MTFCA Forum

david_dewey

Whoa, what goes on when I'm not here? Am working on a player piano right now, actually. So, it depends on what type of rolls you have and what condition they are in. As "shadetree" noted, most are not worth much. I recently bought 400 for $250, and I think I paid too much now that I'm going through ...

david_dewey

My brothers (and sister) recently turned me into American Pickers "Because of my Hoarding." Now I thought they were concerned about ME, but my oldest brother recently admitted to me that they are worried that if I croak, they will have to help my wife clean out my garages, and they don't want that j...

david_dewey

the hood rod hole in the '15-16 hood former is, IMHO, a mistake by Ford, as the thin sheet metal is easily worn by the hood--and it wears into the hood rod. Adding a short piece of tubing to the former stops that wear, and if done right, the repair is not easily seen, if seen at all. My '15 ('16 yea...

david_dewey

Hmm, what I notice is the glass-cased electric meter on the building behind the car, and the modern sidewalk joints. There's probably more stuff, but that's what jumps out at me.

david_dewey

Larry,
Is it too late for me to get one for my '25? Thanks!
David Dewey

david_dewey

I've used Quik-Poly on such a situation before with great results. I just don't know if you can still get it.

david_dewey

I hadn't thought about the corrosion factor, but I did once salvage a grand piano that had been in a fire, but only had smoke damage, not even heat damage. When I first looked at the piano a week after the fire, it looked pretty good, but very sooty. The insurance company dragged their feet for 6 mo...

david_dewey

"Farm Equipment" Hmm, wonder how they define that--if I drive my T on a farm, isn't it "Farm Equipment?" Seems strange to limit a slow vehicle sign to anything, other than a slow vehicle! OH, and if an Amish family has a buggy that they only use to "go into town," how can it be termed a "Farm Vehicl...

david_dewey

If you can borrow an Ozone generator (Ozonator) from someone (know anyone with a motel, they are commonly (since covid) used to sanitize a motel room), set it inside your car and let it run for a few hours, should get the smoke smell out. If it's an open car, put a tarp over it to keep the high Ozon...

david_dewey

It sounds like Erik is getting out of the coil biz???

david_dewey

It looks like there might be some very faint numbers before the ones you list. Typically those show the year of production.

david_dewey

There are lots of Model A bodies around looking for a chassis, so I wouldn't worry about a body. There are minor diffefrences in chassis, but mostly in body mounts and rear bumper mounts.

david_dewey

Mine say I've been here since 1999-- Wayne's is a few years newer, but I think he was here back then too. As for dial-up-- I'm STILL on it!! Where my house is there is no cable, no cell coverage, just copper wires to the substation. From there, I don't know--but they did run a fiber optic cable acro...

david_dewey

Steve, Yes, your Gramp's TT has '25 fenders on it--but just because it is a TT does not mean the fenders are "Commercial" fenders, they are just production '25-on fenders. My May '25 runabout has them too. Now once the '26 "improved" cars went into production with the all-new fenders, these '25 fend...

david_dewey

I built a box using an American Flyer train transformer for the power supply, as it puts out 7 to 14 VAC. yes I know there are much better systems out there to texst coil, but this was simple to build with stuff on hand and it will get a coil to work--maybe not optimally but it will work!

david_dewey

I am hoping this is GOOD news? !
You get to keep your T?

david_dewey

there's even video of the theft! With so much "evidence" I am surprised they haven't been found yet.

david_dewey

BTW, there is no such thing as a "Commercial fender" they are just late '25 on fenders. Yes, they were also used on some '26-27 trucks even after the '26-27 improved car fenders were in use, which MAY be why the vendors classified them as "commercial".

david_dewey

and helped along with the undercut for the bearing. I'd say you were very lucky, as if it had broken on the other side of the bearing the gear would have made a mess in the engine!

david_dewey

With that wide flat flange, I would think the best option would be to slice the crimped over section off, and use bolts & nuts to put the flange back together, this would also facilitate servicing later.

david_dewey

Yes, Lithia motors is still around (bought my pickup from them through an Auburn, CA dealer (long story, not important here), BUT in this case, I believe the Lithia is in reference to the Lithia water that was and is prominent in the center of the photo/square. It's a naturally carbonated mineral wa...

david_dewey

Wabbit Season!!
Duck Season!!
Wabbit Season!!
Duck Season!!
Wabbit Season!!
Eh, what's up, Doc??

david_dewey

Ron, If your car has the column mounted button that is held on with two screws and is on a top side of the column, with only one wire going to the button, then YES, the photo is wrong! The horn button provides the ground circuit and the hot side comes from the magneto.

david_dewey

I can't seem to find my copies of wiring diagrams, but I am 90% certain the early magneto horns required both post to be insulated, as the horn was wired "hot" with the steering column mounted horn button providing the ground. The wire tube on the early units was a small tube that held one wire. Lat...

david_dewey

Shawn, No matter what paint you use, I would strongly recommend you protect yourself--it's not expensive (initially and definitely in the long run) by purchasing a disposable Tye-vech (spelling???) coverall suit, a head sock, and I use "Playtex" rubber gloves, heavy duty. Then, while an air-supplied...

david_dewey

While that might be places to go to find the answer, some of us don't have a fast enough internet connection to go there--a simple answer would be more useful! Glad that he's doing well again, after whatever befell him.

david_dewey

Since a few of you were not happy with my using Model A lugs in my example photo, I dug out some model T lugs, although I don't have any modern versions to photo, so here are genuine Ford lugs showing the same recessed threading.

: T lug nut threads forum.JPG (12.08 KiB) Viewed 2488 times

david_dewey

The other day I was driving through one of the roundabouts here in town when a big double-tanker truck just pulled into the roundabout right in front of me--fortunately I was able to stop in time, and I noticed the driver was not looking at me at all but fiddling with his or her hair. I go through t...

david_dewey

WHAT??!! LATE again!!! This kind of tardiness must NOT be tolerated! Quick, grab that pot of pasta and deliver 20 lashes with a wet noodle! Actually, been so busy here, had not noticed its absence. Thanks for the heads up, and reminding me I can look forward to something in the mailbox besides bills...

david_dewey

Allen, My bad, I should have noted that those are Model A lug nuts, I didn't have T ones to photograph, BUT the T ones have the exact same thread features, because the T lugs are made the same as the A ones. And, as I've said, I don't know if the current repros have the same error, but it is worth c...

david_dewey

Here's a photo of two "new" lugs, however they are more than a few years old, but are two slightly different styles, and an original lug, showing the recessed threading.

: Lug nut threads 2 forum.JPG (17.18 KiB) Viewed 2751 times

david_dewey

My wife does not agree that your posting the picture of my Model A next to 4449 is a sign that I should buy this ''16 T. I have tried a few different arguments but she insists that we do not NEED another T (what does NEED have to do with this???) Gee, it's got a '26 engine in it, we could just drive...

david_dewey

If we are talking about the late Ford wire wheels, there may be a problem with your lug nuts. If you look at an original lug nut, the threaded portion doesn't start for about 1/4" in from the end of the lug. This is because the stud is not fully threaded to the very bottom. Reproduction lug nuts wer...

david_dewey

sometimes you can get lucky and have your car near a famous steam engine.

This was, however, quite a few years ago! (and my Model A, not one of my Model Ts)

david_dewey

Martynn,
It DID come out to Callifunny, back in the fall of 2019, before the Pandemic. Ran some excursions for the museum that "donated" it back.

: Signals Web.JPG (21.39 KiB) Viewed 3319 times

david_dewey

Steve, your "new" transformer looks suspiciously like an old doorbell transformer!!

david_dewey

Steve, your "new" transformer looks suspiciously like an old doorbell transformer!!

david_dewey

Matt, Yes, those are good lights, I have a few of them myself. but 200' of extension cord over the creek and through the woods (and poison oak) does not sound like a good idea to me!! :) pole and break forum.JPG You can see the broken guy wire (and neutral wire) just to the right of the tree top beh...

david_dewey

SOLD! The guy is very happy, gave him my two C cab parts piles for $200. Don, I hope he has those brackets on his current chopped cab. I do have to modify my membership "cars owned" list and take the C cab project off. Yes, one less T, but I have chassis for two more cars, and the main parts to a Ma...

david_dewey

This response is not about the value of the car, but of the VALVE problem. Removing the head doesn't usually require any hoist, but having a second person there is a plus. That the valve head broke off really is a sign of the original two-piece valves. They do that!! Modern one piece valves seldom d...

david_dewey

Sold it all for $200, guy is happy, I have one less project on my list! Yes!! Win-Win. I still have the very nice 20' rear wheels to sell, but they will have to wait as they are buried in the currently unlit shop--still working on getting the overhead power line repaired.

david_dewey

BTT
I could really use some more ideas of value for this part!
BTW Michael, what about the reinforcments molding around the C portion, you'd need more than a bead roller, I'd think.

david_dewey

BTT
I could really use some value opinions!!!

david_dewey

You gave a good description. Now since this is an estate settlement, the value is as it was before you started working on it. From your description, I would say it was likely around $5,000, OR LESS depending on the body damage your grandpa did. All the work you did on it, thinking it was your car, i...

david_dewey

Yes, sides, back w/window frame. Really nice shape--if one were doing a "survivor" truck, could be just bolted on and used. I will also throw in my lower half cab parts, which are the usual rust buckets (cowl & door w/ "rot" on bottom).

david_dewey

I have a very nice (almost no rust) C cab top, just metal, no wood. I am thinking of selling it to a guy who needs the top as his was "chopped" but i have no idea what the value might be, any suggestions? I'm thinking of the $250 range, but don't know if I am too high or ??? Thanks! PS I posted this...

david_dewey

At one point I was gathering parts to build a C cab, about 1926 vintage. I have too many projects and an acquaintance has just picked up a C cab intact, except it's been "chopped" to fit in a standard garage. He wants to restore it back. I have the top metal in very good condition that I was going t...

david_dewey

Wayne, Correct, Cabriolets did not have visors. 30-31 models were both straight windshields and slanted models (late in '31 production). They are easy to spot compared to sport coupes as the door have no upper frames, and the glass sits in a chromed frame. The Cabriolets were wood-framed bodies, the...

david_dewey

BTW, the '30 sport coupe is a fairly rare model, only some 50K built. The one in your picture is missing the cardboard formed side pads the fill it out and avoid that "bare ribs" look. The landau irons are decorative only and do not fold.

david_dewey

Yep, not a Cabriolet, it's just a sport coupe--top does NOT fold, although the back window curtain can be unfastened from the belt molding and snapped up to the top area for more "flow through" ventilation.
My sport coupe pic taken a "few" years ago.

: Ma Green & 25 behind forum.jpg (25.11 KiB) Viewed 2561 times

david_dewey

ALL RIGHT!!!!! good show Erik!

david_dewey

I have an American Beauty 300W soldering iron, almost too big for this job (a 150W unit would probably work). Found mine at a yard sale, just a suggestion! I would cut two circles an inch larger in diameter than your holes out of a matching thickness tin. If it's bare steel, I would use the iron and...

david_dewey

Yep, a great meet! Had a long visit with Wayne S. and, yes, I was carrying around another '15 hood former, and when I showed it to Lloyd the next day, he agreed that it was in much better shape than the ones I already had. Yes, Erik has retired, and to celebrate, he was "re-tiring" a front wheel on ...

david_dewey

I know it's hard to judge by a photo online, but some of that break looks like it was rubbed around. Allen's posting may be what happened.
Sad event, sounds like you have found the parts to fix your car.

david_dewey

Dallas, that pic is just too cool (although I'll bet it was pretty warm that day).

david_dewey

Paywall hit here. No Go. maybe a direct link??

david_dewey

Plans would be useful for my long-term M-P project too! Mine was "complete when parked" but then it got moved a few times and the weather did a number on LOTS of it. No photos right now, but it is a small pile of wood & metal in a corner of the shed. I tend to like "lost causes" Was a local vegetabl...

david_dewey

I would not condemn that block so quickly. there are folks out there that can do some amazing stuff. If it were a newer block, I it probably wouldn't be worth the expense, but, as I'm sure you are finding out, pre '17 blocks aren't commonly found anymore.

david_dewey

Somewhere on the internet I saw photos of a movie company laying track on an old right-of-way for a movie, I think this one. I really doubt that the V&T would sell any of their equipment, it is to hard to replace and they need it, but I could see them leasing equipment because it is one way to fund ...

david_dewey

The locking up of the engine by a "flying magnet" has put a tremendous amount of stress on the crankshaft and the rear main bearing area of the block. At this point the engine needs to be pulled, dismantled, and carefully inspected. Have the crank magnefluxed and the engine block around the rear mai...

david_dewey

And to add to the confusion, there were aftermarket engine blocks made by other companies!

david_dewey

Oh my, what a huge loss this is for not only his family & friends, but the entire old car hobby as well. He was a great man, talented in many fields. The only thought I have is that he did not linger with some dreaded malady, but I still think, 'Man, you left too soon!" He will be greatly missed, an...

david_dewey

It has been years since I bought new lug nuts, model A in particular. Back then there was a problem with them that was not well-understood. People were having problems getting their wheels tight when the lug nuts were tight on the lugs. So then the vendors started selling beveled washers to fit betw...

david_dewey

it sure would be nice if Hyatt could tool up to make a run of these. Would think there is enough demand? Are T rear axles the only use for them?

david_dewey

Mark, I will get in touch with you, Portland is a LOT closer, however the engine in RI had a lot of added stuff that made it very enticing.

david_dewey

Steam heads use Anti-Sieze religiously, it is a great product. I even use it when working on my modern stuff.

david_dewey

Mark, I really wasn't looking for an engine, but when this one Popped up, it was going to solve a lot of problems at once on my May 1916 DB (engine number 115XXX) including some spare parts for later. My car has a later starter/generator set up and has been out in a field for some 40 years, so I exp...

david_dewey

Ah, I spent too much time trying to find a relatively inexpensive way to get the engine from RI to me in CA (most quotes were coming in over $1,500) so I decided against the purchase--and then a quote came in for $700 and I was considering it, but by then it was too late! Ah well, back to fixing the...

david_dewey

Bill,
Thanks! I sent you an email.
David

david_dewey

Put this in Off topic as it's not a T engine. I am looking at shipping an engine & transmission unit clear across the country. We are thinking of strapping it to a pallet for the shipment. I have gotten preliminary quotes from $3,000 to $800. Not having done this before, thought I'd ask here about t...

david_dewey

Hmm, most of us are walking around the meet with cell phones in our pockets, but we are too busy looking/drooling over all the stuff that we don't even think to take a photo! Duh. . . . I did take a photo of a "for sale" sign to show my friend Lloyd what he missed out on. . . (I'm a nice guy, right?...

david_dewey

I wus the guy with the toy train transformer! For the old-fashioned test system, I find it tests the coils with AC, and I can vary the voltage from 6VAC to 15VAC, more of a real-world test than a DC power supply and you can see if the amps changes with voltage--however, the new stuff is way more sop...

david_dewey

Somehow I missed Seeing Larry there, but I agree, an A+ meet!

david_dewey

Just got home from the meet. Didn't meet a lot of "old friends" but WHAT A MEET! Signage to it was good, directions to parking was good, swap layout was great. variety of stuff there was great and even the large parts retrieval set up was good. Yes, some minor glitches, but not bad. I hope next year...

david_dewey

It was a great meet! Very well done!

david_dewey

Yoicks!! That's a lot to remember! I'm usually thinking, "Where did I put that wrench/pliers/screwdriver/etc. now that I need it??"

david_dewey

A steam car, any one would be nice, but a Doble would be over the top (except I probably can't afford to restore it, so a Stanley would be more realistic).
Perry, I KNOW I couldn't afford the upkeep on your Barn Find!

david_dewey

Bob, that was wonderful, great images!
Thank you!!

david_dewey

Thanks for pointing that out and posting it. Yes, I could do something like that with Barney!! Hmmmm. . .

david_dewey

Right now a High School friend of mine is dying in a care facility. Sometimes she knows who we are, actually usually, but has no concept of her condition and usually asks to go home. She can't remember the conversation going on, and will repeat a question multiple times in five minutes. Some of this...

david_dewey

IF they had valid titles, those are fair prices, BUT if not, welcome to the CA DMV pit & pendulum.

david_dewey

Does anyone know what they went for? The auction listing does not show the winning bid amount.

david_dewey

So Sheldon, what I think you are saying is; "I love it when a plan comes together!"
If you don't remember the TV show "the A Team" this comment makes no sense--in some ways that show didn't either!

david_dewey

For those who haven't heard about the time Erik took his TT on a dump run; he stopped to buy some gas, and as I recall the story, someone at the station asked him, "Where are you taking THAT?"
Erik replied, "To the Dump."
"Oh, how are you getting home?"

david_dewey

Wow, amazing news, I knew it was going to happen someday, but this is great news, congratulations Erik!!

david_dewey

With my dial-up connection, I can't see your steering wheel picture, but I can tell you NO GORILLA GLUE! It expands as it dries and will not give you a good glue joint. IMHO, it has very limited legitimate uses.

david_dewey

That's no 1916 either, but they both look like FUN!

david_dewey

Having that "THING" titled as a '26 T is probably a crime. It really perturbs those of us who have so much difficulty titling a REAL Model T, or other early car. I once had to be an "Expert witness" for a guy who bought a real Model A from out of state and when he went to title it, the DMV officer (...

david_dewey

Beautiful looking car, but the instrument panel should be satin nickel (butler finish)--this is one of my pet peeves on A restorations. There are so many done with repro panels in bright chrome that many folks do not know what the originals actually looked like. Not to detract from what looks like a...

david_dewey

I started working on the first engine I picked up, the one that is "almost" frozen (there is a very tiny "wiggle" on the flywheel). Found the water pump was frozen solid. Couldn't figure out how the driving gear and the pump would come apart, as they are separate castings bolted to a crankshaft cove...

david_dewey

Good to hear you are going to get some more medical opinions. Your commentary (and others') about medication and lack of renewal options made me think of a story of an elderly lady who went to see her Doctor, who prescribed a medication to cure her ills. She picked it up and she read the instruction...

david_dewey

I had a similar hernia, mine showed up via the belly button (which became an outie instead of an inne). GET the operation. Mine was such that the doctor said it didn't need to be done until something happened--but when something would happen, it would be a "do it NOW" event. Since I had good health ...

david_dewey

Steve, B-R and Dewars should not be used in the same sentence--or even posting!!

Oh well, I still have put the date down in my calendar!

david_dewey

Hmm, anyone around familiar with Tulare? Need to find two things to really make this swap meet "work" for SOME of us:
Good Basque food place
Great Ice Cream parlor

david_dewey

Well, I think someone should make a nice print of this and then we can all hang it up in our garages! I am glad you posted it, I needed a pick-me-up, and this provided it.

david_dewey

Mike,
So which one has the thicker body, deeper threads and more defined stamping?

david_dewey

Took some pics of the "radiator" tank and gas tank assembly.

: Gas & Water lft email.JPG (53.97 KiB) Viewed 5407 times

: Gas & water rt email.JPG (47.01 KiB) Viewed 5407 times

Now if i could just find the cone top and elbow fitting that goes with this!

david_dewey

I have found spindle bushings to be too large in OD, so much so that damage to the spindle would occur. I would mike the hole in the spindle and the diameter of the bushing and turn them down to the press fit is reasonable (no charts handy here, .oo1 to .002 max I would think. Then press them into y...

david_dewey

I would get a set of repro hubcaps, put them on before loading, and take them off after unloading. If you damage anything, it's an easily replaceable piece.

david_dewey

My recently acquired '26 frame is stamped, and I thought it interesting that both 8s are upside down. Apparently this happened frequently???

: Frame number email.JPG (36.15 KiB) Viewed 4241 times

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