Torpedo Questions

[Gen3AntiqueAuto]

Does anyone here have the dimensions of a 1911 Torpedo? I know the hood is longer (is it 2"?). I don't know seat riser height, distance from seat to firewall, height of steering wheel, and on and on.... I assume it's a stock frame and chassis underneath. Anyone have a set of blueprints?

I was given a seat skin for The Speedster Project ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... Rge7x3lJZg ) and it's "torpedo-ish looking" so I'm thinking about going in that direction with the car.

[TWrenn]

Gimme a few hours and I'll take some measurements and PM you.

Tim

[TWrenn]

Check your email...finally got time to take measurements!

[jsaylor]

The hood and steering columns are longer. For Hood size see Rootlieb.com online catalog

[Gen3AntiqueAuto]

checking email - and steering column too huh. I forgot about that...

[Wayne Sheldon]

The frame is almost the same? Sort of. The rear running board brackets (and therefore holes) are moved forward about a foot. And the firewall brackets and holes are moved back two inches. Don't forget the fender and hood hook holes! The steering column brackets are all special (different angles!).

[TrentB]

In addition, there are several other parts that are unique to the 1911 torpedo and open runabouts. These include the rear hub hand brake lever, and all three pedals. The handbrake lever is re-bent from the standard 1911 style lever, and the pedals are re-bent from the ‘09-10 pedals (which are a little bit shorter than the 1911 and later pedals). The steering column is really different than the regular 1911 car’s column. It is longer and sits at a lower angle, which means both the steering column to dash flange and steering column to frame bracket are different too. The rear fender irons are re-bent from ‘09-10 rear butterfly irons. The dash (firewall) to frame brackets are unique to these models, and so are the sidelight brackets. The windshield (and the windshield to dash clips) are a bit unique with a special question mark-shaped rain gutter between the two halves. The rear spring only has 6 leaves and they have a different contour than regular taper leaf springs.

All in all, the 1911 torpedos and open runabouts are a study unto themselves. They are not just regular 1911 chassis with different bodies and fenders on them.

Respectfully Submitted,

Trent Boggess

[Tim D]

I have a 1911 open torpedo. They are different then most for sure Someone should do a small book on just this car.

[Gen3AntiqueAuto]

If you were not so far away I would do an video on it.

I have a 1911 open torpedo. They are different then most for sure Someone should do a small book on just this car.

[Herb Iffrig]

About fifteen years ago I started a three-ring binder with all of the information I could find at the time. I still have that. I was rebuilding a Torpedo around an original engine that I have the build sheet for. The engine came out of a Torpedo when it was new. There was a lot of questions back then on the forums. I printed them out put them in a binder.

I have about thirty original photos in a file on my computer

[TRDxB2]

Two local Torpedo's, not mine
Craig Beek's (available $$$)

Private Collector - Recent Restoration

IMG_3822xxx.jpg (82.04 KiB) Viewed 3556 times

[Gen3AntiqueAuto]

1911 is definitely a better year for these!

[TWrenn]

Tom, I just emailed you more dimensions and some pics. Hope they help.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Herb I, Yeah, I have about thirty of them on my computer also! Most harvested from this forum over several years. A lot of them posted by you! Thank you very much!
My "files" are not well organized, although I have worked on that some this past year. At least now I only have to search through over seven hundred photos in one file for all 1909 to 1914 cars, instead of four separate folders of mixtures of everything (one file alone was just short of two thousand photos!)!

[Tim D]

Here is a picture of mine. I have the correct wheels they need new spokes.

[Gen3AntiqueAuto]

Tim D
Is that car in nuetral in that photo or e-brake on? I'm seeing different torpedos, one is straight up for high gear and the next looks like it's straight up for nuetral like any other.

[TWrenn]

Tim...
That cars lever looks to be in "park mode" as it is leaning towards the seat.

On my Torpedo, straight up is actually fully in park, as mine also has RM brakes, and that changes how the lever travels.

[Tim D]

E brake is on. Shoes could be worn down it has a lot of miles on them.

[Tim D]

I have been reading up on the 1911 cars. My question is are the fenders and splash aprons blue also? Mine are painted black.

[KWTownsend]

Tim,
That debate continues.
Mine are all blue.
IIFC, the parts book do not list black as an option.

:^ )

Keith

[Tim D]

Thats how I read it also all Blue.
Next question does anyone make the mid year data plate with the serial number in the upper right hand corner?

[KWTownsend]

Tim,
I don't believe so.
You are looking for this type?

1911 id tag Bob 2.jpg (62.56 KiB) Viewed 3087 times

[Tim D]

yes that is the one. my car is 789xx

[lnoller]

Takes a very special steering shaft bracket due to the column being at a different angle.

[TXGOAT2]

So, the 1911 Torpedo, not the 1964 1/2 Mustang, is Ford's first long hood, short deck sport model.

[TWrenn]

I have been reading up on the 1911 cars. My question is are the fenders and splash aprons blue also? Mine are painted black.

Mine are blue also. The whole dang car is blue, chassis and all.

[TWrenn]

Takes a very special steering shaft bracket due to the column being at a different angle.

Larry...like this one?
Note my hi-tech "pedal extender" for my short legs!