MTFCA Forum

I dont know too much about Model T coils but from what I understand when checking a coil and you find the primary or secondary windings are damaged that the coil is not rebuildable.
I noticed that Snyders and Langs and maybe others sell the secondary and primary windings. Does this mean I can use these to rebuild those "non-rebuildable" coils ?

Thanks
John Ernst
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

if you're up to it, you sure can

I suppose its simply cost prohibitive when you can find one with these windings intact and therefore only have to replace the capacitor.

John

John
Let me elaborate upon the "if" Scott referred to?
Yes it can be done, but replacing coil windings is not a job for someone who has not worked on the internals of many Model T coils.
I have done it many times on very hard to find coils made by Ford/KW in the first half of 1913. These are unique and very hard to find and many of them have open secondary windings. In that case, the time and effort required to replaced internal windings with good windings from other Ford coils is clearly justified to resurrect these 1913 coils. Unless you know exactly what you're doing i would not recommend the replacement windings being sold today.
Just to put this into perspective remember they manufactured approximately 75 Million Model T Ford ignition coils and finding good coils for rebuilding or as coils to repurpose the windings is relatively easy.
To quote my old friend Bruce McCalley "if you love a real mess, start rebuilding Model T Ford ignition coils"
Ron Patterson

John, that's how I generally view it. Rebuildable coils are not quite as plentiful as they used to be, but if you have a source for reasonably priced coils which have good or repairable wood (and good coils), that is the way to go, in my opinion. So long as they are repotted appropriately, with the correct tar, there is very little to go wrong in the future.

There are some very good searchable threads in the forum regarding rebuilding coils. Using GOOGLE or your favorite search engine, search for "MTFCA high slope tar" and "MTFCA rebuilding coils". Buy the correct capacitor(s) from a reputable Model T supplier and have fun.

Thanks everyone for the contributions and feedback. Like everything with my Model T its all new to me but Im learning and enjoying it.
John

but replacing coil windings is not a job for someone who has not worked on the internals of many Model T coils.

Maybe not, However, I fall under that definition (someone with no experience in the matter). I have now rebuilt several coils, all of which work well and test good.
So, its a bit simple to say you can't do it. It takes care, attention and a bit of study. It didn't turn out to be that mysterious or difficult.

For me the fun of the hobby is sorting it out yourself.
(by the way, ask any of my T friends and they will assure you that I am not a 'rocket scientist' either1)

That said there are some excellent rebuilders (like Ron) who can help you out too.

All the best,
Adrian

As others have stated there is lots to know & learn to repair and even calibrate a buzz coil. Look at the videos
This is similar to a Model T coil - the capacitor is different and the portion of tar not removed is where the primary & secondary coils are. When done the cavity can be filled with tar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1zT53oBFck
If that didn't change your mind here are more detailed instructions
Part 1 of 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhaxW3jaG0Q
Part 2 of 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br78FzWKlV8
Part 3 of 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZH0QNwB0rM
another expert doing it
1/3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyqwOVLbuek
2/3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0j-Yt_03lc
3/3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXr2MU4KV6Y
Then you need to calibrate what you have done - something to know in any case
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUqLCj9FUPU

John; As already stated, you actually can rebuild your old coils....maybe, with a big tarry mess... but there are two guys on this site that do it professionally and either will supply you with a set of rebuilt coils at a very reasonable price that will probably outlast your car, and maybe you as well. No more hoping that your work will pass the test of time, just put in a set of their rebuilts and drive on with no worries. Ron Patterson and Brent Mize do amazing work.