MTFCA Forum

Hello All,
I'm new tot he forum so not sure of posting rules.
I have been introduced to the projects of Model T by a couple guys that have been doing it for awhile (1- since he was 8)
I might be thinking BIG for this however,
my background, I'm a Paramedic, for 36 years,
I'm a veteran, Bosnia & Golan Heights.

I want to build a Model T Ambulance.
Looking for assistance to getting started on building this.
Any suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks

John Paddon
john.paddon@ahs.ca

You couldn't have come on-line at a better time one member has started this. Good reading
Personal Challenge (Contest): How cheap can I purchase/make a Model T for?
https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17513
Here is a GOOGLE search showing some examples - might pick a simple one to get started
https://www.google.com/search?source=un ... 20&bih=868
Parts for Brass radiator models are usually harder to get and more expensive than the later models. Later models also have an electric starters and generators.

Rich Skinner here in the UK has built at least 1 ambulance for the Great War centenary, have a look at his site 'Tudor Wheels'.

John

I suggest you talk to George King who has built a replica of a WW1 Ambulance. He has taken it to France and toured extensively to show the French that there were USA citizens in that war doing voluntary work long before USA joined the conflict and to extol the virtues of volunteering by the American Field Service.

There is a photo of George's machine on the cover of the catalog for Langs Old Car Parts - you can see the catalog on Langs website.

George's email is:-

gking3@rcn.com

Good luck
John Biggs
England

And this earlier post in 2012 will stimulate you too! Lots of details, plus the blueprints of the Model 1917 are avail from the Benson Ford Research Library , ask for the SFA drawings for prints, of course you have to pay for them, but gets you underway fast.

Forum Post, 2012
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/25 ... 1334987015


And this 'turn turtle' view shows the body frame wood extension from the rear of the T chassis rear crossmember. Construction timbers and some detail of the underneath.

Welcome John - you've just had a taste of the kind of help and encouragement that can be found on this forum. Feel free to take advantage of it.

Should you desire to build an ambulance on a 1918 or older chassis (or one made to resemble those years) remember that you can always add a starter. It requires a different coil ring, ring gear and hogshead top but it is easy to accomplish if you are rebuilding the engine anyway. I put a starter in my 1917 although not a generator. I hid a battery under the back seat and use a small charger to keep it up. Only someone knowledgeable about Model T's would know the difference.

Good to see someone from the north country posting here. I grew up at Kinuso, just down the road from you.
I am still storing a bunch of T parts at our farm there, although I now live in Calgary.
Some of those parts will be for sale soon so let me know what direction you intend to go in terms of year and body style.
There is a very strong Model T club (Foothills Model T Club) in the Calgary and surrounding area with members across the province.
Lots of help and direction if needed.
I have a very early canvas stretcher as well.
Harry Lillo
Calgary

This one has just became a resident of Grande Cache.

1917, but not mine.

Much of it 1918

John,
This is on my bucket list also. I want to order a set of the drawings.

Vic, those pics are awesome!!

Hi John,
As John Biggs stated above George King has a WW 1 ambulance and has recently decide to sell it. I realize your post states your desire to build one so this maybe out order here but just thought I would pass this on to you in the event you might want to take a huge short cut. Please message me if you have an interest in buying it, Craig Raynor

Here is a few picture of George’s Ambulance

Here are some ambulances that were donated to Romania.

This is off Gallica, the online French national archive. If you click on the photo you can see it is very detailed.

https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b ... enediction

Welcome to the Forum John.

Have a look at the gallery here on the web site as well: https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/app.php/gallery/album/49

As to forum rules, there are a number listed, but in simple, if you ask anything at all that is T related someone is sure to chime in with a comment, suggestion or advice.

Kind regards
Adrian Whiteman

Canadian Ambulances
some references ab out Canadian Ambulances in WWI
https://www.bce.ca/about-bce/history/we-remember-ww1
https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/w ... en-drivers
https://medicine.utoronto.ca/magazine/a ... -first-war
https://www.forces.net/heritage/wwi/col ... war-heroes
https://www.emedals.com/wwi-4th-canadia ... n-17-c2865
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/ ... -424166850
In French https://www.histoirecanada.ca/education ... e-mondiale

Hello All,

THANK YOU for all your posting references,
I believe its time to build a Canadian Ambulance.
I see I have to make my way to Grande Cache,
See the ambulance, (may have to visit brother also) lol
Was just there in Oct, will be going back sooner now
(depending on COVID)

I believe the printing of the plans even though costly, would be worth it.
I see I'll be spending my nights on shift will be floating the web doing research.

Again, THANK YOU All for your information & I will be back to ask more questions and gather information.

John Paddon
High Prairie
para2med@gmail.com

John,
Of course you can ask questions like this! You will find lots of info on the forum.

Lots of great photos of Model T ambulances here:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/33 ... 1381899092

David O'Neal's build:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/159355.html

Gustaf Bryngelson build (he made two):
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1439050333

Other discussions with nice photos:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/25 ... 1334987015
and:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/25 ... 1334429987

There are a number of different types of ambulances that were made. Early on ambulances were converted from cars. There were two types of ambulance bodies made by Ford.

Originally drivers were volunteers from American Universities. They tended to be from rich families who owned cars... Then when the USA got involved the ambulances became a part of the Army. I don't recall the history of British and Canadian Ambulances. But I am sure you will learn soon enough.

Matt