MTFCA Forum

I used a sprayed on layer of gloss polyurethane spar varnish. I lightly sanded it and then sprayed with black enamel. It came out looking real nice.

So sorry to hear of another good person falling to Covid19....what a waste of a life and a tragedy for his family.

Fuel will flow thru a Facet Posi-flo pump when the pump is not running. The reason I'm considering a pump is because I had one experience of "faltering" on a hill in Indiana during their Covered Bridge Tour. It didn't quit but threatened to. I also had a few sputters when going down the highway with...

Anybody ever cheat and add an inline low pressure electric fuel to help out in those instances where a T with an under-seat fuel tank starts to stall on a hill? It wouldn't be run all the time, just turned on when needed. I'm interested in your experiences, good and bad.

Looking at one of Rich's previous paintings, I saw my friend, Brian Dowell, the 2019 president of the MTFCI. Uncanny resemblance right down to the sneakers!

Arthur - Because it's possible first and second owners were an Arthur and Arthur Jr. and my maternal grandfather (who started working for Ford the year my car was built - 1916) was named Arthur. Seemed like an obvious choice.

Found this, enjoy! Henry Ford and the Reason for the Radius Rod Upgrade In the summer of 1914, I was walking across the Highland Park Garage. There were two cars standing in there. Mr. Ford waved to me and said, "Joe, get in here!" I didn't have any hat or coat on, but I got into the car, and I didn...

Jerry - the fact that you did the same thing tells me I'm in good company

I should have added that the holes in the eyelets were a little larger than the threaded end of the perch so the combination of tapers did a good job of centering the end of the wishbone and holding it firmly.

A WWII vet I knew who has since passed away told a story about working for his dad's auto parts and salvage business before the war. They'd pay $5 for a Model T, remove the parts they thought they could sell and scrap the rest. He says he stripped hundreds of cars. Along with WWII scrap drives it's ...

Sooo.... what is the "good" compression range?

I believe Henry Ford's accident occurred when he hit a patch of sand while traveling at high speed. The car became uncontrollable and he was thrown from the vehicle along with one of his engineers. Fortunately no serious injuries but the car was damaged enough to be undriveable until repaired. The w...

Part of the problem with a top mounted wishbone is that under some driving conditiions the axle can move in such a way as to render the car difficult to control. After Ford himself was involved in an accident (not too far from where I live) the wishbone was redesigned to attach to the bottom of the ...

Carburetor ice is most likely to be severe between 50° and 70° F when the humidity is above 60%. Airplanes have a control that lets you bypass the filter and duct hot air into the carb when that happens. I've experienced icing a number of times over the years usually in the spring or fall.

Do you folks running filters find that the intake manifold beyond the carb gets really cold? I have a filter but currently run a heat pipe. I'd like to try it but have concerns about carburetor ice.

Where did you see it?

Ever think of wrapping it in plastic and embedding it in a box full of spray-in foam?

I'm still hoping someone out there has one

I have a 1917 touring and frequently have four big people aboard. I installed a Z high compression head which gives me a few extra HP. I changed the pinion to a 10 tooth which gave the car better performance on hills. If you decide to go that route I'd enlist the aid of someone who knows their way a...

Sent you an email

Dan, You may not remember but you spent an hour or so during the Michigan Jamboree in the casino parking lot in Sault Ste Marie trying to diagnose a miss in my newly restored '17 touring. You swapped me four Champions for my four Autolites to see if they'd help and it was one of those plugs that cam...

Supposed to be 70°F plus (21°C) in Michigan tomorrow.... you're welcome to keep all the white stuff for awhile

I was checking my T before taking a trip and found the wire loose on the spark plug in #3. When I tried to tighten it I found the top post was actually loose (see photo). I applied a little JB weld and it seems to be holding. I let it set overnight and put it in my T before taking a 50 mile jaunt to...

Colorizing makes the photos look real and relatable....thanks for sharing.

Ah! You know Leg's Inn..... ever notice the Model T running board they use for a door sill at the main entrance?

Like I said, whole wheel or just the felloe.....I'd like to get the wiggle out of my T by next touring season

Welcome to Michigan! The Petoskey area is one of the most beautiful areas in northwestern Michigan, and that is true for all four seasons! You will enjoy the Lake Michigan vistas and have the satisfaction of living in an area that others view as a vacation destination. Petoskey and the surrounding a...

I have the Turbo 400 clutch in my T - it is my first Model T so I have no basis of comparison to original Ford clutches.

In another post Greg Gregson is looking for steel felloes.... not to compete with Greg but I need one too! I'd like to buy or build up a 30 x 3.5 rear wheel with a felloe compatible with the Ford felloe I currently have. I'll take a complete wheel or just the Felloe --- I have a serviceable hub. I'm...

I came across some mention in other threads about using motorcycle oil in a Model T. Since many motorcycles share the engine oil with the transmission like our T's, I wonder if the formulation would have any advantages over conventional automotive oil? Anybody care to comment?

Robert - 86 eh? At least you are still doing! Many people younger than you have already given up the fight so you have my respect. I hope your inspection turns out well but regardless, the best of luck!

The advice given by others is fine if you will be driving the vehicle again in the next few weeks. I shut mine off with the ignition but then turn the fuel off at the carb. My carb does not appear to leak but some old carbs sometimes have leaky float valves and it can be a problem. I prefer not to c...

New York City in 1909 saw 500 tons of horse manure collected per day. They obviously didn't get it all and one of the worst effects was dried manure dust blowing about. Despite their stinky exhausts, cars were seen as an improvement. You have to wonder what all the out of work manure-shovelers found...

John is referring to Jack Zimmer, and to be correct, this tour was the Jack Zimmer Memorial Color Tour. Jack had a positive influence on many of our members and unfortunately passed away far too young. His wife and daughter joined us on the tour which was a nice thing.

If no one had made a low-cost car affordable to the masses, I think you would have seen a continuation or expansion of class differences.Those with the freedom to travel and those without. People would still be crammed into cities, limited in their ability to travel by whatever public transportation...

For many of our folks it was the first and the last tour of 2020. We may get some "Indian Summer" but for the most part the Model T's are going back in the barn until next spring. November is just a few days away and in the Great Lakes region, November marks the turning point between fall and winter...

I'm sitting at home, warming up after an afternoon touring the back roads about 40 miles north of Detroit with 42 other members of the Casual T's club. The vast majority drove Model T's although we did have a few cars from the 30's and 40's whose occupants wanted to enjoy the luxury of heat :lol: My...

Your coils won't buzz on mag until the engine turns over, either by cranking or when running. That's why many choose to start on battery because the available voltage does not depend upon how fast you're cranking. Switch to mag once it is running. The mag puts out AC with the voltage depending upon ...

Do your coils buzz on mag when the engine isn't running? If so, you're really on battery. As to your other question.... no, it's not normal. Usually a T will run well on either mag or battery. Typically the battery is used for starting because of it's constant voltage not related to how fast the eng...

Last saturday I saw this operation done by the side of a rural Michigan road on a '25 coupe. The clutch was slipping and I could smell it although I was three cars behind the coupe. Scott Steelman and Brian Dowell came to the rescue and they were able to adjust the clutch well enough that the owner ...

I installed brand new T-Drivers in July of 2019. They have 2900 miles on them and still have lots of life left. If your tires are wearing out at low mileages maybe something else is going on to cause premature wear.

Took a overnight tour with eight other cars from Vestaburg in mid-Michigan to Jugville's log hotel (The Shack) located on a lake near Fremont. Friday saw cold, rain and frozen pellets (a thunderstorm overnight) while the return on Saturday was just cold. By cold I mean a little either side of 50 deg...

May I also suggest you locate your nearest Model T club and get to know some of the guys..... they'll be more than happy to take a look at your car and offer some advice and help. This is a link to California MTFCA Clubs <https://www.mtfca.com/chapters/#ca> and the one California chapter of the MTFC...

Henry, many years ago when my wife was pregnant I mistakenly put her hemorrhoid cream on my toothbrush. Wakes you up quick!

I hope you realize how incredible it is to be 15 and have resurrected a nearly century old car. I see great things in your future....congrats!

So....your lights only run off the magneto if I'm seeing the wiring correctly. I assume the battery post is only connected to the 12 volt battery. Norman may have it correct although I would think there would be enough juice at high rpm to keep the engine running albeit perhaps poorly. I think if yo...

I'm wondering how you wired the lights so as to run off either battery or magneto? I added a 12 volt battery to my car and run the lights off it only. I also converted to LED's but that is another story.. I wonder if you are somehow grounding out the magneto?

I strongly suggest you contact a nearby Model T Club and see if some of their more experienced members might be willing to join you in ressurecting your car. I've found Model T people to be incredibly helpful and a wonderful source of information and advice.

I don't have a coupe but my '17 touring came with the back springs removed in the front. When I re-upholstered I did not replace them, opting for an inch of dense foam. The extra room makes a big difference.... I would not be able to drive my car comfortably otherwise.

I’ve been informed that this is the only surviving Model S that the Cartercar.org people are aware of. Hopefully someday it will be restored and back on the road.

I have a New Day Timer from Tip Top timers. I last cleaned it about 900 miles ago and the car is still running fine. When I clean it I do so with a 2.5 inch fine sanding disc on a drill. Just enough to brighten up the copper. I then blow it out with compressed air. For those unfamiliar with the New ...

I've had the same experience as Steve - it comes out around the collar. The only grease the universal gets is what it slings around inside the bell so more is better in my opinion. You do want to wipe off the grease that oozes out or you will find clumps of grease under the car.

The context should include "when" the business existed.

Everything old is new again - an oil discussion from ten years ago. http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/133314.html

Speaking of Motorcycle oils, has anyone tried Castrol Actevo 4T 10W-40 Part Synthetic Motorcycle Oil?

Shell Rotella 15W40 has more ZDDP than most oils available and is recommended for older engines - I run it in my '52 Jeep, '53 Tractor, '89 boat and '17 T. Though ZDDP is an important anti-wear additive for many older engines it's less important in really old engines such as in your Model T. Since I...

The bendix gear does NOT run on the ring gear continuously. It appears to be cut so as to smoothly engage the ring gear. It certainly sounds like it is engaging smoothly.

Good to know about Buckeye electric. They do good work.

Wayne and all, glad you enjoyed it. My friend has a couple more unusual vehicles so maybe I'll do this again sometime

Jim - want an interesting idea. I have e-track across the front and back of my trailer and may give this a try. I've had others suggest I attach channel to the floor but that would limit me to transporting one type of car. Your idea is genius

No more guesses? Bragging rights go to Wayne....it's a 1912 Cartercar. It is currently gathering dust among some newer cars in a building near me. It belongs to a friend who has at least 50 various cars dating back to 1901 of which only one, a 1925 Model T Roadster, is ever driven. He has about 15 M...

Ok.... One of you got it but I'm going to show another photo before giving it away

Henry, the car pictured is not on your list. My understanding is that the Prestolite starter was a factory installation. More hints, the car was manufactured in Michigan and had a unique transmission.

Others have done this and now it's my turn. I know we have some real car experts out their so like the guys on car talk used to do, I'm going to see if I can "stump the chumps" (no offense...) I'm going to post a photo from a car I recently saw sitting in a storage building and see if anyone can ide...

Steve is definitely an inspiration to the rest of us but his travels bring up a point. When I tour with a group we always have between us an impressive collection of tools and spare parts. When I travel alone, not so..... It would certainly be helpful to have a published list (electronic or paper) o...

That would be me. I run 12 volts and previously had an original-type 6volt starter that I used with an old bendix spring as a dropping resistor. I also have a high compression head and there were times when the engine was warm that the old starter didn't want to turn it over. I'd have to crank the e...

It's old technology.... a challenge to learn yet easier to understand than today's computer controlled cars. I can actually work on it! I also have a family connection ---- my family's first car was a 1917 Touring. My '17 was actually built on my dad's tenth birthday (Sept 23, 1916.) My maternal gra...

I have a new radiator and my car never runs hot...never! My car had an old water pump when I bought it but I didn't want to introduce another possible point of failure. If I felt I needed a water pump I would buy a modern unit from Texas T's and use the other for a wheel chock.

The pictures on the news are heartbreaking.... what our western friends are having to endure is beyond belief. Here in Michigan the sky is more gray than blue and towards evening the Sun is just a dull orange ball... they say it is due to the smoke from the west. Incredible, just incredible and sad.

What an interesting idea.... I think it is certainly worth a try. Let us know what happens

You've got to forget the "Mr." stuff....those guys will get big heads and be impossible to deal with. You can buy bent Oak bows from the vendors like Langs and Snyders for a reasonable cost. If you want a laminated bow (more $$) contact Jonathon Anderson <jpautowood@gmail.com>. I bought a complete s...

Along the same vein, I started collecting "Do's and Don'ts" in late 2018 but then was taken out of action by a shattered ankle and never shared the result with the forum. I dug it up and polished it a bit and here it is - you'll need to download the free Adobe Reader if you don't already have it. T_...

I've attached a photo that may better explain what I was talking about. First of all, my Rip Van "Wrinkle" top was in a never-opened box under my rear seat when I bought the car. The box was from J C Whitney and had a 1989 postmark. I have no idea who actually made the top but I'm sure it wasn't JCW...

I am so glad everyone is OK. Hank definitely kept his cool... I am also glad that I installed rear disc brakes over the winter.... my wake-up call came on a steep hill on last year's covered bridge tour. Live and learn - maybe it should be "learn and live..."

Thanks to all for sharing

Over the last few days my wife and I joined seven other couples and their Model T's for a tour in Mid-Michigan. This was the first outing with my new top. We encountered some light rain and for the most part stayed dry which was nice. One leak occurred where the rain fly on the top of the windshield...

Not all sectors of the economy are hurting. I have a friend in the antique car maintenance business who is booked thru December.

The position of the windshield hinge appeared in later 1917. The bow sockets look square which along with the previous comments would make it 1918 or non-starter 1919 (maybe

)

I found something similar when I looked at my top bows although I think yours is worse. If the bow fails you could damage your top and who knows what. I suggest you replace it and perhaps others. Jonathan Anderson<jpautowood@gmail.com> makes beautiful replacement bows. I replaced all of mine and as ...

I bought a pair of these mirrors for my 1917 touring. They have the least vibration of others I have tried. A quality unit.

Here in the Thumb of Michigan it is 68°, blue skies with a few clouds and a nice breeze. One of those days it feels great to be alive. For the most part Michigan has a great climate but we too have seen some aberrations over the past few years. At least we're not melting, burning or being blown or w...

Hmmm....I read the comments on the AACA forum and learned something new. I'd never thought of doing a google search by image. I tried it and it worked very well. A good way to find out if the pictures are legit or from another source (ebay ad, forum posting, whatever.)

There are lots of knowledgeable Model T guys in SE Michigan. Many belong to the Casual T's. You might check them out. <http://www.casualts.org/>

Peter - thanks for your comments. You make an interesting point. Yes, I can change a tire. I carry a spare, jack, lug wrench & etc. I also frequently check tire pressure.

Prestolite pioneered the process of compressing Acetylene gas and storing it in cylinders.

OK - to answer your questions. 1.) The tires are Universal T-Drivers. The tubes are Hartfords. They had 2200 miles on them when the trouble started. 2.) The tire stems were cut / torn on one side not fore and aft which I would have expected had the tires slipped on the rim. I'm going to put little p...

Awhile back I went out to my barn to work on the T and found the left rear tire flat. I removed the demountable rim and took it to my local tire shop where they found the valve stem had been cut on the side! Their theory was that the beads of the tire allowed so little space that the tire itself cut...

When my radiator filler neck came off I took it to an old time radiator shop. He did a great job and it cost me only $20. I would have spent that much for the materials to do my own repairs and might have produced amateurish results.

Actually, I have a wood firewall. The photo I posted is not of my car. I used a small router bit to make a slot in the wood because the push rod doesn't move straight back and forth. On the inside the slot is covered by an oval shaped brass disc with a centered hole. I've attached a drawing that may...

I have a related question. I recently had a flat - crack in the valve stem on one side. Tire inflation was checked the day it happened. There was no evidence of a sudden loss of pressure --- I just found it flat when I went to the barn the next day. Any theories as to why this happened? My tire guy ...

I have the same thing....a '17 touring with a starter added. The setup is similar to a '19 or '20. When I had my Holley G carburetor overhauled by Russ Potter I asked him to add a double-ended choke lever which allows the attachment of a choke wire from the front by the crank and from the panel. The...

I've met Mark and his dad and seen their shops. I doubt anyone does finer work on Model T's. That said, the fact that Mark can suffer such a horrific injury is scary and should be a lesson to all in the hobby. My '17 didn't have a starter but I added one when the engine was rebuilt. Purists might ob...

Brakes? Jonah, that is a very astute observation. Getting a Model T to "Go" is a great accomplishment. Getting it to "Stop" can be equally rewarding. I had some experiences on a tour in really hilly country that were a little scary (where I live is pretty flat) so this spring I installed hydraulic d...

Swiss Army Knife - besides the obvious uses, the little magnifying glass helps my old eyes read the numbers on drill bits

Maybe you need to change your diet

From a January 1923 Newspaper. Boy! talk about predicting the future!

Pennsylvania to Studio City....I sense a story there. I hope we aren't overloading you with too much information but as Kelly Bundy said, "To be forewarned is to have four arms..." (Obscure Married With Children reference typical of a babbling old guy.) Part of the fun is the research...followed by ...

Welcome to the hobby... good luck in your search! Don't buy a Model T if you're looking for a speedy antique. A comfortable speed for a T is in the 30-35 mph range. I've had mine up over 45 or so on busy roads but it isn't a comfortable feeling, especially in an open car. Also, why beat your engine ...

Tom, Looking at your photo of the "broken end" what I see doesn't look much like the cut end of the material I used. It looks more like plastic. I wonder if we're talking about the same material? I have a test piece I cut and bent to learn how to mold the material that I'm going to hang up and see w...

Lisa, I like your enthusiasm and the obvious intelligence you are putting into researching your choice of a Model T. I agree with others....A T is not suitable for freeways. The only exception might be on an organized tour with other Model T's and then only for a short distance. If a modern car pile...

Dick is correct....never say never. My motto is “have trailer will travel.” A Model T tour is a great place to see new country (at a modest pace) and meet new people. Thanks for your comment about my tail light. I didn’t mention that I’ve installed LED bulbs in my headlights and all the oil lamps. I...

You are correct - when I refer to the "period" I mean the years that the Model T was being produced or still in common use. If you read "Farewell my lovely" by E.B. White (which was posted recently) you'll see mentioned the huge number of aftermarket accessories available to personalize your Model T...

Aircraft fuel available today is still leaded and set at 100 octane. My aircraft's engine was originally certified for 73 Octane but only 100 is available. The only issue I notice is a greater tendency towards lead fouling of spark plugs. No improvement in performance compared to when 80-87 octane w...

Lisa, So far you are doing everything right. You have also received some great advice from guys on the forum and have a wonderful resource in your club. I don't have much to add but will throw out a couple of points. 1.) Decide whether you want a "driver" or a show car. For a driver you should look ...

Search found 770 matches