MTFCA Forum

I assume some fasteners go in these two little holes. What are they?

without seeing the entire drawing for context, it is difficult to see what it is, but what it ISN'T is a hole

I used some little round head screws to hold the metal to the wood. It seemed right to me.
Rich

Well, for heaven's sake, thank you Rich. I don't think I've ever noticed a hole or a fastener there on my '16. I'm going out to the barn right now to take a look!

Thanks for the correction!

without seeing the entire drawing for context, it is difficult to see what it is, but what it ISN'T is a hole.

Sorry, I thought the title would serve as context.

I didn't have a photo of the hood former bottom, so used the drawing. It doesn't show little circles, but they are small holes as Rich's photo shows. I assumed it would be round head screws or round head brads, and wondered which is correct.

I too used round head screws on my 1915 tourer.

Allan from down under.

When I was putting that part of my 1915 runabout together, I wasn't sure what went there. A quick scan of a few books didn't show it well. So relying on memory of many cars I have looked at? I put round headed screws in that place. For whatever that is worth.
I do recall seeing some cars without any screws there, just holes in the metal piece.

Round head seemed to be a logical choice. It is probably a #8 as the hole measures .185. I looked at a lot of photos on the web. Some cars appear to have them but many don't. I couldn't find good enough pictures to post. If they slid the wood dash into the hood former the little screws would keep it in the proper place during installation into the cars. They wouldn't be required after that.
As the hole is not countersunk, I can't imagine any other choice of head.
Rich

Well, I just looked at my '16. I think from what I know the correct wood firewall to be, this is an original firewall. My metal hood former does have the holes (never saw them before!), but there are no screws installed

showing the entire drawing does provide context, as the hole is dimensioned on the left side of the drawing, and is a "2x" dimension, thus the solitary "+" marking that you originally referred to. Thank you for providing the full drawing.

I agree with others that a round head screw is likely called for here.

That is interesting Scott. All mine have had the holes. If it was a later addition then you can identify yours as earlier.
The other side of the drawing has a callout for them. I can't read it but someone with a clearer copy could. It might clear up some of the questions. It may say "2 Holes 1/8" Drill ??Deep" or not. I would be interested in knowing.
Rich

Rich

I blew it up and that's pretty much what I think it says, too.

BTW, I did a revision of my post just above yours and not sure which version you might have read...

Thanks Scott. I had just read the early version. I would love to know what else the callout says. It may refer to the little screws. If anyone has the original or a clearer copy it might help.
Thanks again for the comments. Either this hasn't been addressed before or it's lost in oblivion. Such a small item but inquiring minds want to know.
Rich

OK! I found it on the www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research..... site. I read it as: FOR #9X5/8" R.H.W.S. (round head wood screw) T-1361 IN FRONT OF DASH.
This agrees with what many of us assumed.
I hope this answers the original question as asked.
Rich

Will any local store have 9 x ⅝" round head slotted wood screws? Ha!

Here's a slightly clearer image. All I had to do was look at the left side of the drawing.

Doubtful that the hardware store is going to have a #9 screw

they are plentiful on-line at specialty fastener outlets

My '15 has those little holes.

My '15 has those screws. They look like #8's. but if Ford says #9's, use them! I remember when we started making the new terminal blocks, they use a #9 X 1/2. In the begining we didn't have too much trouble finding them, but toward the end Blacksmith Bolt up in Portland, Oregon came to the rescue. It is my understanding, they have been obsolete since just after WWII.

You never know what you'll find at the army surplus store. Sadly, if you read the small print it says Flat head. I tried one in the hood former hole and it wouldn't go. The hole measures .177". The tolerance on a #9 is .186 to .173.
I maintain a #8 is perfectly good for most of us. Who can spy .025" difference in head diameter?
It is certainly satisfying to know what is correct but I'm perfectly fine with my #8s.
I did pick up 10 pounds of assorted screws from a hardware store wheelbarrow sale in the 70s. There were hundreds of obsolete slotted screws. The difference in tolerances made it nearly impossible to sort them into sizes. I'll look through them to see if there are a closer pair.
I enjoy these searches for the best information but probably won't change much on the cars I love to drive.
Thanks for all the input.
Rich

If someone is really interested here are 70 of them for $14.50
https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=d0e7c1e2 ... kzMQ&ntb=1
Blued steel

I waited but couldn't resist buying the screws I linked above. (#9 x 5/8") They are very nice and are what the dwg calls for. As shown they fit the hole well. If anyone wants a pair of them I can send two of them for $3 including mailing.
I may post them in the classifieds later.
Rich

Nice !