MTFCA Forum

Thanks to all who responded to my previous post. My 1916 with a 1921 engine is positive ground. To change it to negative ground I plan to:
1) reverse the battery cables
2) polarize the generator by briefly touching B+ to the field terminal
Should I disconnect the generator wire while I polarize the field (and reconnect it before I start the...

Does anyone out there in T land have a front seat cover for a touring model. I don’t need the back of the seat just the part one sits on. My cover is ripping and I would like to keep the more or less original covers that are not ripping. Thanks.

Just got back from a tour and pulled the plugs to see how they fared. They were
covered with this yellow stuff which I have never seen before. Any ideas of
what is going on here would appreciated.

Craig Bothwell
bothwell.craig@gmail.com

My Model T (1916 with a 1921 starter engine) came to me wired with positive ground. I would like to change it to negative ground (just because that's the way Ford did it).
Advice please: Can I simply polarize the generator by putting B+ to the field, reverse the battery cables, and go? Will the cutout work with no change? Should I replace the...

I recently bought a speedster project and it came with an assembled short block with a drilled “C” crank (counterweighted Model A crank) and insert rods. The closer that I look at it, the more questions that I have. I don’t necessarily want to change any of these parts, but I would like to know what I’m working with.

1) What rods are these? I...

Just bought a car with a distributor. Not sure who made this one. It is not connected to the timing lever. Should it be or does it have weights? Are tune up parts available? Thanks

Just a reminder that the Little Hershey swap meet put on by the Rockford Model T Club will be Saturday May 17th this year at the fairgrounds!
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Hi all,

I thought I would stick this up for all who like to watch junk on YouTube to help them fall asleep.

If anyone is rebuilding and needs advice - use Mike Bender’s Model R Tips videos - don’t use mine.
How ever I will say the the outside oil line I made is great and when I get my oil pump and filter working it will extend oil changes and...

are egypt lights still in business. Cant get the address to go thru. Need a bracket for my latest car

With a record number of vendors, The 2025 Luray swap meet was one of the best ever. The forecast of heavy steady rain for Friday, only turned out to be on and off showers in the morning, with the sun out for the afternoon. Friday evening's vendor dinner was wonderful as always. Saturday brought sunshine and still a flow of shoppers looking for...

They usually run from about 180 to 200 F. Boiling over is too hot. With modern oil and modern coolant, 200 to 215 F is no problem for the engine, as long as the system is full of coolant and working properly. Any atmospheric cooling system will boil at lower temperatures at higher altitudes.

After reading up on the Model T battery-powered electric headlights, I have learned that the original Ford headlight bulbs had a 2 CP filament on Dim and a 21 CP filament on Bright. The filament was a teepee style oriented horizontally, the most efficient position to send light to the reflectors to be projected down the road. The locating pins are...

I renamed this post as I was concerned it was too similar to the already long discussed subject of rebuild and shim questions. This has been a very interesting and involved topic and, it is not my intent to hijack the discussion. Yet, I am hoping to have constructive criticisms and contributions to my post on the technical aspect of wheel...

Recently bought 1924 Model T Fordor sedan. Side rearview mirrors would be very helpful. What do folks do to get side mirrors without too much damage to the car?

I recently received an aftermarket fuel gauge that I bought from Jay Buscio. It looks great, but age has taken its toll on the cork float. Do any forum members have any advice?
While searching for a suitable replacement, I found a source of straight sided cork on Amazon. It appears that the original has a coating on it, but I read that cork is...

Day one of the meet was awesome! I found some amazing parts! Hats off to the organizers!

I wish I could stay for Saturday, but work calls, (the curse of the small business owner)

You will not be disappointed if you're going tomorrow!

I have been a reader (learker?) of this forum for many years but have not kept up with it regularly. One think I asked about several years ago is still something I am not completely clear about. I am under the impression that the first jack appeared in a Model T toolkit in 1914. Some have argued that another Ford jack was used before that, such as...

As a Model K guy, it's always intrigued me that Henry Ford chose/allowed a Model K to lead the racers out of New York to St. Louis at the beginning of the race. As with most contests of the period, a prestigious lead car was always selected as the Pilot Car to enforce any controls and set the pace in endurance contests. A question that should be...

I guess I was pretty clueless on the availability of new stock replacement Scat T crankshafts. How long have you guys waited when buying one recently?

Can anyone refer me to a source for Medium Cream pin stripping paint, as used by Ford on 1926-27 enclosed cars?

This was from an auction about a month ago, and it sold for $175. What did I miss or what am I not seeing or aware of to command this price? It started at $49.99. Makes me think I should sell the nice cast one that I have.

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Does a muratic acid and water solution for rust removal eat away at brass or bronze fittings or bushings?
I know that a sodium bicarbonate solutions and a battery charger eats away at brass fittings.

Wanted to invite everyone to a great car show this Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Warsaw Indiana. The show is a well attended charity show put on by the Optomist Club and they are specifically spotlighting
Early cars and Model T Fords. I'm a model T owner and am working the show so feel free to call or text me if are interested in...

Yesterday my dad and went for about a 70 mile run with my 22 touring. This is the longest trip we have taken with it, although last weekend I put about 50 miles on it. Last weekend the car ran great and this weekend it ran great for about 30 miles. Then, while running about 35 mph, the car started surging. I would throttle down and it would clear...

Cleaning out the top of the barn. Foreign to me. Threaded portion measures 3 - 10 TPI. Large flange is 7 3/8 . Overall height 6 . Rear bearing hub diameter is 3 1/8 . What manufacturer, what size? Thanks!
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Is there anyone inthe Columbus Ohio area that would be willing to check out a Winged Script radiator that is being offered for sale at Buckeye Auto Parts at 2474 McKinley Avenue in Columbus? I just want to know if it is legit.

These lug nuts from Chaffins look like Jewelry.

Was the model T screwdriver in tool kits from 1908-1920?

What is the thread size on the starter switch posts?... Thanks in advance.

Poll:
How low can you run the fuel level in a cylindrical, under-seat, 10-gallon fuel tank?

A few more Town Cars.

Helping someone identify the year on a center door. The engine is a ‘22, but it has a metal firewall. It is my understanding the metal firewall didn’t come along until mid ‘23. I assume a 22 center door would have a wood firewall? Is it possible that someone rebuilding this years ago put a metal one where there was wood, or is this likely a ‘23?...

Just putting this out there if anyone is interested. I plan on being there Friday with some odds and ends. Maybe a HCCT, a couple different rod alignment checkers, some pullers and excess tools. Maybe a set of wire wheels and hubs.

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Hi Everyone,
I'm looking to install a RICARDO PAT NOV 13 1923 HEAD & would like to send it out to have it surfaced .010 to get a better gasket seal but I'm
concerned about piston clearance. The current area over the piston is .423 so I would end up with .413 with a gasket crush of .050 to .060.
I have found info on line of the stock compression...

Its almost here. Time to get ready for the Mother Lode Model T Club 50th Annual Swapmeet, Auburn California. June 1. No reservations needed. We have plenty of space. Early set-up on Saturday, May 31.

Mid-Atlantic Pre-War Swap Meet

The Old Car Festival registration opens June 2nd! Last year they filled up in a matter of days, so if you want to go, be sure to get ready with your photos and information! Two days of driving and displays at the historic Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan!

Trailer is getting full. Just two more weeks until the Mid Atlantic Pre-War Swap Meet in Luray VA. Make sure you stop by spaces G-9 & G10 For super deals. Prices to low to list here. Can't wait to see everyone ! Darryl

I bought a spare lamp for my 1912 Commercial Roadster at Luray. My Dad always said to carry a spare lamp in case one burns out! :D

What is explanation of the trouble if the magneto pickup at the top the hogs head is the reason for the engine missing?

What is the difference between 15-16 headlight mounting posts and 17-23 posts. Iam trying to identify some I have or are they all the same and interchangeable?

Im getting ready to respoke a set of wheels for our 25. The old spokes are removed, and im looking to order new ones.
I want to make sure that this is not a ford felloe, but a hayes, needing the slightly longer spokes.
Im holding an old spoke up to a new spoke in my 22's wheels, which has the slightly longer spoke.
I'm 80% sure they are hayes,...

I’m building a 26/27 Roadster pickup from parts. I have one body with a cowl and another cowl by itself that is in much better shape so I am swapping them. I “think” the cowl I have is a 26 as it came on a 26 frame, the body with the cowl is definitely 26 or 27 but I’m not sure which. I now see some differences in the cowls as I swap them, one of...

I have a 17, it is to my knowledge that the front should have 6-7 leafs and the later models have 8-9, mine has 9, should I just take the top 2 off to make it 7? Or do I have to get a new spring which in that case I'm leaving it. Additionally the u bolt looking things that hold the spring up on the t, what's it called, I need to get new ones since...

I had the honour of being invited by the President of the Taree RSL Sub-Branch to take part in the ANZAC Day Parade, driving my Model T down the heart of Taree’s main street. Riding alongside me was 99-year-old WWII veteran Dulcie Balderston, who enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at just 18 — an incredible legacy of service for which we...

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I have a set of Dayton 48 spoke pin drive wheels but the tapers in the rear hubs were bad. I want to use the wheels on my 26 speedster so I decided to make some new hubs. I have a Grizzly lathe and Precision Mathiews mill and enjoy making things.

I found some inexpensive 4130 bar and plate that I had welded together to make the basic shape....

Does anyone have a contact for Joe Bell who rebuilds engines?

So far, the weather guessers say showery in the morning then clearing up by 1400 or so. You know what, who cares? a bit of rain won't stop us. after all, how rusty and rusty car pars get? Sat and Sun are going to be great for the tour. Come on out and have fun! My wife is picking up our daughter from UVA and driving straight to Luray. A friend of...

You Can Find T Parts in the Darndest Places.
While at my Doctors office, I noticed something familiar on the Wall Art.
 
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What is the latest and greatest method to weld up a Crack on this 100year old 20 gauge? Might, Tig, Gas...?
Not my wheelhouse.

I got a reamer in my set #2527. These reamers usually have the bushing number stamped on them. I don’t find a2527 bushing. The diff spider is numbered 2526b. Is the early spider bushing 2527? I can’t find my early parts list. Anyone know what bushing this reamer is for? Thanks Dan

Need help finding/ buying best LED lights for tail light conversion for turn, stop . 1922 6 volt 4 door Model T

I have been servicing and upgrading my T for an upcoming special event. Yesterday I was going to remove the passenger side outer axle bearing for re-packing and installation of new modern seals. The bearing would not come out of the housing. It would turn in place and pull out a bit but I never got it out. I suspect that the outer bearing shell is...

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My Model T’s engine has been giving me fits for about two years. Just for instance, this summer, on the way to a car-show, the Flivver started bucking and a minute or so later, stalled out completely. The engine would restart, run for five or ten seconds and stall—over and over. Hagerty sent a flatbed to get the Flivver...

Does anyone have any info on the later one-way, strap or snubber style Hasslers?

Should the pins stick through the drive plate? Right now, with the correct number of clutch disks the pins are just below the surface of the drive plate. Guessing there might be some wear so am thinking of adding a large and small disk to bring those pins up higher.

I had my 1915 tourings rear end up on jack stands and noticed a fair amount of free play between when I rotate one wheel before the other one starts turning the other direction. What should be the max? It does have a Ruckstell but not engaged. Thanks

It looks like a 1912 roadster made into a speedster. Tiffin wagons 2.png
Front starter attachment.

I have a customer's project in that has an OHV engine with a Model-A crankshaft conversion that appears to have never been finished on the front end. The Rods & Mains have been completed, but the nose of the crankshaft was not machined for T pulleys, etc. Is there any shops that still do the A cranks conversions that would be willing to finish...

Fixing to scrap out some armatures. Before I bust up the commutators, is anyone interested in them?
When finished with the starters, going to work on generators.
So there will be some of them too.
Email me by forum.

Is the top axle lock for TT?
The lower one is for a T.
Thanks Dan
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I pushed the 26 RPU in the shop a couple weeks ago to do all the normal lube and adjustments. Oil change adjust Rockies and bands if needed. Fix a small gas leak at the shut off ect.. well Sunday I finally got to spend the day in the shop. I was amazed at how much debree was in the screen in the tank shut off. Not rust but lint, bugs ect... it was...

Got my late Father's Speedster running again after 40 years of being apart. The engine was rebuilt in that time with a few go fast mods (it was pretty quick before...). Engine work done includes block was decked 0.060, high compression head, 060 over aluminum pistons and a reground high lift cam, chevy valves, magnets removed from the flywheel and...

Mark your calendar July 13 be in line by 9:30 for 10:00 boat, Miller Ferry is asking to purchase tickets ahead so they have a head count for that day, last year 58 said they where coming and only 38 showed up, Miller ferry supported two boats expecting that many and not needed after all.

Looking for information on best location on the shift tower of Layne warford to drill & install the Layne supplied vent.
Thank you in advance.
John M
Oscoda, Mich

I have seen sets of triple gears sold in the past. Do people usually sell them by so much for the set of 3 or by each gear? I guess with the price of new made gears if you can find them, paying for individual gears is a good buy. Just wondering, I do
Not need anymore.
Thanks, my mind is always wondering on odd things.

I am beyond livid right now trying to correct what IMHO is nothing more than poor craftsmanship on a set of nearly new reproduction Dog Leg Top Sockets. The issue is they bend because of incorrect gauge metal and poor craftsmanship. The first three trips the vehicle went on, it came home with bent sockets during transportation. Each time, I...

I have a Phinney-Walker Rim Wind clock that is very accurate twice a day ...however, I would like for it to be accurate at other times too. Who repairs these that can clean and repair mine??

When did the steerirng wheel nut change from low crown to high crown or visa - versa? Thank you

Installing a turn signal flasher on my 27 Touring. Pretty simple schematic or wiring diagram if you prefer.

Once installed and system powered up the turn signals both work correctly.

When the turn signals are NOT on, the flasher buzzes and none of the turn signals are on or flashing.

What's going on?

Well, here’s the answer.

They were made with a dovetail glue jointing machine. One picture is the original rear seat heel panel from my 22 sedan. It’s made of two pieces jointed together.

The other is the piece that the rear seat cushion sits on. It is made of three pieces jointed together with one of the pieces having a completely different...

Just found this magneto in my parts accumulation. Although I've been fooling around with Model T's for years don't know much about this magneto. Please educate me.

R/S,
Jonathan Bodine

Hi I have a complete under drive that was manufactured by Universal Transmission Co of Seattle Washington, it looks as if it has never been installed. The back gear that attaches to the rear end is 10 tooth, any help would be great and if you might have a idea of what it is worth. I already have a Ruckstell in my 1927 roadster and a spare so don't...

I have a brass 1910 era carb that I cant get to work, Its the big model R, I think.

Has anyone had any experience using a product Lucas Oil Super Coolant in their Ts with aluminum heads to control electrolysis?

I’m on the list for a Layne Warford Transmission but haven’t heard back on it. Has anyone out there received theirs yet?

I'm Wanting to know, If any members of the local T clubs of Colorado have info on the Pre war swap meet, held in the past few years around early June. Please if you have a date or if it's not taking place this year Please post. Thanks all...Mike

I'm Wanting to know, If any members of the local T clubs of Colorado have info on the Pre war swap meet, held in the past few years around early June. Please if you have a date or if it's not taking place this year Please post. Thanks all...Mike

Contact me via PM feature if your car matches one of these. I will send you a copy of the invoice that pertains to your car. IMG_6643.jpeg

I'm not quite sure how it happened, but two of the fabric straps on the inside of the top on my '15 Touring broke. The fabric is pretty weak and dry-rotted from age, but because it is original I'd like to make an attempt at mending the straps with a fabric patch hidden from behind. Problem is, I don't remember whether the fabric straps on the...

I have these parts I'm willing to bring to the Luray swap meet if you are interested.

New set of 26 27 Floorboards
Painted black 26 27 front and rear fenders and splash aprons
5 powder coated 27 wire rims

4 Hayes wire rims in primer with hub caps
5 Buffalo wire wheels with spare tire carrier and hubs painted red

Very nice green 1915 turtle...

Does anyone know of any upcoming Model T sweepstakes/raffles?

Like a Phoenix, a Centerdoor is in the process of being reborn. Mind you, this is just the floor.

Hi all,
I'm installing a new top and I'm looking at the correct height of the #2 and #3 bows from the front of the windshield. In period photos, the #2 is almost always lower than the #3 bow. I can't seem to get the #2 bow lower. Mine always seems to be at the same height or above the #3 bow. The drawings I've found show that the height of the #2...

I have decided I would like a bermuda bell.

I read some other threads here regarding the different types of materials used.

Aluminum vs plated steel, vs brass, and the consensus is they have a similar sound, but the resonance depends on the material used.

In my search I am seeing some that look like a copper coating, AND they look to be a...

Only a few days away. Entice us all with your rare finds.

Andy

Good evening all,
For those going to Luray, does anyone have any old starters they’re looking to get rid of? Thank you all

Without measuring much can anyone say if a 24 roadster is roomier than a 22?

What is a suitable oil for my fan hub?
It seems like regular 30W or similar oil would seep out. Maybe that is the plan and the reason for the reservoir.

Mike