MTFCA Forum

From the National Archives: (click on the link to see the video)

https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorag ... c-3339.mp4

I wonder what the gear reduction is for the sprocket drive? And what happened to the roadster body (which looked to be in like-new condition)?

All in all, a spiffy way to build a one-ton truck...

Keep crankin’
Eric

Eric,
I don't know the precise reduction, but I bet a race with a stock TT, although boring, would be a photo finish.

Just a rough guess by the quick "glimpse" of the chain & sprockets in the video, but looks like about two to one! Lots of power but half the speed, huh? Great video, and I also wondered what happened to those beautiful Model T bodies that were set aside during those truck conversions. I'm sure they didn't get wasted, but then in those days, I can't imagine that there would be too many people "in the market" for a stock "T" body in perfect condition,....???

Nice video thanks for posting.
I noticed that when the one fellow attached the sprocket to the axle he only hand tightened the nut to the sprocket but used a wrench to tighten the hub cap. When we assemble something on the T's everyone worries about torque wrench settings.

That is truly delightful!
Thanks
Rich

I can't help thinking "what a shame". I'd like to have that body they took off!

That was easy.

Looks like a mini Mack drive. Any idea what year that was ?

Odd that he only tightened the axle nut hand tight, I hope that after the filming they pulled the gear back off and installed it tightly!

Regarding the year, there is one brass T converted into a pickup (15 or 16) at the Robinsons plant. The other T’s look like black radiator with steel coilboxes. My guess is between 1917-19. After the TT was introduced I wonder if aftermarket truck kits were competitive?

Interesting question Rob. The June 7, 1921 the price of a T chassis (no starter) was $345.00. At the same time a TT chassis was $495.00. So, did the kits cost $150.00 or more installed? Of course there would be other things to take into consideration, like speed and load capacity. Also, converting a used T would probably be pretty cheap.

Actually have found a hub cap that was on one of these TruckFords. When the hand tightened axle nut falls off in side the hub cap wrenched on tightly, this is the result:

Very interesting. Of all of the T truck conversions, I have never heard of a Truckford conversion. I wonder if it was marketed under other names, it sure is very similar to other conversions. Dave

David

Don't know how long this co. survived, could only find ref. in magazines in 1916-1917.
April 1917





Aug 1916