MTFCA Forum

No not me! I have a correct year rebuilt engine for the 26 pickup. Also a Muncie 3 speed to install along with better front fenders. I started removing the fenders yesterday and the are 33% metal, 33% rust and 33% bondo. I knew the front cross member needed replaced because of rust. After removing bondo to find the bolts and I got all the metal removed, I found a bigger problem. The driver side frame rail had been grafted on about 20 inches from the front and it turns out at the front about a 1/2 inch. The passenger side rail has the top bent doen and is bowed in. The driver side frame horn that supports the fender brace is 1/2 gone due to rust.

Well after taking a deep breath and pulling up my britches, I decided its easier to replace the frame than fix this one. I set about removing parts to remove the body. It will make the engins swap and tranny install much easier also. I have another frame thats straight so no problem. I have rebuilt spindles for it waiting on the shelf. I have some wires and 8 bolts to remove and the body is ready to lift off. All this stuff was hidden by sheetmetal. Passenger frame rail Welded frame driver side Driver side frame horn Crossmember

So this is how she looks now. No sense in crying in my beer, I have most everything I need. I have about 4 hrs in removing parts as of now. About an hour more and it will lift off. I need to get the other frame home, stripped and blasted and painted then the fun begins. I also can get back to work on the fenders for the 8in1 bed while Im waiting. I am not doing a full blown restoration. Making it safe and fun.

Wow!! you are lucky that the fenders didn't start flopping like a Gooney bird taking off. Or even fall off while you were driving. Might have looked like a Laurel and Hardy Model T.

Jim, the headight cross bar held it up I guess. I was more concerned with the crossmember

I am sure somene out there would be tickled to get the fenders you took off considering what new cost.
Wow,that cross member has seen it's better day and it appears someone has already welded on it some.
Glad you have another frame.

Mack, the fenders I removed as I discribed. Yard art is about all they are good for. They dont have enough metal content to scrap!

You have been driving this thing around for how long now? It should be just fine for another few years, shouldn't it?

Just kidding! Yikes!

Body filler and paint hide alot Wayne ! I have had a ton of fun with the old girl. Its kind of known around the area. Like the 6 million dollar man. We can rebuild it ,better, faster ,stronger! Well maybe not but good as new with a used farm truck face.

Dallas Landers wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 29, 2019 4:10 pm

Mack, the fenders I removed as I discribed. Yard art is about all they are good for. They dont have enough metal content to scrap!

Bondo has weight too !!

My buddy’s brother got caught filling scrap radiators with sand and got himself banned from several scrap yards.

I found a mouse filling a radiator with grass. I banned him also. Tape them shut now

My goodness....glad you found it on your own terms. That's pretty rough looking stuff. The parts chassis that I bought kind of looks like that. It reminded me that these cars were just tools in the past and were patched together however possible so they could be put back to work.

And you're right, the engine swap will go from being kind of a hassle, to being borderline fun since you're doing it on a bare chassis that's just sitting there with no body, etc on it. You'll have to do what I do with my "weathered" car however, and resist the urge to make things too perfect and purty.

The RPU will be a better machine after all this. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Duey used his left hand to close his gaping jaw/hanging open mouth while he scrolled thru the pics...
Wow.
What Don said. ^

Don't forget I think it was mid 26 they started stamping the engine number on the frame on the passenger side under the floor board.So the replacement frame may have a number and you will have to stamp your current number on it or something in case of resale

In rust we trust? Bud.

Rusted tin and rotten board, its a true Ford!

Problem solved.

Nice

Looks a bit different than the Houston area today.

Rub it in Don ! Not to worry, it will be gone by the weekend.

Dallas Landers wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 31, 2019 3:08 pm

Rub it in Don ! Not to worry, it will be gone by the weekend.

Yeah well ...talk to me again in August when it’s roughly the same temperature and humidity as a dog’s mouth.

Dallas Landers wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:37 pm

Problem solved.

So it’s been about 3hrs since you posted the pictures of the replacement frame....you should be about ready for a test drive, eh Dallas ??

I have a bare frame lying on the shop floor Dave. The running board brackets were cut off so I removed what was left. Not ready to drive yet, I took a nap after lunch!

Dallas, It looks like a great project, It should keep you busy for at least the winter. Keep us posted. I have a similar project that I hope to get to. Thanks.

Here is the doner I brought home yesterday frame Body is off and " not shown" engine is out. We had to pull the engine in the doner chassis yesterday at my buddys shop. So far my wife helped move one metal stand under the metal brace holding up the body because my hands were full lifting. She is my go to when I need help.

I found brass cotter pins in the front spring perch castle nuts on the doner chassis. At least they were not rusted in. The castle nuts were 1/2 gone with rust. It still amazes me that nuts rusted that bad turn right off.

Hmmmm, I think I’ll keep dealing with Mr. Ford. He can replace my whole frame for $20..... You are too slow, Dallas.

Tim, the warranty is up and I cant find a Ford service station? I am a bit slow. It should be running by now! I will take two radiators for $1 a peice.

Hey, that’s just the labor to R&R a radiator. You want a new radiator , that’s probably an extra $3. ( probably take me an afternoon to RR a radiator......over about 3 days! )

Keep in mind that Henry set his minimum wage to $5 a day in 1914, effectively doubling typical wages for the time. So depending on when the labor table shown was published, we can guess about how long the work should take. At $5 a day, a $20 repair could take 4 days work. Even if we’re talking in the mid ‘20s, I wouldn’t expect that wages had doubled already, so there is still a lot of hours in these labor quotes.

Keep crankin’
Eric

While true there was the $5 a day thing, not everyone got that amount even at the factory. You would have to look at the Ford repair shop employee wage chart to see how little the shop worker got for doing a job. Some of these jobs were payed out in cents not dollars for the wage earner so they would have to do a lot of, for example a .25 job, to even get close to that $5 a day wage. If that radiator took for example and hour and the shop worker got .25 to do it, if they worked a 10 hour day and did 10, that would be $2.50. I don't have the shop labor rate schedule to look at but the ones I have seen, the laborer in the shop was sure not getting rich by any means.

When I started this thread I had no Idea the title would be any more than a fun play on words. As many know, Im a firefighter. I got a call yesterday nobody wants. A 2 yr old ran over by a truck! At my sons house! Turns out he is going to be ok. Had surgery this morning on his foot which luckily the only injury. We have had the grand daughters since the accident. Gramma worked last night, slept today and is working tonight. Grandpa has been on duty most of the time. One is 7 and one 4. They can wear a guy out. Thankfull the boy will heal and I got to spend time with the girls. Had a hard time explaining why we cant ride in the T so I show them grampas mess up on blocks in a hundred pieces.
My son said dad I always check for kids and the kids were in the house when he went to leave. They are fast and quiet!

Always double check for those little ones! Stay safe.

My grandson came home from the hospitol today. He will heel to ride again also. Took the girls home about noon and went to the shop. Here is what I found breaking down the front end. If anyone wants a front crossmember 1/2 price, I have one. Only been brazed in a couple spots. Also have a front spring to match, 1/2 price. Maybe more cause someone installed new bushings in it! I have never see a leaf spring rusted through about 2 inches from the end. Or seen anybody bondo over the rust hole in a leaf spring. Could be JB weld as it is black. It was really stuck on the spring whatever it was.

Not to worry, I have a good correct spring and all the bushings and other parts on the way for front and rear rebuild. Now for some quallity time with the sand blaster! A few more therapy sessions and I will be on the road.

It is amazing that these little fords can be abused to the point they are ready to fall in a heap and keep going. I have put alot of miles on this pickup and haul heavy loads over rough roads and fields and it never let me down. Ok one time with a carb issue but it was fixed on the spot. The tires were used Coker's when I got them at least two years ago. They show no uneven wear with the frontend issues.

Heart-wrenching about the grandson! So pleased that he will be okay and a happy ending. Over the years I have known of a few cases that were not so good.
Drift alert!
We had three kids, all quite different. The first, was very fast, and very loud! He ran all over the place, the whole time YAYAYAYAYAYAYA! Wherever we went, whatever we did. We just needed to keep an ear on him. If he got quiet for even one second, we would look where the sound stopped, and see him studying a bug, or examining a piece of junk. Number two, our daughter, was very quiet. However, she didn't move around nearly so fast. All we had to do was keep half an eye on her. Rarely would she be more than a few feet from where she was a half a minute ago.
Then there was number three. Our youngest. Every bit as fast as number one, Just as quiet as number two. We could not take our eyes off him for even a second outside the house. He would run off like a shot without a sound. Linda and I had a pretty good system of knowing which one of us had the eagle-eye on him. Even with that, he did get away from us at a swap meet. We were on the verge of panic when my sharp eye spotted him following a man walking the isles (two isles over!), the man had a parrot riding on his shoulder and little Tim (about three at the time) had simply decided to follow him.
So I know how tough it can be with some children to keep a watch out. Be grateful. Be careful. And love those kids!

True Wayne, kids are all different. The grandson is quiet and fast, the girls could'nt sneek up on a threshing machine!

Finished stripping the original frame today. The doner front spring is apart. Rear spring ready to come apart. I have a box of bushings and other googies coming to get the suspension up to snuff. Putting it all back together is the fun part but alot of cleaning parts in order 1st. Have to thank the man in Tin- O- See for sending me some much needed bits.

Keep up the good work.

The tin-oh-see man has helped me quite a bit as well.

Good day! I picked up my replacement frame from the sandblasting guy today after work. After a little prep, I got some paint on all the raw parts I have been waiting on. All the suspension parts are rebuilt and painted. This weekend I will be happy to start putting it together. Finally!

That’ll be a fun weekend....a big boy LEGO set.

As my brain plays it back...
One episode of the brady bunch I actually liked until the late 60's Pontiac ragtop broke down out on the road and they dumped it.
Mike or Greg: Getting all the rust off?
Peter: I sure hope not!
Mike/Greg: What do ya mean?
Peter: It's the only thing holding the car together!

Hmmm, since you have the paint booth set up....... You gonna...?
All readers collectively say "NO Duey."
Looking good and I like your shop-space!

Don't put any more paint on the springs. Just slip coat between the leafs and paint the pack when assembled. Looks like it's coming along and space to do it in to boot!

How’s the little guy’s foot doing?

He is doing great. Cast is off now and he is running around again.
I hung the front and rear springs, front axle and spindles on the frame last night. Hope to have a roller with an engine soon!

2 year old kids and 100 year old Fords...both incredibly resilient.

No body on the car to use a jack, so here is my solution to get the shackles in the spring. One hand on the ratchet strap and one on the shackle and it slid right in. Better hurry Don, I will be driving soon!

Dallas Landers wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:29 pm

20200201_130915.jpg
No body on the car to use a jack, so here is my solution to get the shackles in the spring. One hand on the ratchet strap and one on the shackle and it slid right in.

BRILLIANT !! I like it when it slides right in...

I should’ve done something similar when I installed my rear axle. That was one occasion that nearly made me question why I was messing around with T’s.

It has and engine again ! I spent more time looking for my front wheel bearings than installing the rear axle
I always ( almost) put them in a coffee container with a lid to keep them clean till I need them. Not this time, wrapped in a white cloth behind the front wheels on the floor.
I located the spindle arms by installing the tie rod also. I need to install the Muncie to locate the support for it. Then Im thinking I can slide the whole thing forward to get the driveshaft hooked up.

I would have put the Muncie in first then the rear end. You may have a fight on your hands trying to fit the rear end into the back of it. Maybe Looking good!

At the rate you are going we are going to see a video Sunday afternoon, before the Super Bowl, of you driving down the muddy lane. Like

Should be, "Over coming Obstacles with Dallas"! Good thinking Dallas, Proud of ya Man!

Hank

Getting there Dallas, pain but from the looks of things it needed to be done.

Mark, I may have to go that route. I had two fire calls today and visitors to the shop . It was a good day!!! If tomorrow goes good, I should have all major components in place. 50 and sunny tomorrow. Garage doors open? This weekend is it for a while as I leave for Iowa thursday to call coyotes with my buddy. Will be stopping to see Dave Stroud while Im out there. Yup, thats your warning Dave!
Hank, if it was all easy, everyone would have a model T. I had a good therapy session today.

Keep me posted Dallas, looking forward to seeing you guys. Dave

A little update. I had sme time today to spend in therapy. I got the Muncie hooked to the reat axle and everything bolted in place. Hook the front radious rod to the pan and the drag link and the chassis will be complete. Next step is swapping things from old engine, carb , generator, ect...
I snapped this before today.

Looking good Dallas!

OK... So, you didn't tell of your "Overcoming Obstacles with Dallas #13" adventure of stuffing the short driveshaft into the Muncie.
Hmmm, don't suppose you loosened the rear end all up, used a handy-man jack or some-such to push it back to gain the clearance? I did that in 15 to put a new clutch pack in. With the engine in the car.
Ehh, prob'ly not.
Looking good!

After looking things over, I used the Mark's method. Removed rear axle and went that route.

After the grand daughters ball game this morning I hit the shop. Installed the manifolds , carb, exaust system, starter switch, starter and cables,generator, coils and all wires to coil box, timer. Looked over everything for cotter pins and tightened bolts.

After a cleaning up the shop and putting tools away it was ready for the body. The nice thing about the model T is you can install and remove the body by yourself. After a field fire interuption this afternoon, I have the body bolted to the frame once again. Looking forward to firing this new engine tomorrow!!!

DO NOT install the starter until after you install the firewall support bolts on the driver side! Dont ask me how I know this.

A Typical Kid!..., Has to tear down everything to see how it works!


LOL!

Hank

Lookin like a truck again. Looking forward to the video of it running.

Thanks Don!
Thanksfor calling me a kid Pops! Thats a compliment now.
A little side track this morning. Installing the steering column and found the holes did not line up in the frame. I checked the old frame and discovered why! Everone needs options but I didnt want any extra holes in the frame. ( you can see where the section has been welded and extra holes drilled on the old frame)
I had to install the correct frame mount on my column. After a call to Pops in Tin O C , I was off and running. Well I was able to install the column anyway. So now Im moving forward again.
Stay tooned for further broadcasts!

She oughta be tearing up the streets in no time Dallas !!
Did she fire up yet today ?

It did! Another field fire this afternoon got in the way. Hey, its what I volunteered for. It sounds great. A totally different sound than the old engine. A new muffler may be the cause for that. I didnt run it long as I have to install the radiator yet. I did get started working on the front fenders. The right front needs some straightening before I can install it. Shorten some brake rods and sheet metal is about all that is left to do. Next weekends project.

After some untwisting and straightening the front fenders are hung. These are not the fenders that were on the truck. They were full of bondo and were falling to pieces.Last evening some more sheet metal went on. With 8 inches of new snow on the ground, the urge to burn something should slow down for everyone. The parts pile is getting smaller. Maybe I can get things buttoned up and get ready for a shakedown drive by sunday.

Well it looks like a truck again. Better than a couple months ago.
I brought it to temp today and it starts and runs great. Spent some time adjusting things this afternoon for a possible drive tomorrow. Cant wait to see how it rides and drives after suspension and steering work.

Looking good Dallas...come on sunshine !!

Congrats Dallas!

You’re to be commended for giving the old girl the possibility of another century of life.

Thanks Don. Just trying to make it safe and fun and give it alot of years of on the road use. I took it down the road before noon. The snow and ice was not a problem but needed some more band adjustments, so back in the shop to cool down.

I made the adjustments and went back down the road a few minuts ago. Adjustments worked but the fact I have no floor boards in it was a bit wet in the cab with 2 inches of slush now! Since I have the correct year engine and not a 22 like it had, I need to make new floor boards. I was very pleased with the Muncie. The only gear noise I could hear was in 1st.

Good Job Dallas!!!!!

Hank

With all that snow on the ground I do not understand how you can be out fighting field fires. Looking good. Hope you had fun on your little jaunts today. I got out, too.

Dave that was last weekend. This weekend we have snow. Next weekend will be dry again. Gotta love Indiana weather.
My trips today were only about a half mile and back. Just a shakedown for any problems and adjustments. I did enjoy it ! I see alot of miles ahead of me.

Looks great, Dallas! Just remember to get the TT out once in a while so it doesn't get jealous! Like a wife, they get cranky!!

Hey Bill, good to hear from you! Oh ya the TT wont get neglected. When the pickup is buttoned up, I have to finish the rear fenders for the TT. It has made a good place to store roadster parts .

Yessss!

While in the shop tonight, I had a couple inspectors stop by to check out Gramp's work. The only verbal response I got was " your not done yet Grampa?" Other than that I think they approve! They havnt had a ride in the T since their sledding run with the 1st snow! They are ready!

His foot looks fine now. Keep up the good work Grandpa.

DHort wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 03, 2020 7:17 pm

His foot looks fine now. Keep up the good work Grandpa.

Doesn't get much cuter than that.

I'm looking forward to those days. My daughter is 24 and only now about to be engaged...so I'm probably still years away from having little ones to spoil. Yours are gorgeous Dallas.

And...I've said it before but I'll say it again....I love your RPU.

Ain't it grand having a "weathered" T?!!! My beat-on 24 is easily three times as fun as any really nice restored old car I've ever had. It's all fun and zero worries.

Thanks Don! I am blessed to have 3 grand children and number 4 due to arrive the end of May. They love the T's. Only one problem now is they will have to take turns. Its great to have a car that doesnt matter if they step on the fender or put their feet on the seats. I pull the key and they pretend to drive and toot the horn.

Dave, the boy is doing great! You cant slow him down. He is a great help in the shop unless you try to find something you laid down such as bolts or wrenches. I made new floor boards for the roadster and had a pile of sawdust on the floor. It was 1/2 gone when they left. I think most of it was stuck to their cloths! I bet mom was proud? I was!

Well I managed to get it lined out and running like a top. I drove to town and filled the tank for some road time. Now I need some nice days with less wind. Its going toward 60 degrees sunday.

While I was in the mood, I installed my spare tire carrier. Thanks to Hank and a kind of "do it yourself kit" I put it all together and turned out perfect for my farm truck. It is made of model T parts so its all good. At 25 mph it looks original.

Looking GOOD!

Nice!

Great to see it back on the road.