MTFCA Forum

Rich P. Bingham

In any event a belts-and-suspenders approach to avoiding parts loss is never time poorly spent especially if you subscribe to "quick and dirty" line of work and are loathe to use prudent precautions. My old boss and mentor on the ranch taught me, “Never take a short-cut unless you have a lot of tim...

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks for the peek !! That is beautiful !!

Rich P. Bingham

There is a warm cherry and a black cherry . . . These are oil based. There is a water based stain . . . There is a reason for the cost difference. Generally, alcohol (water-based) stains are dyes and tend to be fugitive (not very light-fast). Oil stains are generally pigmented and will be less pron...

Rich P. Bingham

So would I make a 50/50 varnish and turpentine mix, and add the Crimson paint until it looks "red enough" while still having a stain level of thinness? Pretty much. The tube color will have the consistency of toothpaste. A little troublesome to work into the varnish mix. It doesn’t take much stain ...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . no way using tape will give the same quality as hand striping done by a true craftsman. Allan from down under. I couldn’t agree more ! The big problem for many is access to a “true craftsman”. The presence of tape in the above photo doesn’t mean the stripe will be taped off. Many stripers use...

Rich P. Bingham

An article in a late 1950s HCCA journal gave this recipe for staining dashboards: “Mix artists’ tube oil paint Alizarin Crimson into a 50/50 mixture of spar varnish and turpentine.” The result is very acceptable and indistinguishable from the Laurel Mt. stain. Be sure to avoid water miscible paint, ...

Rich P. Bingham

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Sat Oct 11, 2025 12:34 pm
Is there any way to repair chips in enamel signs?

Not satisfactorily. Best one can do is to fill with epoxy compounds similar to JB Weld - fill, sand, polish. It may be possible to color some types with dry pigments to match.

Rich P. Bingham

Maybe I shouldn’t air a pet peeve in this thread, but it speaks to the issue. My ‘13 runabout carries stripes that are way too broad, and would have looked better if the striper had consulted period photos. You will never see a top stripe on a ‘13 or ‘14 in period photos where the windshield support...

Rich P. Bingham

Aren’t thise photos a treasure ? I’m forever grateful to Tom for his efforts to post them. I’m glad you found them useful too, your car will turn out the better for your attention to detail ! I hope your striper is a top hand ! Please show us the results when it’s done. I, for one, would love to see...

Rich P. Bingham

If authenticity is your goal, I’d suggest you go over the period photos “Dollisdad” has posted quite regularly for the past year or so. As a general rule, modern restorers tend to become infatuated with striping (understandable - it’s so attractive !) and overdo it. Another caveat, original striping...

Rich P. Bingham

love2T's wrote: ↑
Thu Oct 09, 2025 9:08 am
. . . warm water, and elbow grease . . .

SOS soap pads were the “go to” back in the 50s for cleaning the wide whitewalls. (and them greasy elbows)

Rich P. Bingham

Viscosity affects clutch function. Heavy (cold) oil will cause the car to creep in neutral.

Rich P. Bingham

It's interesting that Henry was bragging that it was not an 'assembled' car. It is interesting to note that statement, which was fact, not a boast. Although Ford jobbed out the manufacture of components, the Model T was Ford’s concept and unlike any other. To make the distinction, there were not a ...

Rich P. Bingham

This should be declared a national holiday !!

Rich P. Bingham

Dogs have been driving since 1914.

Rich P. Bingham

The only felt I can think of that needs the help of gasket seal is over the “hump” on the transmission hogshead. Generally it’s best just to soak felt “seals” in oil and let them do their thing. I haven’t seen gasket “shellac” forever !! But I wouldn’t recommend it. Everyone has their own favorite m...

Rich P. Bingham

Just to be clear, you want genuine Hyatt bearings, not the “solid roller” reproduction type, right ?

Good luck ! They’re worth the search.

Rich P. Bingham

This is most gratifying, to see what has become of that intriguing relic “find” from three years ago !
It’s wonderful to see a unique T come back to life. Beautiful job, please keep us up to date with your progress, and many thanks for sharing !!

Rich P. Bingham

I agree the “cupping” in those tappets looks as if it was intentionally machined into the parts. Why ? Baffles logic. As for setting valve lash by measuring piston travel and grinding valve stems, it may be the better way if the camshaft is appreciably worn. It’s not that difficult. What’s difficult...

Rich P. Bingham

Par’m me, fellers as I beat this to death. #11 is a real puzzle ! Remember, the camera sees the image upside down - Perhaps someone will enlighten me, I have never seen a film or plate holder camera where the slide did not draw from the right side of the camera. So, how was it done ? I believe there...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . I have sent a message to LMF to see if or when it is still available, but in case it is not, does anyone have another stain recommendation? . . . A restoration tip from the HCCA in the 1950s recommended making your own stain using artist’s oil paint. Alizarin Crimson tube paint diluted to a w...

Rich P. Bingham

#9 - ‘13 or ‘14 with updated electric head lamps. Literally, a blacksmith shop repair, obviously the front spring has been removed. One may speculate the job is to repair a broken spring leaf (or two ? Or more ?). Looks like a leaf is being hammer welded, maybe - one man steadies a set-hammer while ...

Rich P. Bingham

OOf. I expected a conversation about that burnt up and abandoned T posting!! Sorry to disappoint, Charlie ! :oops: And thank you, Frank, for providing a more appropriate response ! :lol: I had thought a period cartoon might be of interest, I’ve posted a couple of others previously, with zero respon...

Rich P. Bingham

Yup ! Clocked at 30 per. It’s why I love my T. Like a high lope on a good horse.

Rich P. Bingham

I have restored rust pitted items for bright nickel by plating with copper, sanding between applications similar to using a primer surfacer to eliminate imperfections before finishing with paint. You need to have a plater who will work with you, allowing you to block sand between applications of cop...

Rich P. Bingham

speedytinc wrote: ↑
Wed Sep 10, 2025 12:18 pm
5 or 6??

You mean GALLONS dontcha ?

Rich P. Bingham

Photo #10 - 1913 runabout is the same car as the one in photo #2 in the “Room for One More” thread !
Interesting !!

Rich P. Bingham

Well, we know the antelope ran at least 37 mph !

Rich P. Bingham

#7 is intriguing - T chassis re-purposed as a wagon, mule powered. I wonder what the date of the photo is ? Unless the wheels of an older car were swapped out, they appear to be 21” balloon tires, ‘25 at the oldest ! Either that car had tragically short life, or the photo is mid-1930s or later. The ...

Rich P. Bingham

It makes sense to me that curtain fasteners were chemically blackened or painted, even the most OCD “brass snob” in the era would probably balk at polishing them, and utility items like that were better “camouflaged” than obvious, and a tarnished fastener is unsightly.

Rich P. Bingham

How do they not suck water in on the 6th pic? Looks like an easy way to hydraulic the motor to me In the photo, at least so far, the carb intake is well above the water line. Interesting thought about “hydraulicking” the motor if they get in too deep. In practice, I believe water over the intake wo...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . why they didn't buy a new TT truck chassis? . . . :lol: My thought exactly, Wayne ! :lol: Maybe it’s a 1917, and the TT isn’t even a rumor yet ? Maybe it’s a bargain-basement deal on some kind of “form-a-truck” arrangement ? In any case, I agree - the frame will need a lot of help from a robu...

Rich P. Bingham

Not a “brass era” case. They’re all brass by the way.

Rich P. Bingham

Looking at the 2nd picture I notice the position of the offset acetylene tank. In that position I would thing they would have issues with their lights Good eye John! Yep I would bet it could been pretty exciting! "Whooosh"! :o Please explain the wherefore ? I’m guessing the proper position for the ...

Rich P. Bingham

Dan McEachern wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 26, 2025 4:11 pm
A 3/4" pipe tap is the perfect size to screw into the old driveshaft bushing . . .

I’ve had good results using a tap to remove “blind” or flanged bushings. Perhaps Frank’s shop-made tool would be economical for some. The cheapest 3/4” pipe tap listed in McMaster-Carr is $97.87. YMMV

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks, Craig, for a good, logical explanation. That makes a lot of sense ! I’m sure there are a lot of Ts, long retired now being resurrected, where the front trunion mount has rusted to the point of being a poor ground contact ! An added strap would avoid starter problems, no doubt ! It’s a good r...

Rich P. Bingham

And yes installing a ground wire from engine to frame or battery is a great idea as it prevents sparks from flying out of the front spring/motor mount when using a electric starter! Craig. :shock: Isn’t the engine “naturally” grounded to the frame by virtue of being bolted to it ??? Please explain ...

Rich P. Bingham

AND they leak. Some more, some less. Presuming you’re referring to the original Ford sediment bulb ? Mine does not. Requisite is a sediment bulb in good enough condition that the valve can be “lapped” to a proper fit. Assemble the parts with an application of that heavy, pasty fuel valve lubricant,...

Rich P. Bingham

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 21, 2025 10:41 pm
A revolutionary concept: When in doubt, read the directions.

“. . . ain’t never read a manual cuz that’s like cheatin’
He don’t mind the grease on his hands when he’s eatin’. . .”

Rich P. Bingham

mortier wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 21, 2025 3:18 pm
. . . [are] there . . . any pads installed under the two rear engine mounts . . . ?

No.
Wood blocks in the frame channel as noted, with their purpose.

Making sure rhe engine is solidly bolted to the frame is important.

Rich P. Bingham

The Dauntless Geezer speaks practical truth (as always)

Not on a T (obviously) but if you like accessory radiator caps, how about this one ?? I’m hoping the bagpipes play when the car overheats, and there’s a head of steam in the top tank !

Rich P. Bingham

Rick, that seems a very comprehensive list, thank you for that. I had only been aware of Wilson, Baudette and Fisher ! My ‘13 runabout is a Wilson body stamped with a “W” and a number that doesn’t appear to entail a date. I should take another look ! Curiously, the car came with a couple of floorboa...

Rich P. Bingham

Allan wrote: ↑
Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:23 am
I wonder if that is the Schmidt house on side?

Afrom down under.

It’s the Schmit’s !

Rich P. Bingham

. . . the main issue is the little patches of rubber touching the ground. Its about the size of two packs of cigarettes . . . This is the most important fact of life regarding Model Ts and braking. Any Model T in good repair and properly adjusted, is capable of locking up the rear wheels with the t...

Rich P. Bingham

Inability to create something new so they will try to ride on something that was, hardly surprising. Is this on topic? If you don’t recognize the “new” logo is an update of the one Ford used practically all through Model T production, then, I guess it is off topic. I found it amusingly interesting.

Rich P. Bingham

Timing cover is centered with the correct tool . . . As a 14 year old lacking a lot of reliable information as to the care and feeding of my Model T, back in nineteen-ought-sixty-two, the necessity of centering the timing cover was unknown to me, with the result the original timer and roller ran of...

Rich P. Bingham

Tim, that’s good news indeed ! I bought one from the folks in Spokane 9 years ago, intending to run it on my “new” ‘13 runabout. It was equipped with a TW Timer, which has given excellent service ever since, so I’m still holding the New Day in reserve . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Out of curiosity, what does the “race” look like in the timer body ? Over 62 years ago I ran a used New Day in my first T. Great timer ! I fear that the reproduction units don’t equal the quality of the originals, especially the fit of the bronze brush in the rotor. I believe the originals were self...

Rich P. Bingham

Good for you Chris !! With a T, all things are possible ! (well, most, anyway :lol: ) looking good, and a lot of fun ! Here’s a chance for us OCD history types to learn something - I was under the impression all of the “improved” cars were fitted with electric start, and ‘25 was the last year a cust...

Rich P. Bingham

Sounds like difficulty level 5

“Glue” the keeper halves in place with a dab of heavy grease.

Rich P. Bingham

Update for anyone interested in this thread. The block of nitrophyl from Kelch Restorations came in today’s post. FWIW, its appearance is VERY different from the float blank I had obtained from Lang’s. Smooth, black, with a sheen even when cut, it does not resemble the grey, granular texture of the ...

Rich P. Bingham

So far, no one has mentioned a “dry test” vs. a “wet test”. Dry is “as is”, for a wet test, squirt a little oil into the cylinder through the plug hole. Wet/dry variation can tell you something about the condition of your rings. From my experience, a “hold in” gauge is practically useless when check...

Rich P. Bingham

Pat, I have a hunch you’re right about the rubber. Pretty much what I’ve found to be the case, Jeff. . . So, is there a remedy ?

Rich P. Bingham

Thank you kindly Dan. I did try to search the forum, did not find that thread. It seems definitive, wonder why I can’t seem to get enough pressure to open the tire stem valve ?

Rich P. Bingham

Like many, I picked up a real Ford tire pump for my Lizzie. I would like it to be functional. Seems to be a good restoration, plunger piston has been replaced with a cup from a hydraulic brake cylinder, it moves air well. Fitting to attach to the tire stem doesn’t have a point for opening the stem v...

Rich P. Bingham

Tire problem solved. Thanks, MTFCA !

Rich P. Bingham

I ordered a piece of nitrophyl from Kelch Restoration Services in Bethel, Ohio. The gent I spoke with said he’s been using nitrophyl for floats for 20 years, no failures. He did say there are foam products being used that eventually get “waterlogged”, some swell and bind in the bowl.

Caveat emptor !

Rich P. Bingham

Does anyone have a single 30x3-1/2” smooth grey tire they would part with ? Pairs or a full set (2@ 30x3, 2@ 30x3-1/2) OK too - I’m not sure how far this hernia will take me !
White or failed (turning brown) white OK too

Rich P. Bingham

Thank you, Jeffrey. That’s instructive. Now to research it and determine if it can be formed into Model T carb floats.
Identifying the material Lang’s provides is still a problem.

Rich P. Bingham

Pat, I wondered if that could be the case. I shouldn’t complain about failure after several years, but it caught me off guard.

Rich P. Bingham

Photo #11 - “WTH ?!?”
Photo #12 - “Shot the S.O.B. that cut my tire !”

Rich P. Bingham

Both from the same source, perhaps we can assume it’s the same stuff ? It appears to be the same vis-a-vis the photo. Lang’s catalogue only specifies “modern material”. Just curious whether anyone else has found that it will absorb fuel “in time” ?

BTW, Nice work on that float, Richard !

Rich P. Bingham

My Lizzie pulled up with a belly-ache the other day, woes with the Holley G I’m running. It’s a brass-body G I rebuilt about 7 years ago, using the available composite foam float available from Lang’s. As usual, it’s never just one thing wrong, found a little crud in the inlet port, and the float va...

Rich P. Bingham

It’s great to follow your progress on these projects Tom, thank you ! (you do such fine work, it’s an inspiration !)

Rich P. Bingham

Great mud pix Dennis, thank you !

Rich P. Bingham

What’s missing from most authentic restorations ? Mud !! Lizzie is my faithful work companion every summer, as we chase the irrigation water from the diversion and in the fields. I kinda get a perverse pleasure from playing in the mud, she does clean up well when the time comes, but I can’t even beg...

Rich P. Bingham

Of course nowadays it’s most likely a 60s “muscle car”, but the principle remains the same . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Kieth, Tim, I agree with both of you ! And I’m curious about the T. To me, it looks too short for a TT, but the heavy rear wheel looks TT. Special chassis ? Optical illusion ?

The camper body looks ingenious. I bet those kids had a lot of fun on that trip.

Rich P. Bingham

Photo caption, “Dr. A.A. Foster and family on their camping vacation from Dallas Texas to Washington, D.C., 1920”

Modified TT ? What a great adventure that must have been !

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks for posting the picture of the whole carb. What a wonderful hunk of brass !!

Rich P. Bingham

RajoRacer wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 18, 2025 4:55 pm
Rainer - verify that the pan bolt directly under the timer has the head up top & the nut down below - when reversed, it can cause #4 to ground !

Good call, Steve ! Easy to miss, easier to forget when re-assembling a motor. So easy to ground a timer terminal !

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 !

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