. Bingham

John, your comment reminded me of a friend of mine who “specialized” in 12 cylinder Lincolns. They had a float gauge for checking the static crank-case oil level, which he lamented, wishing they had never used. In his experience, the Lincoln motors were generally in very poor condition which he attr...

Rich P. Bingham

So that would be “Rajo”, not Ajo ?

(Ajo in Spanish is garlic. Maybe run your T on garlic oil ?

)

Rich P. Bingham

Older post on smoothies, from a T'er who drives a lot. Short of the cord showing through, I’d still like to know how one tells when they’re worn out ? I put smooth grey tires on my ‘13 when Coker offered them at a close-out. More miles off-road and on dirt than on pavement, I did almost get stuck i...

Rich P. Bingham

If it’s any consolation, starting was an issue “back in the day” as well . . .

Rich P. Bingham

How bad is bad ? A few years back, the “brown death” was overtaking the newer all-white tires. This was not “yellowing” that responded to Bleche-Wite or other whitewall cleaners. As Wayne noted, many suspected reaction with the tubes sold at the time. That tubes posed a problem seems borne out by th...

Rich P. Bingham

Art M wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:01 am
Treaded tires normally last longer than smooth tires.

How can you tell ??

Rich P. Bingham

:lol: well, I sure want to know ! You’d think the 1913 model (was it “S” ?) would be even better, but I didn’t find it so. I cheated and put a 1914 “G” on my ‘13, it comes close to the claim made by the H-1, but when it’s really cold like today (-3f) Lizzie has other ideas that may not be any fault ...

Rich P. Bingham

WOW !! that is one clean head !!

Rich P. Bingham

I don’t know them that well but is it a 2 lever car? It’s hard to see Bryant Good question ! One lever (that appears to be brass plated) is clearly visible. I think the “thing” in front of it is the speedometer cable. I don’t know enough about the two lever cars to say whether the reverse lever wou...

Rich P. Bingham

perry kete wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 21, 2025 7:01 pm
What a great picture!

. . . a mechanic that size . . . can walk under the car to check the oil level without bending over.

Thanks, Dennis. Another reason to miss my grandsons !!

Rich P. Bingham

Herb Iffrig wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 21, 2025 6:39 pm
Reminds me of Darren Liepold's car somewhat.

Darrel’s is a 1910, this one might be a ‘10, can our experts date this car ?

Rich P. Bingham

A nice T, a good mechanic, and a faithful friend !

Rich P. Bingham

#14 - Cute little ranch kids, 1939 somewhere in Wyoming, a well-used ‘26-7 roadster, with a good, solid top. You know Dad is in the cattle business, the tire cover is a promotion for Denver Stockyards as a shipping point. No need to go to Omaha or Chicago, reach markets anywhere in the country from ...

Rich P. Bingham

Bill Dizer wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 16, 2025 3:59 pm
Looks like both guys are driving! Two drivers, one automobile!

Have to ! No “tongue” to hitch to, the team can’t steer rhe car, but the feller behind the wheel can - the other gent has his hands full of reins, driving the team.

Rich P. Bingham

Where does YOUR dog ride ?

Rich P. Bingham

I wonder what happened to the Model T, that it needed rescuing ?

Rich P. Bingham

Given the low production numbers for 1909, I find it odd that the Landaulet body would have comprised such a high percentage. I hope someone can point is to an actual survivor! Re/ the landaulet in the auto show photo, it’s not impossible that became a “car that never was”. It was fairly usual for a...

Rich P. Bingham

Just imagine that brake lining wearing down thin, you do a panic stop and it snaps. Oh boy. Really no difference from burning out the lining in the stock band. No lining, no nuttin’. :lol: The seasoned T driver knows that if the brake band fails, stomping low and reverse at the same time will clamp...

Rich P. Bingham

How orange ?? Bright orange could be a red lead primer like they (used to ?) use on bridges. Any chance it was just rusty and painted over (not so orange)

Rich P. Bingham

Seems like a sound concept. Only “gripe” I have is whether they would release entirely, or have a bit of drag on drums constantly. ?? Guess we’ll never know. They never became popular, that’s sure. I had never heard of them before now.

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks again, Tom, for a wonderful collection. Given the topic title I just had to add this one, being partial to Collies and the ‘13-‘14 cars !

Rich P. Bingham

. . . Henry Ford . . . made the case that power farming was more productive than horse-powered farming . . . That is true. Mechanized farming led to surpluses, higher efficiency, producing more for less return, a deadly spiral. When I was small, we had a neighbor who still did some of his farming w...

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks Rich for posting the never seen by me era cartoons. . . . Henry enjoyed riding even when he was approaching 70 years old . . .” My pleasure, Bob ! Aren’t they fun ? :lol: “even” ?? :lol: at 76 I still throw a leg over. Not sure which is more fun - my horses or my Model T !! I hope I can cont...

Rich P. Bingham

Fascinating that some might’ve driven intercity at night with only kerosene cowl lamps. Recall in its day, the majority of traffic was still horse drawn. Carriage lamps were lit by candles - the purpose was not to light the way, but to make the vehicle visible to others sharing the road. Same for t...

Rich P. Bingham

“The horse is through.” - Henry Ford It’s been recounted over the years that Mr. Ford “hated” horses. Perhaps his disaffection for the equine race didn’t extend to a specific gut-wrenching animosity, but there is little doubt Ford’s massive incursions into personal mobility and on the farm resulted ...

Rich P. Bingham

And the rest is history !

Rich P. Bingham

Very true, Susanne. And Newt was sorely vexed !!

Rich P. Bingham

A recent photo of Chugwater shows how population has dwindled since KD’s time. The Parsnip Creek Dam project has diverted water from the former moss beds, just desert plain now where the Regatta used to be held. Sic transit gloria mundi . . .

Rich P. Bingham

I spent a moment puzzling over this too. Interesting Mark’s “untouched” ‘13 has lamps with hinges outboard.
Also interesting to learn not all lamp mfgrs. made “pairs”. Not a big thing, I mounted mine hinges inboard as the lenses can touch the fenders the other way.

Rich P. Bingham

Very good call, Herb ! Cartoonist Jack Kettle was a student of Van Pinksburg’s, although his offerings (like this one) weren’t at all funny. He was Ma & Pa Kettle’s nephew.

The Van Pinksburg influence can be seen in the exquisite detail of the “shiners” in this rendering.

Rich P. Bingham

Requesting loyal readers of KD’s Adventures to post any examples they may have of paintings, drawings and/or illustrations by Aldo Van Pinksburg. Recall, he was KD’s favorite artist. Perhaps he is best known for the labels on bottles of Happy Sally over the years. Thank you !

Rich P. Bingham

Almost exactly seven years ago, late October 2017, I made a trip to buy some parts from Mr. Huson, spent the better part of a very pleasant day with him and his very gracious wife. He showed me his cars and his work space, he is the “real deal” as T guys go. I’m glad to learn he is doing well.

Rich P. Bingham

I presume this meme is intended to plug electric cars. I wonder if they realize just how ridiculous it is ?

Rich P. Bingham

I find it interesting how the Model T is perceived in popular culture as the years pass.

Rich P. Bingham

Eleventh photo, my dad told me when he was a kid, the family dog would always jump on the Model T and ride that niche between the hood and the fender. Great pix again, thanks Tom !!
They prove (?) T hoods are tougher than you think !!

Rich P. Bingham

The Drywater Natatorium at Silver Plume was an obscure and short-lived recreational feature in the Basin. Miss Sally Krunchknuckle was the proprietress and chief obedience officer throughout its existence. Literally a favorite watering hole of Basin residents, the appellation “dry water” was popular...

Rich P. Bingham

Is it the coil unit in the #1 position itself, or the #1 slot in the coil box? Have you moved the coil unit to other positions in the box with the same result ?

Rich P. Bingham

It’s a flower vase. Why on one pillar of an open cab ? Anyone’s guess. Well into the 30’s, it was common to find a pair of bud vases inside closed cars. A touch of class !

Rich P. Bingham

Odd you should mention that, Pat . . . Two of the Nordstrom quints, Hubert and Herb became talented and inventive chemists. When baling twine came in short supply, Hub & Herb synthesized a cheaper, serviceable replacement using the discarded talings from the moss mill. They dubbed their invention “z...

Rich P. Bingham

True enough, Herb. Only thing needed is to name the subjects in the photo. Heinrich had no trouble identifying Purvis Bostitch, twice mayor of Silver Plume, and Salome Chardonnay, the original Happy Sally whose seductive dancing inspired the tipple so popular in the Tri-Burgs. Cuthbert loaned his bu...

Rich P. Bingham

When rumor had it that Carrie Nation was of a mind to pass through Chugwater on one of her saloon- smashing campaigns, Ernie was determined to avoid the certain destruction of his establishment that would follow if Carrie and her hatchet showed up in the Basin. He determined to survive by closing an...

Rich P. Bingham

With great sorrow and high regard for his many accomplishments, we noted the passing of Richard Eagle, August 25, 2024 our dear friend of 62 years. Author of the forum topic , “The Adventures of Kalamity Dick - Fact, or Fiction?” The single longest-running topic on these boards, which logged an asto...

Rich P. Bingham

Round leather washers about 1/4” thich were used between the turtle shell flange and tje body deck at the four points of attachment.

Rich P. Bingham

Wonderful to see !! Added advantage, the “hobnail” studs would add traction for the era’s generally smooth tread tires !

How’s the condition of the leather ?

Rich P. Bingham

Email sent ! Welcome Dylan !

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks Dan ! I found the pix helpful !
Another interesting detail in the minutiae of T parts !

Rich P. Bingham

Duh !! Thanks, Steve, I didn’t even think of the forked mixture rod. Still, it would be great to see pictures of the different types, for us shut-ins to see !

Rich P. Bingham

Pictures would be helpful here, I’m unsure which “carburetor adjusting rods” we’re talking about - the steering column rods, or the under-hood carburetor throttle pull rod ?

Rich P. Bingham

Perfect ! Thank you much, Ron ! Much appreciated.

Rich P. Bingham

Larry, any idea what size and thread pitch they are ? As I recall, they’re an oddball size. Mine are “wiggly” too !

Rich P. Bingham

Harold, myself and I’ll bet many following this thread would be much obliged if you could post those photos here for us to see. The earliest Ts are fascinating to those of us who will never own one, or be able to examine them in person. Thank you !!

Rich P. Bingham

Just because I like to compare values, according to the inflation calculator, that top for a roadster would cost $1062.44 today !

Rich P. Bingham

Thank you much, Rex ! It’s a treat to see. Do you have plans to get it running, I hope ?

Rich P. Bingham

Rex, I’m fascinated by your pickup with that top ! I wish you’d post more pictures of it in detail. I hope you get some responses from other owners. What a fun accessory conversion !

Rich P. Bingham

‘13 and ‘14 dashes were a solid vertically laminated core, of various hardwood species, with cross plies of 1/16” cherry veneer on the finished sides. I’m not certain about the earlier ones with a parting board below the windshield. Reproduction dashes for ‘13-‘14 are often 3/4” plywood with cherry ...

Rich P. Bingham

Ditto what Tim said - had plenty left over from doing my ‘13 to do a ‘12 top board. You’ll love it ! It’s gorgeous !!

Rich P. Bingham

Yup. Monroe. Had the pleasure of seeing one once, interesting car and rare. A local gas station had one in a display lineup of antique cars 60 years ago, no one knows what became of it.

Rich P. Bingham

Very glad to learn you’re OK !!

Rich P. Bingham

George, I, too, wonder how the cars were shipped in those early days. I wonder how “standard” was the procedure for shipping Fords by rail within the continental USA as a “some assembly required” by dealers proposition ? It doesn’t seem logical fhe cars would have had side lamps fitted at the factor...

Rich P. Bingham

thom wrote: ↑
Sun Sep 08, 2024 5:01 pm
. . . a '24 Chevrolet Touring I will buy to ease the pain.

Methinks you’re about to find out what pain really is !!

(Steve J. Is right, you know

)

Rich P. Bingham

At least locally they were referred to as a “California Top”. Not sure why. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one restored with a car, the few I’ve examined in “found” state were pretty rickety - the owners opted to restore the car as a factory open car. As an option, regardless the make, before 1930 o...

Rich P. Bingham

Not quite a year since Rich Eagle posted his last painting here. Besides his fellowship and knowledge of all things “T”, we’re going to deeply miss his artwork. Kind of a long dry spell since Arbs posted the remarkable “3-D” painting last March. I hope this thread will continue to be updated, Rich w...

Rich P. Bingham

Steve, it certainly is a center door, but I don’t think Ford had anything to do with that body ! It’s custom coachwork for sure, and mighty interesting ! Wouldn’t it be great to see more of it ??

Rich P. Bingham

Grocery store “white vinegar” is cheapest, and in actuality is no more than a solution of acetic acid and distilled water. Works fine for the purpose. “Real” vinegar from apple cider, or rice wine is for salads and the kitchen, and costs much more.

Rich P. Bingham

Toon, just the cap. If you have a dial caliper, it’s a good idea to measure the paper to be sure ! Brass shim stock is better, but paper is amazingly regular. If you “paper” the circumference of the journal, you have .003” clearance. (that’s on the outside of permissible tolerance). Bob UK, it’s bes...

Rich P. Bingham

Is a slightly less than a 7% solution of Coca Cola really effective ? (3.5% if you only use one 12 oz can)

Asking for a friend . . .

Rich P. Bingham

That impressive coach body on #6 doubtless began its career behind flesh and blood horsepower ! I wish there were more views of it. Love to see the front end treatment. That’s not a “stock” Ford hood ! Wonder what became of it ? Is it on a 1915 chassis ?

Rich P. Bingham

Rod clearance should be .0015”. In my experience, plastigage is of minimal utility when re-fitting worn parts. Old timers (I’m one) liked to fit up with newspaper, to where the rod binds with a wrap of paper. Brass shim stock is a better choice. We OCD types would like to see equal shims on both sid...

Rich P. Bingham

Great commentary Wayne ! Thing is, acetylene lamps (and oxy-acetylene welding) were fairly new technology, only something like 20 years old in 1915. The magneto powered electric headlamps were pretty sketchy, while, if you really had to rely on them for a lot of night driving over bad roads, acetyle...

Rich P. Bingham

The Outbursts of Everett True - 1905

Rich P. Bingham

Snob appeal!

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