MTFCA Forum

Thanks for posting the picture, Dan. I bought Otis from John Mays, as Will pointed out, in the spring of 2017. John had acquired it from another collector and, perhaps foolishly, I didn't get any details from him. Otis did come with a pair of very rusty 1914 New York license plates, so he might have...

Thanks, Karl.
I sent you an email.
Bryan

Hi. I'm in need a a nice 30x3 wood fellow rim. I'm having the wheels for my '13 re-wooded. One of my fronts is useable but the bead has a couple of less than ideal spots. I'd like to find a better one. I'd also be fine with a complete wheel with questionable wood. Whaddaya got? Reasonably close to P...

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I figured there was a "snowball's chance in hell" of finding one but it was worth a shot. I considered modifying the holes but questioned the wisdom of doing that. Glad to hear Ford recommended it and that it works. Karl, I appreciate you looking through your...

I'm putting together a transmission and wishing to use a 1925 (narrow) brake drum with clutch disc lug shoes. I've found the bolt spacing for the drive plate is 1/8" less on this drum than earlier narrow brake drums. I'm in need of the drive plate/output shaft to mate with this drum. As accurately a...

Back to the top.

Hey everybody. I'm helping a friend out in looking for a small drum rear axle assembly. He's removing a Ruckstell for another project and wants to replace it with a standard rear. He'd like to find a complete assembly, torque tube, radius rods that's in good internal condition, ready to install with...

Erik,

Thank you for the info on Grandpa's T license. I sent you a PM last night with a bit more information on that car.

Bryan

I would agree with Jeff. I can also make out stamped, rather than cast, running board brackets

honeymoon cropped.jpg This is somewhat "off topic" given the likelihood that this T has been gone for 100 years, but it is a mid year '17 coupelet. The photo was taken by my grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Ostergren Sr. of my grandmother Agnes Dephine Wernstrom Ostergren at Atasca State Park in MInn...

As dirty as that T is it looks to me like the side curtains and hood cover might be installed to keep the dust out!

I can add this to Mark's post. I actualy owned the truck from 1992 until 2021. I sold it to Robert Weitzel at the Tulare meet. Robert then sold it to Mark. It had a dump bed on it when I owned it. The engine was rebuilt with aluminum pistons, stainless valves, new babbitt, balanced pistons rods and ...

There is currently on Ebay a small drum wire wheel hub misidentified as for '26-'27. It ain't cheap, but try and find another one! https://www.ebay.com/itm/156591043174?_skw=model+t+ford&itmmeta=01JFNRMXHW7YBTM21G5CQ7546D&hash=item24758db266:g:6PgAAOSwM3dnZFeg&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9...

Good morning, Mark.
I'll take it off your hands. Sent you an email

That's great, Mark. Thanks. I'm sure Jim will appreciate it.

For sale is a collection of Model T parts. Located in Lancaster, CA (northern Los Angeles County) I am posting this for the seller, and that is my only connection. It's his late father's stuff. The house and property have been sold and this stuff needs to go by (as I understand) the weekend of the 2...

Here's a couple of pictures of the steering wheel on "Otis". Same construction as Wayne's, but with 12 pieces!

I just came across this on Hemmings.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/li ... co-2788119

The original New Day timers were dark brown. The bodies were made of Bakelite. If you rub a spot fairly hard on one for about five seconds to get it warm you'll notice a sort of petroleum aroma to it.

Hi Steve.
I sent you an email regarding the black mirror.

Bryan Ostergren

Adam, a friend of mine did that to his '18 centerdoor. It required fitting a '15-'16 hood former to his wood firewall and making a pair of hood shelves .As for why anyone woud do that, its because, as Adam stated and my friend actualy did, they like like the way it looks. Why paint a T red, or yello...

Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate the assistance.

I have a bunch of older Vintage Ford magazines for sale. Maybe I'm nuts, but how does $5 each sound, plus the shipping? Cheaper if you want a bunch? Here's what I have by Volume and number: Vol. 4, #5 Vol. 8, #1 Vol. 11, #1 (3 copies), #2, #5 (2 copies), #6 (2 copies) Vol. 12, #1 (2 copies), #5 (2 c...

Hey everyone. I am in need of three Vintage Ford issues to complete an entire set from Vol. 1, #1 to the present. Somehow or other I've managed to carelessly misplace them. They are no longer available from the MTFCA website store. Here's what I'm looking for: Vol. 20, #5 (1985) Vol. 43, #2 (2008) V...

Allan and Keith, thank you for the kind words. I agree, Otis and Henrietta would look great together. Can you imagine what their offspring might look like?! Tim, I bought Otis from John Mays who lived in, If I recall correctly, Conroe Texas. The cover photo is one he took. He gave Otis his name. Tha...

Hey everyone. As the post states, I have some Fronty literature questions. I am in possession of three pieces of Frontenac literature. The first is a twelve page brochure/catalog which offers, seemingly, everything that Frontenac offered at that time. Model T, R, S, and SR heads, body, carburetor, m...

An odd location, yes. But, normal for a Brush.

I too am a fan of Ken Burn's work. He makes history enjoyable and interesting even for those who aren't history buffs. One of his works that no one has mentioned is "Horatio's Drive". This is the fascinationg story of the first transcontinental automobile trip taken in 1903 by Dr. Horatio Nelson Jac...

Russ, out of room in your car barn? Park the Shelby outside. Get your priorities straight!

Looks great Russ. Four down, one to go! You're going to have to do it. I think you must realize that now. That gray '17 in New York is calling your name.

Hi Keith. Here's what I have. The right two are a pair. The others have very minor differences. And, obviously, three of them are kind of hinky. All of them are brass with 3/8-24 threads. Sorry the pics aren't better. If any of them will work for you give me a holler. I'm on pacific daylight/mountai...

Don't miss out on this opportunity!
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/li ... pa-2673307

Just for the sake of discussion, in looking closely at pic #5, I see demountable rim wheels, a lack of cowl lamps and despite the lack of clarity of the picture, what looks to me to be a hinge at the top of the door. I'm inclined to think plain old run-of-the-mill '19-'23 coupe.

Tulare County Fairgrounds phone #:

(559) 686-4707

Picture #13 looked familiar. Pages 24 and 25 of Murray Fahnestock's Fast Ford Handbook:

Tim, Here's what you're looking for. I have some copies printed up in my file cabinet. If this looks to be clearer than what you have (it is a bit clearer full size) I'd be happy to mail a couple to you. You can call me at (818) 321-5360 or email me your address at planetaryman@msn.com. Bryan reserv...

That's an interesting take on this topic. I don't find Mr. Wise to be rude at all. He was 100% specific in his initial post as to what he is looking for. He knows it will be difficult to find what he wants. While there have been a number of suggestions or tips they aren't what he wants. He's merely ...

Here's my grandfather, Ben Ostergren Sr. having breaksfast in a farmer's yard near Rockford, IL on Sept. 14, 1916

Grandpa's brother Herb, Sept. 13, 1916, breakfast east of Cashton, Wisconsin

A couple more from the same trip.

Hey everyone.
As the topic says, I am in need of a useable door Handle/latch mechanism for the front door on my '14. The return spring on mine has broken. If anyone knows of a replacement source for the spring that would be ideal. Thanks in advance.
Bryan Ostergren
planetaryman @ msn.com
818 321-5360

Interesting. Notice the later style slanted windshield with support rods down to the side of the body.

If you got your T from Art Landry's family, you got yourself a nice T. Ruckstell, Rocky Mountain Brakes. It was a good running T.

Hi Frank, I'd like the #12 if you still have it. I sent you an email. Thanks.

I'm with Chris. If the windshield is original to the car, it's a '17. If you want a correct body for your '22, this definitely isn't it.

Ed, this doesn't help you one bit but I thought it might be a source of amusement or at least interesting in the coincidental nature of things. I've started watching the Ken Burns documentary series on the history of baseball again and look what shows up on the 1910-1920 episode.

And a few more from Otis:

Ford Faithful oiler and exhaust cutout.

Rubber pocket watch holder and gas tank pressure pump from previously installed and removed overhead vale setup.

Running board spare carrier and running board tool box.

Well, here's what I have to offer from Otis: Engine.jpeg Waukesha Ricardo cylinder head and aftermarket air swirling heat stove. Underside.jpeg Accessory wishbone, Apco adjustable radius ball cap and drag link cap, first version of Hassler shock absorbers. Steering Stabilizer.jpeg Accessory steering...

Ben, when you state that you touched up the points, are you referring to taking the coils out and cleaning the contact points inside the coil box? If so, and forgive me for asking, but is it possible that you accidentally/absent mindedly put the coils back in the box backwards?

My cosmetically unrestored '22 touring was built on July 26 of '22. I purchased the car from Bud Scudder who bought it off of the original owner's farm in Melbourne, KY in 1982. It was a non starter-generator car originally and I have no reason to think this isn't the original horn. It is mounted fl...

I've done this as well on my '22 and it's worked quite well. For anyone considering doing the same on the later hogsheads where the shaft doesn't go through, it may not matter but it makes sense to me to use a spring on both sides of the clutch fork to keep the fork centered.

Interesting differences between the engine pictured in the article and John's pictures. The article pics show an aluminum hogshead, different cylinder head with different water outlets and different exhaust manifolds. John's pics show '26-'27 pedals and a starter. Cylinder heads look like stock Mode...

Regarding the fold down seat on the '15, another company that offered the same thing was called (and it's one of my favorite accessory names) the Auto-Bunga-Loafer.

Rich's color depiction of the blue "1911" Torpedo pretty much exactly copies the illustration of what Bruce McCalley refers to as the earliest catalog illustration of the 1912 Torpedo. Page 112 of his book. It would seem to me that this body is a very early '12.

I've been using this stuff for years in both Ruckstells and stock rear axles. The label states that it is non corrosive to bronze. I have no idea as to whether other gear oils might be but I'd rather play it safe as to the bronze thrust washers.

Lisa, try Kennedy Lock and Safe. 18512 Sherman Way, Reseda. (818) 705-1859.
They made keys for me for a couple of vintage wheel locks for me about 10 years ago.

I was taught years ago to adjust the bands so that the pedal moves sideways 1/2 the ramp on the pedal cams. I have run across low pedals that have been bent down from the pressure of driving in low gear. As Michael stated, worn pedal cams require more pedal travel. That would make adjustment by peda...

Thanks for the kind words. I've had fun sharing them.

O.K. Peter, it's your turn to fill in the gaps!

Just to clarify about the rear of the body, all the photos show an upward curve of the rear deck where it meets the seat back. Except in Tom's photo.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS970US970&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=1911+model+t+ford+open+runabout&fir=Y1pU7JH_RWXiLM%252CqD8Ltrn6__PkgM%252C_%253Bl8YR44lsKwQlTM%252Cb2m41x4duhNysM%252C_%253BykRhISRVztVA5M%252CCwDYM_9lRl9rCM%252C_%253BxNa7AgjDCq98uM%252C5Wh_bTT_dlHZqM%252C_%253BvhYHZpBF58...

The apparently front opening doors don't match with the '11 or '12 Torpedos. The fenders don't match with the '12s either. But, there's no spacer board between the firewall and the windshield that the '11s had. It looks to me like the connecting rod troughs on the oil pan are quite deep like the one...

I'm 6' 2" as well (used to be 6' 3") with long legs. I used to have a "22 coupe. The headroom was fine for me. Legroom was great. It was the most comfortable T I've ever driven.

Single valve door. I agree with Steve except early '22 through '25 engine and trans. The serial # would narrow that down.

Yeah, Mark. It's apparently not so new! As for poor Momma Horse, I'm thinking she's worried about the glue factory in her future.

This guy is a long way from you but does beautiful work.
https://valleywirewheel.com/

The Model Ts in the Cobb Shinn cards at least resemble Model Ts. These cards as well as the last two styles are all drawn by the artist "Witt". While there are three styles of his cards, all but one that I have that are postmarked are either 1917 or 1918, suggesting they were all drawn about the sam...

Jim, I've run into the same problem a couple of times. I little pocket screwdriver, the corner of the blade under the pin head, has worked for me.

Even though these aren't signed, I'm certain they are Witt artwork. I have several of this same style that are signed, including the last one of the previous batch. Interesting to me is that the two completely different styles of artwork are both postmarked either 1917 or 1918, suggesting that they ...

And one more just for Susanne

My first thought, for that matter only thought, goes along with Tim. That wheel is SPINNIN'! The pump's pumpin'. The nozzle is on the hanger. Something's gotta give. There must be a pressure relief valve in there.

I've exhausted my supply of Cobb Shinn Model T postcards so it's time to move on to others. While the Cobb Shinn cards clearly, obviously, depict Model Ts, these Ts look like generic cartoon old cars. At least they're Flivver positive! The artwork is signed but...? Rich, you were familiar with Cobb ...

That's the one. Thanks Peter.

It certainly is a rebadged Laurel. Thank you everyone for your answers.

I came across these ads today in "Ford Dealer and Service Field". The first one is from the March 1927 issue. Sorry about the quality of that one. The other two are from April and June of '27. No ads for Zenith appear in any issues prior to March. By November of '27 they weren't advertised. I've nev...

last of the Cobb Shinn cards. Others to follow.
Note to Peter Kable: The only one that I don't have is the "Dutch" card in the upper left corner of Sally's collection.

I'm sure you're right, Rich. I would bet that the term politically correct would have been politically incorrect 105 years ago! For what it's worth, here's an explanation regarding the Dutch-German(Deutsch) connection. https://www.iamexpat.de/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/deutsch-or-dutch-common-misconce...

Tim, like you I've been into Ts for more than 50 years, since '68, and I agree. It's a kick to see something T related that you haven't come across before. I'm glad I could bring some joy to your life! It would be fun to find another set. Incredibly unlikely though given that they were obviously mad...

Thanks everyone. First, Mark, the RH and RHC are on both the left and right side shocks. Frank, great to know about the RH markings on Hassler products. I don't have any of the beehive style. Are the markings on those as well? Tim and Dallas, thank you for chiming in. Back to you Frank. I don't have...

These accessory shock absorbers are on my '14. I would appreciate any help confirming whether or not they are early Hassler shocks. I've never seen another set. The design is certainly similar to the common bee hive Hasslers with the obvious differences being the spring design and the grease fitting...

With apologies to our Dutch-American members!

Peter, thanks for the card information. I have 11 of the Dutch cards and 11 of the 4 triangle cards, one of which is the Charlie Chaplin card. I guess from that I'm three cards shy of those. However, I have 14 of the Cobb X. Shinn cards and none are duplicates.

Rich, I'm curious and meant to ask you about the card you added to my first post. It's the same card as the third one above except for the color. Does yours actually have that yellow tone to it or did your computer do that? None of mine have that tone to them.

Here's the next batch of cards for you all. Of the cards that I have that were written on and mailed, only one makes any mention of Ford. I can't help but wonder what made the senders choose a Model T card.

Rich, thanks for the post and the link to Cobb Shinn. Great stuff. Some of his cards that I have are, uh, less that complimentary to their subject. I can imagine Henry would be perfectly happy with good natured ribbing of his Model Ts. Free publicity. Tom, yes they do look like '14 runabouts. There ...

Hi Rich. Glad I could make your day. You've certainly done that for me with your paintings. I have another 32 Cobb Shinn cards to post. I figured on 4 at a time to stretch things out for a while. Then others after that.

Some years ago my sister Joan began acquiring Model T post cards to give to our dad. Pop died 24 years ago and my sister tucked them away. Enjoying all of Tom Rootlieb's photos have lit a fire under my backside to dig these out, dust them off and share them. I think there are about 75 of them. About...

I'd agree with 1919 or 1920. Low radiator. No cowl lamps, so it has a starter so at least 1919. Early style motor mount (pre 1921?)

National tour in Colorado in 2000. Optional route to about 10000 feet elevation. No Ruckstell. I did about ten miles in low. I think there were maybe two stretches I could get into high for maybe 100 yards. Like Pat, my left leg burned and cramped. I stopped for a few minutes and went the remainder ...

Here's some carburetor and manifold flow info. Hopefully we're not running afoul of copyright law.

Left hand side on a '24. I would assume the same on all mid 20s Dodges.

I just purchased some Champion X plug cores from new forum member Tariq Baghdadi. I just thought I'd take a minute here to welcome him and thank him for the plugs. He had them in the mail to me less than an hour after I Paypaled him.

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