What have you done on your Model T in March?

Post by **mbowen** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 2:23 pm

I had the front axle and steering components from my ‘24 touring car straightened and rebushed a couple of months ago, got them cleaned up and painted a couple weeks ago, and am finally getting around to getting them reassembled. When I was reinstalling the tie rod I thought it was interesting to see how much the axle had been twisted.

It was an easy job to loosen the adjustable clevis/ball-end and make the correction. The spindles appear parallel to the naked eye, but I’m going to leave the bolts finger tight until I get the axle and wheels reinstalled and check the toe-in.

Earlier this week I got all the spring components cleaned up and have started the painting process. I’m using Rustoleum Rust Reformer on all the parts except the perches, which had good paint on them before. They cleaned up nice and bright so I’m using Rustoleum self-etching zinc oxide primer on them. I’ll be topcoating the bottom surfaces of all the spring leaves except the main with EZ-Slide graphite paint, which seems to be doing it’s job on the front spring of my ‘25 express wagon. I’ll topcoat everything else with Rustoleum black satin enamel. That’s what’s on the axle, and it looks good without being too glossy.

The last job before reinstalling the axle will be cleaning up and painting the radius rod. In the meantime I have an airplane whose brakes need attention…

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 2:59 pm

Lookin good on front axle. I just went through the front axle on my TT. By the way, are those "air brakes" on your plane?

Post by **Rich in Colorado** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 3:05 pm

Finally finished installing the interior kit in the '22 Center Door.

Post by **Rich Eagle** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 3:17 pm

That looks fantastic. Nice work.
Rich E.

Post by **mbowen** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 3:39 pm

Dallas Landers wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 04, 2022 2:59 pm
Lookin good on front axle. I just went through the front axle on my TT. By the way, are those "air brakes" on your plane?

My ‘55 Cessna 170 is slow enough without air brakes. Having tailwheel geometry that causes steering input to be a mere suggestion, the brakes are more for ground steering than slowing or stopping.

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 9:17 am

Nothing but the grandkids put hundreds of miles on the TT

in my shop yesterday.

Post by **130nav** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 11:39 am

Water pump removed, hoses and pipe installed. Just got to fill it with coolant, and hopefully starting next time.

Post by **TWrenn** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 3:22 pm

Lucky you Dallas! Glad you got out with 'em. Cute kids. I just started painting my new spoked wheels for the Fordor.

Post by **varmint** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 7:29 pm

The lip of the fender on the '26 coupe is sheet metal wrapped around about a 1/8" steel rod.
While making a patch panel which included the rod, I found that the rod was one inch too short to reach the end.
In this experiment I used stainless steel wire welding and extended it 2-1/2" (more than I needed). I suppose I was having too much fun.
I then hit it with a grinder to the correct diameter and finished rolling it into the sheet steel with a hammer and punch.
The punch is the dark grey homemade tool (not the cold chisel).

Post by **mbowen** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 8:27 pm

Getting closer to getting the front axle back under my ‘24 touring car. Today I got the spring reassembled, and hung it with new forged shackles. I still need to clean up and paint the radius rod, spring hanger, and license plate bracket. Also found out today that the tie rod bolts take larger oilers than the rest of the axle, and that I inadvertently ordered spring clamp bolts for the rear spring instead of the front. It’s always something…

Tbird · Post by **Tbird** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:16 am

Finally got my rear fender irons casted for my delivery car project. Going from original Ford prints to 3D Modeling and 3D printing one for the metal casters to finished casting. I still need to do some finish work on them and get the holes drilled. What took the longest was finding a place willing to do them and in a small run.

Post by **Rich Eagle** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:37 am

Very nice Mike. Thanks for showing them.
Rich

abcarswell · Post by **abcarswell** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 10:50 am

Rear end going together on Clarabelle the TT. Got all the parts sourced and now just time for reassembly and painting.

John Codman · Post by **John Codman** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 12:51 pm

Removed the front mat and floorboards to adjust clutch linkage. I found some sloppy linkage and ordered new from Lang's. As soon as the parts arrive I will install them and finally get the linkage properly adjusted.
Update: Ya win one once in a while! The slop was where the linkage end goes through the pedal. I envisioned having to remove the pedal and have a bushing pressed into the oversize hole for the linkage. Surprise! The wear was almost entirely on the linkage end, so all that I have to do is install the new linkage that just arrived from Lang's. Yesss!
Update: Finished installing the clutch linkage and the slop is gone! Unfortunately even with adjusting the brake/clutch lever to the max I still don't have a "free" clutch. I'm going to have to go into the transmission and do the internal adjustment. Rats!

Post by **Corey Walker** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:28 pm

Took my carbide generator off and restored it. It looked bad compared to the rest of the car, now the rest of the car will look bad compared to it.

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Sun Mar 13, 2022 5:21 pm

My neighbor recently opened an antique store near my home. This running board toolbox was on the porch. It's mine now.

Post by **JRSpada4** » Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:44 pm

We finally got some nice weather this week, so I finally got around to installing the Ruckstell shifter and wooden steering wheel I picked up at the Marietta swap meet. The shifter replaced the one that came with the car because someone in its past cut it off Code to the floor.

Post by **NU2theT** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 6:52 pm

Replaced the old tired battery with an Optima....what a huge difference when cranking.

Cleaned up the spark plugs, checked and re-torqued the head and mounted the NH after checking the float level and replacing the bowl gasket.

Pulled and cleaned the trans oil screen and magnet, and topping off the oil level.

Post by **CudaMan** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 7:43 pm

I rolled up and put away my side curtains for the summer. In a month or so I'll remove the hot air pipe and install my air filter for the summer.

Post by **Bob McDaniel** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 9:06 pm

Second time out this year. Ice cream run.

Post by **TWrenn** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 9:08 pm

Drove it for the first time this year! Sorry, no pics this time!

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 6:55 am

Our icecream shops are not open yet Bob. Its going to rain alot this weekend so next week the T's can hit the road with no salt. Tim your slipping!

Ralph F · Post by **Ralph F** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 9:10 am

My wife and I are visiting family in Dayton this weekend and we had yesterday free so we took a trip over to the Model T Ford Museum. What wonderful place, I donated a set of transmission reamer for display or use in the work shop. I meet and a nice conversation with Rachel Executive Director what they are plans are going forward.

Tbird · Post by **Tbird** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 3:20 pm

I cleaned up a new brass radiator that was in storage for a long time from someone else’s project. I unsoldered the wrong repo radiator tag and put on a authentic repo tag made by RV Anderson and soldered on the correct radiator gas crossover tube.

J and M Machine · Post by **J and M Machine** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 6:51 pm

rebuilding a 1913 ,1915 and a 1925. Model T Hobby is alive and well around us.

Post by **Sean Butler** » Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:41 pm

Boy John, that block looks pretty pretty. Baked and peened?

Post by **Chuck Regan** » Sat Mar 19, 2022 3:11 pm

Model T’s representing at Conejo Valley Cars & Coffee this morning!

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Sat Mar 19, 2022 5:03 pm

I reinstalled the windshields on my Runabout. A local shop cut and installed safety glass. My old glass was plate! That was my final must-do safety project. Now we can toodle without fear.

Post by **Mikerobison** » Sun Mar 20, 2022 1:02 am

Model T Speedster Rebuild - Ruckstell Part 2
https://youtu.be/iItcDck-0XY

Uploaded a new video to the Speedster rebuild project. The Ruckstell assembly rebuild has begun! Thanks for watching!

GBaker · Post by **GBaker** » Sun Mar 20, 2022 8:31 pm

My first post since I sold my 15 Touring 6 years ago.

In March I found a 26 Touring, Bought it, couldn’t get it into neutral, pulled the engine and transmission out, found seized jackrabbit clutch, bought a bunch of parts including high compression pistons and new stipe 290 cam, did a little body work, started on seat upholstery.

By the way, does anyone know where to find front wheel bearings these days??

Post by **speedytinc** » Sun Mar 20, 2022 10:15 pm

GBaker wrote: ↑
Sun Mar 20, 2022 8:31 pm
My first post since I sold my 15 Touring 6 years ago.

In March I found a 26 Touring, Bought it, couldn’t get it into neutral, pulled the engine and transmission out, found seized jackrabbit clutch, bought a bunch of parts including high compression pistons and new stipe 290 cam, did a little body work, started on seat upholstery.

By the way, does anyone know where to find front wheel bearings these days??

Were the outer disks stuck in wear notches in the drum? What was the hang up?

GBaker · Post by **GBaker** » Sun Mar 20, 2022 10:39 pm

The lining material was stuck to the steel plates

Post by **DHort** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 1:24 pm

Grant

Rockauto is your best choice for bearings and seals. They had inners and one of the outers the last time I checked. The other outer has been back ordered for some time. There are a few guys here who might have some used ones. Ask in classified.

Flivver · Post by **Flivver** » Mon Mar 21, 2022 6:30 pm

Overhaul the steering column.

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Post by **jiminbartow** » Wed Mar 23, 2022 12:50 am

Getting my 1926 coupe running in preparation to sell it. Needs to run to take potential buyers for a ride and to teach them how to drive a T:
1. Restored my Hercules Split rim spreader: Using muriatic acid, removed all rust, dirt and old grease and painted original red color.
2. Using restored split rim spreader, I removed all of the old 52 year old 21” Universal tires tubes and flaps from the split rims.
3. Using Muriatic Acid, I removed all rust from the split rims down to white metal, then repaired the latches and painted silver.
4. Using split rim spreader, I mounted new 21” Goodyear Balloon tires, tubes and flaps. Lubricated with baby powder.
5. Aired up all the mounted tires to 32 lbs.
6. Touched up scratches on rims with Sherwin Williams Silver Brite paint
7. Cleaned newly mounted tires and wiped down with brake fluid to preserve the rubber.
8. Mounted all the tires on the car.
9. Cleaned and re-gapped Champion x Spark plugs to .025.
10. Drained old gasoline from cowl tank (smelled and looked like it was still good).
11. Cleaned fuel filter/valve (screen filter was clean. No debris whatsoever).
12. Added 5 gallons of fresh non-ethanol gasoline.
13. Drained and flushed engine of 3.75 qts. of old oil.
14. Took apart and cleaned oil sight gauge.
15. Poured in 3.75 quarts of Valvoline 5w-40 detergent oil.
16. Flushed radiator of old 50/50 mixture of antifreeze
17. Added 50/50 mixture of Zerex IAT (Inorganic Acid Technology) Antifreeze to the radiator.
18. Rebuilt and lubricated instrument panel switch assembly.
19. Reupholstering the behind the seat storage shelf. Old upholstery of shelf damaged by moths.
20. Using Blaster, freed up crank frozen handle grip so the hand grip turns n the crank.
21. Primed and painted hand grip gloss black.
22. Wash, polish and wax exterior of body. Polished nickel brightwork.
23. Removed air filter and installed hot air pipe
24. Removed New Day Timer and installed new old style roller type timer. Lubricated with mixture of Vaseline and 3 in One oil.
25. Filled fan reservoir with 5w-40 oil.
26. Removed and, using the vice and small sledge hammer, bent the Brake pedal backward so it is not so close to the floor when pressed.
27. Adjusted bands a little closer.
28. Lubricated speedometer cable.
29. Front crossmember clamp was loose. Tightened nuts.
30. Bought a new 6V battery from Auto Zone. Have it connected to a trickle charger.
31. Will try to start it in the next week or so. Looking forward to the attempt.
Been non-stop busy. Brought back lots of memories. May have second thoughts about selling…. Jim Patrick

Reno Speedster · Post by **Reno Speedster** » Wed Mar 23, 2022 1:29 am

Making progress on the suspension for my 26 Speedster. Cut down and welded the prop shaft to fit my lowering brackets and the Muncie transmission. I am now working on modified rear radius rods to fit my lowering brackets and to drop them down slightly. I have also started in on the front lowering brackets. I am a nut and am cutting/milling them out of a block of 1018 steel. The hope is to get a rolling chassis by spring so I can take it to the DMV to get the bonded title going.

I also am working with the shop to get my Rajo B head rebuilt and ready to go on.

On top of that, I am making arrangements to get the 22 pickup shipped up. Busy month and more to come.

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Sun Mar 27, 2022 4:16 pm

After installing the Twin Hasslers , I needed to take a drive and see how it drives and rides. Both were fine. About 25 degrees today and windy and if you look close , you can see snow flakes in the photo. My wife rolled her eyes when I asked if she wanted to go for a ride. Dressed for success, I pulled the upper board from floor boards and it was pretty nice.

Post by **SteveD** » Sun Mar 27, 2022 4:57 pm

Purchased it!

Post by **DHort** » Sun Mar 27, 2022 6:22 pm

Bought a new battery

Post by **JohnM** » Sun Mar 27, 2022 8:17 pm

Like Dallas, I went for a drive in spite of the chilly temperatures. The new gypsy curtains work well to break the wind from the front seat passengers. A digital tech marketing firm did a great job of repurposing this old service station.

MichaelPawelek · Post by **MichaelPawelek** » Sun Mar 27, 2022 8:49 pm

83F here today on the Texas Gulf Coast so just took the ‘25 Coupe out around the neighborhood. Was stopped twice and asked to take pictures with the T. Did a bit of educating two under 10 year old boys about Model T’s.
P.S.-Finally decided to take that huge monstrosity off the radiator and replace with something much smaller!

Post by **mbowen** » Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:41 pm

Bonnie’s front axle is DONE! The last thing today was setting the toe-in, and reinstalling and cotter pinning the two nuts that had to be loosened or removed to make that happen.

Before she can be driven I need to install the refurbished cylinder head, new fuel line, and fuel shutoff valve at the carburetor. I also have a hand crank cleaned up, painted and ready to install (the car came to me without one).

Post by **JBog** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 12:06 pm

Drove my car to a distillery in a nearby town. About 90 miles round trip. The whole distillery came out to see the car, we had a number of honking cars, even a passing train honked at us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEqPnM2W0o

Post by **Henry K. Lee** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 12:17 pm

Had some serious other priorities...., Grand God Children needing to be spoiled by guess who! Hey.., they live in England and we see them every two years! 10 day turn around!

Detroit Parking!

Tin-A-See Restoration!

Hank

Post by **Dallas Landers** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 1:51 pm

Its nice you made it a 3 seater Hank. Even comes with saftey belts I see. Better than new I would say.
P.S. I am adaptable!

Post by **Henry K. Lee** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 2:36 pm

And you did not even see the airbag Dallas! I wrap them in bubble wrap!

Post by **DHort** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 4:23 pm

Good thing you didnt park it Chicago style. Wheels are always a plus.

Post by **DHort** » Thu Mar 31, 2022 4:23 pm

Good thing you didnt park it Chicago style. Wheels are always a plus.