MTFCA Forum

Not flags, but I was handing out poppies with the VFW all weekend in remebrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

That's a great find Brent!

I appreciate you experience and insight. I'm not speaking specifically to model T generators here, but reviewing cutout servicing sections of several Auto-Lite manuals I find: "Servicing Auto-Lite Generator Regulators" publication SD-123, page 34 stated "Slowly engine speed and observe the voltage w...

An observation - on this cutout the feet are flat. That indicates it was mounted on a flat surface like a firewall. If it were mounted on a generator, they would be curved to match the generator's contour.

big2bird wrote: ↑

Wed May 14, 2025 7:47 pm

Or you have the later that bolted to the generator.

That certainly seems plausible. A firewall mount would need a ground wire. While it is not needed when mounted on the generator since it grounds through the generator case.

That one certainly is similar. Mine has "This base must be grounded" embossed on the base. Knowing the importance of a good ground, perhaps a latter version added the ground screw ?

As some of you know, I restore Ford 6v generators (model T. A and flathead V8), and I refurbish original Ford generator cutouts. Occasionally I'll refurbish other brand cutouts too. Last weekend at the Luray pre-war swap meet I picked up this unusual Auto-Lite cutout with side mounted terminals. It ...

I always enjoy going to Luray. A great location, a concentration of quality vendors without having to wade through beef jerky, T-shirt and other non-related stuff. I enjoyed talking with Chris and Brent Mize. It was fun to discuss generator restoration and cutout refurbishing with them. Very few peo...

I just got back from Luray. Those guys put on a first class meet and the VFW is a great location. Someone took this photo of me prattling on about my restored generators

I'll be there with restored model T, A and flathead V8 generators.
Steve Blancard

ll'l be at Luray with restored model T, model A and flathead V8 generators. The model T generators have tested and serviced armatures, new field coils, brushes, wiring, insulators, paint, sealed bearings and hardware. They are complete with refurbushed original Ford cutout, cover band and gear pinne...

I'll be there with restored model T, model A and flathead V8 generators. The model T generators are complete with refurbushed original Ford cutout, cover band and gear.

Those look great, nice work Jeff!

Dan - thanks for the reply. I had seen another comment by John mentioning copper covers, but not that one. I've refurbished a lot of cutouts. But only a few were copper plated. Here is a nice original one which was serviced and adjusted, then used on a early model A patina restoration generator. I m...

I know that model As used both copper and zinc plated covers on cutouts up through about February 1929. Late model Ts use the same cutout, but where their covers copper or zinc plated also? I rebuild generators and refurbish original cutouts. I'll use copper cutouts on some early model A generators,...

I posted about this cutout in the general discussion forum here: https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=36587&sid=11eef871cce13a51a83d4db94fd0eb28 It may not be a factory cutout, but it was mentioned in that discussion as looking very similar to the cutout shown in Bruce McCalley's book on a 1...

I'm certainly not going to say that it isn't from 1919-1927 years, but my first thought was 1933-34 Ford V8. When Ford started offering an AM radio in 1933-34, as optional equipment, they used a regulator with radio equipped cars that wasn't round. I used to have a 34 four door sedan that had a cen...

As always, great information Ron. Thanks.
Steve

Stephen, At what voltage do set the contact closing, and what voltage do you expect the points to open. I used to set the closing coltage with 5 d cell batteries and a resistor.. I now use a DC power supply to set the closing voltage at 6.5 colts but I have no idea what the spec is. Art Mirtes Art ...

If anyone is interested, here is what it looks like with the cover off. I'll clean it up, adjust the point gap, check/adjust the air gap and adjust the closure voltage. It will then be ready for many more years af reliable service.

Well it seems I've waded into murky waters here - lol! Is it possible or likely that in the 1919 period, Ford used more than one type of cutout?

Just FYI, I know the many variations of the round cutouts. Here are a few that I refurbished.
I appreciate everyone's help.
Steve

I'm certainly not going to say that it isn't from 1919-1927 years, but my first thought was 1933-34 Ford V8. When Ford started offering an AM radio in 1933-34, as optional equipment, they used a regulator with radio equipped cars that wasn't round. I used to have a 34 four door sedan that had a cen...

I'm all ears to learn. I know the model A and early V8 era cutouts well. But this is new ground for me. I don't have any model T ear references, but assume they are documented somewhere. I appreciate everyone's input.

Steve

Yes it is. I have converted one of these to a diode and internally it’s just like a Model T. I cannot remember if it was neg or positive ground. Thank you Brent. What years would it be used for? I checked it with my test rig and it works properly. But its needs cleaning and adjustment as most do. T...

I was told this was for the early generator equipped cars. Can anyone confirm this? If so, what years would it be used on?

I refurbish, adjust and test later Ford cutouts up through 1938, but am not familiar with early model T applications.
Thanks,
Steve