MTFCA Forum

Does the Model T Ford Museum loan tools to members? The front end of my 1916 Runabout is worn out and I need a Stevens axle reamer to complete the job. Don't really want to spend $800.00 for the one on Ebay for a one time job. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

Just so you know, the Stevens tool is for fixing the upper and lower yoke on the axle itself. Not all front end repairs require this tool. It has nothing to do with bushings, reaming them, or facing them.

Don't know much about them but have you tried calling Smith and Jones Antique Auto Parts in West Columbia SC. They may be able to help or know someone in the area who can.

Mike;

I toyed with that, too.

In the end, I sent my axle to Dan Hatch near Birmingham. It came back, flawless.

I don't recall exactly how much I paid, but definitely worth it.

Dan's e-mail is Dan Hatch danielh462@centurytel.net

I copied this a while ago and have since forgotten who authored it, but I'm sure it was one of the "grandfathers" of the Model T hobby. It goes like this: "I always have a contrarian opinion and in this case I have another. If it isn't severe, as in this case, don't waste time and money (and agony) on rebushing and inserts. A new king pin and brass bushing are probably in order, but the axle is essentially OK as is. Upon assembly apply Loctite Threadloc to the bottom threads and green Loctite to the upper. None of this is critical and will serve as long as you live. Think about it....what can possibly happen? Think!

Possibly the same guy who told our web-master that banging and crashing in a transmission is all part of the noises a T normally makes.

I can tell you this for certain: the Grandfathers of the T hobby often felt their car was a reliable car if it could cross town once a year to the local AACA "big" car show, and get home again under it's own power. I entered the hobby in the '70's and can tell you that the hobby has advanced significantly, along with what is considered safe, prudent, and correct.

The author of the advice that I posted was from John McGinnis

Here's a link to the original article
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1432144486
Enjoy

Well, with that link, one can see that there were posters in favor of fixing it correctly, and those who encouraged cobbling. In that respect, nothing really changes over the years. I'm one who thinks that worn out things should be repaired and not cobbled...particularly a front end...but that's just crazy me.

Before the easy availability of reamers to fit original or nice reproduction Stevens frames, the repair was a difficult one to get done without specialized machinery. We now have the ability to do it while sitting on a stool beside the car, and not having to purchase a Bridgeport and fully pull down the front end.

Some mechanics own nothing but a hammer and cold chisel and have never found a job that they couldn't fix with them. That's why restoration specialists are so expensive, and consequently, why they love those mechanics so much. They are good for business.

Scott, an old boy I worked with in my beginner days always said “If the tool is not right, the mechanic is not bright”!

I sincerely appreciate all the replies. Not only are the spindle bolts and bushings shot, but the holes in the axle yokes are actually elongated and therefore need to be reamed and bushed as well. I would not feel comfortable with new spindle bushings and bolts without addressing the worn out axle yokes as well.

Mike

Mike

you are a wise man. You'll be safer and the car will handle much better when correctly fixed. I think you are on the right path, looking for someone who may loan their expertise and tool, or Perhaps sending the axle to someone like Dan as was suggested, will ultimately be the ticket for you, though I'm sure shipping wouldn't be cheap.

Unless its in an early car and has a DB axle, it may be less expensive to simply replace the axle. Axles are pretty plentiful and usually cheap.

Just for anyone that does not know about the Stevens Front Axle tool, here is the video of it in action.
https://youtu.be/7DNGT7P79vg
Dan

I agree with Dan Mc. If you don't have a good reason to keep the old axle - get another one. The one you have could have more issues than elongated yoke holes. My guess is getting that corrected would cost more than another good used axle. Lang's has used ones listed for $125 and you should be able to find one for less. As was suggested, contact Dan Hatch, danielh462@centurytel.net, to get comparative costs of you doing the job vs him.