MTFCA Forum

I have read a number of solutions to the problem of extending the fuel shutoff handle from under the car to the outside. For sure the passing of time makes the trip to the ground and to the center of the car further with each birthday and I now find it a quite a chore to make the journey. As a result I often leave the fuel valve on, risking a leak and a fire, even though I know better. I have made a few "universal joint" attempts to alleviate the problem but never was satisfied with the "fit and finish" or the operation of any of my creations. Last night, brainstorming the issue, I came to the realization that a '26, '27 carb adjustment universal might be the answer. I had an old one and proceeded to saw off the needle valve end flush with the threads and cut off the ears that provide tension to hold the adjustment. I then chucked up the valve from the "potato" and drilled a #3 hole into the handle end about 3/4" deep followed with a 1/4-28 tap. A drop of locktite secured the new universal joint to the valve and tonight I will extend the yet to be made handle to the exterior of the car body. So far my investment is zero and the time spent was about fifteen minutes. Simple but practical and still 100% Model T.

let us know how it works. That u joint seems a bit small and weak for the job. I leave mine on all the time and have a valve next to the carburetor which I can reach under the hood which I turn off when parked. Only time I use the one at the bulb is if I am working on the fuel line.
Norm

Steve Jelf has what appears to be a robust valve extension that works for him. I believe Dallas Landers has an old faucet handle to control his valve. I should do some Googling rather than typing and maybe I can locate the photos.

this is where I am currently[attachment=0]shutoff.jpg

When my Grandpa restored our 1925 touring, he installed a small fuel shut off valve by the carburetor, close to the firewall.

I, also, got too old and tired to crawl under the car before and after driving or even starting it. I installed a period looking valve at the carburetor. Before winter i turn off the valve at the tank just to keep it limbed up.

Art Mirtes

Art M wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 27, 2022 5:20 pm

. . . Too old and tired to crawl under the car before and after driving . . .

It's a rude awakening among the kids I play with as we come to learn there's a minimum level of agility that's necessary in order to drive and maintain a Model T. I suppose at some point we'll all have to hang up our spurs . . . ?

As for the saddle horse, I got him trained to pick me up off the rail - so far, so good !