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Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 2:44 pm
by AndreFordT
I am working on a "1915 look a like" model T with an electric starter.
The car came here because it didn't start.
This what I found.
Just wondering:
Can this be an after market starter or is it a home build from other parts?
I will replace it with a fresh rebuild real model T starter. (last photo)
Andre
Belgium.
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 3:08 pm
by ModelTWoods
It appears to have a special cast aluminum armature support. If that is the case, the starter motor should be a 12 volt DELCO starter. These starters were modified by L.D. Becker Electric Co. in Ohio (I think) before the 12 volt WASP starter came out, and before individuals started modifying the original Model T starter to operate on 12 volts. The late Mr. Becker is said to have warranted them "for life". Unfortunately, his life and the life of Becker Electric Co. is over, so NO warranty is available. The main complaint from people who bought these was the tendency of the cast aluminum armature support, to break. I have one of these starters, but it has not been used, so I can't offer an opinion on them.
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 7:25 pm
by kelly mt
I had one like that in 12v. Worked great until the nose broke off while starting.
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 7:35 pm
by Kevin Pharis
I looked at one of these years ago… was a “junkyard” rebuild consisting of a top coat of insulating varnish and new brushes. The aluminum end plate had been machined incorrectly and was neither concentric or perpendicular, resulting in a motor that would not motor. As you may suspect, I was not impressed and passed.
Interesting concept tho. Use unassuming and readily available starter components with minimal modifications as a direct replacement. Only special part here is the end plate. I know of several in use and owners are happy, so the one I handled must have been built on a Friday.
My only critique of the concept is that it retains the Bendix drive. The WOSP starter accomplishes this, but dramatically fails in the authentic look department
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 9:31 pm
by Art M
When I was a teenager, I worked with the late Larry Becker (Norwalk, Ohio). He thought me a lot and he had very few failures with his tinkering. He was great at teaching the young ones.
Art Mirtes
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 11:35 pm
by Matt in California
I exclusively hand crank my Model T. I was expecting a photo of myself or a fellow Model T “strange starter”
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 11:46 pm
by ModelTWoods
Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑Mon Oct 28, 2024 7:35 pm
I looked at one of these years ago… was a “junkyard” rebuild consisting of a top coat of insulating varnish and new brushes. The aluminum end plate had been machined incorrectly and was neither concentric or perpendicular, resulting in a motor that would not motor. As you may suspect, I was not impressed and passed.
Interesting concept tho. Use unassuming and readily available starter components with minimal modifications as a direct replacement. Only special part here is the end plate. I know of several in use and owners are happy, so the one I handled must have been built on a Friday.
My only critique of the concept is that it retains the Bendix drive. The WOSP starter accomplishes this, but dramatically fails in the authentic look department
Kevin, besides the 'end plate', 'snout', or 'nose', whatever you want to call it, the armature shaft was specially machined for these starters, too, as the DELCO shaft wasn't as near as long as a Model T armature shaft. So that was the second modification.
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 1:47 am
by AndreFordT
Thanks All,
For the information.
This forum is just great and libary with good information.
This is what I build in the car yesterday.
Andre
Belgium
Re: Strange model T starter.
Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2024 11:19 am
by jsaylor
I have two of the LD Becker 12 volt starters. Bought them just after he started making them. They have given excellent service. When he passed away I think one of his sons tried to take over but the quality went down.