MTFCA Forum

Does anyone know where I can get the correct flat brass brackets for a 1910 T that hold the windshield spacer board to the dash? The suppliers seem to only sell the later style with the bump in it.

Like most antique auto restoration, parts, if not available, have to be improvised.

Did similar for the faux 09 roadster, took a reproduction later bracket with that bulge for the later rounded dash brass trim, and hammered it flat, then polish. Worked out OK for the project.

Bill, I have these that I believe came off of a 1911 T. They appear to be originals but I can't say for sure. The small hump in the middle is to clear the dash moulding. You're welcome to them for $20 if you'd like them.
Bryan Ostergren. (818) 321-5360 or planetaryman@msn.com

First of all, I would not hammer the bump flat! Ridiculous. I would put the bracket in a smooth jaw vise and squeeze the bump out. Second, by doing so you are going to expand the distance between centers, changing the hole spacing. Why not make new ones?

Larry, I wasn't suggesting that they be hammered flat (and I'd object to buggering up something original!). And you're right, it would throw off the spacing for the holes. Going by pictures of Gary Hoonsbeen's original '11 and two other '11s pictured in Bruce's book, these are correct for 1911. Or at least part of '11. I don't know if they were used at all in 1910. The couple of close-up pictures of brackets in that book for 1910 look flat, and the brackets on the '10 that I had were flat. I just figured I'd offer them. Maybe some 1910 owners could chime in about the brackets on their cars.

Actually, reproducing these parts is in the works. The 1909-10 cars used a 5 piece set; four out near the ends and then one special piece that goes behind the coil box. Should be ready within a month, thanks to the fellow supplying the patterns.

Thanks for the input fellas; and I'm glad to hear they'll be reproduced! I do have a set of the later style already on the T (reproductions I believe) but thanks for the offer Charley. I'll just wait till they are available.

For those aghast of my modification of the later bump out brackets, remember I phrased the job was for the faux '09 I built! That means it was a fake '09, and so stated on a brass engraved plaque in the rear seat compartment. The frame was '20s, the engine was starter '23 and everything was between '09 and '27. Wood body and metal all reproduction.

There weren't repros of the correct brackets, so my fab was to modify.

Wanting it to look like an '09 which has the flat brass molding around the dash, flattening out the brackets was thing of the day

Should ever again build a '09, glad that R.V. will supply the factory correct brackets

Dan T, I have noticed that several times before, and applaud you referring openly to the car as a "faux '09". I know that some "purists" object to anything that is not entirely correct to its stated year. Frankly, I think that sort of hard line is an impossible dream. Only a few truly untouched cars are anywhere near absolutely correct original. and none of them can be driven, seen outside a museum-like setting, or genuinely enjoyed. So where does one draw that line? At a few necessities like tires? Paint? Upholstery? Top? Maybe a little further, like some hidden internal mechanical components to make it run a bit better and be more reliable? How about reproduction fenders? Later wheels, maybe and an engine a few years later?
I do think we need to be honest with ourselves and others about what is real vintage and what is not. I think that "faux '09s" perform a service to the hobby by being driven and seen by the public at large in ways that most owners of the seriously valuable and fragile real '09s are not willing to do.
A lot of the obvious we really should not have to always say. Restored cars are clearly not entirely original. We shouldn't need to always itemize them. But when a car appears to be something it really isn't? I like the way you call yours. Rich Eagle often does the same thing with his "'09".

I too had an issue obtaining flat plates for my 1910. A local Brass and metal supplies laser cut and drilled 6 for me. The same
Company also bent the firewall brass trim for me.
Alan