MTFCA Forum

Rob

Another. This looks more advanced, with gun mounted and more hardware:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorag ... fc-662.mp4

Rob

National Archives, Ford Motor Company film:

https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorag ... fc-662.mp4

Rob

From the National Archives. I thought some might like this footage if you’ve not seen it. I’m looking for a specific film, so sorting through a lot of Ford films. https://catalog.archives.gov/search?q=*:*&f.ancestorNaIds=90439&sort=naIdSort%20asc&offset=1540 A605508C-13A6-4289-8707-68B69ACB0D56.jpeg...

Rob

Regarding the year, there is one brass T converted into a pickup (15 or 16) at the Robinsons plant. The other T’s look like black radiator with steel coilboxes. My guess is between 1917-19. After the TT was introduced I wonder if aftermarket truck kits were competitive?

Rob

From the National Archives: (click on the link to see the video)

https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorag ... c-3339.mp4

Rob

Hi guys. It’s been a busy fall, and I haven’t taken time out for the forum or car work lately. Currently, the racer has scored cylinder walls, so the motor has to come apart. The K magneto is out of sorts, and the F needs a few issues addressed. The N has broken front spring leaves and the 09 hasn’t...

Rob

Larry, I don’t think there is room for an impulse. I had one on a 1913 Buick and it worked great. I had no battery to be concerned with and the impulse mag made starting easy. Bud, the two spark mag is quite interesting, and evidently was well thought of “in the day,” as many race cars of the period...

Rob

Kevin,
I’m thinking of putting it on the shelf, and using a modern two spark that uses a battery. This Bosch works great, but is temperamental and starting on mag is a chore, considering it’s a higher compression 300 cubic inch motor. Thanks for your post,
Rob

Rob

Thanks Duey. I have become a Frank Kulick fan over the years. What an understated, over achieving man, who was in the right place at the right time to help Ford achieve greatness on the track. Kevin, I don’t have all the plugs and wires on in the last photo. There are two sets of plugs, one on each ...

Rob

Thanks guys. A couple of young guys are doing the fabrication. It’s good to know there are incredible young craftsmen coming up in the world today. Now to get them interested in early cars........... Dave, I think the mag is working ok. It’s a different animal, two spark. Without a battery side and ...

Rob

Thanks John. No, we have to pull the head and see why #4 is fouling the plugs. Maybe scoring (borescope), so we’ll see. Meanwhile, I had the correct intake manifold fabricated and it’s coming along well: 0110CCC7-B6CA-4D42-A712-C29E49F9BDAB.jpeg Intake/exhaust of the Ford Special at THF: FC2101F9-06...

Rob

Thanks guys. Bud, yes, several marquees “disguised” their racers to look similar to their production cars. Buick and Case were good examples. Ken, the 300 cu. in. version is our motor. What I’ve learned is Joe Galamb and Ford used the lower cylinder holes to let the engine exhaust (breath) better. I...

Rob

Finishing this marathon of a thread, a few more excerpts and followup. In the article below, another version of “the story.” D43D6B82-66AC-417C-8A8E-DB7A92070BDF.jpeg The second paragraph should bring a smile to any Ford enthusiast. A reminder, the Blitzen Benz the Ford had just beaten held the one ...

Rob

Finally (an end to this thread?), we’ve reached race day. Henry Ford and Frank Kulick have probably their best racing day and event ever. Ford had many victories over an eleven year period, beginning with Sweepstakes in 1901 and ending with Algonquin Hill Climb in 1912. Possibly better than the 999 ...

Rob

Leo, looks like a great read. Wayne, Barney Oldfield and Henry Ford are forever linked in early racing history, and I believe some “history” about the two and their relationship is poorly documented. Tom Cooper contracted with Henry Ford to build two racers in 1901. Ford built the racers, later name...

Rob

September 25th arrives, the beginning of the two days of racing at the Michigan State Fairgrounds. Rain and a wet track caused postponement of the morning races, and the meet was extended to the 26th and 27t. Meanwhile, Burman, Harroun and Fitzpatrick drove exhibition races during the afternoon. Eve...

Rob

Thanks guys. Leo, I wondered the same (does the crown still exist). Bob Burman was killed racing a Peugeot in 1916. His world record 141 mph made with the Blitzen Benz in 1911 outlived him. “Wild Bob” Burman and the “Blitzen Benz” are making their way toward Detroit. At Grand Rapids he sets the trac...

Rob

The summer of 1911 progresses, and Bob Burman and the Blitzen Benz tear across the U.S., making track and world records: ECB5B268-C38B-4BB7-96D6-124DFC147911.jpeg D5AF6636-9B06-47CB-B92A-4EB8CCA182DF.jpeg The records keep coming: 9E5D804C-D1B4-49C3-A0B6-7BCE3B76FF11.jpeg In Scranton, Burman demonstr...

Rob

A quick finish for tonight (but not the end of the story). The Hawthorne track meet began with Frank Kulick winning the first race, driving the 228 cu. in. Ford Special in the 161-230 c.i. class. As it turns out, one turn on the track was unsafe, and a driver was killed during the first race. Then, ...

Rob

The day of the Chicago races arrives. Many of the greatest drivers and cars are there, practicing for the events, chasing records and trophies: 17A624E4-2760-4C7A-8F6E-BFA5263190AE.jpeg While not a headliner in the story, Kulick and his Ford racers are mentioned frequently in the article: 1779AF56-8...

Rob

Henry Ford had a chip on his shoulder. His Ford Special racer wasn’t allowed to compete in the inaugural Indy 500 in 1911. The minimum weight was 2300 lbs., almost twice what the new big Ford Special weighed. Henry Ford, Frank Kulick and many Ford Company representatives attended the race, but were ...

Rob

Thanks Andre. Wayne, continuing on............. On page 39 of his Reminiscences, Joe Galamb went into some of the engineering that went into the Ford Special motors. Joe Golamb: “I’ll never forget that. The cylinder was made out of aluminum, whole aluminum blocks. We put some steel sleeves in it, al...

Rob

Thanks guys, now back to the story.......... The Blitzen Benz made it’s appearance in 1909. Hemery, a well known European driver (who Henry Ford had competed against in years past) set a world record of 126 mph. The Benz was sent to the U.S., where Barney Oldfield drove the “Lightening Benz” to a ne...

Rob

While Joe Galamb had significant involvement in many important facets of Ford history, this one fascinates me the most. On page 39 of his reminiscence, Joe Galamb stated: “ From 1908 to 1914, I was in the Engineering Department carrying out experimental work. We were building racing cars. That was m...

Rob

Thanks guys. Bud, yes, I’ve heard a bit of Mr. Galamb’s recording. One of his friends and peers was Charles Balough. Mr. Balough worked for Ford and moved on to eventually lead the Hercules company (if memory serves). Bruce Balough, who frequents this forum, is Charles’ grandson, and has provided mu...

Rob

That’s what Henry Ford said to Joe Galamb in 1909. Here’s the story, as recounted by Joeseph Galamb. Note: Transcribed from the first taped interview of Joseph Galamb by Owen Bombard in 1952. Courtesy of Benson Library, The Henry Ford, all rights apply. Joseph Galamb was born in Hungary in 1881. He ...

Rob

Kim,
I wondered how you had a photo of Dean riding to Old Car Festival, as he rode with me. Of course you meant a different ride. Below is a photo taken as Dean and I headed to his place from OCF:

I was imoressed how fresh Dean is following a long arduous trip.....

Rob

You’ve had a lot of great Model T adventures this year Dave. Congratulations and here’s to many more T adventures in the future.

Rob

Alex, I’ll go one better. Vintage 1910/11 wire wheels on a Ford Special racer, designed and built by Ford. Photos and drawings courtesy of The Henry Ford, all rights apply: 52999A32-6C98-4FFF-A756-DFFCBA06F6D5.png 8A22FBC5-1EB0-4238-914D-758920E5167F.jpeg Ford drawing of racer spokes: This drawing i...

Rob

For your viewing pleasure: Gaslight tour videos https://www.dropbox.com/s/o1ns4ygfbyrftat/OCF%202019%20gaslight%20%231.mov?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/fu6n3m55u3jyb23/2019%20OCF%20gaslight%20%232.mov?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/130cbq10jmh00ve/2019%20OCF%20gaslight%20%233.mov?dl=0 https://www....

Rob

Nothing special, but an "over"view. Click on the link below if you have 8 minutes to kill.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ptade2aoyqmc3 ... e.mov?dl=0

Rob

Just a point of order. If you had gas on board, you didn't run out of gas....

Rob

Bud, take care. Off to the library this morning. Who would have ever thought my idea of the perfect day would be time spent at a research library. Certainly not my former teachers...........

Rob

Thanks Hank. Yes, Dean's the best.

Bud, unfortunately the racer motor needs attention and won't be out again until next spring. Will we see you this weekend?

Rob

Started at 1:30 a.m. and met Dean Yoder at his place about 9:00. Dean did what he does best, quickly rebuilt the roller and the yoke that holds it for our K roadster. In a couple of hours, it was better than new, and off we went. Arrived at the Pink Pallace in Dearborn a few minutes ago. Now, a week...

Rob

sorry Charles. Good luck with the healing and rehab process.

Rob

These are the "McLaren" style wheels Mike made for me. The rears needed to be a different size and he researched rims and different spokes and built a great set of wheels. The wheels are well made and he went over and above to get them to me at Chickasha this year.

Rob

Ten years ago Dave Dunlavy planned a “pre-tour” based out of Paynesville prior to the New London to New Brighton (Antique Car) Run. It was a big success with several early Ford and brass T owners attending. That winter, Tim Kelly suggested we meet at Paynesville every year, and we have ever since. B...

Rob

Thanks for posting Dave. Great pics.

Rob

Great event, as always (although a little on the wet side this time...... :shock: ). I added up the Model K appearances that I’m aware. My good friend the late Tim Kelly brought his “new” Model K on the run ten years ago. His success with the K motivated me to get one, and the next year took my firs...

Rob

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dd0l2sytxlkhz ... 0.MOV?dl=0

Rob

Glad you made it home in good time. Thank you for your help!

Rob

Ok, now I’m curious (ID#). It seems the numbers have no rhyme or reason, except that they seem to be sequential for multiple orders/sales. For example, look at Holle mfg. on the page below from Trent’s database. Both C and B have sequential ID numbers. FE54143A-E7CB-4A02-8D59-0A816BC312D5.png Maybe ...

Rob

John, I agree, the Wannamaker C sales do look like probable B numbers. And the I.D. numbers are in sequence, for what that’s worth. Initially I thought maybe the I.D.# had something to do with when the order came in, or time between order/testing/receiving cash and when the car shipped. However, tha...

Rob

Hughson said years later that he would have been 35 million to the better had he invested the 5K. However his investors wanted cars, not start up auto company stock. I believe he lived to be close to 100.

Rob

Thanks Wayne. This file contains a magazine description of DAC’s automobiles for 1900. It includes drawings of several body styles, all on one chassis (sound familiar?). An excerpt of the description of the car and drivetrain follow, along with a link to the entire file: https://www.dropbox.com/s/a2...

Rob

Tim, Interesting. I have questions about the ledgers, and maybe Trent has the answer if he sees this thread. One question is, do the dates on the ledger represent the date the order is received at the factory? Is it the date the cars are shipped? Possibly the day the car arrives at the destination? ...

Rob

Do you have Mike's GPS address? Give me a call when you have time. Bruce will be there after 4:30 pm. We might all stay in my camper at Julie's or just drive to Milford after working. Have a good night and safe trip to God's country..... (that would be Nebraska).

Rob

Are you on the road already? Nice here today, but hot tomorrow.

Rob

Great story and pics. Thank you for posting.

Rob

Below is a link to odds and ends collected over the years for anyone interested. The file includes information about Henry Ford’s first automobile company endeavor, the Detroit Automobile Company, founded in 1899. Included is an 1899news story in which the reporter gives first hand impressions while...

Rob

Thank you. Great video of vintage racers.

Rob

Adding insult to injury......

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bw0qgxw3dprl9 ... M.mov?dl=0

The K was warmed and primed, with everything set right before this. Still, I doubt we'll have Julie start it anymore...

Rob

Thanks guys. My first serious kickback with the K happened last year at OCF. I always prime my cars prior to switching the ignition on, but the higher compression K usually still need a pull. And the racer only has a dual spark mag, no battery. Just as I pulled the K over, I noticed two coils buzz, ...

Rob

I’ve had two bad kickbacks from the 1910 Ford racer, and one from the K so far this year. So far, the K’s bite is worse..... Due to the large motor (406 cu in), I have to grab the crank in both hands, and essentially perform a deadlift motion: 580868D8-0E11-477F-BE69-021FA1EE507E.png Unfortunately, ...

Rob

W. L. Hughson was one of Fords first agents, and sometimes listed as the first. He met Henry Ford prior to the formation of FMC, and supposedly appeared as Ford and Malcomson were looking for investors in 1903. Hughson, from San Francisco, reportedly had $5,000 with him from CA investors, for the pu...

Rob

Let’s get down in the weeds........... Tim, the Ford Motor Co. Board of Directors meeting transcripts are an extremely good resource to follow the early activities of Ford Motor Company. It’s interesting to read who made and seconded motions, how some items, such as the Selden Patent suit evolved (t...

Rob

Tim, With respect, I’ve not seen a period advertisement, article or classified listing a Ford Model AC. I thought, possibly incorrectly, that the 10 hp 1904 Model A motor was the same motor as that used in the 1905 model year C. This is a page from the October 28th, 1904 Ford Motor Company Board of ...

Rob

Thanks for the good info. Always good to go back to our roots.... One clarification. Ford did not produce a Model AC. The Model A began with an 8hp motor that was later upgraded to 10hp. The same 10 hp motor was used on the 1905 Model C. Parts books may have referred to some components as "AC" becau...

Rob

Larry, Problem is, I have a 300 cubic inch special Ford built racing engine, probably putting out over 70 hp, tandemed with a standard Ford transmission. I don't know what Ford and Frank Kulick did, but I suspect they had more than a stock T spring/clutch and control set up. Ford was the 5th winning...

Rob

My friend Bruce just put this together and sent a pic. He said it takes about an inch:

Rob

We're going to use the 10% stronger spring from Lang's with 1/4 in spacer to add more pressure on the high speed clutches, hopefully to stop slippage. This motor has a lot of torque, and with 3:1 gears the clutch slips too easily and is almost out of adjustment already. This will probably translate ...

Rob

Thank you Dan.

Rob

Anthonie, Thank you. Do you recall the size of the bolt? I like the shape you ground it to. We’re thinking of a roller, and I need the dimensions for a friend to see if there is room. We need to strengthen or shim the spring and put in new discs. I’m also looking for Turbo 400 blue gen 2 discs. For ...

Rob

Does anyone have the dimensions of the high speed/clutch adjusting bolt? Should the end that hits the “ramp” be hardened, or do you use a hardened bolt?
Thanks,
Rob

Rob

Friend Bruce and I had the opportunity to run the 1910 Ford Special at the Milwaukee Mile racetrack with the Harry Miller Club. Great weather and incredible racers made it a wonderful day. Lots of old and new friends also made for a fun day, including running with "the big dogs." https://www.dropbox...

Rob

Wayne, so far 58mph on a curvy road is our max. The throttle is barely open then. We spent the day working on the mag, so hopefully tomorrow it goes together and away we go. Regardless, amazing speed cars here. A coupe of eye candy examples:

Rob

Dave, see you there.

Susanne, that’s great!

Wayne, I’ll try to post some video and pics of the racers.

Rob

I recently entered the upcoming Miller Milwaukee Mile event. However, initially was denied entry, because our poor little Ford Special racer wasn’t an Indy car. After a little more research, and with the the help of several Miller Club members, we’re in! Meanwhile, this sent me scurrying to find out...

Rob

Great find and project. Thank you for posting and the responses, and please keep us up to date.

Rob

Happy Birthday Darel

Rob

Another red speedster ready to make the trip to Lincoln:

The place looks like a used speedster lot:

Rob

Doug Partington, owner of the Wikner Special, known as Australia's oldest race car, arrived yesterday with his Wikner Special, ready to check in today for the Speedster Reunion. Last weekend he put the the Model T racer through it's paces at the Milwaukee Mile Speedway. IMG_4425.PNG Photos and video...

Rob

Thanks guys. Hope to see it some day.

Rob

Frank, when i looked at the photo showing the rear end and pointed trunk, it looked correct. NRS, as with Mosdel K, had a beefy differential and housing, as opposed to early Model T diffs. One difference from 1906 Model N and 1907/08 NRS was that the support rods at the diff housing were straight on...

Rob

Dave, yes the carb is working. However, it needs a larger seat for max performance. The mag isn't working as it should, but the battery side of the mag is working very well, as are the coils (Dean Yoder tuned them over the winter).

Rob

...with our Model T on steroids.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/jjpbypuyir4b0 ... M.mov?dl=0

Rob

Leo, then I was having real fun............... plus a big knot on my already fake knee.......

Rob

Thank you for posting Leo. The pointed deck should indicate a Model S runabout. If that's the case, it should have 28 inch tires/wheels, although the description mentions 30 inch. Either way, an attractive early Ford runabout.

Rob

Tim, yes, magneto problems can be a real letdown. Nice racer by the way! This racing version is perplexing because there is no battery side, just two plugs running off the mag. As a result, the motor must start from mag, or be pulled or pushed. I thought we had the problem solved (and it is better) ...

Rob

Took the Ford racer to good friend Bruce in MN yesterday. The mag wasn't working well, so off I went at 3:00 am from Nebraska. We tore into it at 11:00 am: IMG_3499.JPG This was the end result at 8:00 pm: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1uhnjqp790imn7t/50%20mph%20in%20Minnetonka.MOV?dl=0 IMG_3503.PNG Back...

Rob

John, just saw these last posts. Yes, I'll be in Lincoln.

Wayne, as far as I can tell, Ford made 8 or more motors.

The exhaust manifold was made up, and based on drawings from THF, I think only one cyl should exhaust out the fake tank, the other three our straight pipes through the hood.

Rob

We came by Iowa City with the racer, but you were in Indiana. Enjoy the rest of the trip.

Rob

This motor has incredible torque. Even with 3:1 diff and 32 inch tires you shift to high at about 10-15mph. After that, you accelerate as quickly as the clutches allow. 58 mph on that road is now our highest speed.

Rob

We have our first speed record. This was on a curvy stretch, so not much chance to let her out:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8alqxy0ct2tql ... M.mov?dl=0

Rob

Mark, I hope to bring it and the K or F. We'll see how things go this summer.

Another video showing the engine "barking" a bit:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o8j9gob0dnskx ... M.mov?dl=0

Rob

My first drive with the Ford racer. My initial conclusion?
She's fast......

Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5tmay5vhten5w ... M.mov?dl=0

Rob

I submitted the application, however there was no link or place to attach photos on the link. Maybe due to using iPad or for some reason the submit photo page had no information about attaching pics. I submitted the application and emailed photos of the cars, so we'll see what happens. Thank for pos...

Rob

Thanks guys. Looking for the right time next week to take the trip. Peter sent more pics this morning. All that's missing are the front floorboards. Who would ever guess under that stock hood lies a 292 cu. in. 1910 Ford motor? 8-) IMG_3421.JPG IMG_3422.JPG IMG_3420.JPG IMG_3419.JPG

Rob

Thanks guys. Perry, that is the five ball carb rich/lean adjusting rod. The racer at THF has the same setup. Mario, Peter Fawcett's shop is just outside Ontario, so I won't get to Quebec. It does look like a bit of Europe, and the Ford Special does have a history in France.

Rob

Dan, congratulations! What a great piece of steam and automotive history. Enjoy.

Rob

Allan Fawcett adjusting the racer as it idles outside the Fawcett shop. Click on the link for the Dropbox video (1 min 13 sec): https://www.dropbox.com/s/flswc1xpk456f38/Racer%20idling%2005-30-2019.mp4?dl=0 IMG_4252.PNG Peter Fawcett driving (6 min 36 sec): https://www.dropbox.com/s/t3tln92bjb30mmi/...

Rob

Thanks guys. Wayne, good ideas on numbers. Dave, there are a few Ford Special racer photos with headlamps. A few of the races the Specials ran in were long enough to require headlamps: IMG_4239.PNG IMG_4240.PNG IMG_4242.PNG Below is a photo of the Ford Special 3 liter racer sent to France, with head...

Rob

Dave, thanks.

Wayne, i meant to answer, I probably won't make another tank. We will have the wood wheels although I'm not sure I'll ever put them on. The back wire wheels are 32 inch giving us a slightly higher gearing. Along with 3:1 ring and pinion it should be a good "go fast" racer.

Rob

Dave and Wayne, I'll probably have magnetic numbers made that may be placed on the gas tank. The aluminum hood doesn't give me the same option. I know places like Kinkos in Lincoln make a mesh sign material that might make a radiator number, although I don't know if it will stand up to heat. A few p...

Rob

Thanks guys. For a little context, four Ford Special racers dressed in white:

Rob

Just received the latest pics. If all goes well, it's on the way back to Nebraska next week.

Rob

Steve, something new coming to the stable that you need a trailer for?

Rob

Bill, they are trying to have the racer ready for the Speedster Reunion in Lincoln in June. Susanne, I've noticed one wood wheel on the right front at a couple of different events. The wire wheels were 32x4, and the wood standard 30x3 1/2, so maybe they kept the wood wheel on for the speedometer? A ...

Rob

There were three sets of rules, A.A.A. and two others (can't recall the acronyms at this moment). Also, AAA revised their rules in late summer early falll of 1910, so I'' not sure how their classes were affected. Bottom line, it's unlikely a Ford Special was sent to Winnipeg. Still, it's the only ex...

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