MTFCA Forum

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...

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,...

I have a '14 T with a recently rebuilt motor (bought this way) and now I'm thinking of installing a starter. I already have the later (1920) hogshead with lettered pedals and a new starter but I don't know if the motor has the ring gear installed. Is there any way of seeing or feeling to tell if the ring gear is installed without removing the...

If it's not one thing it's another..... the reality of Model T ownership :D Today I was crawling under my Model T to string some electrical wire. I noticed a slight smell of gasoline and when I got up by the fuel tank, I noticed a tiny drip on the lower left side of the tank. There was no puddle on the floor... just a really slow seep.

The end...

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My generator wasn't charging so I cleaned the armature and got it going but was surprised when I checked the voltage. I was expecting made 9 volts but it was bouncing between 12 and 14 before the cutout and just over 6 after the cutout. Is it normal to get that much juice out of the generator?

January 1936

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New owner of a 1912 Model T with later hogshead and starter. See the photo below noting the exposed portion of the clutch shaft coming out of the hogshead as indicated by the gray pen in the photo. Aout 1/2 of shafting is exposed. The problem is that the linkage coming off the clutch pedal is interfering with the side of the cylindrical can that...

Here's some pic's of the senior center show I went to yesterday. Everyone had a great time.

I'm ready to install an original set of AC brakes. The instructions tell me to to remove the lower bolts holding the radius rods to the backing plates and substitue the longer ones that are included. I dont have the long ones and need to buy them. I assume they are the same diameter and tpi as the radius rod bolts but would like know the length I...

Did 1922/1923 Canadian Centerdoors have cowl oil side lights and oil tail lights?

I have ‘rollers’ that I’ve never worried too much about. Today after moving then out of the garage for a week and then placing them back today.

Look at the picture, please. This been welded? Or am I missing on how this particular latch works? Tube spun as you can see, at least want to straighten it out. Old eyes, not ready to get into it and find...

For various reasons, I need to purchase two new 21 demountable rims. I can live with two originals and one for a spare, but need two brand new reproductions. This is for my WWI ambulance project, so no daily driver or comfort wagon.
I'm leaning towards putting the new rims on the front to eliminate any steering wobble, but don't know if having...

Does anyone have a source for #10x⅜ Round Head Slotted Brass wood screws used on early coil boxes? Below is a picture of what I am looking for.

TIA!!

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Anyone know what this engine is?

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I have been asked to consider making another run of my Stevens Front axle tooling. This will be the Upper Tapered Reamer and the Lower Reamer/Tap.
I can only do this if I have at least 12 people wanting a set. I don’t know price but am sure it will be higher that last run. I think it will be over $500 for the two.
If you are interested post here...

This is not my thread. Somehow the OP deleted his initial post.

I've been putting this off but dropped a screw into the door cavity so it's a might as well now.
1st Q:
The PO glued the edges of the door panel on. Big pain in the A. I've got most of the for panel off but the top is still really such. Tried a heat gun and it's not budging. I will not be putting it back on with glue. Can someone share the type...

Will a Roof exhaust manifold interchange or work on a Rajo head?

I have what I'm told is a Rajo head but the exhaust manifold has Roof cast in it. Yes it does fit and bolt on to the head I have.
thnx
brasscarguy

Hi all.
I have a set of Master brand auxiliary wheel brakes that I picked up for my '17 Touring...minus any linkage. Is anybody familiar with Master brakes, and their linkage? Any information you could share would be helpful, minimizing any required wheel reinventing (or wheel brake reinventing).
Transferring motion from the pedal to the rear is...

I just realised I’ve been running with my e-timer for 10 years!

I think it’s the best aftermarket item I’ve fitted to my car.

We are currently trying to put a '12 rear end together, and finding that the wheels lock up tight when the wheel nuts are tightened, then I read in a recent Vintage Ford article about 1912 rear axles housings being 5/16 longer than later ones, and that if later hubs were used, they would need to be machined to clear the axle seals.
Was there an...

Got two of my Blockleys on. I will order two more in the coming month's. It was $687.77 for the two tires and tubes total. A big difference from the 4 Firestones I bought 25 years ago. I think I paid around $250 for all 4 back then. Looking forward for the first trip Thursday. There is a small show of vintage cars for a elderly care center...

Can anyone that has an original Stewart brass cable with knurled nuts on both ends please tell me the width of the knurled band section on the nut?

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I thought I would get a quote from Blockley for a couple of inner tubes.

2 tubes are 70 Pounds

Shipping is 56 Pounds.

Total cost for 2 tubes is 126 Pounds or $159

I wonder what it costs to buy them over there with the VAT added?

Royal Mail use to be relatively cheap.

I don’t usually bother stopping for photos, because we all know already that the model T is the coolest car ever. This I could not resist, as I have not seen one in person and don’t really know the capabilities … IMG_0332.jpeg
It’s as big as an average full size truck. IMG_0331.jpeg
The ‘27 roadster pickup was more interesting to the crowd, but...

I recently finished my American Bosch ignition switch for my new dash on my 23 roadster. The car has an AB type 448 distributor too. I bought an original wire loom and am getting to the point of connecting the loom to the switch. I don’t have experience with a stock model t switch or ignition system/ operation. Looking at the connections, it seems...

Many of the cars on the sale were used on a movie set. I have no affiliation to the cars but will be in Nokomis this weekend for tractor school.
Just in case anyone is interested in any them I could get more pictures.

Are there any photos or dimensions telling me where to install the speedometer head on a two piece firewall (early 1912)?

The hole for the cable has already been drilled in the floorboard so that sets the horizontal position. Im looking for info re the vertical placement.

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I am sure that some of you have seen this sales brochure before. I wasn't going to get it until I saw the 2 handwritten notes inside under a couple of the pictures. I just thought I would share: It is still in excellent condition and came with the original envelope as well.

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Rivet mounts at foldover base with 1 round and 1 square bolt holes but what for and where ?
Thanks! 20240415_153022.jpg 20240415_153029.jpg 20240415_153035.jpg 20240415_153047.jpg

Looking at a 14 roadster sideways with no one in it, are the front and back fenders supposed to be level with each other or are the front fenders lower than the back ones? I am getting ready to mount the fenders on my car and I thought to measure the distance from the top of the fender irons to the ground. The front irons are 2” lower than the...

Can the stock 40 tooth Ford crown gear be used in a Ruckstell rear end or is a special recessed 40 tooth gear required. I have a NOS 11 tooth Ford pinion to go with it.

I decided to try and rebuild a few coils. The new capacitors I received from Langs are cylindrical and do not fit in with the glass plate. Do I remove the glass plate with this newer style cap?

Seeing a very fine line in the manifold, I suspected a crack and proceeded to wire brush and paint anyway. Crack seemed to go away. After running it, I now see that the crack is in fact, a crack.

Question 1: Can I should I drive it this way?

Question two: If I shouldn't, what are the chances of repair?.

Question C: If question A and 2 are off...

The eclipse just started where I live. Full eclipse in 1 hour. Full will last about 4 minutes.

Art Mirtes

Palacio Jackson. 18 de Julio esquina Plaza Cagancha, Montevideo. Circa 1920

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I've not found any evidence of plating on either of my 1913's, but I'm wrong! My understanding is they were either zinc or galvanized plated.
What a job it's going to be to get them right!

Wondering what the correct tail lamp bracket should be for a late 1915 to early 1916 Model T Coupelet. I have heard it is just a runabout bracket, and I’ve also heard that it is a special bracket that mounts underneath the body. If anyone knows and has pictures, it would be very helpful. Also looking for information on the side lamp brackets. Need...

Hello all! I am looking at what I am told is a 1920 Canadian Touring. It belonged to a gentleman I knew for years that passed away last year, and his widow is ready to sell it. Looking it over, it appears to be in excellent condition, radiator is full, oil level is good, interior and paint are in great condition, and it has a Ruckstell and Rocky...

I know the Edison #14 spark plug fits the Model T. Are there any other numbers that will fit the Model T? Jim Patrick

I just brought home another T. This is getting to be a habit. Nice car with very few issues but it is my first time owning a car with a ruxtell. The previous owner couldn't tell me anything about it so I just wanted to ask what should I check on it before really driving the car. I think that it runs regular gear oil instead of 600 weight, doesn't...

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I have a generator test stand that my dad made years ago. Not fancy, but works great. However, for the load , I need to have a 6V battery handy. Problem is, I don't often have one laying around to spare. My current one is a 6V Optima that belongs in my Sedan. It's at full charge right now and frankly, I don't like putting more charge into it with...

Hey fellow T people. I am trying to buy something for my 1916 Touring. I am offering his asking price but he will only accept friends and family payment. What are the advantages or disadvantages for me?
Campbell Tellman II
Beaufort, NC

I'm going to be doing a little presentation at the Piquette Museum on timers and want to make sure I have my facts right. Am I correct that the only NEW timers currently available are the New Day and Anderson for mechanical timers and the E-Timer which is electronic? I believe the TW timer was very popular but is out of production. I also...

Got a new wood kit for my coil box, wondering what if any color it should be or maybe just clear coat with some varnish. I searched the older posts but came up empty. Any suggestions wood be appreciated. (pun intended) JIm

I have a brass T in the shop that presently has a 12v Group 121R battery rated at 550CCA and a T starter & later hogshead retrofitted. Space under the back seat is very limited so we are looking at a way of minimizing space. This starter is mostly used when emergency starting the engine (-stalled the engine in traffic, or when hand-cranking is...

Is there a sure-fire way to identify an original New-Day timer cap? With all the Repos that have been made I suspect it would be easy to be mistaken at a swap meet.

Question, Do you still need to retard the timing lever ATC on the I timer to start the car or does the timer do that on its own? Thank you.

I am looking for a viton needle and seat for the Stromberg OF carburetor on my 24 Model T. I remember several years ago Stan Howe remanufactured them but he has sadly since passed away. Does anyone know if and where I could find one? I could try to make one myself but I would rather buy one from someone who has had experience.
Thanks!
Bill...

Working on a Ruckstell out of a '15 Touring from the Lake Tahoe area many years ago - anyone recognize this type of outboard axle bearing ? The p.s. has what appears to be knock-off tabs across from each other - not so on the Ruckstell half ? Federal # FS88508 on the outer carrier.

Also: how not to bush a #160 housing !

I know some of you are familiar with the Hill Climb each October in Newport Indiana. I have been reading there rulers for a model t speedster and I tried sending a message to them but no reply. In the rules for the speedster class it says you cannot run a pressurized fuel system. Would that rule apply to an electric fuel pump?

The Facebook page had this posted as a 1927 traffic jam but not sure sexactly.
Expanding the page I can see what looks like a 25 or later T coupe halfway down on the right next to the curb. The T’s if there are very many must have gotten hot if that was a summer photo! It looks like it was a big mess toward the top of the jamb as a few cars were...

about this head. IMG_8833.jpeg IMG_8831.jpeg

I got this valve seat cutter from a friend it's clearly marked 5-z-459. The tool chart I have says 5-z-457 are there more tools not on the chart anyone have a complete list?

Hi all,
What suggestions do you all have for replacing the small brass plugs that seal the carb passageways? They're made of brass originally, I believe. Can I use heavy copper copper wire, or does it have to be brass? Thanks for your help.
John

This Rear Fender looks a little bit different than any I have found or seen.

Does anyone recognize what year or body style that was designed for that fender use?

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I just came across this carpet on ebay and wondered if anyone has ever ordered one to see if it is any good. It is $22.80 plus shipping so it certainly is cheap enough if it is any good.

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Firestone serviceman and vehicle, circa 1916. Courtesy Wichita Public Library, Local History Section / #HTH100

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I thought what year T.JPG

I am completing a 1912 commercial roadster that has a build date of Dec 1911. Im getting ready to have a top installed and need to know about the straps that hold the front top bow to either the windshield or front
fender irons.

My fender irons have integral holes for connecting the top straps suggesting the long fender straps were used, but Im...

Worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

Is there a company or companies that sell window roller shades for antique and vintage cars? I am looking for patterned vinyl or cloth shade material for my Towncar. From what I can tell, only plain vinyl shade materials are available from Model A parts vendors. Am interested in fancier window roller shades. Thank you for any leads.

Today I awoke Clyde, my 1925 Express Wagon from an 8-month slumber. It started easily, though I did get a backfire as it was starting. It seemed to run fine for a few minutes then got rough and lost power.

I had just reinstalled the timer, so the first thing I did was check the wiring - all as it should be. I then started to check the timing and...

Am I the only guy that's getting that dang pop-up every time I open the main page ?????????????????

Ford T with carnival-goers. Avenida Rio Branco, Rio de Janeiro. 1928

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Hello, After backing out my TT to do some spring maintenance I went to start it up to take a ride. It started and stalled, when I went to start it again I had nothing. No coils buzzing, starter didnt spin engage.....I have 6volt power to it all but it all is dead. I even tried to put a jumper form the batt to the starter, nothing! Ideas?