MTFCA Forum

Howdy folks, New member here getting my feet wet with a 1917 Model T project. Still learning the ropes and trying to sort out what’s correct for that year, especially the wheel and small brake drum setup. Mine looks like a bit of a mix and match, so I’d sure appreciate any pointers or photos of what the proper setup should be.

You might consider a copy of Bruce McCalley's book (or CD)
It's an excellent reference for correctness & changes for all model T's.

Welcome to the hobby

Have a look here as well: https://www.mtfca.com/encyclopedia/

Posting a photo of your 17 would help. We can tell by several photos what has been changed or original. Also using the encyclopedia in the resources section can help. Ford made noticeable and subtle changes from 17-25. Being aware of that can help what’s correct for a 17 and what’s not even though lots of those parts would interchange!

1917 is a very special year for the model T Ford! The first year of the "black era" cars, it had many characteristics carried over from the 1915/'16 last-of-the-brass cars. There are a few details such as the gutter-less firewall, and radiator fan shroud, that are unique to the 1917 model year, some of which were used for only part of that year.
Very few 1917s are really correct and properly restored. But do not let that discourage you. If your car is truly correct for 1917? You will have something very special. If it has been changed a little or a lot with later model T pieces? You will have lots of company and should enjoy your car fully!
A lot of parts for the 1917 are shared with one or two years before, and a lot of other parts are shared with one or two years after. Either way, most of the pieces to make a 1917 really right are available. Just a few things unique to the one year only.

Here is a late 17 model probably and 18 model year. This is for reference only.

Mark E, I don't know whos car that is? However, it is beautiful, and from what can be seen in that photo a very right looking 1917/'18. It appears to have the proper non-demountable "rounded" felloe wheels (changed somewhere around 1918 to the "square felloe" wheels. I couldn't be sure whether the top sockets were the earlier oval type or the later square type. That is another detail that changed "around" 1918. I suspect that both the wheels and the top had a longer than usual crossover time than most changes. But that is a factor that is still being debated.
I also couldn't tell if it has the earlier or later style horn button (and companion light switches?)?

It my sons has the combo horn switch and the rectangular sockets. It has a dec of 17 casting date. It was last year’s stynoski winner. It was from Texas and was a car that had been burned in a barn fire.

You don't say where in Idaho you are, but we have a poster here named Rich Bingham from Blackfoot, in the SE sector of Idaho...hopefully you live not far from him. He sure could use a "close-by Model T buddy"!! Otherwise, he'll eventually see this and chime in if not make direct contact to you. And welcome to the affliction!

Our "assistant" fearless leader Jeff S. is also in Idaho !

Like Steve said above. You will want to purchase the 'Bible' or Model T Service Manual. Only book you have to have. Next purchase might be Barb McNally flash drive with tons of information. Then the MTFCA manuals.
I understand there is a great group of guys in Idaho with a lot of knowledge that can help you through anything.

Lots of info on the Model T Ford Club of Facebook.

Otherwise, enjoy learning about the Model T and driving it

I understand there’s a “club” in the Boise area, I don’t know if it’s an MTFCA chapter, but they’re quite active I’m told.

Doing a look up of MTFCA chapters in Idaho there was one listed as of 2020 but looking for it now the site comes up imminent domain.

The Western Idaho Model T Club. They don't have a website but have a Facebook page. They're centered on Boise.