MTFCA Forum

I am finally getting back to my Model T. I have put it to the side for far too long and now that I am finished rebuilding 2 ram 1500s I want to put some time and effort into my model t and make it run perfect and look pretty. I am going to pull the cab off the truck and repaint it and I might also repaint the frame while I’m at it. What is the best way to strip it down to bare metal? I will also be touching up the bed with some new stain. My engine still runs but it sounds like it is missing on a cylinder. It has a bit of a stutter when you give it some gas. I assume it’s a spark issue. Probably the timer grounding out. I will be going through it and trying to figure it out. Any advice on that is appreciated. I will be replacing fluids aside from the rear diff and aux gearbox as those should be fine. Before I put it away I put a new set of Guinn wooden bands on it so those should be good to go. I believe besides that I will just need to adjust the bands, clutch, and hand brake. I also still need to figure out what I need to do about the title though. I’ve been getting the run around from the dmv. Basically the title got lost at some point before I was around and no one alive knows where it’s at and I am unsure if there ever was a title for it but who knows. I’m sure I’ll figure it out. That’s about all for now. I started stripping it down today.

Thank you, Jacob Mangold

It takes time to build anything and a Model T is no different. The ones I have I did over time one step at a time to get it right. You’ll do the same. Each one of my 3 T’ each took around 1-2 years apiece over a 20-25 year period. Use patience and you’ll get it done. I did my cars from the frame up starting with the chassis and went from there. You can do an engine refresh and save some money if it doesn’t knock and the crankshaft is OK. The Babbitt bearings hopefully are good enough to be OK. Check and replace the valves is another. Install some new rings and hone the cylinders before you do.

Or you can pull the engine and refresh it that way. Rebush the transmission and triple gear bushings. If the drums aren’t cracked you’re OK. Install some new bands and put the engine back together. If you can do those things you can save yourself over half of taking it to a shop and having it done, Others will have their opinions also. As far as a title goes sometimes you have to use a bonded title service. Nevada has them. You might check with the DMV BUT that can turn into a nightmare. A title service saves the hassle and headaches of dealing with a not so friendly DMV. Some states aren’t so bad but it depends on who you talk to at the DMV. Just remember that. Good luck with your T!

The engine was restored in the early 90s before it was put up. The engine probably barely has 10 hours since it was rebuilt. It was bored out to 0.60 over and has new pistons and what looks to be a fresh cam and gears. It was probably rebabbited and the rods look like they could be new. The rods also have oil slingers on them. The Chevy style ones. I believe the transmission was rebuilt too with a new magneto however it has lost its charge over the years of sitting. My Great Grandpa who was the previous owner of it spent years rebuilding my truck along with the other TT we have as well as a 28 coupe. I’m certain he knew his way around a T so I have no doubts my engine and transmission are pretty much new. I’m very thankful for that.

Thank you, Jacob Mangold

To me the best way, albeit a bit messy, is to strip the paint with either the ordinary paint stripper stuff, or good old lacquer thinner. But either way you need to have a way to retain it for disposal. Do not sand blast it, as that is hard on the metal. As for the "stutter", I'd open up and clean and inspect the timer first. What type of timer is it? Likely a good old fashioned roller timer, there may be some wear on the roller. Clean, re-gap, inspect the plugs of course. Yes, check the wires down at the timer for a short. Or any bare spots on the wires. Sounds to me like the engine/trans. are already in decent shape. Maybe do a compression test just the same. Otherwise, this may be a case of not poking the sleeping dog, at least til you've actually run the dang thing a bit! You'll get tons more advice on here down the road. Enjoy the affliction as it seems you're well on your way already!

Okay I will be going to the tractor supply to get some paint stripper later today. I do have the original style roller timer. I will fiddle around with it a little today. I will also be taking off the carburetor and clean it in some carb parts cleaner for good measure too. I will also be resharpening my needle as it looks a little bit off center. I will also be inspecting all the wiring while I’m in there. I’m going to try and have the cab off of the truck by Sunday.

Thanks Again, Jacob Mangold

What I did with one of mine. I went to a local title company who came out and examined the engine number on the block. They then found out whether the number had been used on any other car or whether it had been stolen. Then they arranged with the DMV to issue the title. I put it in non-operation until I was ready to drive the car. Something else you will need to do is to check the fuel system and clean out any sediment or bad gas.
Norm