MTFCA Forum

Just picked up an old Shriners Model T car. It doesn't have an engine. I know nothing about them other than what they are. I'm looking for any information on them. I'd like to get it back up and running if possible. Any photos, what engine it took and so on. Thank you.

They originally took a 3 or 3 1/2 hp Briggs and Stratton engine, I’m actually a Shriner and was a member of the Tin Lizzie’s. I have an original good running engine, I live in Idaho.

Hopefully you can find an engine closer.

Send me an email, I’ll email you pictures and send you phone #

Will: Most of the ones like that were made by McDonough Equipment Co. In McDonough Ga. Same people that made Snapper mower.
Look for a tag that says that. Dan

Check out this link
http://tradenationllc.com/product/origi ... in-lizzie/

The motors are commonly replaced with Harbor Freight Predator Motors.

Possible source of parts & they may be able to answer your questions https://gokartguru.com/model-t-go-kart-parts-store/

More info from them https://gokartguru.com/tin-lizzie-go-kart/
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Model T GoKart Engines
The motor types typically were 3.5 Hp Briggs and Stratton, or 3.5 Hp Techumseh. The vertical engined versions typically were 3.5 hp Briggs and Stratton.
The throttle for the motor was actuated very similarly to the original Model-T, in order to be more period correct or true to the original design. The throttle was actuated under the steering wheel stalk with a lever that is pull down or up depending on the speed setting. There is a second dumby lever that does nothing. The throttle cable is a steel sheathed solid steel cable that is around 48 inches long. There is no on-off switch, especially for the Tecumseh version, a spark shorted to the plug is pressed against the plug to make it stop.

The wheels and tires can be an issue. On ours, the tires were no good, and the previous owner had attempted to use bicycle tires and tubes. This was not successful, as the wheels had no lip for the bead of the tire to grab. I was able to buy a couple of cheap bicycles from Walmart, and turn the plastic T wheels on a brake lathe. I cut off the inside edge of the wheel, and tuned down the wheel so that the steel rim from the bicycles was a press fit over the wheel, and against the outside rim. Then I drilled through some of the spoke holes in the bike wheels and ran deck screws through the steel rim into the spokes of the plastic wheels. Now I use standard bicycle tires and tubes.

Here are a few pictures of my Model T Go cart. While our family was driving through Bainbridge, Georgia on vacation in the early 1964, my Dad happened to see it at a filling station as he was driving over an over pass. He took the off ramp for a better look and wound up buying it for $50.00. We drove home, 316 miles to Brandon, Florida with it tied down to the roof of our 1957 Ford Fairlane. At 12 years of age, I got it running and restored it to the best of my minimal experience and it provided me and the neighborhood kids with many years of fun. The last time I drove it was in 1970 when I bought my 1926 Model T coupe and began spending all my time and money restoring that. I turned 70 in November and plan to, one day, restore the go cart to mint condition if I am able to live that long. I hope the pictures help. The Briggs and Stratton engine and running gear are original and can be easily restored to running condition. Jim Patrick

Since these were made by same people that made Snapper I have wondered if the power train was not something used on Snapper mower? Anyone know?

I don't recall the company name, but I still have their catalog.

Rumor had it the 16 inch plastic wheels exploding caused the company to shut down.

The small volume of air required to fill the tire tube and too much air pressure caused a disaster.

They did come out with aluminum wheels later on.

A friend recently still had this one for sale.

Hi Will,
You just purchased a 1959~1965 McDonough Tin Lizzy. If you look on the back frame of your car (left side) and you will see an aluminum nametag with stamped 6-digit code. That code will help tell you the exact year it was manufactured.

The original engine that came on early cars like yours was a horizontal shaft, 3hp, Briggs & Stratton "81302". Also, there is a active Facebook group with people that collect and restore these half-scale Model T's. That group can help you find any missing parts needed. On Facebook search for a group called "McDonough Power Equipment Tin Lizzy and Buckboards". These little cars are a great way to get kids interested in full size Model T's.

Dan Hatch wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:37 pm

Since these were made by same people that made Snapper I have wondered if the power train was not something used on Snapper mower? Anyone know?

Hi Dan, yes both McDonough Power Equipment (1959~1965) and later Crue-Cut Manufacturing (1966~1979) used that same style transmission for there half-scale Model T's. That tranny came from the Snapping Turtle lawn mower. Attached is a 1956 advertisement showing its original application.

Will, as requested here's a photo of the what the original engine on your car would have looked like (3hp Briggs 81302). Notice, Tin Lizzie's built before 1963 used round Oil Bath Filters. Tin Lizzie's built after 1963 with 3hp Briggs engines used kidney shaped foam air filters.