'16 Centerdoor restore...

mtntee20 · Post by **mtntee20** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 7:54 pm

Don,

It's up to a box of Twinkies AND a bag of M&Ms. Keep holding out, I know Mr. Kete will throw out a higher bid.

Every time you make a post, I get excited to see what you have done next. It will be a long, long time before we ever see another restoration like yours!

Thank You,
Terry

perry kete · Post by **perry kete** » Thu Jul 30, 2020 8:08 pm

OK Terry you're making me up the anti so it's now two boxes of Twinkies and a bag and a half of M&M's ... (I already opened one bag, who can resist M&M"s)

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun Aug 02, 2020 10:22 am

While you two are munch'n on your favorite sugar pick, its cleanup the wiring time. Added a fuse to the system and also fix'n a seeping freeze plug. Exciting aye ?

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 10:51 am

Here is a bit of history. I used to top beets for the Meyer farm just down the road from me. When the dad passed away I was visiting with his sons and their sons. Floyd Jr. disappeared and came back with a cardboard tube. He said "Booth look what i found in Dads attic". He pulled the document from the tube and spread it out in front of me. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The original copy of the Homestead Act issued to his great great Grandfather. It was awarding them the land ownership, signed by Abraham Lincoln three days before he was assassinated. I suggested Floyd Jr make a copy and frame it and put the original in a safety deposit box, which he did.

perry kete · Post by **perry kete** » Wed Aug 05, 2020 6:23 pm

History has always been one of my favorite subjects and when you posted the information about the land grant signed by Abraham Lincoln I got goose bumps. My Father-in -Laws farm was a land grant that his Grandfather got for fighting in the Civil War. His farm was established in 1865.

LOVE the picture of the car in front of the farm house

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Fri Aug 07, 2020 9:52 am

I do too Dennis. I've been corrected on the document. Those were actually signed by Lincolns Secretary of Land Registry. The Secretary would duplicate the presidents signature to make it look like Abe had signed it. Still pretty cool.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sat Aug 08, 2020 6:33 am

A friend of mine has a centerdoor said to be a 1916. So I met up with a couple of T friends and went to check it out. Dave is a life long collector of WW1/2 German military equipment. Everything from helmets to uniforms to a fully functioning tank. Way to much to try to take in, in one day. We all just had a blast with it all. The C-door was tucked away and I was baffled at to what it actually was. Many differences from my project. I will try again to get more information on it but if it was a '16 it would have been a late one.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Wed Aug 12, 2020 6:59 pm

I had a great visit with Chuck Sharpe. Chuck owns a very impressive vintage car collection. His cars are on display at the Gilmore, Sloan and Piquette museums. The Gilmore picture is of his 1903 Cadillac truck. Very honored to have him drive up just to see the '16.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 8:34 am

Well i've put about 200 miles on it so far.....actually runs better the more I drive it. Surprisingly, no surprises yet.

Post by **CudaMan** » Sat Sep 05, 2020 10:46 am

Beautiful! Great news.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:14 pm

Chugged the '16 Centerdoor out to the State Park yesterday. There was a State Police car sitting in a parking lot. He flashed his lights so I pulled up next to him. He had a big smile on his face and said "THAT'S COOL !! ". So I told him it was a '16 and a transitional car. That guy must of said "THAT'S COOL !! " 15 or 20 times. LOL....he was smiling and that's all that matters... LOL

perry kete · Post by **perry kete** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:25 pm

That is one BEAUTIFUL car!

Did you offer the state trooper a Twinkie?

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:33 pm

LOL....I did ask him if he wanted to give me a safety inspection. I told him it would have to be up to 1916 standards. He just laughed and smiled and said "That's COOL !! ". LOL.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 2:19 pm

Richard Tatoyan, you have renewed my faith in humanity ! Richard sent me this gift out of the goodness of his heart. Humbled again

Thank you so very much !! It's TOO cool !!

And it came all the way from Modesto CA !!

Post by **WayneJ** » Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:01 pm

A wonderful green center door, complete with coach lamps!! I am very jealous. I hope I get to see them both in person one day.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 8:56 am

So the '16 is put away for the winter. I took her for a drive to Frankenmuth (60 miles RT) and she drove great for having a 20 mph crosswind. But being a chicken @#$% I took a hammer to the wood spokes....yup gained a half dozen clinkers !! So its stuff the Stutzmans wallet time.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 9:01 am

Oh i forgot to mention, I also had to make room for this winter's project. Take a guess as to what's coming this week... All the way from Syracuse NY...go ahead take a stab at it...

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 5:41 am

Yup Fordor number 5 !! Mike Robinson from Syracuse NY dropped it off yesterday. This should keep me busy this winter. The best parts is NO wet sanding !!! LOL

Justbrett · Post by **Justbrett** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:01 am

: my '21 beginning its journey from Iowa to Georgia

Don, I have spent the last week reading this entire journey of yours. Thank you for sharing this restoration, it will provide this newb a fair roadmap~!

I picked up a '21 c-door from my uncle last year, but only got it home in September. I have been looking at this car for nearly 40 years, and now it's in my garage. I wish i had the time, money and skill you have shown in this post to make mine shine like yours, but for now, i'm just happy to have made the engine run!

I have scrabbled all over the interwebs, but I cannot find anything that shows dimensions. When you reframed your car, what did you use for reference? I need to reroof my '21- I know I can 'wingit' but it'd be nice to know i was in the right church at the end of the day

-Brett

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 10:28 am

Hi Brett !! Thanks for the kind words. You have a BEAUTY there !!! The '16 had zero information to go by, its dimensions are that of a 1915 but different than the later 1916. This car is a transitional car so measurements wouldn't apply to your car. I do have another thread of re-wooding my '22 Centerdoor which would be a match for your car. I will look it up and post the link. But just ask if you think I can help.. don't think twice.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1440016651

Justbrett · Post by **Justbrett** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:45 pm

Thanks Don. The pics from both cars helped a lot. I was able to pull only of the runners from right side to pattern tenons, and it should provide the right spacing from midline.

Cool story though this 21 also came with a ruckstell... so I have that going for me

Mikes 1912 · Post by **Mikes 1912** » Sun Nov 29, 2020 10:34 am

Well I have held off saying anything up till now, I cannot hold back any longer but you keep forgetting the most important thing!!! need I remind you...... TTTTTT I had a phone call yesterday
setting outside in 18 degree weather answering questions for an hour, are you thinking about doing your magic on the body in question???? I would mention
the name but it would cause to much controversy here. It would be a piece of T or should I say a, T walk.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 5:40 am

I have to show you guys Mike's 1901 Columbia Electric. What a sweet piece of history !!!

Post by **Rich Eagle** » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:38 am

What a delightful car.
Thanks
Rich

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Fri Jan 22, 2021 8:26 am

Just received a call from Noah Stutzman and Lizzies wheels are done. I should be receiving them early next week. That took less than 2 weeks from the time he received the rims and hubs. Amazing !!! Thanks goes to the Stutzmans once more !!

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Mon Jan 25, 2021 7:39 pm

With all the nasty going on in the world and then this... My buddy, my pal Mike Husted sent this original 1915/16 tail lamp to me. OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF HIS HEART !!! OMG !!! I love ya Mikey, thank YOU !!

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:32 pm

Noah Stutzman is the year round Santa Claus. Finer artwork can't be found ! Thank you Noah !! Thank you...

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 4:04 am

Once again I can't load pictures to this forum...frustrating !!

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun Apr 25, 2021 4:42 pm

So my Amish buddies wanted to go for a ride. Willie on the left and Nelson sits to the right. I can honestly say Willie Nelson has rode in the '22 !!

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:29 am

Finally got the new Stutzman's painted and mounted. It's time to ROCK !!

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:37 am

My '16 Centerdoor and this 1910 Torpedo were the only two vintage autos at the car show this weekend. Nice Torpedo.

Post by **CudaMan** » Tue Apr 27, 2021 9:23 am

They are both beautiful cars, thanks for showing them! Those early torpedos and runabouts are like rolling jewelry.

Post by **Charlie B in N.J.** » Tue Apr 27, 2021 5:10 pm

Haven’t followed this posting until recently mostly because I really can’t get past the curved roof line of the center door. Don’t know why. Just doesn’t appeal for some reason. That being said I went through the posting front to rear and I must say you work is beyond reproach. A magnificent outcome. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun May 30, 2021 6:36 am

Thank you Charlie B, kind words are always appreciated.

Herb Iffrig · Post by **Herb Iffrig** » Sun May 30, 2021 9:49 am

Isn't that actually a 1912 Torpedo?

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun May 30, 2021 9:53 am

Herb, yes it is a '12. My mistake.

Ed Baudoux · Post by **Ed Baudoux** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 2:19 pm

Our own Don Booth was awarded "Best Of Show Model T", at the Standish Depot Car Show yesterday.

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 2:50 pm

Well deserved. Congrats to Don.
Thanks for sharing Ed.

mtntee20 · Post by **mtntee20** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 4:55 pm

Congratulations Don!

All this time, you thought I was blowing smoke up your exhaust pipe. Guess this shows exactly what I have been saying.

GREAT JOB!!!!!

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:29 pm

LOL !! Hey Ed, don't tell them their were only 6 Model T's at that show....we'll keep em guessing. LOL
Thanks for the kind words though guys.

Ed Baudoux · Post by **Ed Baudoux** » Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:55 pm

Think as you will, Don. That '25 Touring is so perfect, it's ridiculous! He's taken a pile of first place trophies with that car. And you drove yours 30 miles to the show. Topping that car is not a small feat.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:20 am

Thanks Ed, you're a good friend. Well I registered for the Old Car Festival. We shall see if they allow me to take up a parking spot.

perry kete · Post by **perry kete** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 10:19 am

CONGRATULATIONS on your Model T winning "Best of Show" it's a beautiful car and a well deserved win.

(but I did hear a rumor that all the judges had a large bag of M&M's in their pockets!)

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 11:21 am

Thanks Mr. Pair-of-Cleats !!! Here's a picture of the two wide bodies.

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:24 pm

FANTASTIC! Thank you for keeping up with the updates. Sometimes the nice guys do finish first.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Tue Jul 13, 2021 6:53 am

Thanks again guys, Wayne I'm still searching for the correct assist handles. Ebay has some similar but no cigar. I'm starting to think it may be impossible to find a pair. Also looking for a usable set of flat rear fenders. The fenders that are on this don't fit anywhere near correct. This may be a longer term project than first thought...

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Thu Sep 30, 2021 6:51 am

Interesting bit of history....

perry kete · Post by **perry kete** » Thu Sep 30, 2021 8:34 am

Interesting invoice you have there.

Basehoar & Mehring had many different business in Littlestown Pa. Mehring had a hardware store on S. Queen Street (Baltimore Street back then) and Mehring owned a carrage factory. Basehoar family opened a Ford garage on E King Street and at some point it became Basehoar & Mehring Ford Dealership. I found an ad in a paper from the 20's and a matchbook cover from 1957 Basehoar & Mehring Ford - Lincoln - Mercery dealership but then the trail goes cold. Family ancestors still live in Littlestown Pa and their ancestors founded the town in 1778 buying property from William Penn.

Post by **ModelT46** » Thu Sep 30, 2021 3:40 pm

In 1947 at the age of 15 I bought my second Model T Ford (I already owned my 1910 which I still have). It was titled as a 1916 and I paid $25 for it. The man had bought it new. When I went to get the T I found out that it had been a touring and he had placed a centedoor body on it and updated the fenders, radiator and other items so it appeared to be an original cenetr door. He gave the touring body to the scrap drive during WWII. The top and bows were there which I took home. The body was probably from a circa 1921 T. I drove it to high school for a year then sold it for $85.

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 5:37 am

Another transitional 1915-16 Centerdoor found?? Yes indeed it is....

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 6:36 am

When are you starting in that Don?

perry kete · Post by **perry kete** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 6:55 am

Don,

Are you going to have that one done in time for Halloween or Thanksgiving?

FordorGalore · Post by **FordorGalore** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 8:21 am

Actually I wouldn't mind doing the woodwork. I could learn much from the original wood and the conclusions from my '16. For instance, take a look at the curve of the roof line. Its a much shallower curve than the 1915's and the late 1916's. This was my biggest mystery while building mine. I had to conclude that header was taller because the side windows would have destroyed the structural integrity of the "A" pillars to the top wood. Needless to say I'm relieved to see the originals and the curvature it created.

Model T Mark · Post by **Model T Mark** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 9:23 am

Hey I did look and still have those rear fenders that we talked about at OCF. If your interested let me know. Mark Eyre

Model T Mark · Post by **Model T Mark** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 9:24 am

I also have a complete knocked apart center door body or maybe mostly complete if you know any one interested. Mark Eyre

Flivver · Post by **Flivver** » Mon Feb 13, 2023 9:24 pm

My interview with Don Booth, where we talk about the 1916 Center Door and many other things.... https://youtu.be/LUZmP2KYJvA