Search found 45 matches

by MikeSommers
Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:59 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: The Importance of Better Driving
Replies: 4
Views: 536

The Importance of Better Driving

THE WAY I HEARD IT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BETTER DRIVING Back in May 1932, a sixty-one-year-old handyman named John Thompson was tinkering in his garage when he had himself a Eureka moment-a self-centered idea that would virtually eliminate bad driving. In those days, bad driving was commonplace, and...
by MikeSommers
Tue Sep 26, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wood mouldings on model t's
Replies: 8
Views: 528

Re: Wood mouldings on model t's

They are simple to make. Take the old moldings off to use as patterns. Then re-saw mahogany, walnut, or other hardwood into thin strips. Trace the outline and details from the originals, Cut and finish with spar varnish.
Garnish3.jpg
by MikeSommers
Tue Nov 15, 2022 11:06 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: A Scope for Looking Into Dark Places
Replies: 11
Views: 1411

A Scope for Looking Into Dark Places

A friend of mine was complaining about his colonoscopy, which got me to thinking... I have never been able to confirm that the babbitt thrust washers have been replaced in my differential.

Can someone recommend a good but inexpensive bore scope that works with an iPhone?

Thanks,
Mike
by MikeSommers
Fri Sep 16, 2022 8:23 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wood, Leather, and Cloth Transmission Bands
Replies: 5
Views: 990

Re: Wood, Leather, and Cloth Transmission Bands

Thanks for the information! If I assume that my bands were purchased and installed around 1918, as the advertisement above suggests, I guess that they served me well... and it is about time that I changed them.
Regards,
Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu Sep 15, 2022 11:27 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wood, Leather, and Cloth Transmission Bands
Replies: 5
Views: 990

Wood, Leather, and Cloth Transmission Bands

Yesterday I jumped into the project of replacing my transmission band with Kevlar bands. I assumed my bands were cloth, because it seems that cloth was the most popular band material. When I removed the rivets and looked at the old bands I was surprised to see a thin cloth band, with a leather band ...
by MikeSommers
Sat Feb 26, 2022 9:05 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Retired Dr. and Model T'er celebrates her 100th Birthday
Replies: 7
Views: 1630

Re: Retired Dr. and Model T'er celebrates her 100th Birthday

John,
It was very nice for you to take the time to help that lady to celebrate her 100th birthday. Obviously the Model T played a big role in her early life, and I am sure that you giving her a ride released a flood of great memories.
Regards,
Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu Sep 30, 2021 12:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: OLD PHOTO - Look Ma No Hands!
Replies: 5
Views: 1615

Re: OLD PHOTO - Look Ma No Hands!

Wow! I cringe, just looking at that photo. It takes me back to our farm in Iowa where we had an old AC- WC tractor. It had a drive pulley that my grandfather connected to a 36 inch circle saw with a sled that moved the pieces of wood back and forth into the blade. Of course there was not one bit of ...
by MikeSommers
Tue Aug 03, 2021 4:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Post a photo of your antique Model T License Plate
Replies: 173
Views: 38240

Re: Post a photo of your antique Model T License Plate

One from Illinois and one from Pennsylvania...
IMG_1078.JPG
IMG_1077.JPG
Mike
by MikeSommers
Sun Aug 01, 2021 10:46 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Odd Clicking When Running on Magneto
Replies: 26
Views: 3389

Re: Odd Clicking When Running on Magneto

Sometimes odd clicking of an engine can be something that is hard to diagnose... but easily fixed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3k5F9dUdi4

Regards,
Mike
by MikeSommers
Fri May 14, 2021 7:39 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Help Needed Just North of Chicago for Wedding
Replies: 1
Views: 930

Re: Help Needed Just North of Chicago for Wedding

Chris, I am posting a reply, and apologizing for the fact that no Model T people responded. I think what you are wanting to do is great, and I am sure that if someone would have responded, the addition of a Model T would have been a great addition to your event. In todays' environment, people are re...
by MikeSommers
Tue May 11, 2021 12:08 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Brass car original bling
Replies: 41
Views: 5966

Re: Brass car original bling

Although not exactly bling, when I bought my '13 Touring, one of the Garnish trim pieces was missing. The originals were pressed metal. A hundred years ago, owners could buy custom wood trim for a couple bucks. I went to my wood scrap box, re-sawed some pieces, and made some walnut burl garnish.
by MikeSommers
Thu Apr 22, 2021 8:53 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Museum of Art Model T For Sale
Replies: 5
Views: 1935

Museum of Art Model T For Sale

I am not selling this... nor do I have anything to do with the world of art. Nonetheless, the Columbus Museum of Art is selling a 1915 Touring. I know nothing about it, but I thought that someone might be interested. It is being sold on a web site "Everything But The House". It is at https://www.ebt...
by MikeSommers
Tue Feb 23, 2021 4:32 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: White tires...where do things stand now?
Replies: 8
Views: 2171

Re: White tires...where do things stand now?

About three years ago I purchased 4 'NON SKID's along with the required "new and improved" tubes. For the first year they stayed quite pristine. After 12 months, I noticed a slight degradation of the white color. This degradation has slowly continued. As of today, they are an "off white", but to be ...
by MikeSommers
Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:10 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Tools to take with you on a Model T drive?
Replies: 27
Views: 4202

Re: Tools to take with you on a Model T drive?

Having grown up on a farm in Iowa, we happened to have an old John Deere wire tie baler. So obviously, we had plenty of baling wire around the farm. Many times, when people use a saying, such as "held together with baling wire", I wonder how many people have even seen baling wire, let alone, used it...
by MikeSommers
Tue Nov 03, 2020 7:48 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: FJ - New Model T Owner In Warrensburg, Missouri Could Use Some Help
Replies: 1
Views: 949

Re: FJ - New Model T Owner In Warrensburg, Missouri Could Use Some Help

I would suggest contacting the local Model T club, The KC Chuggers. Their President is Frank Kelley, who is a true gentleman, and always willing to help people. Their website is kcchuggers.com and Frank's phone number is listed there. Welcome to Model T world.
Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu Oct 01, 2020 8:42 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: is a resistor needed in a 12 volt system
Replies: 29
Views: 5075

Re: is a resistor needed in a 12 volt system

Wait a second... I have owned a '13 Touring for 6 years running a 12 volt system, driven it hundreds of miles, and never had a problem with burning out the coils. I also follow this Forum even closer than I monitor the "People of Wal-Mart" site, and this is the first time that I have ever read about...
by MikeSommers
Thu Aug 27, 2020 5:01 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: HELP!!! I Need a Pair of 1913 Sill Reinforcement Brackets
Replies: 0
Views: 850

HELP!!! I Need a Pair of 1913 Sill Reinforcement Brackets

I have a 1913 Touring, and am in need of the reinforcement brackets that Ford provided to fix that problem. Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
Mike Sommers
by MikeSommers
Wed Aug 19, 2020 3:55 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Bumper Stickers on Model t's
Replies: 31
Views: 5417

Re: Bumper Stickers on Model t's

Bumper.JPG
Bumper.JPG (69.29 KiB) Viewed 4497 times
by MikeSommers
Tue Jul 28, 2020 7:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Summer time family pix
Replies: 5
Views: 2559

Re: Summer time family pix

Great picture!
But who is that guy in the yellow shirt.
John, your enthusiasm both from a family level and from a club basis is infectious.
Clearly, your Model T is a "Smile Machine".
Mike
by MikeSommers
Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:38 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Top install question
Replies: 30
Views: 7302

Re: Top install question

Preventing wrinkles is deceptively simple. Spray scotch adhesive to the inside curve of the bows and then apply the fabric. Once it has dried, you can stretch and wrap the fabric up over the outside edge, stapling as you go. Only wrap the fabric almost halfway across the outside edge, so when you wr...
by MikeSommers
Fri Nov 29, 2019 3:44 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: An Alternative Way to Install Transmission Bands
Replies: 14
Views: 5700

Re: An Alternative Way to Install Transmission Bands

Andre,
I am not sure of what you are saying. The thread you are referencing is probably from where my friend saw the gap in the bands. I am assuming that you feel this is a good way to do Kevlar bands.
Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu Nov 28, 2019 4:43 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: An Alternative Way to Install Transmission Bands
Replies: 14
Views: 5700

Re: An Alternative Way to Install Transmission Bands

Lads, Thanks for the feedback. The statements about original Ford bands ring hollow when you consider the difference between cotton and Kevlar bands. I guess what I am asking is, if members feel that having that separation of band material would allow for better oil perfusion, and hence, protection ...
by MikeSommers
Thu Nov 28, 2019 11:16 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: An Alternative Way to Install Transmission Bands
Replies: 14
Views: 5700

An Alternative Way to Install Transmission Bands

I am in the process of replacing the bands in my '13 Touring. A friend of mine sent me the photograph below showing a gap in the bands. The picture came from the website of Kohnke Re-babbiting. Clearly Mr. Kohnke is a Model T expert, which gives him great credibility. What is the opinion of other ex...
by MikeSommers
Tue Sep 10, 2019 4:46 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Post your favorite sign
Replies: 48
Views: 14544

Re: Post your favorite sign

When we lived in Melbourne Australia we came upon this sign...
Planet.jpg
by MikeSommers
Tue Jun 11, 2019 6:43 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings
Replies: 14
Views: 6456

Re: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings

Thanks Dan, I thought about that, and a friend in our Model T club (KCChuggers) reminded me that even in an axle break, if you had disc brakes, the calipers would prevent the wheel from coming off. I resisted the thought of disc brakes... but then, Frank drove home the wisdom, "safety trumps authent...
by MikeSommers
Tue Jun 11, 2019 9:07 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings
Replies: 14
Views: 6456

Re: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings

Allan,
I believe these are not ball bearings, but rather timkin. They seem a bit pricey, but why not use the best technology available, especially if it doesn't affect the look of the car.
by MikeSommers
Mon Jun 10, 2019 7:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings
Replies: 14
Views: 6456

Re: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings

I am referring to the rear axle bearings...
by MikeSommers
Mon Jun 10, 2019 7:20 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sealed Rear Axle Bearings
Replies: 14
Views: 6456

Sealed Rear Axle Bearings

Are the sealed inner and outer bearings worth the expense? I have never talked to someone who has them, so I am wondering about the users' experience on this forum.
Regards,
Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu Jun 06, 2019 10:06 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Towing a Model T
Replies: 3
Views: 2480

Towing a Model T

Whenever I am driving our Model T on a busy highway, my wife serves as the "caution" vehicle, following me with her caution lights flashing. In the event of having a breakdown, it might be advantageous to be able to tow the car to, let's say... a service station. I certainly realize that towing a Mo...
by MikeSommers
Sun Jun 02, 2019 12:17 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Stopping oil stains before they happen?
Replies: 12
Views: 5372

Re: Stopping oil stains before they happen?

Explosion and death cannot occur if you are using a true epoxy coating (one which uses a part "A" and a part "B"). It does not 'dry', but rather a chemical reaction 'cures' the coating. There is no outgassing as with traditional coverings such as oil based paints.
Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu May 30, 2019 8:49 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Stopping oil stains before they happen?
Replies: 12
Views: 5372

Re: Stopping oil stains before they happen?

Almost 10 years ago I applied a product called EPOXY-COAT on the floors of my garage and workshop. It covered well and has held up to a lot of abuse. I must admit that in a couple of places, where I did not clean the floor well, the coating has been compromised. I used two coats, applied using the '...
by MikeSommers
Sat Apr 20, 2019 4:58 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: 1912-1913 Hubcaps
Replies: 20
Views: 7785

Re: 1912-1913 Hubcaps

Please pardon my ignorance... but how would I go about applying this black oxide background to my hub caps? I looked online and all the methods I saw were dipping the part and turning everything black.

Any insights?

Thanks,
Mike
by MikeSommers
Wed Apr 10, 2019 11:08 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sharing the road with an Amish buggy!
Replies: 10
Views: 5404

Re: Sharing the road with an Amish buggy!

I never realized that there were Amish in Australia...
Mike
by MikeSommers
Tue Apr 09, 2019 9:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Non-skids vs standard tread
Replies: 14
Views: 5835

Re: Non-skids vs standard tread

I have "NON SKID"s on my '13 Touring. It does not matter how fast they wear, my experience is that women really find them very 'sexy'. I always get lustful looks, wanton gazes, and proposals for me to come 'back to their places', when they see me with my car & white non-skids. Unfortunately, their '...
by MikeSommers
Sun Apr 07, 2019 10:23 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Identifying correct coil box for early 1913
Replies: 28
Views: 9254

Re: Identifying correct coil box for early 1913

Darren,
I don't think your horn is period correct. All the '13s I have seen have a bulb horn (which looks better than the A-U-GA mechanical horn). I don't know what year they started using the later horns.
Mike
by MikeSommers
Sun Apr 07, 2019 10:17 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Identifying correct coil box for early 1913
Replies: 28
Views: 9254

Re: Identifying correct coil box for early 1913

My U.S.'13 has a block date of April 3, 1913. It had a metal coil box, but it I was told that there was an 'upgrade' program that allowed owners to swap out their old box and coils for a new and improved metal box and coils. I talked to RV Anderson, and he felt that an April 1913 T would have been b...
by MikeSommers
Wed Mar 27, 2019 10:11 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Could be FORD ?
Replies: 9
Views: 5362

Re: Could be FORD ?

I found this list on the Kohnke Rebabbiting web site. The number of companies listed amazed me. Many of them are hyperlinked, so clicking on the name will get you additional information. I cannot verify the accuracy, but it appears to be the best list I have ever seen. Use the address below. http://...
by MikeSommers
Mon Mar 25, 2019 9:23 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sand Blasting a Model T
Replies: 18
Views: 7974

Re: Sand Blasting a Model T

I was at a Model T event and talked to a guy who used a service that had a sand blaster that used high pressure water with the sand suspended in the liquid. No heating problems., and no silica floating around. He said the guy franchised the unit, which was on a trailer. I don't remember the name. Mike
by MikeSommers
Thu Mar 21, 2019 9:35 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Gary Hylton
Replies: 10
Views: 5564

Re: Gary Hylton

Gary was a founding member of the Kansas City Model T Club, the KC Chuggers. He had three Model T’s, each of which showed a different side to this impressive gentleman. His ’11 Touring was impeccably restored, and completely lacked and dings or dust, since he only took it out for club get-togethers ...
by MikeSommers
Mon Feb 25, 2019 8:22 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Owners of '13 Ts
Replies: 12
Views: 5754

Re: Owners of '13 Ts

I could be suffering from a Trump/Altzimers moment... but as I recall, when I got my top from Classtique, they provided all the fasteners. Following their directions... it all went together well.
Mike
by MikeSommers
Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:07 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: White tires
Replies: 23
Views: 8302

Re: White tires

In the post (2 above) a member posted a screen shot of a product that whitens whitewalls (so of course it would whiten tires). The wording on the screen shot was somewhat vague, without the product, the company, the address, the price, or anything relevant being mentioned. I Googled the phone number...
by MikeSommers
Fri Feb 08, 2019 11:55 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Model T 1913 Help with engine number
Replies: 34
Views: 10482

Re: Model T 1913 Help with engine number

I am sure that your block was cast at 9:00 in the morning... hence the'9'. Most bureaucrats respond favorably to solid logic, so this is reasonable.
by MikeSommers
Fri Feb 08, 2019 9:29 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wheelie Car Question
Replies: 9
Views: 4772

Re: Wheelie Car Question

When I was just a kid, I rode in my uncle's car in the local parade a couple times. His car had a small gas tank above the block. I don't think he worried about engine lubrication, because my uncle and three big guys is the back seat were well lubricated. He had two brake levers and an industrial ca...
by MikeSommers
Wed Jan 30, 2019 1:09 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Whats the Name of your T?
Replies: 69
Views: 20214

Re: Whats the Name of your T?

His name is Clarence. Why? Because an"uncle" (who was called 'Cap') was a big Model T enthusiast. When I was 12, I was often the designated driver, due to his incapacitation. He claimed the 1913 T was the best year, since it was the last year before the assembly line. My '13 is also my best friend. ...