MTFCA Forum

Hi Tim. Good luck. Only 3 weeks to go. I’m one of the ones that is glad I had it done. Of course I had a great orthopedic surgeon that kept my worry to a minimum, which is one of the biggest concerns on the minds of those having this surgery. Fear of complications or infection. Make sure the surgeon...

I have found that the absolute best physical exercise to achieve full range of motion is to sit on the tailgate of my truck and swing my leg to and fro trying to swing it under as hard as I can to gradually reach the fullest bend possible. I do this for 30 minutes 3 times per day. Then I walk down t...

Update. I had my right knee replaced on July 25, 2025. By October, almost three months later and lots of physical therapy, it fully recovered and I scheduled my left knee to be replaced on October 31, 2025. It is now November 29 and after a month, my left knee is doing very well. Twon’t be long befo...

Granted, a lot of work went into this modification, but not enough thought. I would have preferred the roof be moved forward so as to cover the entire rear seat and rear floor section up to the back of the front seat, with a windshield separating the rear from the driver with just the driver and fro...

Closest coupe appears to be a 1926-‘27.

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More time has passed between this picture being taken and now (62 years), than between the 1909 date of manufacture and 1963 (54 years). What a character he must have been. Where is his car now? Are there more pictures of it?

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While rubber washers at these points were not original, someone in the past probably installed rubber washers at each bolt hole to try and silence vibration noise wherever metal to metal contact occurs. The theory is sound but rubber washers would have a tendency to keep the fasteners from being tig...

From Vowellart in the MTFCA gallery:

Most of the long-time members of the forum do not recommend salvaging rotten or broken spokes with epoxy, glue or shims. It is just too dangerous and even deadly. I would buy a complete new set of hickory spokes and make a jig to replace them with. I actually did this myself in 2010 and it turned ou...

As close as I can determine, it appears to be a pipe or conduit hanger.

Vaseline was used as a very light, clean, non-conductive grease back in the day. It was recommended for Victrolas, Edison phonographs and Singer Sewing Machines and is, no doubt, good for Model T’s. Long ago, I mixed some Vaseline with a can of 3 in 1 oil and arrived at a very thin, non-conductive g...

Here is a helpful thread from 2018 about wood finishing: Www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/822076/86 ... 1527252732

Since the thickness of the coil box brackets are only about 1/8”, the head bolts securing the coil box are not compromised by losing only 1/8” worth of threads. To custom cut three of the head bolts 1/8” longer could be a problem for the next owner if he is not aware that several of the head bolts a...

1926-‘27 coil box was mounted to the top of the engine using regular sized head bolts.

Absolutely. In all cases, especially if your rims are rusted and pitted. Flaps prevent punctures of the tube by sharp points inside the rim. I installed my last set of tires with flaps in 1970. They lasted for 53 years until I finally changed them out in 2023.

I think you had four posts of advice on your last post. Looked like good advice.

Have not seen this advice in awhile. Worth repeating. Whenever working in the transmission cavity, after draining the oil, saving for re-use, tightly stuff the open space to each side of the drums with lots of rags to prevent nuts, washers, cotter pins and small tools from falling into the bottom of...

I found the best aerosol clearcoat to protect polished brass that I have ever used in “Mohawk Gloss Lacquer for Brass” that can be purchased from Amazon. It goes on perfectly clear without fogging up or developing bubbles.

With older Model T’s that had the tank under the seat, running out of gas on long inclines was a common occurrence. Not so much with the ‘26-‘27 that had the tank in the cowl. There was an old T era cartoon of a Model T salesman taking his customer for a test drive. As he approached a hill he knew t...

Judging by the curved path and steps leading to it, I would guess that it is a picnic, swimming and hiking park. I think that the driver parked the T near the edge of the parking lot and forgot to set the emergency brake and it rolled down the steps and into the water. I don’t think it was a boat la...

In 2011, I installed a Fyrac spotlight through the windshield of my 1926 coupe which had laminated safety glass. No one ever told me it couldn’t be done, or discouraged me so, in my ignorance, I went ahead and successfully embarked on the job. I took pictures and detailed the process for the MTFCA m...

Nice! Wouldn’t the proper term be: “My NOS ride”?

When I first purchased my 1926 Model T Coupe in 1970, equipped with an original horn, I was surprised that it sounded like a goose. The first thing I did was buy and install a vintage electric 6 volt Klaxon 8C horn, also leaving in place the original horn. I much prefer the Ahooga sound as opposed t...

She’s hot!

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Are these from one collection or from a museum that closed or from individual families of collectors who passed away and no longer want the T? Whoever buys them, I hope they are not the Boyd Coddington type and leave them as original Model T’s. That is the only danger I see in massive auctions like ...

Good thing about originals is not only that they fit properly, but have the Ford script stamped into them.

Since Model T’s are notorious for riding as rough as a boat in rough seas, it makes sense that a gyroscopic, self leveling cup holder such as is used in boats would be the best choice for a model T. It is more important to have a functional anti spill holder over a non functional vintage looking hol...

That is scary. I am an impatient person and want my recovery to go as fast as possible and am aware of the dangers of doing too much, but how much is too much is the question. I am also worried that my window of opportunity could close in that, if I don’t get the maximum amount of bend as is possibl...

Well, I underwent the knee replacement surgery on July 25 and it went very well. It helps to have a great surgeon. Since pain is one of the main obstacles to recovery from this surgery, he installed a pain pump that, for several weeks, will automatically inject a strong pain medication deep into the...

Just thought you’d all like to know the knee replacement surgery I underwent on 7/25 went very well. Please refer to OT forum to post comments. Please do not post on general form. Thank you all for all your helpful advice. Jim Patrick

Years ago I saw on the forum, a member who bought, what he said, was an original for an outlandish price on eBay. There followed, a long discussion with pictures of originals versus repros which came in steel and brass. I could not tell the difference except that the originals were rusty and worn an...

Thank you Norm. I would guess that your sister had her surgery in about 1985. I was not aware that knee replacement surgery went back 40 years, or that the knees lasted so long. Most sources say that the replacement knees have a life of 20 years. Hopefully, the technology has advanced substantially ...

Thank you. Very helpful. I asked my surgeon’s nurse yesterday about the Laproscopy robotic surgery but he does not do that. Also the implanted anesthesia. She was unaware of what that is. She asked if you meant to say implanted antibiotic.

Bump to the top

At first, I arranged to have the surgery done through the VA in Tampa, which is over an hour away from my home. My Primary physician at the VA said the distance alone could qualify me to seek a closer surgeon through the “VA Community Care Program”. The VA surgeon could not schedule me until Decembe...

Thank you. I should have mentioned that I am 71. Having been in the Marines and having been instilled with Marine Corps. discipline I have worked out all my life so I have a tendency to push myself hard, no matter how painful it is, plus, my wife is a very good nurse (though not an actual nurse) and...

I am having knee replacement surgery on July 25. Anyone who has undergone this procedure, please read my questions on the OT forum. Thank you. Jim Patrick

Having spent 4 years in the Marines from 1972 to 1977 and running 3 miles a day, it destroyed my knees. It has been 48 years since my discharge from the Marines and I have waited as long as I can. I am almost a cripple and it has finally come to the point where I need to get knee replacement surgery...

Steel descriptions are basically the cross section shape of the steel being described. An i - beam has the cross section of a capital i or an H. Angle iron has the 90 degree cross section of an L. Flat bar is flat. Square bar is a square bar. Round bar is a round bar. U-channel has the cross section...

I would find a steel pipe with the correct diameter then heat and straighten the saddle, insert the pipe and heat the saddle and fold the ends up and around the pipe. Since it is of no use the way it is, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you are unsure if you are able to do it, I’m sure a local f...

The graphite/enamel/mineral spirits mix does harden and provides great slickness between the leafs. After applying, assemble the leafs together and tighten, then clean off any mix on the outside edges, tops and bottoms of the assembled springs with mineral spirits and paint with a gloss black paint ...

Here is my Hercules split rim tire tool. I used it to change all four of my 52 year old, rock hard Universal tires. The more you do, the easier it gets. Notice where the split is in Cut No. 4. Just follow the instructions. Use talcum powder. Good luck. IMG_6854.png IMG_6853.jpeg IMG_6849.jpeg IMG_68...

Maybe this will help get around your hazmat problem. Here is Ford’s original slip paint formula. I mixed some in 2002 and painted my leaf springs with it. It worked/works.
See: www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/19078.html

I too used to buy a lot of original parts from him, years ago for my 1926 coupe. I contacted him a year or so ago about buying a 1926 rear window shade roll I needed for a friend’s 1926 Fordor. He said he no longer parts out Model T’s but still had a few parts and he would check and see if he had on...

I suggest you determine the diameter and length of bolt, nut, washer and lock washer you need for each hole and purchase the fasteners from a hardware store so you can start putting it all together. If any of the holes are countersunk, purchase countersunk bolts for those locations. Any bolts that h...

Older members who attended high school shop classes in the 1960’s and 70’s will remember a 2 part powdered Marine wood glue called Resorcinol that was completely waterproof and used to glue waterproof plywood, boat construction and other projects such as salad bowls and cutting boards. It was the st...

No. Your support rod is too short. Should have about 1/2” on each end.

Sorry. I must disagree. Wood glue will not hold if the gap is not totally closed. If the gap is even slightly open the glue will fail as the glue is very weak if not adhering to something other than itself. The glue will not attain full strength unless the two sides of the crack are totally closed a...

I think “Titebond Ultimate III” exterior yellow wood glue would be better than epoxy and wooden screw clamps are the only clamp that could apply enough pressure to close the crack completely. To get the glue deep into the crack, press it in with your finger tip and keep putting it in. You can use a ...

I charged my magnets in 2010 and they are still going strong. I documented my success. Check out: www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/159978.html.

Reinforced seat covers to protect the upholstery. Maybe Classtique can make you some out of the proper material.

Best to soak the spokes in boiled Linseed oil. You can make 2 long trays using a 3’piece of 4” PVC with 2 end caps. Cut in half longways load with the spokes and pour the linseed oil over the spokes with several gallons of boiled linseed oil and leave them to soak. Since the spokes float, you may wa...

Boiled or unboiled?

In the 1910’s and 1920’s alot of folks explored the rugged national parks in their Model T’s before there were roads. Many of the current roads and trails were blazed by Model T’s over 100 years ago. There are a lot of pictures online of these Model T’s doing just that at Yellowstone. It would be in...

I love the original Holley NH that came with my 1926 coupe. Very simple, easy to work on, adjust and rebuild and my T runs great. The only time it did not run great was when I was experimenting with different timer, but now that I am back to using the original roller timer, it runs great again. If i...

The convex shaped hub is designed to keep the belt centered on top of the hump of the hub. If the belt is riding toward the front of the hub, the front bushing is probably worn, causing the hub to tilt down. The oil you use needs to be thin enough to flow from the reservoir into the center hole in t...

You can remove that old tape with Naptha (aka lighter fluid) without damaging, or discoloring the paper. Put on enough to get under the tape and let it do its’ work. No need to rub. After short time the tape will easily come off. Don’t hurry it or try to remove prematurely. May require several appli...

May I ask why such large chunks were dug out of the tire. Would not a drill bit been have been a lot neater and performed the same function?
.

They have counter sunk washers in packets of 6 at Lowe’s. Most likely at Home Depot too. I think that would be the best way to go.

I agree with the consensus that it is not ruined. Once mounted, I think you will be pleasantly surprised that it will work just fine. Good luck.

Congratulations! You still might be able to replace the broken parts with a latch purchased on eBay.

I have done this before for certain assemblies that I forgot how to reassemble… Go to eBay and search “Model T door latch” in quotations. You might be able to find one cheaply that will help you reassemble yours. Listing a year will yield 0 results since most people do not know the year of their par...

It is common to have to take it apart and do it again several times. Each time you learn a little more until the last time when you get it right. Don’t Settle for less than perfect.

You should get an order together to allow you to purchase the felt washer. It is uniquely suited for the purpose of holding in the oil in, while applying pressure to the pulley to keep it tight and lubricating the face of the rear bushing with the oil retained within the felt washer. I don’t thing t...

Fan shaft felt washer. Item 3983 at Lang’s. .85.

30w oil. It needs to be thin enough to make its’ way from the reservoir through the center of the shaft to the hole in the center and out of the shaft into the space between the bushings so it can lubricate the front and rear bushings. Grease or 600w oil is too thick and will only block the lubricat...

They didn’t take very good care of their campaign covers. Ideally, if properly cared for, they should resemble today’s drill instructor covers. Cover is military jargon for hat. If a Marine allowed his cover to look like that, he’d pull KP for a month, or worse, demoted. Semper Fi. IMG_9292.jpeg

May be giving a lesson on how the internal combustion engine operates to a bunch of wannabe mechanics.

The T in picture 1 is beautiful. Perfect. What year is it? I have never seen such a shiny paint job done in that era. If anyone needs a reference on how to pinstripe their brass era T, this is the pictures to use. Picture must have been taken the first day of ownership by the proud first owner. I wo...

Do you put Model T in quotes “ “, or in brackets ( )? Both were mentioned. I would think that listing Model T Ford… would omit a lot of non-Model T things such as Tesla.

Most manufacturers and business owners are like my Dad. They trust no one to take over. They think they will live forever and think that there is nobody that can possibly do it as good as them, so they never get around to the legal work necessary to pass it on or even reveal their methods of operati...

Even though the starter, generator, oil pan/block and access panels have gaskets, anywhere the bolt threads enter the crankcase or are exposed to oil, the bolts can still leak over time around the bolt heads by the oil seeping out through the threads. It is always a good idea to clean the threads of...

What kind of steering wheel is that? It looks like a Model T steering wheel that seems to be upside down and swung up to allow space for the driver to get out. Is it a sort of Fat man steering wheel?

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That picture appeared on the forum on January 31, 2009 with the story. There was a play set in the 1910’s and the call went out for anyone having a period car they could use for the street scenes for the duration of the play. One of our members, Steven Augustinovich, answered the call and delivered ...

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I am in need of two (2) rear shade roll assemblies for a 1926-‘27 closed car. That is the hollow metal tube that the shade attaches to and the (2) rounded end pieces that connect it to the wall of the interior. Does anyone have these that I could purchase? I need two sets. Cloth shade is not necessa...

Glad to help John. I spent a lot of time in a deuce and a half troop transport during my 4 years as a Marine. Any military man who has ever ridden in the back of one can never forget the smell of the hot damp canvas cover. The air intake coming out of the side of the engine compartment allows the tr...

Deuce and a half is how a 2 1/2 ton cargo truck is referred to in the military.

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Though I did not have the foresight to take any pictures when I first got it, or during restoration, I found the below picture online and my T looked exactly like this on the day I bought it only a little worse. IMG_2204.jpeg Even though it was in bad shape it was complete. Deep rust, no paint excep...

Looks like some sort of bushing removal tool. After the tool is secured to the bushing housing, the center screw is tightened, pushing the bushing out.

This month, my 1926 Coupe, which I have had since 1970 will be 99 years old. Pretty soon there will not be any Model T’s under a century old. My Dad was born in 1926 and died in 2017 at 91 a very old man. He always enjoyed the fact I had a car that was made in the same year he was born. He always sa...

In the Marines, for a few extra dollars, we could buy anodized brass buckles, brass tie clasp and brass uniform buttons. Like Baldwin door knobs, the brightwork was very brightly polished and never needed to be polished. I wonder how difficult and expensive it would be to get Model T brass work anod...

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If you don’t disassemble the spokes, I assume when you shim 2 spokes at a time with the U shaped shim that slides onto the tenon, you shim opposing spokes (across from eachother), before revolving the wheel 90 degrees to do two more, then two more, then two more, etc. until all are done. Would a dro...

When I was in the Marines from 1972-‘77, the only brass polish we were issued was a universal metal polish called “Dura-Glit”. You know how Marines are about their brass, so it was the best! It was a can of cotton wadding saturated with clear chemical metal polish. You would pull off a piece of the ...

For comparison purposes. Looked a lot better a hundred years ago before all the modern “improvements”:

Beautiful gloss paint job. No pinstriping? Must be brand new…1915?

Is there a link directing interested parties to a showroom featuring the items that are for sale so we can see them beforehand?? Jim Patrick

Thousands of years before the swastika was appropriated by the Nazi’s, it was a very positive religious symbol and a symbol of good will. Unfortunately, thanks to the Nazi’s, it will forever be associated with evil and one of the darkest chapters in human history.

Ethanol free gas lasts much longer than ethanol gas. To locate ethanol free gas in your area. Www.pure-gas.org.

Longest coffee break ever…

Go to Www.McMaster.com and search tappet wrenches.

Get some special watch oil (you can get it from eBay) and oil the gears, the spring and balance wheel. Insert the key and gently turn it in the opposite direction than the winding direction. While applying gentle pressure to the key, flick the balance wheel to see if it will start and keep going on ...

The less curvature, the further away the focal point is. The more curvature, the closer the focal point is to the light source. I would imagine you would prefer for the focal length to reach further into the night.

Interesting photos, but sort of sad to think that all the young people you see in the photos have long since lived their lives and are dead and gone. Too bad there is no way to follow up on what happened to them since then and how their lives turned out. A lot of historical events have happened sinc...

Where is the steering wheel? Space is tight! Does this steer with a lever?

Why would the rear driver’s side wheel be missing its’ tire?

Here is an old Model T era chart, that, for the most part, gives a general understanding of the lever settings for driving the Model T. Some say it is not accurate, but it has helped me.

When Stan Howe passed away several years ago, he had a lot of carburetors in various states of repair with, I heard, parts all over his shop. Was everyone who had carburetors in his shop for repairs at the time of his passing, able to retrieve their carburetors? I understand he had a lot of rare car...

Looking through the exhaust outlet, it looks like the muffler middle shell is out of place. It looks like when the muffler was assembled, the middle shell shifted out of place as the end plate was being tightened. It should be centered on the end flange inside the outer housing. If the middle shell ...

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