MTFCA Forum

"Do or do not" -- love it.

Thanks for the plan, TRDx82.

Joe

I appreciate that insight, Dan and the photo of what things should be like. As things stand, it appears that the top of the crossmember is 1 7/8". The frame thickness is about 1/8" (just by checking the photo showing a ruler so this may be off). Deducting the frame thickness from the outside width l...

Took the trip to visit the buried frame and check out the front crossmember condition. I think it turned out to be well worth the effort. I was hoping against hope that the frame hadn't been beaten into submission to accept the wider Model A spring and it looks like it's still an original condition ...

henryford2 (love that name) - you're absolutely right, getting the correct spring is really the right thing to do here and that's the path that I need to follow. I have to check out the front frame crossmember to see what has been done to that to accommodate the wider Model A spring. Hopefully it's ...

Now that you mention it, Dallas, Perhaps the spring eye could be machined down the required 1/4" so that the shackles will align properly. Would have to be done with 1/8" on each side to keep things centered but this could be a winner. Still have to address the frame mounting issue and it will take ...

Another picture showing the shackle space.

Hi Allan FDU, Aha, a 1 3/4" bushing would bring the shackle into alignment and eliminate spacers, wouldn't it? I would have to replace the bushing in the A spring as it's 1/4" too short as well and sunken into the eye. (that sounds painful). I'm going to visit the frame and tunnel out in the snow to...

Still trying to post pictures of the spring & perch differences

What an amazing car and story. Congratulations on such an outstanding accomplishment.

Hi Harold, I'll get to the workshop and take some photos of the perch to help illuminate the problem.

Should be able to get this sorted out tomorrow. ..... and thanks for that suggestion.

The 1 3/4" Model A springs fitted to the 1 1/2" Model T perch would put the shackle plates on an angle if the 1/4" excess space wasn't filled in on the T side. Sounds like 1/8" washers would do it but proper fitting also requires Model A shackles to replace the shorter T shackles. There were definit...

I now have a serious concern about what has been done to the frame to get this 1/4" wider spring in place. I recall that it was a bit of a battle to remove it so perhaps the backyard mechanic just jammed it into place and clamped it down. I can't presently check the frame now as it's outdoors under ...

Dismantled the front spring, had it sandblasted and powder coated. Pressed in new bushings, painted the moving sections with graphite paint, and finally reassembled with a new bolt to replace the rusty, misshapen original. Came up with an issue trying to fit new spring clips and finding that they we...

What an excellent discussion. I was trying to sort out front spring confusion and Dan Treace provided a link to this valuable discussion. Although not what I wanted to hear, it was just what I needed to hear and explains why my front springs are 1 3/4" wide instead of the normal 1 1/2". You also exp...

Excellent points, Mark. I did follow up the powder coating by painting all the moving surfaces with graphite paint but you really have me pondering now. Following up on the link that Dan provided, I think we have the answer. I got the chance to check out the front and rear springs. The back set has ...

Dan,

Your link is making me think that this might be a Model A spring set.

Seems that the difference between the T & A (besides the width) is the location of the oiler. I will check that out to hopefully resolve the mystery.

Many thanks, Dan

Joe

Working on getting our 1927 Tudor ready for its 100th birthday and slowly working from front to back on a total restoration. Sandblasted and powder coated the 8 leaf front springs but got a surprise when assembling them. Had new spring clips ready to install but they don't fit. The clip clearance is...

Lots of great learning being absorbed by following your progress. Many thanks for starting such a fascinating discussion, Robert.

Thanks for sharing your amazing story, Ignacio. Not always a lot of fun and games along the way, but you fought on to a successful accomplishment. Your detailed trail is very valuable stuff for those of us still on page 1 of our restorations. You do have me wondering what you have lined up for your ...

The Last Chickasha will be my first but it's shaping up to be a memorable gathering of some remarkable people.

Looking forward to seeing some real classics in person ..... and maybe some Model Ts as well.

A very Merry Christmas and a healthy, exceptional 2020 to one and all.

Robert, Thank you for sharing your disappointing battle. Like T parts, it seems that honest people are getting more scarce every day. My rip offs have been for relatively small amounts but they certainly make you question every person and transaction that comes up. Basic honesty and social responsib...

Love it, Susan.

Many thanks for this.

Bless you for such a lovely thought, Hank. You have captured the true values of Christmas in very few words.

May your experiences help us to appreciate how fortunate we truly are and to share with those who need a helping hand or heart.

Thank you for this.

In floor heating is the way to go but a huge retrofit cost. Wait until the move to Boise to invest that level of energy. For now, you are heating a huge volume when trying to work in a small space. If you can partition this off, it will make an impressive change in heating demand. A simple tarp can ...

Thanks for closing the loop on this challenge, John.

Have been following your challenge and it's great to hear of the positive outcome.

Joe

What an amazing treasure, Bob. Congratulations on becoming the caretaker of this slice of history.

Martynn, this an incredible work of art. It now gives me x-ray vision and a clear understanding when it comes to my 1927 Tudor gas tank installation.

Many thanks for this outstanding research, effort, and production.

What an amazing set of skills you have adopted and mastered, Shane. You have created a truly impressive vehicle.

Many thanks for sharing this adventure with those of us watching in admiration and amazement.

Yup, definitely have it but very happy to hear that there is no cure.

Thanks for making my day.

What a great resource. Even have elevator bolts that I need right now.

Many thanks for this link, John

A pretty heavy discussion during the day's first cup of coffee and each view has clear and valuable insight. The Boyd Coddington / Ship of Theseus diversion was an excellent learning opportunity, by the way. Reading not only the lines but between them as well, there seems to be a strong consensus he...

The collective wisdom here is pretty impressive and is generating a fascinating discussion. Thank you to all contributors.

I don't have one, but it's powder coated and just in time for Christmas, so I really need this......... whatever it is.

If I have to guess, I'll go with an air foil to keep the rear of the car fixed on the ground at high speeds.

This first upholstery work looks great. I bet if feels pretty good getting this first piece done and done so well .... and single handed, no less.

Looking forward to your completed project photos and knowing that there's a big (and well deserved) smile on your face.

Hearing that this will be the last gathering and having never attended, I'll be making the 1.123 mile trek to catch that experience. Great to see that so many will be making it a memorable event.

I really appreciate all the "bring them back to life" stories. I'm on the resuscitation trail myself so am learning about the huge challenges required by these simple machines. Also appreciating the value of everyone that has gone before and am thankful to those willing to help, advise, and even giv...

When I started on my latest restoration adventure, I was wisely advised to deal only with responsible members of this group for the endless parts that I have and will need over the years ahead and not go wondering off to oddball deals. This sad tale has proven yet again to be very wise and valuable ...

That is some fine, factual, and fun writing, Jugster.

"Cialis shampoo" -- that is a classic, as is your entire article. Many thanks for this insightful, informative, and humorous education.

An excellent display of an honorable person in action. This hobby certainly gathers some outstanding people and I'm comfortably happy to be just starting on this restoration trail populated by persons of such character.

Amazing bravery, amazing diligence, and amazing results, Neil. Finish painting was something that I hadn't remotely contemplated as part of my restoration project but you have taken us along the learning curve to a remarkable outcome. Clearly there should be no fear tackling this job and I thank you...

I've haven't come across this part of the early Ford days before and it's fascinating stuff. Really appreciating your work, Rob, and your serial story feels like way I'm right back listening to The Lone Ranger on the radio. Can't wait for the next episode to see how Joe Galamb gets out of a sticky s...

The world of the Model T is certainly unique with its outdated technologies, parts, processes, and even participants. There is nothing modern or leading edge about any aspect of this hobby. These are just basic machines, operated with basic rules, by basic, but unusually incredible, folk. It is also...

What a great presentation of an incredible slice of history. Thanks for posting this.

It seems that the right wheel is quite a distance away from the axle backing plate.

Perhaps the axle hasn't broken but rather has just pulled out of the differential far enough to stress the axle housing to the point of breaking?

Axle and tie rod resolved -- thank you, MTFCA.

Life is good when you have a great front axle. Thanks to Hank, my axle quest is a total success.

Only 2,879 days to go to get ready for the 100th birthday so better get back to work.

1 down and only 14,657 more parts to go and this T is back on the road.

Thanks for this step, Hank!

You nailed it, Dan. According to my collected minutes of wisdom watching on-line videos, this axle definitely needs the skilled application of the Stevens Front Axle Tool and the addition of the inserts to restore needed clearances and threads. This poor axle has only the faintest suggestion of thre...

This axle is indeed dipped with the middle being lower than the ends. The bend that I'm concerned with is the front to back shape. A "pulled out of a ditch by the axle" looking bend. I've read here that cold pressing it works but don't use heat as it affects the heat treatment of this tough little a...

Just dismantled the front axle assembly and discovered that the spindle bolts have worn the axle holes badly. The bolts wobble all about and the threads are now just a suggestion. Looking for a replacement axle (but in much better condition) before going the repair route on this one.

Thank you.

Quebec City is a real gem and absolutely beautiful. Wish I lived a lot closer but Winnipeg is a long way away.

The frame looks recently painted - what treatment has it had?

Has any restoration work been done on the front and/or rear ends?

The tires are coming off but the rims will stay with this assembly so only new tires needed to be rolling again?

Where in Canada are you located?

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