Truck conversion mystery
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2019 2:55 pm
Hi all,
My wife and I are relatively new to Model Ts, although she grew up in a family full of them (lucky girl!) and we just bought a family truck. The truck appears to be a converted car of unknown vintage. The car frame was cut down and a Browntruck conversion added. This conversion still has the manufacturers plate and was made in San Francisco. The rear axle is a Torbensen, which has the I-beam axle with separate drive axles turning spur gears inside a large ring gear bolted to each rear wheel. There is an auxiliary transmission of unknown manufacture, which I believe to be a three speed with reverse. The transmission shifter slides right and left, instead of pivoting on the top of the transmission. Additionally, it has a toggle to push down to go into reverse. The truck has solid rear rubber tires and heavy spoked wooden wheels.
We know the engine to be a 1923 and have California paperwork from 1931 (repo papers!) which lists it as a 1923. Have no reason to doubt that but Torbensen became Erie axle that year and the TT was well into production. Any ideas as to what we have are appreciated. Just got the truck and haven't yet driven it. The engine and transmission were lovingly rebuilt three years ago (by Larry Azevedo) and this truck belonged to Larry's dad. We moved it to our farm in Virginia, where it will sit and be used with my grandfathers '49 Chevy 3/4 ton. As we are just starting into this journey, am looking to figure out what we have and anything about it.
I have attached images of the truck. I have better resolution for them all, ask if anything is unclear. All help appreciated!
BTW- If any of you are planning on visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse during the 2019 Winter Tour here in Florida, look me up. I work at the lighthouse museum and am happy to talk T!
-Brendan
My wife and I are relatively new to Model Ts, although she grew up in a family full of them (lucky girl!) and we just bought a family truck. The truck appears to be a converted car of unknown vintage. The car frame was cut down and a Browntruck conversion added. This conversion still has the manufacturers plate and was made in San Francisco. The rear axle is a Torbensen, which has the I-beam axle with separate drive axles turning spur gears inside a large ring gear bolted to each rear wheel. There is an auxiliary transmission of unknown manufacture, which I believe to be a three speed with reverse. The transmission shifter slides right and left, instead of pivoting on the top of the transmission. Additionally, it has a toggle to push down to go into reverse. The truck has solid rear rubber tires and heavy spoked wooden wheels.
We know the engine to be a 1923 and have California paperwork from 1931 (repo papers!) which lists it as a 1923. Have no reason to doubt that but Torbensen became Erie axle that year and the TT was well into production. Any ideas as to what we have are appreciated. Just got the truck and haven't yet driven it. The engine and transmission were lovingly rebuilt three years ago (by Larry Azevedo) and this truck belonged to Larry's dad. We moved it to our farm in Virginia, where it will sit and be used with my grandfathers '49 Chevy 3/4 ton. As we are just starting into this journey, am looking to figure out what we have and anything about it.
I have attached images of the truck. I have better resolution for them all, ask if anything is unclear. All help appreciated!
BTW- If any of you are planning on visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse during the 2019 Winter Tour here in Florida, look me up. I work at the lighthouse museum and am happy to talk T!
-Brendan