Brass Radiator Question

[Belliott3]

I was wondering where I could find the correct radiator mounting bolt and nut for an early T. According to sources, the 1909/10 T's had a single heavy head, brass plated mounting bolt that passed from the radiator mounting hole all the way through the frame and fender iron, using a brass castle nut to hold it all together. I know the vendors sell the mounting with the small spring but I'd like to use what's correct if I can find it.

[Henry K. Lee]

Might want to check Bolt Depot online.

Hank

[DanTreace]

Bill

The parts book lists that #3929 as 3/8" dia., fine thread, x 3 5/8" long with cotter hole in the end. These were steel, but entirely brass plated.

Restoration Supply Company. www.RestorationStuff.com. has high head bolts that size but only 2" length.

They do have a 4" length, but that one is 3/8" x 16 thread (coarse) so finding a brass castle nut may hard to do?

[Belliott3]

Dan, it looks like on page 42 they sell a 3/8"x16 castellated nut, so this may just work! I'd have to have a hole drilled in the end and brass plate them but it may the route to take.

[Scott Rosenthal]

Hello Bill:
I have similar curiosity about this bolt and question when in the serial numbers this hardware transition occurred...having not heard or seen anything documented. Certain is that the spring loaded fasteners were developed to address flex and vibration. I predict someone will question this on my project, but for at least now, I'm less concerned about fielding the question as opposed to replacing a radiator.

Regards,
Scott

[DanTreace]

Scott

You are likely correct, that part, 3 5/8" long brass plated bolt was used for 1909. Don't know the date of change, just a guess that when Ford added that flat support strap across the lower radiator core, then the change to the stud and spring. Would place that in the 1910 model year IMO. Unless someone has original 1910's with that bolt.

The bolt is noted in Bruce's CD parts file, p/n 3929 is used for several of the radiator fasteners, but the Factory Number is the key. Fac. # 1106-B is noted for 1909. And also listed for first 2500.

The later stud version, is p/n 3929 stud and lower sq. nut, Fac. # 1162.

The long brass plated bolt goes into the top of the radiator, head on top, and runs down through both frame rails and also the front fender mount, with a castle nut and cotter under. The stud and nut and spring and pad is a better idea.



1909

[Belliott3]

I just heard from Kim Dobbins, and his original 1910 Touring, which I believe is a May build, has the original high headed bolt that was brass plated. He sent me pictures and I looks exactly like the one Gail Rodda has in his book for his 1909. So apparently that style radiator support went into the first five months of 1910 at the very least.

[KimDobbins]

Bill, that bolt is not used on my 1910. My 10 uses the common stud and spring. I first saw those original Long bolts on a 1909 but I don’t remember the serial number. I think I have the drawing for the bolt, I’ll check and see if there is a revision date.

[KimDobbins]

I found the drawing, that bolt was only used on the first 2500 cars. The bold head was brass plated and polished.

[Belliott3]

My apologies; my misunderstanding. I assumed that the bolt was from your 1910. Thanks for clearing that up!