MTFCA Forum

Hello Model T forum members. My name is Bill and I am new to your site. Up front, I know nothing about Model T’s so I am turning to this site for some education and insight.

My short story: When we purchased 5 acres in northern Minnesota 8 years ago, I knew there was a utility trailer somewhere in the woods. This past summer, I finally found and pulled out the trailer, only the frame was left. My original plan was to take it to a wrecking yard or salvage. Running out of time, I set it aside and took a few photos as it seemed rather interesting as a utility trailer frame. A little internet research has led me to believe this is part of a Model T frame with Hassler shocks, but I could be wrong. So I have attached a few pictures and solicit any feedback the members care to give. I plan to make it into a utility trailer again. While not a Model T aficionado as the members on this forum are, I would hate to do something then find out in a couple of years, “oh what a shame”.

Thanks,

Bill

T Ford front axle. Hastler shocks which were an accessory made for a T. Not sure about the frame and the wheels were not from a T.
Norm

I marked up the parts that are Model T and recyclable/ restore-able Red corner & body brackets. Yellow cross member, corner brackets & springs. Light blue wishbone & what they may be attached to on the underside of the diamond. Purple axle & spindle ends. Hasslers too! The long frame side rails are cut down Model T. Wheels? There is good value if everything was apart and rivet holes, bolt threads etc were undamaged. AS IS its local pick-up only. Some T guys in your area may be interested.

The items of value are the hassler shocks and the wire wheel hubs. Not real up to date on the current value of the shocks but they should be worth $250-$300 for the pair. If those are wire wheel hubs they are $150 each. The entire axle, shocks, and wheel hubs may be worth more as a package deal to the right person if they are local and can pick them up. Shocks and hubs are easy to box and ship ups or usps. Not really worth any more as a complete trailer in my opinion.

Model T leftovers were common for building all kinds of trailers for the farm and utility use. Use to see them at farm auctions all the time. Still do but not as often.
Looks to me somebody used the front axle assembly, then used a T frame with the pipe down the middle for a tongue. Money wise worth more to sell the shocks and hardware. Shocks are the most desirable hardware on it in my opinion and would sell the fastest.
The rest would be slower. Just have to find the buyer.

Looking at the first photo, I am seeing a definite stepped shoulder on the front hubs. That would indicate that these are wooden wheel hubs, worth far less than wire wheel hubs. If they are wire wheel hubs, they would be the most valuable part, followed by the Hasslers.

Allan from down under.

Yup, looks like wood wheels hubs to me too.

You guys are right, wood spoke hubs not wire wheel hubs.

Thank all of you for your time in looking and commenting. I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and advice.

Bill

I've got the same wheels (F&H?) on the rear of my 24 short box pickup but the dish turned the other way.
They bolt right on and work good.
My set were trailer wheels too. A couple new tubes and your buddy's used 4X4 tires and you've got a trailer again.
Or in my case 20 years ago, rear wheels!
Neat trailer! I have a similar one hiding somewhere.

Nothing so rare or exciting that I would bother taking it apart. If mine, and I had a place to use it, I would put it back in service as a trailer. It's a good example of what you do when you need something and have some parts laying around. Lot's of tired Model T parts were turned into trailers, tractors, buzz saws, stationary power plants and whatever else the farmer might need. I see no harm in letting them stay true to their second purpose.

Think Walt is onto something. Perhaps there is real value in restoring this as a trailer of the times than taking it apart. And if it has wood wheel hubs maybe it would be even more valuable with wood wheels.

The wheels look like front wheels off of a tractor that you could bolt a weight to in the 2 opposing holes.

The wheels look like front tractor wheels that you could bolt a weight to in the 2 opposed holes.