Non Demountable Wheels on Late T's

[Original Smith]

The inexpensive Ford models in the 1920's were sold without demountable wheels and starter and generators. How many of these exist today? An example is on the back cover of the current Model T Times. It has 30X3 non demountable wheels in front, and 30X3 1/2 non demountable wheels in the back. If you look closely through the rear spokes, I think I see a battery. So, it's possible a starter has been added. I saw a late T touring about 30 years ago like this. It would be nice if the owner can give us some information on this vehicle.

[Ed Baudoux]

Maybe a dozen years ago, one of the T publications did a detailed article on a restored 27 non electric roadster.

[Ed Baudoux]

https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/1 ... 1311220023

[KWTownsend]

Larry,
Why don't you reach out to the owners, Lee and Pam Doud, of Pine City NY, and ask them?
Keith

[Original Smith]

I assume the 1925 frames had the holes drilled for the battery carrier, so it would be easy to install one. However, two of the holes had the carrier riveted in, and the remaining hole was for the ground strap. from the factory.

[Original Smith]

Someone mentioned top saddles. I believe Ford ceased putting top saddles on cars around 1922 or 23, and put hard rubber plugs in the holes. I assume by that time the majority of Ford owners didn't put their tops down much, and maybe that is why that happened, but the real reason, I believe, it enabled Ford to reduce the cost of the car. Of course, the owner could still buy those parts at the dealer.

[NoelChico]

Our 1923 touring, in the family since 1926, still had the plugs on the top saddle holes.

[Original Smith]

I received more information from Trent. You could get your new car with any combination that was available at the time. I could be wrong, but I assume most vehicles sold without starters, and demountable wheels were TT trucks.

[DanTreace]

33,000+. Non-Starter Runabouts sold in 1925. Likely some sold as pickups or converted by dealers on owners request for the bed instead of deck.

Also, would think late non-demountable clincher wheels would be the all steel felloe 30 x 3 and 30 x 3 1/2 versions instead of the wood square felloe.

Hamilton OH Ford stamping plant made all metal felloe wheels and later welded spoke wires.

[speedytinc]

I have not seen non D steel fellows on non starter T's. I did see an original, non messed with 26 electric delete roadster.
It had 30x3 & 30x3.5" wood fellow wheels.
Is there evidence (pictorial or otherwise) of steel fellow, non demountable wheels coming on a T from the factory?

[DanTreace]

I have not seen non D steel fellows on non starter T's. I did see an original, non messed with 26 electric delete roadster.
It had 30x3 & 30x3.5" wood fellow wheels.
Is there evidence (pictorial or otherwise) of steel fellow, non demountable wheels coming on a T from the factory?

Scroll to my photos of original T’s with metal felloe spoke wheels, both 3” and 3 1/2”. Pics at Oct 21 and 22


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