Model T (Brass) Newbie

[pkhammer]

Well, I just jumped in (or fell in) to a model T project. I have owned numerous model A Fords and one TT for a short time but my model T knowledge is very limited. The car I just purchased is a 1914 Runabout project that the previous (deceased) owner had been in the process of restoring. It is ALL apart but I think I have found most of the original parts. The engine and trans, frame, front and rear axles/suspension, headlights, radiator, wheels and turtle deck have all been completed rebuilt/refurbished. The body is in great shape with original interior still intact. The body is a curiosity however. The paint, which appears original is dark blue. Much of it is peeling off in big flakes and there appears to be no layers of paint (or primer) underneath, just bare metal. The engine casting date is November 1914 and serial number is 61xx07 which also dates it to November 1914. From what I've read, 1914 thru 1925 cars were all black. Is that 100% accurate? I'm going to need to rely on the experts here as I work thru the process of finishing this project so thanks in advance to all who respond.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Congratulations!

Pictures would help a lot...

[pkhammer]

Car is still scattered about a dark little shed. I'll post some pics when I retrieve it which won't be until I make some room for it at my place.

[speedytinc]

The dark blue is correct.
Would be neat to put it back together as is if possible. Could make for an original barn find car with restored mechanicals. Pictures would be great. Sounds like a great score.

[havnfun]

Welcome to the addiction and MTFCA, your life just changed in ways you’re about to find out as you embark on this wonderful and exciting journey !

[speedytinc]

My "14" has a late october casting date. It is actually a "15" Looks like a 14. No cowl fire wall, but has billed front fenders & round rear fenders.(As opposed to table top flat)
The early 15 open car models bodies looked like 14's until about april, then got the "15" cowl, coil box & wind shield. Interesting to see if your "14" has these "15" features. Congratulations.

[KWTownsend]

Gregory-
For US production, the 1911-1912 cars were dark blue. Some dark blue spilled over into 1913 and even some in 1914. However, much of the 1913 and the vast majority of 1914 cars were black.

However, Canadian cars were dark blue far longer than US production. Is your car Canadian? If so, I believe the body would have been made by Wm Gray & Sons and would have been dark blue.

: ^ )

Keith

[pkhammer]

How would a person tell if it was Canadian? The body has flat top fenders, not rounded and the firewall is flat, wooden with no cowl.

[Humblej]

Canadian cars have a functional drivers door.

[pkhammer]

Not Canadian then. I hope to be able to get some more history of this car from the man's widow. I fear that much of what was known was only known by the late owner.

[John Heaman]

Canadian fenders have a double bead.

[Erik Johnson]

Original Ford factory paint doesn't peel off in sheets. That's a sign that it was most likely painted with lacquer which, years ago, was a popular choice for hotrodders and antique car hobbyists who did their own paint work because you could repeatedly paint and buff as many coats as your heart desired and end up with impressive results. However, lacquer can be prone to checking and peeling. It can typically require periodic buffing and waxing in order to keep up appearances.

[pkhammer]

Decided to revive this thread since I finally got the car home. I don't have room for it inside so it'll have to live in my trailer for a while. Had a model T friend over yesterday and we found 99% of the correct 1914 parts for the car among the plunder. I need to decide if I'm going to keep it or not as i need another project like I need a hole in the head! I am growing quite fond of model T's however and am excited about the prospect of finishing it. I also have a '31 Model A DeLuxe Roadster. One of them will need to go, I just need to decide which.
Also a correction I need to make from an earlier post. The car has a late October casting date on the engine, not November.

[Allan]

Canadian cars have functional front left and right hand doors, to cater for exports to RHD countries of the British Empire, and Canadian provinces which were RHD.

Allan from down under.

[George House]

Thank you John Heaman... thought I knew all differences in Canadian produced Ts but had no idea the fenders were double beaded ....and Gregory; great score on the ‘14 runabout basket case ! Entertain us with pictures as it comes together