MTFCA Forum

I have read a lot about early and late front fender irons. What is the difference between 1911-12 and 13-15 front fender irons? A picture would be helpful.

Thanks, Craig E. Luton

Craig,
The 1911-1912 front fender brackets include a loop for a hook that is attached to a strap from the top.
Here it is viewed from back to front.
-Keith

Other than the loop for the top hold down strap, is there any difference in the cross section of the fender iron? Some are squarer where the headlight forks attach and others are more oval in cross section.

Tried to find some pictures to show the differences from past discussions

The short area between the bolt holes that attach to the frame and the 'socket' (hole?) that the headlamp forks (and later electric headlamp's post) set into changed considerably. Earlier 1909 and 1910 that short area cross section was round. In 1909 and maybe beginning of 1910 models the top was optional. and whatever was needed for the top holding varied from one option to another. So Ford did not supply the cast-in loops, leaving whatever was needed to whatever top was ordered. Many 1909 tops were mechanically locked and freestanding, not using forward straps. The 1911 and 1912 brackets with the top strap cast-in loops shown by Keith Townsend were also round, except for the cast-in loop itself. When the 1913 models came about, the top strap loop was eliminated because the top straps were shortened and attached to the new style standard windshield. As I understand it (but I am not entirely certain?), many if not all 1913 fender brackets were also round in that short area. Maybe late 1913? And 1914 fender brackets switched to the triangular cross section between the frame and headlamp socket, which continued until the end of production for cars in 1925, and TT trucks in 1927.
Two additional changes in the front fender brackets. Somewhere around 1918 (not sure what year exactly?) The square cut base of the headlamp post was replaced by the "V" shaped base on the headlamp post. And the fender brackets were also altered with a cradle for the "V" base to settle into. All earlier fender brackets had a square cut "D" shape flat area for the headlamp forks or electric lamp post,
The other change was the fender bracket was lengthened and the upper bend moved up about an inch to allow clearance for the rounded front fenders which needed to sit about an inch higher.

A fairly rare front fender bracket is the 1917 bracket with the earlier larger flat area for the headlamps to sit down onto (like all brass era fender brackets) with however the inch longer fender iron for the higher rounded fenders. Over the years, I have only seen a few of those. I see lots of brass era model Ts with flat front fenders that do not fit correctly because people used the taller later fender brackets not understanding the difference. The common later brackets can be altered to fit the earlier square cut post or gas lamp forks, and shortened and re-bent to properly fit the fenders. I did that once, when I was short one proper bracket. However I later got a correct bracket and swapped it onto the car. The altered one is hiding in my junk pile.

I see that Frank B snuck in and posted some fine information! Oh well. You can ignore mine ramblings.

Can't ignore your added knowledge! It enhances the description of the pictures I added. Thank you!

Sorry it took so long to post a reply but I was waiting for some pictures of the front fender irons I am inquiring about. I think the differences are pretty evident from the pictures and looking at the arrows. The irons I want to use are showing as "A" in the pictures, both irons are for forked mounted headlights. What years were forks "A" used on?

Thank,
Craig

Craig

Can’t see the underside to show the’V’ like flange gusset, B has that.

If A in your hand has the same gusset like B, then A is ‘14-‘17.

I have attached pictures of the underside and side view. I have an original 15 chassis and the fender irons are much heftier. What about the length where the fender attaches to the iron, is iron "A" correct? It is shorter than the iron pictured as "B"
The fender irons are to be used on a 1914 Ford.
Thank you to all that have answered my questions

Craig

I forgot to add this picture.
Craig