1913 Trivia

[Original Smith]

I have been writing bits and pieces on 1913's for years, and am needing thoughts others may have on the subject. A few years ago, I purchased an extremely original runabout that was badly restored in the early 1950's. It had the original top and upholstery, but were not savable. I drove it for a couple of years as it was, but decided to do a complete restoration. It has a Fisher body, and there was no indication the body was ever blue. Only traces of black showed up here and there. The original engine had been replaced with a newer type at some point, and a previous owner before me replaced that one with another that had a serial number close to the original. I have registration receipts showing what the original engine number was. Every piece of wood in this car is original, except the tool box in back of the gas tank which was duplicated by me. It must have been removed by a previous owner because the gas tank had to be removed, but that wasn't necessary because it can be removed! I painted the body blue, because I had already purchased the paint, but would have painted it black otherwise.
My main reason for this post is the nuts and bolts, which I've always been interested in. There are many that still have their original brass plating on them to this day. There are too many to list here, but I think this sort of thing is important. What I wonder about is did all five of the body makers do the same thing, or just Fisher?

[CudaMan]

I think Royce has a pretty extensive review of the 1913 model year on his forum (in the members only section).

[Original Smith]

Yes, Royce has an extensive knowledge of Model T's. Has anyone noticed Randall Anderson, rip, standing next to my car? In addition, I wrote a section in Bruce's book on 1913's when I was in my twenties. I've learned a few things since then!

[CudaMan]

OT, but since you brought it up, here is a pic of R.V. and his brother Jon from 2021 Hershey. R.V.'s passing was a tragic loss for the hobby.

[Rich P. Bingham]

Larry, it would be helpful to know what hardware you wish to compare. My '13 runabout is a Wilson body, the only brass plated fasteners are the screws and nuts that hold the windshield clamps on the dashboard.

[George House]

I can only help on the 2 tall square nuts fastening the tail lamp bracket. And they were painted black for a ‘14 runabout. I assume the B on the seat riser is for Beaudette.

[Original Smith]

Every nut and bolt that is associated with the firewall is brass plated steel on the above pictured car.

[Rich P. Bingham]

That is interesting ! I assume that means the heads of step bolts are brass ?

[George House]

So Larry, can we assume your ‘13 firewall fastener description would be the same as my above posted ‘14 runabout firewall fasteners ?

[Original Smith]

All associated firewall bolts are brass plated steel. There are eight bolts that still have the original brass plating. The side light brackets, and the four steering column bolts. The others I had to get replated.