MTFCA Forum

Dave H. mentioned this article was out in “Model T Times” last month. I’m working on Part 2 now, and thought I’d post this for anyone who may enjoy reading it.

I had the good fortune of finding a relative who knew Frank Kulick, and recalled many specific stories of his time with Ford. Many thanks to the “Times” editor, Natalie, who made sense of...

I have heard it is being planned for July 7-9. Lock in the dates. More info as it becomes available.

Here are photos of the starter switch for my 1927 coupe. What should I do to it, if anything? Is there a way to test it before installing it in the car?

I assume the non-metallic washers next to the base are important and probably should be replaced.

What happens if a switch shorts out?

Hi, I'm having an issue with a Ruckstell axel rebuild. I'm using a 39 tooth ring gear and a 13 tooth pinion. On the drive shaft I'm using modern drive shaft spool with the tapered bearing. The driveshaft is new. I set the spool with those little shims as directed. I'm not using a gasket between the spool and the axel housings. I've rebuilt a...

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Does someone here have dimensional data for the spotting bosses that are shaved off on the no-rivet rear end housings. No very clear but shown in this photo is one of these lugs at approximately 12:30. This part also has 2 similar bosses at approximately 11:00 and also 5:30.
Regards,
Scott

I need help installing the windshield frame rubber gasket for my 1927 coupe. The attached photos will help in explaining the situation. It is going to be difficult to insert the gasket into the small grooves.

What lubricant should I use? I would appreciate learning what others have done to install it.

Attached is a condensed photo summary of how I fabricated a rear tire carrier for my '21 T that has 30-inch split rims. It began with a salvage bracket I purchased as one assembly from Mark at Model T Haven, before he closed shop. These assemblies are also available on eBay. To cut down on weight, the frame might also be fabricated with aluminum....

We have a new to us 1916 Touring and under the rear seat is a compartment. Should there be a metal cover on this area?
Thanks,
Campbell Tellman
Beaufort, NC

So we took a family vacation that had us driving over 4800 miles through 7 states. We were at the Indy 500 speedway on our way to Memphis to see Elvis' house when my wife said why don't we backtrack to the Model T museum. So off we went. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

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D16DC14B-8CBF-4252-A5AE-1B6F335BF7AA.jpeg EF8E608C-DA54-400A-A36E-486957E22F48.jpeg This was the first time I had sold a part and was ask if it would be a problem if I could deliver it to the airport and have it picked up. This is Luray airport Luray VA and the gentleman that bought the pan had a friend fly here today and pick it up. Now that is a...

Gents,

I have a '14 with front facing Kerosene lamps. As shown in the attached pictures there is a bracket inside that Locks the tank into place. One of mine is missing. Here are some things I am trying to learn.

1 Where might I find one, preferably with the bolt and nut?
2 Should it have a washer involved?
3 What is the name of that bracket?
4...

Russ Furstnow posted a wonderful article on tools. I agree with most of it, but disagree with the oil can photos. I emailed Russ, and he encouraged me to post the photos of the early oil cans in my collection. The Maple City oil can is the actual oil can pictured in the parts books. It has the Ford logo in two places just under the neck. The next...

Hello and thank you for your help. I have a 1925 Coupe that I purchased in 1974, and completed the restoration 8 years later. No problems with the magneto until recently, when it shut down when I switched from Bat to Mag. My ignition switch is very worn. The original key was worn so thin when I got the car, that I could bend it. I was lucky enough...

Many years ago, I wrote an article with photos of tools I have that were used in 1913. I can't remember what year that article was, or the issue of the Vintage Ford. I think Bruce McCalley was still editor then. Can anyone help me identify this for me?

The FORD Digital Library consists of many original Ford Model T manuals, publications, part lists, literature, and related material. There are over 650 pieces of printed documentation that has been donated by the folks that are determined to see that a broad level of people have access to this information.
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All material is...

When my 27 shifts into high gear it starts luging and bucking. ????????

Mike

I've lost contact with Dale Finnigsmier. Can anyone send me an update?

I managed to rip two of the fabric straps under the internal headliner of the 2-man top on my 1915 Touring. So now when I put up the top, it just sags everywhere. To make repairs and properly put it back together, I need a reference photo of what the inside ceiling of the top is supposed to look like. Does anybody happen to have such a photo...

I am looking for some detailed photos of 1914 windshields and the various mountings especially any showing the support bars on an express hack (not depot hack). I have some books but need a bit more detail if possible. Thank you in advance.

I am trying to help a friend who is new to Model T's. He has a 1927 Four Door Sedan and is missing the windshield frames as well as some other major parts. Since I don't know much about the Sedans, I am asking for help.

I have been told that a lot of parts on the Four Door Sedans are interchangeable from 1924 through 1927. In looking at pictures...

MTFCA's 57th Annual Meeting is now history. I was again reminded how enjoyable it is to get together with a bunch of Model T people and catch up on everyone's news, especially after the recent forced hiatus in our activities. It's always good to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

I took some pictures the last evening, but I'm having...

Harold Schwendeman's most recent post was in November. Wonder if he's OK.

Awhile back there was a post about the larger print edition of the service manual. Can you help me find this ?

Are the early Hall shifter housing interchangeable with the later style Ruckstel shifter ? I’m following the very little instructions from the MTFCA booklet, making sure the shifter is in Ruckstel low. I rebuilt the late shifter. When I installed on the axle housing I can’t get it to snap over like it should. It does go a little but the slightest...

I've got questions about styles of U&Js. The first is I've seen pictures and looked and have noticed the throat on some have 1 hole behind the throttle collar plate and some have 3 holes behind the plate. What would be the reasoning in the different locations of these? Also I've noticed the choke arms on some are different. Some have almost a...

Hello.
Today I had a wonderful first drive of 50 km with my Lizzy (1915 Touring). Everything fine, no issues, this was/is good for my trust in this car (actually this was my 3rd drive in total).

My Lizzy needs almost exactly 10l/100km gas (approx. 4.25 gpm), this appears to be a good value.

What I figured out is:
On long increasing streets,...

How can I restore the radiator cover on my 1927 coupe?

the attached image regarding servicing the clum ignition/lighting switch is from a ford service bulletin... i am trying to research these switches in general and assume that switches from other vendors may also be covered elsewhere... i am trying to identify the the actual (or similar) source so that i can acquire a copy.... are there copies of...

Just helped a new local guy today fish for the hard to catch transmission nut fish. We put together a new and exciting fishing jig. Makes the nut fish strike every time.
Took a borescope and taped a small vinyl tube to the side of the camera cable. Then when nut fish is sighted, insert a surgical retriever grab tool in tube down to where nut fish...

A friend asked me these questions but I do not know the answers. Please educate me and my friend. What are the width dimensions of a 30x3 and 30x3-1/2, 4 lug rims? What are the outside diameters of the 30x3 and 30x3-1/2, 4 lug rims? Are the 30x3 and 30x3-1/2, 4 lug rims the same but only the tires and tubes are different?

We don't need to get into a big whooptedoo about whether to use engine pans. I aim to do it. But in researching the mounting hardware I find some disagreement about what's the right hardware. I'm sure about the bolts: ¼-20 carriage bolts with about an inch of thread. But what about the nuts? Hex or square? What kind of washers, if any?

I created a quick flushing setup using some clothes washer hoses, split shutoffs, and hose clamps.
It was amazing how much rust etc. was discharged from the hose.

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How do you mount a gas generator to the running board when the diameter of the generator base is a small bit larger than the distance between the two vertical ridges of the running board? I was thinking about cutting a piece of 1/4 inch plate as a spacer.
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I am looking for information on these Wheel Hub Covers . They are aluminum and I believe they will fit over the later wood wheel hubs. I have done a few searches but my search criteria were too general and did not produce any results for these. I need to know how they were held in place.
Do you know who made these? Do you have any like these?...

I am working on a late friend's 17 T. The car was running fine last fall but for some unknown reason his son left it outside under a tarp all winter and now it is not fine. It took forever to get the car started and when it finally did start it was only running on the middle two cylinders. I thought that it might be the coils so I switched them...

Hello model T owners
Taking my first trip out of Alaska in over 24 years and will be in Newport N.C. Around mid April and looking to possibly meet up with someone in that area that has a model T...
will only be there for about 5 days then down to Mobile Al.and New Orleans for awhile... looking to meet and greet as many model T owners as I can...

Hello,
I actually got it last summer and joined the club, but I never got around to posting on here. I'm under 30 so just a we youngin' round these parts.

Its a 1924 Touring I bought off of a family friend who didn't think they were going to get around to fixing it. Before they had bought it the shed it was under had collapsed during a heavy...

By now we would usually have had several reports back from the tour.
Did anybody go?
How was it?
What are the plans for next year?

I am replacing the glass in my 1927 coupe. I have taken the pieces to my glass shop. What I need help with is the size of right door glass.

The left side of the glass measures 19 inches and the right side measures 19 3/8 inches. As shown on the attached photo of the glass specifications, the right side should measure 19 7/8 . The shop is ready to...

I have a Model T chassis in my yard. It has wooden spokes, so relatively early. Is there any other hint about what year it might be.

Cheers

Tim
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Got a call from the shop repairing the radiator I brought them, they said everything is great on it EXCEPT the inlet, it’s completely gone. He’s trying to figure out what he can do to fix and has called some friends of his to see if anyone has one or a junk radiator he can take it off of. I figured I’d post here as well with the pics of my inlet...

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Model T’s constructed for model year 1922 will be celebrating 100 year anniversary. The year 1922 may be a turning point too for the production of the Model T. According to Automobile Industries 12 October 1922, the Rouge Plant was building the phaeton and the two door...

I'm installing a new starter ring gear that is tapped to 1/4-24. I am not running magnets and may not have room for slingers (Model B crank, stock length with VW oil pump driven from rear of camshaft). From what I've seen vendors often provide a complete set of the correct size bolts with their slingers. Are these bolts available elsewhere, or is...

I am changing from a vaporizer to a NH carb on my 1927 coupe. What carb adjusting/choke assembly do I need?

After a dormancy of 7 years, I will be attempting to start my 1926 coupe in the next few days. The four spark coils were rebuilt and adjusted by Ron Patterson shortly before I parked it in 2015. After 7 years of the 4 coils being in the coil box and not being used for 7 years, is there anything that needs to be done to the coils, the contacts, or...

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would be interested in knowing best practices of removing and installing SMALL timing gear.

Thanks,

Craig Bothwell
bothwell.craig@gmail.com

When I took apart the drive shaft to inspect it I found it has a Babbitt bearing in it at the ujoint. The Babbitt looks good and has no cracks, it is also tight in the tube, the ID is with in .010 of the shaft OD, the shaft has very little wear at the bearing surface and the thrust is with in .008. My question is do I need to replace it with a new...

Anyone know of a good radiator shop with experience to re-core a Model T Brass radiator and make a neat job please?

I attempted to send photo of my Rocky Mtn 6 speed shifter to Mr. Burns while at Chickasha. I checked my email later in the day and the email was rejected along with a simple test email. Does anyone have his contact info so I may share these pictures with him?

I am looking to get a top boot for my Runabout and I am trying to see if I am thinking correctly. There will be a couple of consecutive posts, to allow for more photos. The top on the car is good-ish , no tears, splits or stitching coming undone and is tight when put up, I would just like/appreciate the finished look of the Top Boot. Here is the...

Found these tearing down an engine with an older rebuild. The valves have .030 oversize stems (.342), Model A springs, these retainers and the stock Model T valve pin? I thought they may be a modern retainer for use with the split keepers or Ford Tractor (8N,9N), but I can't find any good enough pictures on the web to help identify. Thanks...

Anyone heard from him lately? Called and left a message on his cell, house number recording says number has been changed.
Hasn’t answered an email. It’s only been a couple days and maybe I’m overreacting. I hope so, anyways.

This hot air pipe was on my 1926 Model T coupe which was equipped with a Holley NH carburetor when I bought it in 1970. What years does this hot air pipe fit? Did it fit other carburetors besides the Holley NH? Thank you. Jim Patrick

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Anyone ever had transmission drums that were worn so much that the bands wouldn’t contract enough to stop them?
Supposedly that is the problem with a roadster I just purchased but the owner passed away and so I’m just going by what his brother “thinks” the problem is. Car has the hogsheads removed and has been like this for 4 years or so.
I was...

I got this old auto folding chair from a Ohio man 92 years of age, who said it was for you to sit in and wait for help when you broke down.
I take it was in jest but I believe him. Are these chairs pretty common? Anyone have anything else made by The Imperial Bit & Snap Company?

Are the floating transmission shafts still being produced, and If so who is selling and how much? Thanks!

I was wondering the best/easiest/cheapest way to ship T wheels within the USA. I am interested both in shipping wheels to Stutzman for rebuild and in selling some other wheels/rims and potentially shipping to the buyer(s). I’d be interested to hear others’ good and bad experiences, what carriers they used, how they packaged them, etc.

For those of you who know Randy and if you don’t already know, he passed March 19. He was Curator of Transportation at the Henry Ford for about 20 years A great guy whom I had the great pleasure and enjoyment of knowing and working with for decades. He and I worked together on and co-narrated the Motor Muster and Old Car Festival for decades. A...

I recently acquired an Ever-Ready Auto Oiler, complete and in the box. I have seen them before at swap meets over the years, most in pristine condition and many still in their original box. Has anyone ever installed one of these and used it? The explanation seems like a good idea but may not have had a real operational presence. Just curious more...

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Could someone kindly provide the distance on center between the mounting bolts and also the diameter of the throat opening? Thanks Pat

What is this?

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I grew up with my father's antique cars when young, and he got his first one by trading a Cushman motor scooter and $35 for it. The car is an all-original 1924 T depot hack (that I still have) with a beautiful deluxe York body he bought the day after I was born in 1955 when my mother was still in the hospital with me. He drove it home, hid it in...

Is there a daily list of serial numbers used in September 1917.

Can anyone provide me with detailed pictures of either original, -or reproduction side curtains for a 13/14 Runabout please? I am interested in how the curtain(s) were cut where they attached to the windshield frame & firewall, and how they attached around the top irons.

TIA!!

All of you in the tornado outbreaks...., hope this finds you and yours safe and fine!!!!!!

The Lee's in Tin-A-See

According to a brief search or newspapers available, the first Model T Ford was produced October 1 1908. For October 1908 eleven cars were assembled. The Scranton Truth (29 September 1908) stated the model year 1909 will be ready for delivery in October 1908 for $850.00 FOB the factory.

Yet, the Washington Times (Washington DC) 1 March 1908...

For your consideration - this is how I safely
secure a Model T or a Model A or an Early Brass Car
for transport in my custom built car hauler trailer:

@

FJ

Would like to know what make and model is of this car.
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All of the 13-25 Shift Lock Assemblies I've seen, the housings all look like this one with a thicker lower mounting flange than like the upper flange, even though the one in the books shows it as a thin flange all around. Not sure if this is something that maybe was a re-design later or if the...

Hi All,
My (almost) new replacement muffler has a 9/64 gap at either end where the end cap is tack welded to the outer shell. As you can see in the photo, exhaust gasses are leaking at both ends (and into the car). muffler.jpg The rolled seam seems to be the problem as it prevents a tight seal of the end caps. In addition, the muffler does not fit...

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Tour Notice:
The Horseless Carriage Club of Southern California has organized a relaxed 3 day Hangover Tour to immediately follow this year's Bakersfield Brass Era PreWar Swap Meet in Tulare, CA. All year Model Ts are welcome to join the horseless carriages and many have already signed up from both northern and southern California. If you would...

Going to sandblast a front axle, and wanted to protect some of the surfaces. Will try 3D-printed caps and plugs.
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This is a legendary Olympic butyl rubber tube. These hold air! This one had the rubber valve stem torn off. It had been replaced with a stick-on rubber stem which was too short and had let go again on one side where the glue had not cured as it should. 20220321_194616.jpg
I carefully removed all traces of the replacement...

My 1922 touring is very original and has a black carpet for the rear floorboard.
It is worn and has some holes that appear to be from many years of wear from rear passengers.
Did the T's of this era come with a rear carpet, or would this be an after market product?

Best regards,

Steve Boothroyd
Sidney, B.C.
Canada

What is a good source for the quarter and rear window wood trim on a 1927 Model T Coupe?
I looked at Howell's, Mac's, Lang's, and searched the internet. Mac's wants way too much money for their trim.
I don't have the tools to make my own in my garage so I can't do that.
I thought about just using wood pieces but not sure about that.

I need any detail for a Model T door window lift actuator . I am trying find a work-around for a 1925 Essex that has a worm drive window lift actuator in a die cast or pot metal housing that has crumbled. I was told that a Model T ( do not know what year ) may have a similar lift actuator that might be adapted to the Essex. Any help or suggestions...

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ABBOTT: Driving a Model T Ford is simple, Lou. You just have to remember the names of the controls. You can drive a manual transmission, right?

COSTELLO: No problem, Abbott—I learned how to drive on a stick. So okay, where's the stick?

ABBOTT: Well, there IS no stick. You put your left foot to the floor...

I have a pot-metal Winfield Model M, in Barn-Find condition - which means the barrel is stuck and all the steel parts are rusty. The castings themselves are apparently in good shape but they happen to be made out of Unobtanium and Easibreakium. Has anyone out there successfully rebuilt a Winfield in this condition? What can I do to get it apart...

I see that there are bushings sold for a steel wheel where the stem passes through. Does anyone use these? Are.they required?

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I am having some problems removing this bearing. I may have messed it up already trying to use my gear puller behind the seal and possibly bent the cage.

Any ideas? I know it is NOT supposed to slip on the spindle but this one is really tight.

Has anyone used the english tubes in wire wheels with metal fellows. I wonder how there 3 stem works out with a thinner metal rim such as my Budd wire wheels.

How long does it take to get them once ordered? Is anyone stocking and selling them in the US?

just askin'

frontyboy

Does anyone know what goes here on my 1927 coupe? Does anyone have picture of it?

In a previous thread someone wanted to see photos of the mirrors I find for my T's. I find them where and when I can. Most are Wibroc brand from the 1950's -60's. These are chrome plated over brass bodies. When the chrome is stripped off and the brass is polished, the flower petal design one looks right at home on a brass car.

The hinge mounted...

Practicing on junk block, and looking for constructive criticism. Do these numbers make sense to those of you that have done this.This is the amount I removed from the side of each main saddle.

Appears to be an improved TT