What Year Radiator Shell

[TRDxB2]

Trying to identify the year this radiator shell is applicable to. Its a low shell with an apron and round lacing holes.
Low shell 1917-24 and some '25. Unsure what the proper terminology for the trim across the bottom is and when this style was applicable. The T Encyclopedia reference to a SKIRT starting in '25. Lang's using the term APRON for different styles. Some reference was to a valance. Also understood that the round lacing holes were '26 (maybe '25 too). HELP! - what is it.

[Dan Hatch]

Low radiator 1917to1923&1/2. High radiator, 1923&1/2 to 1925. 1926/27 also high, a little different shell.

[TRDxB2]

The low hood dates are clear what puzzles me is the round lacing holes. Do they make sense for a low hood? If so what year 24 1/2? Thought I read that they were introduced in late '25 or '26

[Ruxstel24]

I believe it could be a repop...the Ford script doesn’t look as crisp and defined as an original.
Just my opinion.

[TRDxB2]

Here is a better picture of the top, other was kind of dark around the script. Was also wondering how far down the lacing holes are supposed to go.

[Wayne Sheldon]

I am fairly certain that round holes were used on at least a significant number of 1917 model year radiator shells. I have seen them on original and restored from original cars. I had one such shell that also had only the small bolt size hole for the radiator mounting. It certainly appeared to be original old real Ford.
How long they were used? Whether it was all or some for how long? Has been asked on the forum in the past without a definitive answer. So I don't have an answer for that.
Considering the several million model T Fords built with the low style hood and radiator? The percentage of shells with small round hood lacing holes is small, probably well below ten percent. But they are out there. Why Ford went back to the small round hood lacing holes for some of '26/'27? I don't have an answer for that either.

Frank B, You are off a bit on your model/years summation. The low style was used for 1917 year model from about September '16, through the 1923 year model, of which the calendar dates varied from assembly plant to assembly plant as well as from body style to body style. SOME body styles in SOME assembly plants began getting the high style as early as June of '23. Other body styles at other assembly plants were still getting the low style as late as September of '23. Resolution of what these cars should be identified as (year-wise) will likely never be reached. Too many people have personal reasons for wanting to call their car by either the earlier or later year. Generally speaking, The "high radiator" cars built in 1923 calendar year are considered '24 models. While the "low radiator" cars built in 1923 are '23 models. Style-wise, the '24 model year and '25 model year cars are basically the same, with numerous minor changes in assembly designs, and slightly different options on things like wheels. The '24/'25 models are considerably different from the '26/'27 models. Most parts while some may or may not fit and work across those years, are different. The radiator and shell, while very similar, and they will interchange across the 1924 through '27 model years, the '24/'25 and '26/'27 model radiators and shells are different.

[Oldav8tor]

I have a September 1916 built touring with round lacing holes and no skirt / apron/ etc.

[Scott_Conger]

Frank, you've posted every picture possible, except for what you're referring to as a "skirt". Post that.

If it has anything like this: https://www.modeltford.com/item/3977BQ.aspx, then it is a marriage
If it has anything like this: https://www.modeltford.com/item/3977A.aspx, it is not
And, original shells with both square and round holes: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50 ... 1436405212

[old_charley]

Here are a couple of pics of the shell on my unrestored '22 touring, built July 26th. I'm the third owner and have no reason to think that this isn't the original shell to the car. It has the round holes for the lacing. One pic shows what I am guessing is what you are referring to as a skirt. This is correct for all the low radiator cars.

[old_charley]

O.K. Don't know what happened to the second picture. Let's try again.

[TRDxB2]

Thinks to you all. Conclusion: the shell is for 1916-1924 with uncommon round lacing holes.
From the MTFCA Encyclopedia
For 1916 - 1922 no mention of anything on bottom of shell
For 1923 RADIATOR: Supplied by Ford. ...... radiator appeared, along with the new hood and the shell with the valence at the bottom
For 1924 RADIATOR: Same as the later 1923 high style.
For 1925 RADIATOR: Same as 1924. Nickel-plated shell ...... A trim valence over the crank area was used as in the 1924 models.
For 1926 RADIATOR: Same as 1925. Nickel shell offered as an option....Radiator valence had a nickel trim strip to match the nickel shell.
Here is a picture of the shell with the whatchamacallit on my shell. (called a trip strip in 1926)

I'd call this a valance

64-55321.jpg (5.19 KiB) Viewed 4301 times

[Dan Hatch]

What you are calling a valance, Ford called a Radiator Apron part # 3977 1923-25. That is from Ford Parts List August 5 1028.
The shell is part # 3947-B, Radiator Shell, 1917-23.
# 3977 came out in late 1923 cars with HIGH Radiators. Dan

[TRDxB2]

Dan thank you for the info. I guess someone needs to update the MTFCA Encyclopedia as it uses the term valance as I noted for years 1923, 1925 and 1926

[Allan]

The easiest way to differentiate between a high and low shell is to check the sides. On a low shell the sides are square to the front. On a high shell, they are glared outwards to follow the line of the hood panels. Holes or squares for the lacing for not come into it, for Canadian production too.

Allan from down under.