MTFCA Forum

Heading out to Bakersfield on Thursday night. Setup day is Friday, swap meet on Saturday. Famosa drag strip just north of Bakersfield.

The Bakersfield meet appears going to be really strong this year. There are more horseless carriage spots pre sold than Other spaces. Our areas are filling fast. The venue reserved another 2 sections of the meet for us. Going to be a great meet.

Sharing swap meets with others is going to be the norm in the future. Bakersfield & Chickasha are...

Looking for information on where I could purchase a core for my 15 radiator. No radiator shops anywhere near me willing to record mine. Thinking about giving it a go myself.

….specifically for TT C Cab top wood metal corner brackets. Each of the 2 rear corner brackets have 5 bolt holes for 5 carriage bolts - 3 with nuts on the inside and 2 with nuts on outside in the rear. Of course I’m removing the zinc finish from the carriage bolts and painting them black…… but are the nuts square or hex ?? Any original C Cabs with...

Back when I was a kid, the 5 & 10 stores sold a black enamel we used to call Japlac. I always assumed it was Japan black - like that used on old steel hardware and tools early in the century. Slapped on metal, it dried fast and left a shiny dark finish. I also assumed it was what Henry used on the Ts. Try and find the darn stuff today in this...

I have become the custodian of probably a couple hundred vintage spark plugs. I actually think they are a bit fascinating because of how many different companies had their versions of the same thing. I was looking through them today and decided to take (I should say attempt) a few apart to see if I could clean them up. Some of them look like they...

These are on a 1911. Anyone know the make?

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Back when I was a kid, the 5 & 10 stores sold a black enamel we used to call Japlac. I always assumed it was Japan black - like that used on old steel hardware and tools early in the century. Slapped on metal, it dried fast and left a shiny dark finish. I also assumed it was what Henry used on the Ts. Try and find the darn stuff today in this...

Back when I was a kid, the 5 & 10 stores sold a black enamel we used to call Japlac. I always assumed it was Japan black - like that used on old steel hardware and tools early in the century. Slapped on metal, it dried fast and left a shiny dark finish. I also assumed it was what Henry used on the Ts. Try and find the darn stuff today in this...

My 1919 has a front end wobble. It was really bad when I first got the car, but I serviced the front axle pieces and adjusted the toe, which helped a lot. I have demountable wheels and noticed about 1/4 of runout this evening while packing the wheel bearings. Initially I thought I would remove the lug bolts and rotate the rim 90 degrees at a time...

Hello T-people

I'm in the process of rebuilding my Ruckstell axle. I had to align the Bronze Thrust Plate and rework it slightly. Now I can't find any information about a dimension (picture) that I would like to check.
Does anyone know this exact measurement when new and can help me?

Greetings from Switzerland
Beat

Not T-centric. In fact, I think I saw more Packards. There is a shot of the storefront on Bagley that replaced Ford’s home along with a photo of a twenties Coupe on the street.

It also reminded me of Mom telling me to catch the DSR bus. The trolleys were gone by the time I was born but they hung onto the “Street Railway” for many years.

Going though a box and found these some oilers are man hole some have a ball the heads are not the same, any ideas how many types were made all the correct size,Bob

Greetings,

I recently acquired a January 1915 centerdoor (and yes, it’s really Jan ‘15). The upholstery is pretty good original, but the window riser straps are salvageable scraps of cloth, the original leather pieces are completely missing. Is there anyone who could make me a new set, or, are there plans and specs available anywhere?

Thanks....

Good afternoon Forum Chums,
I would like to seek your opinions….some might think this green too dark….
I know this subject has a lot of varying opinions, but I will say that I think Steve Watson, my body guy has hit a home run here in my humble opinion ….according to him, he looked at the old paint codes… He’s done some historical restorations and...

Does anybody have the Gene Carrothers step by step that he said was listed on the Mtfca site? He said they used this procedure at a club session and it was on the site butit can’t be found. If anyone has this procedure if they could text or email it it would be appreciated.
Regards
Larry LaPatka
Email: ltlapatka@gmail.com
Text or cell: (423)...

Hey Guys!

So for 3 years I've lived with a ting ting ting ting ting coming from the front of the engine. The noise has continued after a recent Texas T Distributor removal and E timer installation. I used to blame it on the distributor bouncing around up front, but alas that is not it. Took the fan belt off, no change from the fan not running....

Here’s me with the T being featured on the local news in the first bit of the video!

Back when I was a kid, the 5 & 10 stores sold a black enamel we used to call Japlac. I always assumed it was Japan black - like that used on old steel hardware and tools early in the century. Slapped on metal, it dried fast and left a shiny dark finish. I also assumed it was what Henry used on the Ts. Try and find the darn stuff today in this...

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Still clearing out Dads file cabinets This letter was received 1971 and is the Ford of Canada production numbers as per Ford Canada Historian Herman L. Smith . My thinking is some with Canadian cars may be interested. The letter also states that the wide track T's were built in Canada from 1908 thur 1919 Cheers Colin Untitled.pngsdff.png...

I saw an interesting older thread over on the AACA forum on how to slot a new throttle shaft using a custom made jig and milling machine. Making the slot for the butterfly in the replacement shaft is a difficult endeavor but this makes it look easy.

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Does anyone know where to find the wide head step bolts that were used on the 1915/16 T’s? They are 2 5/8” long, 1/4” wide with a large, flat 1” head.

i have a 26-7 roadster i am having difficulty with top irons and bows, i have looked at the forum and found a few details (2013)however my top appears to wide, i measure car body at pivot on body at about 48 inches wide, top irons with bows at 54 wide, at pivot point where attatched to car . what is the correct width? the wood kit came with the...

Front fenders are off my ambulance project and up at the sandblasters, but walking by the front of the T this morning, I had a sinking feeling and might as well know now if I have an issue. I have installed a radiator shutter more for appearance than purpose and now I wonder if the 2 that it adds to the front of the radiator shell will cause a...

what is the best way to save the wood in a old wheel that looks good thankyou for letting me know bernie glass

The Montier-Ford that had been stored at Peter Mullin's museum was finally sold at auction last Friday. It went for $24k, far too rich for me given that I would have had to ship it to Australia too, but hopefully given that it was a pretty healthy price for what is a complete restoration case it has gone to someone who knows what they have got and...

I had written elsewhere about my attempts to buy the Montier-Ford at the Mullin Collection auction last Friday but there was another Model T there that went cheap - and it has a significant history.
Further down the lots a fairly rough '25 Tourer went for just $1k.
Ok, you may say, that is all it is worth, except that was the one that was bought...

This is on FB Marketplace in North Carolina.

This collection is from the same man I bought my T from 27 years ago. There’s more than Model T stuff here. There are more photos available than shown on the add. Just contact the person listed

There is also a Franklin at this property.

I’m listing here as I am NOT the seller, broker or...

I was repacking my front spindles and noticed the marks on the Spindle. Running a finger nail over the marks, you can feel them.. ( photo ). All of the other surfaces look unscarred, cups, etc.
Should I replace the Spindle or try to resurface it.

George

In a recent post I mentioned using worn kingpin bushes as replacement tie rod end bushes. These photos show why it was done on the barn fresh tourer on which I have been working.
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The spindle arm ends were severely worn down by the loose tie rod ends bouncing around on rough country roads, so replacements were found.

These...

Does anyone have any photos of the Sears body that was in the Volo auto museum five years ago, or any other wood kit photos or plans that would fit a 1925 Model T?

I'm building the body for my speedster. I do plan to lower the steering column using the wedge/washer method. This will move the steering column away from the firewall. I'm hoping to find out how thick the firewall is to begin with, at least the horizontal distance from the firewall brackets to the front of the firewall in the driver's compartment...

I was thinking of attending OCF this year as a participant. I have attended many times over since age 7, but only as a spectator, this will be my first time participating and plan to bring my Model T that turned 100 this year.

With the pro palistine anti Israel protests going on around the country, Dearborn recently made national news with death...

Thought I’d question the experts….local add…. claim that it was never restored…. Excellent running car…. What’s it worth?….

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See pic below. Other than the T bushes, can someone share the bushing part #s?

Before I purchase new, what the the tolerances? There's a little play but is there a numerical spec I can check?

I can’t take credit for this idea. I saw a picture of it on another non Model T site and I really liked the idea.

Like most T owners, I like to keep a few spare parts under the rear seat of my touring. Spare parts aren’t any good if they are all beat up from bouncing around under your seat.

Harbor Freight sells nice hard plastic cases with...

This morning I was at an auction in Partridge, KS that had three Model Ts for sale, among a few other cars. There were in OK condition, but what appeared to be a Mustang 302 likely went for the most $$. The 1922 or 1923 runabout was labeled a 1915...

Anyway, I was there to see if I wanted to bid on an of the Model T parts. There was nothing that...

The car I'm working on had a sealed beam conversion with a big relay that burnt it's fuses. The 6v sealed beam headlamps don't fit well, and the plan is to go back to stock headlights with a bright soft-white led bulb. I've got new wires to replace the shorted ones, and I'm ditching the relay (it got fried when the old wires shorted) as I'm hoping...

Brass fitting names and sizes appreciated in the picture for the gas line to the carburetor. To me it looks to have a shut-off valve on the line and a quick disconnect at the carburetor. A few of us have talked us over and need help. Thanks in advance !

Which is correct?

Small or large head? Full thread or shoulder?

Hex nuts are either slightly larger than 11/16 hex, square or exactly 11/16 hex.

The slightly larger nuts have a very slight crown.

These were either on the car when I got it or in boxes of parts.

For these I also ask to provide part #s in the event I'm ordering new

Thanks in...

I need suggestions on these two crankshafts origin, etc. Are they cast iron, steel, who may have produced them?
Thanks!
RB

Trying to help a friend with his 1915 which has a perplexing problem. Car started running rough and lost power. This is both on 12v battery and magneto. Did the usual timer cleaning, plug check, etc. He checked the carb which he reported ok (float setting, air blown through it, installed Scott’s needle valve and seat) to no avail. He suspected...

The St. Louis club has 6 Model T, on display today

After a struggle with the digital demons I have finally added a little to my blog. A few people here and elsewhere have asked about it. This gives a brief overview of my last Model T adventure that became six months of...

Checking for a newly revived TT’s owner, does anyone make floor boards for the TT commercially. If not does anyone have any plans with location & measurements? The owner said he’s just about wasted an entire 4x8 sheet of plywood trying to get a good fit. I have to admit I did chuckle. Thanks in advance for your help.

Best John

At one time it was recommended to lap on the the new gas cut offs. Is that still the recommended way?
This 24 Touring.

When replacing the coil top hardware can someone tell me where the 2 fiber washers go in the assembly process? The old coil I disassembled did not have them. I assume they are insulating washers.

I'm hunting for a front left fender for a 1927 T and have been offered a fender from a 1926.

Anyone know if this will be a matching fender for the '27?

Many thanks,

Joe

We are less than two Weeks away from Luray!!
Yes, the 10th annual Mid Atlantic Prewar Swap Meet is literally days away! And the current long-range weather forecast is showing perfect weather with partly sunny skies and temps in the upper 60’s! You can’t ask for a better time of year to walk a swap meet or tour the back roads of Virginia. So gas up...

Hi All,
I have a 27 Tudor and I want to put the original little dash light back in. What do I connect the central wire to? It would be a positive point, as the negative/ground would be through the attachment on the dash itself. Thanks.
John

As a volunteer for the Klamath County Museum who frequently drives one of their Model Ts in parades (Model T drivers are in short supply here) I am sometimes asked to identify automobiles in old photos. This one has me stumped. The plates are from 1912 and it looks to be a big car. Can anyone ID it?

Paul

So I have a Stromberg OF and LF, and I want to get one of them working to put on my car this summer, probably the OF because it seems like it's all good to go, just was sitting on a shelf so there's some dust and grit inside I have to clean out.

The LF needs a new needle and seat very badly, and the OF one is a bit iffy. My question is what can...

I have attached the 'owners manual' for the Bullock T Racer Pedal Car if you may be interested.

This volume also includes some history of the Pikes Peak race and of the erudite Mr Bullock himself.

Sorry, only 1 example of the pedal car exists and no more will be available, but you can still admire the car from afar ;-)

Bullock Model T Owners...

I was watching a program today about the last Model A's produced and apparently they still produced some A touring cars in Chile up until 1934 in addition to AAs. I was wondering if any of the overseas factories still produced Ts after 27 to use up the parts

Where'd that come from? :lol:

Getting back after the roadster and mocking up the seat back and hip panels from Classtique. Is there a certain/preferred height, either above/even/below the top of the back of the seat bucket where the backrest should hang? Also, should there be some added padding to the hip panel armrest top?
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….just read the announcement in the VF of my friend, Don Vagasky passing away. Cannot find the obit on the INet. Don was a wonderful Model T man and USAF retiree living in Tucson. He was also a metal worker and a quick glance at Forum history will reveal a beautiful sheet metal speedster body and TT canopy bed he built. Don was also known for...

Found this in some T stuff. It is a little bigger than the ones on my 24/25 coupe. Can it be for 26/27 Coupe/Sedan?
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This weekend in Nebraska is the Bargain Buyway. Sales all over the area. This is listed on one of the sites.

vintage car parts, a nice set of Model T wind wings

There weren't any pictures any idea on what to look for? What are they worth?

Some years ago (probably 7-8) I remagnetized my flywheel magnets in my pick-up T. It was done in-situ following the instructions given in the club's leaflet about the electrical system.

It has worked like a charm - until last summer where it quit working on magneto. The strength has weakend to an extent so a broken tooth from my gearbox break...

••• WIDE TRACK MODEL T OWNERS! •••

•I am in need of having Wide-Track Axle shafts made. More than likely by the manufacturer that makes them for Lang’s.
Spoke with Don Lang and he said he would ASK his current manufacturer if he could do such a thing. So please, if you know of an outfit that could make them out of the proper material,...

#1 Given .003 and .005 OS pistons are not available, what is the maximum allowable cylinder wall wear before cylinders must be bored and .010 or larger pistons, installed? #2 What is the maximum allowable wear between crank journals and main and rod bearings, with all shims removed, before crank must be turned and new main and rod bearings,...

Anyone know what this is? Looks like to hoses attached, I doubt for an air conditioner, but people have done stranger things!

I'm concerned about my new Mclaren wheel nuts coming loose as there is no taper or no lock washer. Anyone with experience with these wheels?

When applying power to a properly working generator which direction should the gear turn....looking at the gear?

Good morning!

I just wanted to remind you that we have a fabulous swap meet at Homecoming which, this year will be held on June 1 with 2 1/2 day of tours preceding that date.

If you have extra parts or even a full Model T to sell, Homecoming is the place to offer it. We have swap meet spaces available for just $20 if your reservation is received...

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These are 23 inch TT rear rims that say Hayes on the attached lugs. Both rims have a notch in the lugs on either side of the valve stem. It doesn't look worn or cut and both rims are identical. Is this normal? Why are they like this?

So I picked up a Ruckstell axle this weekend to put in my car, and it seems to be good enough to just throw in once I give it a quick service, but I just realized that I need to cut a hole in my floor for the shifter, and it looks like it might be a bit annoying to measure for. Just wondering if there was a pattern or measurements already out...

Does anyone know where I can find a detailed article or information on the build of the something special roadster that Tom Cotter drove across the country? I have tried searching here and on google, I can find some pictures but not much build info and I would like to read about the car itself. Thanks guys.

This year, there will be 2 1/2 day of tours prior to Saturday's big Homecoming event.

Wednesday's half day tour is free and open to anyone who wants to join in.

Thursday's and Friday's tours are just $20 per car. No additional charge for riders. You must be a current MTFCA member to participate on Thursday and Friday due to insurance...

Does anyone know the amount of arc the front taper leaf spring had from the factory? Thank you... Craig

We have been saving all of the T magazines for years and now don't know what to do with them. Is there any directory for the different articles explaining where to find information? It is difficult to throw away anything related to our car but there is a limit to or why to keep stacks of magazines. Any suggestions?
Nick

I am new with the model T, but what’s the way to start the motor when it’s cold and I am alone! The T is of 1915 a non electric starter. I’ve tried a few times playing with throttle and timer. But it’s a hard issue. I am also a little bit afraid for backfire ( lash ) when I change the timer too much. What’s the way to do this? Regards Tom...

Not a big deal normally, but my '27 Touring car has been sitting in the garage since about September of 2022. It was at that time that we discovered that the bride had a terminal illness; she died in November of that year. I needed some electrical work done in the garage, and the T had to move. I put a battery charger on it, then pumped up the...

We're looking forward to seeing you all here in Richmond for the 2024 Homecoming May 29 - June 1.

The event starts with tours on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Pre-registration and a current MTFCA membership is required for the Thursday and Friday tours which are $20 per car/per day. Wednesday is free and open to all.

Friday night, we'll have...

I am fitting cam bearings to a reground cam. So far, everything is going well and I’m pleased with progress. My reground cam no longer has a thrust surface full-circle on the front lobe. I could use advice on setting up the fit of a thrust washer kit.

The service manual (para. 481) shows a maximum end play of .004”. Instructions that came with...

Little Hershey Swap Meet
Saturday May 18th 2024
call Dave for information
815-979-4544

I got a bag of these condensers from a friend, are they just old stock? Are they fine to use?
Looks like the ones the vendors sell are orange. 20240421_114807_copy_1512x2016.jpg

What are the differences among the Ralph Reeder aluminum high compression low heads? I've seen the compression ratios for this head described as both 6:1 and also 8:1? There are apparently also physical differences, where a current photo shown on the Classifieds bares no Ford script, and does not show an embossed R located on the outlet boss. Mine...

Is this 25 T or something else? Can parts be found as it currently does not work. Can fabric be added to make it functional?

Found washer in bendix.
Found the screw head in the oil drain plug.
Anyone know where they might have come from?
Engine still runs.

Never posted this before but got to thinking about a book I wrote a couple of years ago about my adventures with the Model T. It starts with my childhood interest in Model Ts and comes all the way to current times when I had the opportunity to purchase seven Model Ts including one that was similar to the one that started it all back in the 40s. It...

Small drum, rollers rotate. The way they’re set up, looks like they should/could mesh with a toothed gear. Drums are cast and thick.

I see many posts regarding tight rear wheels, but my rear wheel almost dropped off when I removed the nut. How tight should the hub fit on the axle, and when do I know if shims are needed?

That question aside, I think I may need a new axle anyway, as it has .055 up & down play and the outer bearing is only about .003 undersized.

I'm sorry to advise we have reached our limit for the Luray Tour after the swap meet.
We had a limit of 50 cars we are at 63 cars.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Brian & Dennis.

Just picked up a '27 touring that has some nice wire wheels and a Ruckstell that will be swapped into my coupe, and I'll put the wood wheels and original rear from my coupe back in this. Looks to be probably 95% complete, but it's in pieces, and is gonna need some metal work and paint. I'll post some more pictures soon, and I have a couple...

Fun one day tour with cold weather to some under ground tunnels and business of olden days in Kansas

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I know it's hard to find a good set of rims for the 23 inch TT rear wheels but if you were to find a nice pair with the silver still looking good and no rust or damage, what would you expect a fair price would be?

Hi everyone,
I just installed new hubs in the rear wheels as the old ones were worn with loos keyways, enough that .011 feeler gauge could fit between axle and new key. Put wheels back on them checked for runout laying a piece of RR track alongside of the wheel. I measured with a digital caliper at each spoke both the fellloe & then the rim &...

We are having our 7TH annual Model T-Model A Ford era pre war swap meet and car show at our farm on April 20th 2024 starting at 7am. All makes and models welcome, free overnight primitive camping. Free setup and admission. Restroom on site, Located at Bob and Helen Peterson's farm. 7525 Co. 12 Blvd. Kenyon, Mn. 55946 50 miles S. of St. Paul. Buy,...