MTFCA Forum

I would enjoy seeing pictures of other folks speedsters if you would please consider posting a photograph (or more than one).

Thank you,

Jeff Smith
Florida

Edit:
After fiddling around with this post I have figured out how, and added pictures of our speedster. My longest trip so far was to Indialantic Beach one Sunday when everyone at home was sick. It took seven hours at 32 mph up and back on A1A. For those that don't know Florida, A1A follows the beach on the east coast. I grew up next door to this car as a child and my neighbor restored it before I was born and finished when I was around four years old. I have always wanted the car (since I was around 4) and was able to purchase it recently. I brought it to Florida in June of last year and from our gps and non-gps trips, I estimate we have put just a little over 7,000 miles on it since bringing it home in June.

Here ya go... one of ‘er al washed up an ready to go!

Washed and unwashed

Fist ride of the year.

Some day it will be finished. Maybe.

I built this in 1966 and redesigned it in 1976. http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1436755355
Here are some more:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1421544075

Speedster Reunion In lincoln NE

It was an excellent tour and a great day!

At Kit Carson Pass

[image][/image]

Here is #45.

Love seeing all the speedsters.

My '23 speedster last fall.

Drove to work today.

Nice snowplow Walt. What a fun trip.

My 1926 Speedster. RAJO OHV head, Rayfiled UF carb, Livingston radiator.

This is the speedster that was mine when I was 4 years old. The full sized one I finished 9 years ago. It now has 21" Buffalo's.

I would also enjoy reading the history of your cars if you don't mind sharing. I will try to type mine up over the weekend and add to the thread.

Thank you,

Jeff Smith

Family of Speedsters: from L to R, Brother-in-law's, Father's, mine and another Brother-in-law's.

My speedster in a not too neat garage.

Still working on it.

Andy

Our 1913 speedster

Although I've been tagged with the nickname of "No Gravel Steve, I'd rather not but have so on occasion !

Hey Andy, the Mercury is lookin good in red!!! Some assembly required...

Rumor has it there is now a green one down in Watsonville that looks about like Andy's.

But I still have half of Netflix to watch.

Andy

Each car above is awesome and it would be very hard to just pick one if given the choice to have one. I have looked at speedsters on the North West Vintage Speedsters site, but I had no idea there were so many of them out there. Please continue to post pictures because my son and I are really enjoying what what is being posted. I can really appreciate the amount of time to build the cars above, each should be proud of their undertaking.

Thank you,

Jeff Smith

A couple shots of Dad's speedster.

Andy

You sure look a lot like your Dad there, Andy !

This was the one I made from vintage parts. Included is the no name updraft carburetor I rebuilt for this car. It was so much fun to drive. Sold it to afford the 1923 runabout I now have.

kingjerry wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2020 9:10 pm

Family of Speedsters: from L to R, Brother-in-law's, Father's, mine and another Brother-in-law's.20160402_162951.jpg

Is that a set of Tom Minocchi‘s all stainless steel Buffalos???

I built one too and I still have too many parts.

[image][/image]. High Boy, endurance speedster.

Annie my 1915 Speedster downunder at Bargara Beach Queensland

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 27, 2020 11:33 pm

kingjerry wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2020 9:10 pm

Family of Speedsters: from L to R, Brother-in-law's, Father's, mine and another Brother-in-law's.20160402_162951.jpg

Is that a set of Tom Minocchi‘s all stainless steel Buffalos???

Hi Kevin, Yes, Tom made them and they are all stainless. My wife asks why guys are always noticing the wheels. I just say Bling!

kingjerry wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:07 pm

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 27, 2020 11:33 pm

kingjerry wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 24, 2020 9:10 pm

Family of Speedsters: from L to R, Brother-in-law's, Father's, mine and another Brother-in-law's.20160402_162951.jpg

Is that a set of Tom Minocchi‘s all stainless steel Buffalos???

Hi Kevin, Yes, Tom made them and they are all stainless. My wife asks why guys are always noticing the wheels. I just say Bling!

I remember Tom having a set of the polished all stainless wheel sets years ago at Bakersfield swap meet (2005ish?), they were a showstopper for sure! Only a few sets made as I recall.

Ron Kipling here in the Pacific Northwest had a set of Minocchi stainless on the #5 car - most of you in the N.W. Speedster Club might remember - I have a photo somewhere of Ron & Millie sitting in it.

Here is #45 when it was baby blue #00 back around 1975 or 1976 at Calistoga Speedway lining up for the Wine Country Classics. And an action shot later in the day.

Is that YOU in the driver's seat Dan ?

Hi Steve- yes, the one and only! And I'm about 90% certain that is Tom Rohner standing next to the car talking to me. That is his AAA service cycle to the left. Tom is our own Bay Bridge Sue's father AFAIK.

Totally Coool, Dan !!!

Not the only messy garage on the Forum! Am hoping to drive it by July and to finish it sometime......This is loosely based on a Currier kit.

Looking Good Dave!!!!!

Here is a more recent shot of 45. I tried to get Dan’s good side.

Andy

Seems Hank knows that girls rock! Be careful- next you know you won't be driving it anymore! Ask me how I know. "Ah dad- you can drive the touring".

And here is a picture of Andy's dads car with only 3 wheels.

OUCH!

That's my Dad's little buddy, His Great Grand God Daughter from England! Dan, You don't have to tell me! LOL

Hank

Hank, I volunteer to come drive both since you are so busy. I will bring the towls to wipe the drool off when Im done.

Hank.....they are such masterpieces of the metal bender's art. I'm blown away everytime I see them and am VERY honored to have been invited to drive Bob's 1914.....a day I will never forget!

BEST,
Dave

Hank.....they are such masterpieces of the metal bender's art. I'm blown away everytime I see them and am VERY honored to have been invited to drive Bob's 1914.....a day I will never forget!

BEST,
Dave

I will likely comment later on the earlier photos, but try to catch this one when it is close. I was about a hundred feet behind Dexter Clary when that occurred. If I recall correctly, it was Bob Edwards just ahead of Dexter, and me trailing behind going around that turn, when one of Bob's rear wheels (wire) broke its hub. As Bob slid a bit, and swerved toward the infield on three wheels, Dexter close behind swerved out to avoid hitting Bob's car. Dexter's left front wheel caught Bob's right rear wheel on the inside. Speculation is that a then modern reproduction king pin on Dexter's was hardened way too much and suddenly stressed it simply sheared above and below the spindle allowing the wheel , spindle, and half the tie rod (!) which broke right in the center all to go flying on their own. The varying forces threw the wheel about ten feet into the air just ahead of Dexter with it coming down toward Dexter and his mechanic (was that you Andy?), wheel and half tie rod flipping wildly! On its way down, the end of the broken tie rod punctured the cowl on Dexter's car (rumor had it it hit the backside of the wooden dash?) and deflected the wheel and flailing tie rod over their heads!
Inspection after the dust had settled found the front axle appeared to be undamaged, and an about two to three inch hole in the top of Dexter's cowl. For years, I would see Dexter on tours or endurance runs and marvel at the little patch on the cowl.

Dan McEachern wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 29, 2020 2:51 pm

Hi Steve- yes, the one and only! And I'm about 90% certain that is Tom Rhoner standing next to the car talking to me. That is his AAA service cycle to the left. Tom is our own Bay Bridge Sue's father AFAIK.

That's him all right! Damn, I miss him. And the bike... I *think* AAA still has it.

My guess is was '75. I remember Vic Sala taking me for a few laps around that dirt 1/4 mile in #8 - I knew #4 was fast, but that blue bomber was downright scary! Ihad no idea a T could go even close to THAT fast. Good times. Got me so bad hooked on the stuff I started finding parts to turn the '20 chassis into something, um, faster than a depot hack...

Still have some of those parts. Just need the chassis to put them on now!

Here is a shot of the rear wheel that Wayne is referring to in his posting above. The Wine Country Classics were just that- classic.

No More Bad Pictures, I am crying for someone, YIKES! I take it no one was hurt?

Everything is fixable including pride, Thanks for sharing pics guys!

Thank You too for the compliments, but our cars are meant to be driven, so anyone showing up may take them for a spin..., really. I only have one requirement when finished, Clean well before going back in the garage. If you have not read "Tom Sawyer" I will explain my interpretation of it in detail. It is "Gratifying"!

Everyones Speedster is a work of art as it is a reflection of them and their likes. They are all individuals like us!

All the Best,

Hank

Wayne, my brother Dan was riding with Dad that year. I was a young Marine stationed in Okinawa at the time. Yes the patch is still on the cowl.

Andy

Here is my first model t im building its a 1926 speedster. Waiting on a few more parts to be able to finish it up!

Andy C, I always liked your Dad, and thought you kids were great! I had that perfectly horrible view of the moment in time, and in the midst of it was very concerned about the nasty possible results (that very fortunately did not occur!). One of the things I was really struck by at the time was how cool and nonchalant your Dad and brother were afterwards! The wheel loss was not to be worried about, there must have been about ten cars lost a wheel during those four years of races. But that wheel went up in front of the car and came down (poking the hole in the cowl!) missing your Dad's and brother's heads by mere feet! Your Dad was all "Yeah, it happened, it was interesting."
I also remember a few minutes later (I do not remember who it was?), someone had run over and retrieved the wheel. I can still picture in my mind, he was rolling the wheel back to the car where your Dad was, the half tie rod flopping around to one side.

As an aside to all, the reason the tie rod broke in the middle, is that tie rods were supplied by different manufacturers over the model T years, and Ford switched specifications from time to time. Most during the black era used a rolled tubing, with an open seam running the length. However, some used a seamless tube, and had a "vent" hole in the middle bottom to allow moisture to drain out. Over the many decades, the area inside around that hole had a tendency to rust from the inside out, creating a weakened point. The tie rod broke at that hole.
Tie rods should be closely inspected once or twice each century for any signs of fracturing or weakness. Have you looked at yours lately?

This must have been the first year for the Callistoga Classics, and maybe the first day. I missed the first day, because at that time I had to work on most Saturdays. Hard to believe now, but they had some difficulty getting enough cars that first year. My Dad and I managed to get my car there for the next day (Sunday) which turned out a good thing. The "Red Baron" (I cannot recall his name at the moment?) burned out a connecting rod the first day, so I took his place.
Dave Moulton and his friend (I seem to be having troubles with names lately?) are in the black with red wheels number three, affectionately known as the "Testa Rosa". It had a shortened chassis, with Jaxon disc wheels and a high compression head with a few other goodies. That car was really fast for a flathead! One of the later years, they broke a hub and lost a rear wheel in one of (the other) turns. Just as they pulled out of the turn the wheel popped off and back away from the car, then bounded forward putting a dent in their gasoline tank!
I am not sure who is behind Testa Rosa. I don't think it is the Red Baron, but could be? I don't think it is Doug Abernathy either.
Way back behind the pack is Ed Archer and "Number Four" just pulling back in behind. Just for show purposes, Ed used to pull out to allow the other cars to gain position and then back in again to try to pass them all again! Yes, Number Four" is that fast! Except for one year it stripped a timing gear, Number Four never let Ed down at Callistoga. By the way, that timing gear was replaced onsite between the morning and afternoon shows!
The next car third behind Dave Moulton, looks to be number 2. I thought at first it could have been my car, but no, mine was number 20. Although very similar in appearance, Dan Erceg's car I think had the number 2 on it that first year. About a year before the first Callistoga Classics, a similar dirt track reenactment took place on a smaller track in Napa CA. My car wasn't running yet then, and I rode with Dan on that Napa track race. The later years of the Callistoga Classics, Dan Erceg became the flagman! A few other people flagged the cars the first year, but Dan tried it a few times, and did such a wonderful job, performing and jumping about that he became a bigger part of the show flagging like nobody else could! And besides, by the second year, everyone wanted to join in the fun and there was no trouble having enough cars.
Coming up behind number 2 is I think number 14 Tim Butterick. Tim had a very nice speedster, but loved to race it. Tim also worked in and around (then) modern day automobile racing. He sometimes acted as our advisor of modern rules and/or "appropriate" behavior.
In later years, they didn't allow modern tow vehicles in the pit area during the show. We were trying to make it look right for the era. However, as I recall, when Dad and I arrived Sunday morning, the trucks and trailers were parked there, and the Red Baron was loaded on its trailer just out of picture to viewer's right.
It would be possible, that my car is in the back of that line, provided the picture was taken Sunday the first year, or one of the three later years. I well remember Tom Rohner and his beautiful AAA motorcycle, also the '25 Lincoln tow truck he also had there most show days. Tom is (as has been said) talking with Dan McEachern.
I can't tell who is behind Dan Mc E, but third back appears to be Vic Sala and his blue beast (or blue bomb, or?). One of the most "tricked-out" model T flatheads ever! It was faster than most Ts with overhead valve heads. Vic Sala was just a wonderful person to know! I always felt very privileged to have gotten to know him. Of course, I say that about a lot of the people I have gotten to know in this hobby.
Ed Archer's number four is farther back, as we are waiting to make our grand entrance to the show field!

Just want to add one little thing about Vic. I have told this a few times before, so if you want to skip it?
During those wonderful years, I was quite active in the hobby, and among many other things, went to a LOT of swap meets. At some swap meet, I had kneeled down digging through a box of rusty junk, when some "guy" trips over me! It was just Vic's way of saying hello! I stood up and we chatted for probably about fifteen minutes (valuable time at a good swap meet!). We talked and we laughed, and we said our "see ya later"s, and i began looking at junk again. When some fellow I had noticed standing to one side walked over to me and said "You mean that YOU KNOW VIC SALA!!?! I was just a kid then! And Vic treated me like a longtime friend.

I also want to add, "Thank you Ed, Karen, Vic, Pat and Pat, for the best times I ever had!

Thanks to all that posted. My son and I enjoyed seeing all of the different varieties of speedster designs posted. To others that have not posted, we would enjoy seeing more posts in the future.

Thank you,

Jeff

my 1923 ames

I don't want to turn this into a Calistoga saga, but regarding Wayne's comments above, yes indeed, the 1st picture is from the 1st year and the 2nd picture is from year 2.
In the 1st picture, as Wayne said, that is Dave Moulton in the Testa Rosa #3, and the red car behind Test Rosa is Doug Abernathy's red speedster with me as the riding mechanic.
I also have pictures of the racing at the Napa fairgrounds that Wayne mentions and I can post those and more Calistoga, but only if there is interest. Dan

Not wanting to hijack,but can someone tell me about that running board mounted spot light on the 3 picture posted
by Dollisdad » Tue May 05, 2020 2:21 pm
It is a red speedster with I think a Livingston radiator.

The spotlight is a 7” Rushmore searchlight. They are out there and I see them from time to time. The stand is something I built . I included another picture that better shows the bracing to the seat.

Dollisdad wrote: ↑

Fri May 08, 2020 1:50 pm

The spotlight is a 7” Rushmore searchlight. They are out there and I see them from time to time. The stand is something I built . I included another picture that better shows the bracing to the seat.9E0A612B-4DBF-436C-80B2-8770C586D6C3.jpeg

Did you make those long front fenders?

Thank you,

Jeff

Yes. I built all the bodywork except radiator and lights. Stock frame with engine set back in chassis.

A little slow responding but thanks for telling me more about the light and the better picture.

My 13 Rajo

Finally found photo of day I brought the Mercury home.

Andy

Very soon!

Mercury Body #140 speedster at the 2019 Speedster Reunion in Lincoln, NE. It has a Frontenac OHV and Rocky Mountain 6-Speed transmission.

Here the happy new owner of my speedster gives her husband the first ride!

TH

That is an excellent build. You have a good eye for balance. What WB and drop did you use?

Chris Instness wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:11 am

Washed and unwashed
309866_103062086473619_1506857706_n.jpgSpeedster at the blacksmith shop.jpg

blauvelt wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 5:48 pm

That is an excellent build. You have a good eye for balance. What WB and drop did you use?

Chris Instness wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:11 am

Washed and unwashed
309866_103062086473619_1506857706_n.jpgSpeedster at the blacksmith shop.jpg

Thanks Douglas,
It's a 5" drop and a 90" wheelbase.

Spot on. How do you like the handling?

91", 7 inch engine set back, 6 and change lower in the front and 6" Z in the rear.

Chris Instness wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 9:05 pm

blauvelt wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 5:48 pm

That is an excellent build. You have a good eye for balance. What WB and drop did you use?

Chris Instness wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 23, 2020 12:11 am

Washed and unwashed
309866_103062086473619_1506857706_n.jpgSpeedster at the blacksmith shop.jpg

Thanks Douglas,
It's a 5" drop and a 90" wheelbase.

blauvelt wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 9:33 pm

Spot on. How do you like the handling?

91", 7 inch engine set back, 6 and change lower in the front and 6" Z in the rear.

WOW! Where do you plan on putting your legs after shortening the chassis 15”??

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 9:40 pm

blauvelt wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 9:33 pm

Spot on. How do you like the handling?

91", 7 inch engine set back, 6 and change lower in the front and 6" Z in the rear.

WOW! Where do you plan on putting your legs after shortening the chassis 15”??

It's a fun car to drive, especially on mountain roads with tight corners. It handles well.

At 6' tall I fit comfortably in mine. I can't recall Kevin ever sitting in my car, but I have a feeling his knees would be at his chest.

Just don't tell me they are supposed to go inside the car...

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 9:40 pm

blauvelt wrote: ↑

Tue May 19, 2020 9:33 pm

Spot on. How do you like the handling?

91", 7 inch engine set back, 6 and change lower in the front and 6" Z in the rear.

WOW! Where do you plan on putting your legs after shortening the chassis 15”??

While only standing a smidge over 6’5” tall... I can make just bout any car look small

The Chambers Special. Built by my good friend Willie Chambers sometime in the early 70’s. Second pic is of me putting it through the paces at the Race Of Gentleman. Pismo Beach, CA.

Ericgj85 wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 30, 2020 10:35 am

Here is my first model t im building its a 1926 speedster. Waiting on a few more parts to be able to finish it up!

Do you have more pictures and details of your car?
I really like it.

Here are some more pictures and one of what I started with in November of 2019, it’s mostly a 26/27 has a 26 block with A crank and A cam a Webber idf44 and the the Sherman Style Head. I hand built the body with my father in law. It has a nostalgia Sid 3 inch drop axle with reverse eye front and rear springs and we cut and Z’d the frame 3 inches as well.

Nice pictures, where did you get the double seat?

spadpilot wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 29, 2020 5:53 pm

Not the only messy garage on the Forum! Am hoping to drive it by July and to finish it sometime......This is loosely based on a Currier kit.

Ericgj85 wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 07, 2020 10:07 pm

Here are some more pictures and one of what I started with in November of 2019, it’s mostly a 26/27 has a 26 block with A crank and A cam a Webber idf44 and the the Sherman Style Head. I hand built the body with my father in law. It has a nostalgia Sid 3 inch drop axle with reverse eye front and rear springs and we cut and Z’d the frame 3 inches as well.

That is one great looking speedster!

I was looking at the nostalgia Sids axles. I notice on the T axles they mentioned “dipped” center. Have you ever seen one?

"Sean b” I have not seen one of those, the thing I really liked about the one from nostalgia Sid is the wheels stand nice and straight I have noticed on a lot of drop axles the wheels appear to lean in towards the car.

Chris Egsgaurds. Copy frontless the car with the legendary Fast Frank And Humble howard

1914 my 1st build the merc wc2. After its 1st hillclimb win you can tell it was exausted

Any others out there?

Thank you,

Jeff

As close to a speedster as it gets for me. Enjoy

My 1914 speedster project:

My daughter and me at the Old Car Festival 2019.

Ericgj85 wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 07, 2020 10:07 pm

Here are some more pictures and one of what I started with in November of 2019, it’s mostly a 26/27 has a 26 block with A crank and A cam a Webber idf44 and the the Sherman Style Head. I hand built the body with my father in law. It has a nostalgia Sid 3 inch drop axle with reverse eye front and rear springs and we cut and Z’d the frame 3 inches as well.

Did you shorten the frame? Side picture?

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:51 pm

kingjerry wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:07 pm

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 27, 2020 11:33 pm

Is that a set of Tom Minocchi‘s all stainless steel Buffalos???

Hi Kevin, Yes, Tom made them and they are all stainless. My wife asks why guys are always noticing the wheels. I just say Bling!

I remember Tom having a set of the polished all stainless wheel sets years ago at Bakersfield swap meet (2005ish?), they were a showstopper for sure! Only a few sets made as I recall.

Tony made two sets, and showed me when he was done. He was very proud of them , and they were very pretty. However, they weighed a bunch, and not being "period" correct, I discouraged him from making more. The stock units had plenty of demand. I asked him to find a better hub solution.
(A l o n g time ago).

Man the speedster side is thriving. A great bunch of fun looking cars.

dmdeaton wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:43 pm

2BCB0196-86AA-441F-AE55-4E107E22D18B.jpeg6639349E-CDAE-4E64-A999-891FA8588858.jpeg

Beautiful speedster! Currier?

My RAJO powered T racer car I've been working on for a while .