MTFCA Forum

Looking forward to it, as always.

I've missed one meet since the first one I attended with my dad in 1975 at the "Dust Bowl". I was 14.

Thank you for doing this for the club, Jeff. My hat is off to you. See you there.

Mike Spaziano.

When I bought my '26 Touring in 1999, it had a genuine Ford script timer and roller installed. After I got quickly fed-up with the generally crappy performance of the car, I started asking around about what fixes I should perform. The first piece of advice came from the late Frank "Fast Frank" Harri...

Mark,

Last I heard, Big Flats Rivet Company has shuttered their business, sorry to say.

I honestly hope I'm wrong.

Mike Spaziano.

Just an FYI, I believe that the use of Phillips head screws in a Model T is prohibited under Federal law, punishable by imprisonment in a shuttered, former Ford assembly plant in your state for not more than four hours. But seriously folks, since Big Flats Rivet Co. went away, the only place I know ...

Just a little information. Originally, the stamped spider was painted wood grain.

Mike.

Keith, I joined the Long Beach Model T Club in 1995. I didn't own a T then, but as the by laws state, "Owenership of a Model T is not required". I have since purchased a '26 Touring from the widow of a past member. My first Long Beach Model T Club Swap Meet was in 1975 at the "Dust Bowl". In my opin...

You guys are brutal. Brutal, but absolutely hilarious!

Garrett, I'm going to second what speedy said. The end of July is just around the corner. There have been many a good deal found at the Long Beach swap. Nothing is certain, but chances are you will find something much better at Veterans Stadium that's affordable to you. As my grandfather used to say...

The number one choice of paint for pinstripers is Sign Painter's One Shot. This brand was used by THE best pinstripers in the custom car painting trade. Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, Kenneth "Von Dutch" Howard, Larry Watson, and many others used it. It comes in a wide variety of colors, both solids and metal...

Mike, The timer you have is made from a plastic material that's classified as a thermoplastic. It was most likely made by the injection mold process. The base material is the type that can be molded, ground up, heated and remolded. Kind of like a hard wax. Since it is susceptible to heating and mold...

The Ford Motor Company had a long standing relationship with the Briggs Body Company before and after WW II. Briggs Body Company actually made three pre-production, prototype vehicles for the Lincoln Zephyr proposal to replace the Lincoln Model K. Of the three, one was a full-size wooden mock-up. Th...

Back around 1978, the Henry Ford Museum hired a new head curator that decided that the museum needed to "get rid of all the junk" cluttering up the place. Among the items auctioned off was the crystal punch bowl that Henry won in the race with the "999". Today, no one knows its location or even if i...

Any update on the overnight camping status?

I have often times asked "Who was the person that outlawed fun, anyway?" I figured it out. It's not a person, it's a group of people. They're called "Insurance Companies". Insurance companies love to take in premiums. However, they absolutely detest paying settlements. It affects the bottom line and...

Mark, Check out the Livingood 4 W. D. setup for Model T Fords. A few years back, I believe that the original manufacturer's grandson was considering reproducing the set-up. I believe he built one and installed it in a car. The only big modification needed was that the front spring needed to have a s...

Am I human? Don't ask my kids this question.

The last "official" Long Beach Model T Club Hillclimb was in 1979 and was won by Nick D'Antonio, who had the best time. When it came time to organize the Hillclimb for 1980, there was a problem with the four entities that controlled the properties surrounding Hill Street. Shell Oil Company, the City...

Jay,
I have had one of these on my '26 Touring for years. Best thing I've ever bought for my car. With the addition of a jeweled dash light cover (also made by Metal Specialities in Chicago).
Best of all, you don't have to drill any holes! The down side is, it only fits the oval '26-'27 dash cluster.

Just to add some additional information. I worked in the Model Shop at Mattel Toy Company for 14 years, and in those 14 years I became VERY familiar with the (PMS) Pantone Matching System. The other system that was formerly used by Mattel's Model Shop was the Munsel system. These are THE MOST COMMON...

Not so fast, now. The first wack-a-holic that was caught with a map-gas torch that was setting trash on fire and telling people that he couldn't help himself and had to do it. The citizens apprehended him and zip tied his hands together and held him until the police arrived. While the police couldn'...

I see that Garrett resides in Southern Orange County, California. If Garrett doesn't already know of, or is thinking about becoming a member of the Orange County Model T Club, I reccomended he look into becoming a member. There are several members of that club that have helped me immensely over the ...

Or, in this case, Garrett "GarJen" Jensen is 16 years old, according to his profile. I'm 64 years old and remember very well when I was 16. Back in 1977 there was no website forums, no internet, nothing of the like. There was Hemmings, Antique Motor News, the Long Beach Model T swap meet, Cars and P...

Fire has now erupted in Pasadena. Not positive, but this has most likely occurred in the foothills. The low-lying areas are subject to the winds, but the fire threat is less in those areas because of accessibility. There are a large number of antique and vintage car owners that live in Pasadena and ...

The Long Beach Model T Club member that made the Nash Metropolitan/Model T brake conversions was a gentleman by the name of Orville Enyert. He did lots of "mods" to Model Ts.

The address on the instruction sheet above is not Culver City. It reads: "9368 Farm Street, Downey, California 90241"
Really a shame those aren't still being made. I could have sent him a check and had him hand them over the back fence and give them to my friend that lives on the other side.

It was once said that the four stages of a man's life are: You believe in Santa Claus- You don't believe in Santa Claus- You are Santa Claus- You look like Santa Claus. You made a lifetime memory for that little girl, and her family. It's folks like you, Bob, that make this place a little better. Me...

Welcome, Audrey, You mentioned that you lack things like welding skills. I highly reccomend taking welding classes at the local J.C. to obtain such skills. I know that when it comes to welding, learning the basics and practicing is well worth the time spent. Don't be afraid. The instructors know tha...

I have one of those on the left rear of my '26 Touring, above the license plate and to the left of the taillight. Those things really reflect the light at night.
Worth every penny, and period correct.

John, Welcome to the MTFCA website forum where all things Model "T" related are discussed and shared. I hope you find the forum informational and interesting. We all do. As a note to your post above, Mr. Jelf has recovered from his horrific accident caused by an inattentive driver. The post that you...

To answer the O.P.s question: Schrader 888.

This is the correct valve stem for a Ford welded wire wheel.

Couldn't agree more, Tim. But, like most folks here on the forum, love to have it, but I'm a little short, in stature, cash, and room. Not 'fer nuttin' but I'm Mike, the guy selling the car is Mark. Just wanted to clear that up. You see, I'm a stickler for names. After all, I've been called "Spaz" m...

Tim,
Just trying to help the O.P. out.
In answer to your question above, His and Hers?

I believe that Mark Chaffin currently has a very original 1913 Touring for sale in the Vehicles for Sale section with a recently reduced price.
Make sure you give that a look, if you haven't already.

Lisa, If you haven't already, try Mark Chaffin. He often has parts not advertised here on the forum. Another source would be Lang's. They're a great bunch of people and are always very helpful. Like Chaffin's, they have a good selection of used parts, but you have to contact them by phone. The third...

All the vehicles appear to be mid teens vintage. The second car from the right appears to be a Packard, due to the radiator shape. First car on the right may be a Cadillac. All the cars have acetylene headlights. Due to the grainyness of the photo, this is only a guess. I'd put the date c.1919. Mike.

I purchased my 1926 Touring from the previous owner's widow in 1999. It was restored by him in approximately 1977. Since I purchased the car, I've done several things to it, like installing a better radiator, new floor boards, a spot light/mirror, and most recently, a Ruckstell rear axle. I'm ashame...

MAN! Just watching that made my joints hurt!

I second what Allan said. Back around 1973, my dad and I went out to see YnZ Yesterday's Parts. We were working on a 1931 Chevy 3 window coupe. Back then, Sid Young gave us the grand tour of his two car garage operation. In those days they were about the only game in town for reproduction wire harne...

They were originally fork mounted, like T style acetylene headlights.
Those were probably originally used as headlights on a large truck, such as a Jeffery/Nash or FWD Quad or a Liberty truck.

Norm, Oliver and Lisa Douglas had a phone connected to a pole in the yard in Hooterville. I reccomend spending the extra money and having the phone installed in the house. At 63 with bad knees, climbing that pole would really hurt me. There is another option. Get a cellphone and it'll go everywhere....

Better make that Tuesday. Monday is Labor Day.

Jay, Oddly enough, I know a guy that owns a large part of Goldfield, Nev. Also, he's an antique car guy. Would you mind if I copied your photo and sent it to him? As a side note, actor Ben Alexander who played Frank Smith in the 1950s version of Dragnet, was born in Goldfield, Nevada. Mike Spaziano.

I never had the chance to meet Rich in person but, I met Rich's wife, Joy and his daughter Sally. Sally and I worked together at Mattel in El Segundo years ago. Joy was in So. Cal. visiting Sally and we all met to watch a Barbie animated movie in Mattel's theater at the corporate headquarters buildi...

My family moved west to Los Angeles in the mid-50s from Providence/Pawtucket R.I. There may have been branches in multiple major cities throughout the country, but I clearly recall my father talking about the National Casket Company factory in Providence. Can't be sure where the photo was taken and ...

The timer and roller that I removed from my engine to replace with a New Day Timer had "Ford" stamped on both. These were cleaned and placed under the front seat.
Your timer and roller may be non-Ford replacements.

He also claimed that he was a good friend of Kim Dobbins. He included Kim's email address, which most people here on the forum know. The email address that was posted wasn't even close to the actual address. According to Admin Jeff, Mr. Soul's account has been deleted and his posts are deleted. Than...

Norm, I'm in the same leaky rowboat as you are, sort of. I've had the same address in the Metropolitan Los Angeles area since June, 1962. Proposition 13 passed when I was a senior in High School. I'm 63 now. My neighbors hate me because my property taxes are just over $1,000 per year. No one on my b...

Norm,

Your property taxes have been canceled?!?!?

Is this a new incentive by California Govenor Neusance to coax all the people and businesses that have fled California to come back?

Sorry, Norm. I couldn't help myself when I saw your typo.

Mike.

Hi, Paul. Hope you are doing well. A good friend of mine used to own a 1907 Model R Ford that had four Samson tires on it. They were all in great shape. Of course they were all 30 x 3. He sold the car about 15 years ago unfinished. I have heard that the guy that bought it has sold it since. He never...

Larry,
Just for grins, I looked up Mac's Antique Auto Parts and their website shows "permanently closed."
Looks like it's a wrap for that outfit.
Gonna miss 'em (NOT).

If I recall correctly, Larry Sidmore, at one time, offered a complete kit including rods so the kit could be installed complete out of the box. It was then decided by the two men making the components that they would not be sold as a kit to avoid liability. This way, neither vendors could be held re...

The late Larry Sidmore (the guy that used to sell the reproduction small drum A C brakes) used to sell reproduction Globe tool box decals at the Bakersfield swap meet.

Since his passing, I have no idea what happened to them.

Mike.

I watched the video until I couldn't stand it any longer. About 3/4 of the way through. I got just past the part where they decided that they didn't have a wrench that would fit the oil drain plug and decided to drain the old oil using the lower oil petcock. NICE! On their drive to the Ford dealer, ...

You're welcome, Jay.

As it says at the bottom of every one of my posts, knowledge that isn't shared is wasted knowledge.

I hope they come through for you.

Mike.

Maybe this place can help you out.

https://www.heritageaai.com/shade-restoration.html

I do now! Thank you, Allan.

You're quite welcome, Edwin. I always enjoy having a reason to electronically puff my chest out.
Cheers!

Mike "Modeltspaz" Spaziano.

You have permission to use the image of my 1926 Touring above. No extra charge. :lol: That photo was taken back in 2000 when I first bought the car. It was photographed in the driveway of a 1920s Spanish Revival style house near where I live in the city of Downey. I've since put a different pair of ...

The pages and top/bottom covers were held together with a single heavy-duty shoe lace that had crimped steel tips on each end. The lace was threaded through the top cover, through the pages, and then back through the bottom cover in a way that, when done properly, brought the two ends together and t...

Gilbert Metal Products is actually located in the city of South El Monte on St Louis Drive. They've been there for many years. Roger and his father, Wayne, are absolutely the nicest people you'd ever meet. They have been making reproduction lamps for early Fords for a long time and really know their...

Ford's Maywood plant produced Mercury (and I believe Lincoln) until production was consolidated at the Pico-Rivera (Los Angeles plant) from 1957 until 1980. Prior to the consolidation, the workers worked alternating days between Pico and Maywood. When production ceased at the Pico-Rivera plant, the ...

Ah, yes. Always looked forward to the Don Martin Department. That guy was hilarious.

The Festrunk Bros.

Arnie, I have seen photos posted on this site, years ago, of original pinstripe on improved open cars. The stripe ran just below where the top of the body rolls down into the side panel. If I recall correctly, the car was a gunmetal blue Touring with an obvious pinstripe. I don't recall the color of...

Just to be clear on how I feel about where I stand on this statement, please read the signature line at the bottom of my post.

Thank you.

Mike, I worked in the Model Shop at Mattel Toy Company for 14 years. I was one of the couple of guys who applied the water slide decals, among many other things, to the prototype toys we produced. I worked my way up to the reputation of being the "Oh, decal job? Give it to Mike" guy. You're absolute...

Reminds me of a scene from the movie Once Upon a Time in America. Man! I really enjoyed that movie.

There are existing, all original open cars that were made near the end of Model T production that have visible, factory done pinstriping on the body.
Photos of these cars have been posted on this forum.

Bruce, In those boxes are South Wind gasoline heaters manufactured by the Stewart Warner Corporation. If they are complete, they have the fitting that connects them to the gas supply. These are usually missing. The artwork on the box states that they can reach operating temperature in 90 seconds, an...

It's called cowlboard. My dad did upholstery for 50 years. He upholstered cars, furniture, and boats, he even upholstered a private plane one time. He always called it panel board, but apparently, by doing an internet search, it's now called Cowl Board. Get your Google on and do a search for "Cowl b...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Steve. You are an amazing man. Most people half your age would not have faired nearly as well as you. I see that you may be heading out to Lomita. If that happens, I would like to pay you a visit and shake your hand. The last time we talked was at the Corona/ Rive...

Holy cow, Jim! From the looks of that photo you posted of that AR wheel, it appears that the only difference between a 26-27 wire wheel and an AR wheel is the hubcap opening. But, like I said, I've heard those are scarse. I believe they were only produced for less than a year. Thanks for the clarifi...

Be careful. I have been told that the very early '28 Model A wheels do not have the raised ribs between the lug holes and are very similar to T wheels. Apparently, after complaints began coming into the branch offices about stress cracks appearing in the center hub of the wheel, an engineering chang...

Sorry. I should have specified NY John T, the original poster.

John kuehn, I know you've been around Ts for awhile. I'm sure you're well versed in the production processes that Ford used.

Again, sorry for the confusion. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

John, MANY years ago, an MTFCA member by the name of Reid Welsh did an exhaustive study to find the ingredients of actual Ford Gilsonite. There were many posts by him on that subject. He actually produced several batches and used it to paint his 1922 Coupe. From what I can remember, it was a mixture...

Early clear glass contained a certain amount of manganese. When exposed to sunlight, over many years, the manganese begins to outgas within the glass. This event reflects light in the purple spectrum. If the glass were to be melted and remolded, the glass would return to clear. Friends, don't try th...

I'm not sure about this, but this may be caused by someone coming in late from the rain and finding out that Le Baron-Bonney went under. Trust me, no one was shocked more than me (and from what I've heard, also their employees) that they went under. Thus taking along another well-known vintage auto ...

The Coleman Lamp and Stove Company published a booklet called The Coleman Motor Camper's Manual in 1926. It was authored by Frank E. Brimmer, who was an authority on motor camping in that era. Although the booklet does not show any specific brand of tent topped camp trailers or tents, it does give r...

This is the best post I've seen on the forum in months.

Keep plugging away, and you'll be back to 100% before you know it. Long live The Dauntless Geezer!

Egge Machine Company in Santa Fe Springs had a Brush in their front showroom several years ago. It was blue, and if I'm not mistaken, it had a Great American Race sticker on the hood.

It may still be there, but I'm not positive. It's been years since I've been in there.

You're not an idiot. You just lack a little foresight. The trick is, since the top side of the bolt used in the starter switch can't be accessed, you can take a thin cut-off wheel in a die grinder and grind a slot in the stud that keeps spinning. Take a blade screwdriver and insert it in the slot an...

https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=steve+jelf

Let's not let this fade away to forum history. The goal still hasn't been met.

The car(s) used in that movie were narrowed and may have been shortened considerably. There was a discussion years ago on the old forum about the car and what was done to it for the movie. One of the cars was hung from the ceiling and had a wax figure of Fred McMurray along with a stuffed dog in the...

Dallas, I'm assuming that Steve had a laptop or something like a tablet with him. Was that recovered from the crash site, and if it was, was it in useable condition? One more question. Has there been any estimate of when Steve may be able to return home? My thanks to you for all you've done. You're ...

Armstead Snow Motor. There's a promotional video on YouTube showing one in action. Towards the end of the film, it also shows the attachment installed on a Chevrolet Superior Touring Car.

The font type is called Benjamin Franklin.

I'll post a link below for a set of steel number stamps at a pretty affordable price. Better hurry, though. It shows one set left.

https://www.lockpicks.com/number-stamp-set-3-32.html

As I sit here typing this, I am about 5 miles as the crow flies from the Rancho Los Amigos rehabilitation center. Started in 1888 as the Los Angeles County Poor Farm. The name was changed in the 1920s by the then head of the facility, Dr. Harriman. He said that the name was undignified and the new n...

Selyah and "CudaMan", I want you to know that when it comes to prayer/healing energy, we're doing our part here in So. Cal. My wife and I are members of the Whittier Elks Lodge. At the last membership meeting on Wednesday, I stood up during the portion of the meeting that called for Sickness and Dis...

I think I'm going to give TXGOAT2's recipe a try.

Always searching for a new recipe for macaroni gravy. Yes, I said macaroni gravy, not spaghetti sauce. I was born and raised in So. Cal. but I was raised by New England Italians.

Thanks. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Matt, I think you hit it with the exception of the text. It's pretty obvious that the Albatross Co. moved from Portland to Los Angeles at some time and changed their name to equipment co. from furniture co. I think the confusion on the bird artwork may be due to the damage to the original decal. I'm...

Thank you, gentlemen, for keeping the forum updated on Steve's condition and the current status of his T.
I cannot remember a time that I've monitored the forum this often.
We should all be this lucky in life to have so many people pulling for us. Keep it up.

There is a Michael Jelf listed living in Lomita, CA. Steve lived in Lomita before he moved back to Kansas. There are several people here on the forum that live in Lomita and surrounding towns. Maybe someone can pay him a visit. I'm reluctant to post addresses here on the forum of people that I don't...

Are there any updates on Steve's condition, contacting relatives, and arrangements to move his T back to Kansas? I know it's still a recent occurrence, but I'm just concerned, as everyone else is. Please donate to Steve's Gofundme page. Here's going to need it! To reiterate, dig through your pile of...

Thank you, Manny, for starting this Go Fund Me for Steve. We've all got to help Steve "Mr. Thrify" out here. I figured that this was the best way to do it from So. Cal. where I'm at. My positive thoughts are with you. As was said above, if anyone could bounce back from something like this, Steve can...

I used to have one of those running board kitchenettes years ago. I decided that it was just too big for my car, and according to David Woodworth, the one I had was a Model A and the largest one. The Model B was the mid-size and perfect for a Model T running board. Well, enough of that. I was the de...

I am the proud owner of not one, but THREE Model T water pumps! One of the pumps is the type that has the little rectangular access door on the side that allows you to tighten the set screw that holds the impeller to the shaft. The second one is a "King" brand and was on the car when I purchased it....

Mack,
His name was Michael Paul Smith and he passed away from complications from diabetes.
There's a video about him on YouTube.

Mike.

I recall that there was a gentleman who would stage photos like this, but his were set in the late 30s through the 50s. The cars and trucks he used were of the Franklin Mint type. They were stunning. The man used the models in settings built by him. Buildings, town squares, that sort of thing. If yo...

I believe Dodge Brothers used that same horn button but it was mounted on the left door panel, near the driver's elbow.

Jeff,

Caswell Plating sells a kit that is similar to cadmium plating but without the hazards of actual cadmium. I've never used any of their products, but from what I've read, all of them are top quality. Just my two cents worth. Good luck and thank you for taking on this badly needed task.

Mike.

Meade,
Please step away from the crack pipe. Thank you.

Nothing to see here, folks. Please move along.

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