T in front of the serial number
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Mike Royster
Topic author - Posts: 42
- Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:47 pm
- First Name: Michael
- Last Name: Royster
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1916 Runabout
- Location: Shelby NC
- MTFCA Life Member: YES
T in front of the serial number
I have heard of the B stamped blocks in certain years but came across a block stamped T in front of the 6 digit serial number today. Does the T designate anything in particular?
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Wayne Sheldon
- Posts: 4249
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:13 pm
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- Last Name: Sheldon
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1913 Speedster
- Location: Grass Valley California, USA
- Board Member Since: 2005
Re: T in front of the serial number
Probably a replacement block.
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Mark Gregush
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- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
- Location: Portland Or
- Board Member Since: 1999
Re: T in front of the serial number
With more information, like approx year of block, can only speculate that it might have had the number ground off, and the number now on it was a builder's number.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! 
1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup
1925 Cut down pickup
1948 Ford F2 pickup
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Wayne Sheldon
- Posts: 4249
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:13 pm
- First Name: Wayne
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- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1913 Speedster
- Location: Grass Valley California, USA
- Board Member Since: 2005
Re: T in front of the serial number
A six digit number? Would indicate pre1916. Some periods of years, replacement blocks were marked with two "Ford" scripts stamped on the serial number embossment. A lot of minor and a few major changes were made across the seventeen years of model T blocks. Casting dates were used on USA cast blocks from 1908 into some 1921. These things can all help to date a block to see if the serial number and block are the same vintage.
It could also be possible that it could be a "backdoor" engine block. Ford sold thousands of motors for industrial, marine, and agricultural uses. Often, but not always, those engines had serial numbers stamped on them by the company purchasing the "backdoor" engine from Ford. Usually, those serial numbers followed a couple letters. I don't recall any offhand following a single letter, but it may be possible? And "backdoor" engines rarely had more than five digit serial numbers.
It could also be possible that it could be a "backdoor" engine block. Ford sold thousands of motors for industrial, marine, and agricultural uses. Often, but not always, those engines had serial numbers stamped on them by the company purchasing the "backdoor" engine from Ford. Usually, those serial numbers followed a couple letters. I don't recall any offhand following a single letter, but it may be possible? And "backdoor" engines rarely had more than five digit serial numbers.
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Mike Royster
Topic author - Posts: 42
- Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:47 pm
- First Name: Michael
- Last Name: Royster
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1916 Runabout
- Location: Shelby NC
- MTFCA Life Member: YES
Re: T in front of the serial number
Yes it is pre 16 and brass radiator, serial number T 281982, which puts it at May of 1913. I suspect it is a replacement block as well.
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Wayne Sheldon
- Posts: 4249
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:13 pm
- First Name: Wayne
- Last Name: Sheldon
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1913 Speedster
- Location: Grass Valley California, USA
- Board Member Since: 2005
Re: T in front of the serial number
Can you roughly tell the vintage of the block? A lot of blocks got replaced early on due to people not being used to blocks freezing in the winter. If the block appears to be only about a year newer or less, it shouldn't even affect its HCCA acceptability. Model T clubs tend to be more lax and not mind newer engines in older models.
Is the block set up for a generator mounting on its right side? A pre-generator block would at least look close to correct.
Is the block set up for a generator mounting on its right side? A pre-generator block would at least look close to correct.
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Steve Jelf
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Re: T in front of the serial number
The encyclopedia lists a good many engine details and changes that could help you determine pretty closely the year of your block.
http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html
http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
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Mike Royster
Topic author - Posts: 42
- Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:47 pm
- First Name: Michael
- Last Name: Royster
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1916 Runabout
- Location: Shelby NC
- MTFCA Life Member: YES
Re: T in front of the serial number
Thanks all, I appreciate the assistance!