MTFCA Forum

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Not being a Ford TT expert, but one who enjoys research, I came across the following two entries from 1918. A year after Ford introduced it's truck. The context of the articles in the auto publications indicate that up to WWI, Ford Autos were adapted, without side suppliers, to be ambulances, trucks...

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According to McCalley's data in 1917, 3 trucks were produced. According to a period automobile publication the experimental trucks were being driven around Detroit. Of interest to those with and with out water pumps, the article stated the block may have some modifications to improve cooling. 866825...

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This help?

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OR Hot air tube air filter Post by Been Here Before » Wed Jul 17, 2024 10:55 am Here is a question for the experts. Those looking for an air filter, could the hot air tubs be filled loosely with a course gauze material, lightly oiled be used as a simple but effective air filter for dusty conditions...

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Here is a question for the experts.

Those looking for an air filter, could the hot air tubs be filled loosely with a course gauze material, lightly oiled be used as a simple but effective air filter for dusty conditions?

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Even on the Forum, there are "experts."

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Interesting that some one questions starting a Model T via handcrank and magneto. Starting a Model t should be no problem. When you consider some on the forum who are still vertical and on the green side of the grass have started such motorized vehicles as a Farmall F-30. A 283 cuin motor with 33 HP...

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I believe the original motors used cast iron pistons. Newer rebuilds introduced the aluminum.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1316104086

As for clearance suggestions on the aluminum pistons see:

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80 ... 1255551432

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It is entirely possible that the thermosyphon system used for cooling in a Model T was not designed to be used with aluminum pistons.

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Question - is the thing on the left of a left hand drive Model T, a parking brake or emergency brake?

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I would think that it could be a parts conundrum.

Whether to purchase a used original fender for say $100.00 that needs to be prepped repaired and repainted. Or to purchase a reproduction for $300.00 that needs prepped and painted.

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Mine Too!
Mine Too!!
One hundred year old Two Door Coupe.
1922 - 2022

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thermal expansion of air

Thank you all who responded. Asking a dumb question can provide interesting and useful answers.

The forum is very informative. Again Thanks.

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I noticed that driving on the current hot black top my tyre pressure has increased. Is this normal?

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Dry cells or a wet battery were probably a great help in starting in cold weather with single weight oil of uncertain quality and the low gravity gasoline of uncertain quality commonly available in the T era. Gasoline in america became heaver after 1916. After 1916 the quality was reduced by the in...

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Oh, The mystery of hand cranking to start an internal combustion engine! There is a trick to starting any internal combustion engine from a single cylinder weed eater to a multi cylinder. You need fuel and spark and compression will help. Prime the engine ad with a quick jerk of the starter handle t...

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"Cost reason to make change to dizzy and coil, redesign of firewall to remove coil box holes, redesign of flywheel for missing weight of the magnets, fitting dizzy to cam, coil location, wiring, etc. etc, not to mention added replacement parts to the supply chain of a world of dealers and garages." ...

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The spread of better roads had a lot to do with obsoleting the Model T, along with heavier, faster traffic. The Model A built on the T design, with double the power and braking with only about 1/3 more weight. A Model A could hold its own on bad roads much like a T, and yet it could run the speed l...

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The Ford Model T has an ignition system that creates much discussion. As early as 1901 German automobiles were using a compact magneto for their automobiles. Compact magnetos were known in use of telephones. So why did Ford insist on a large alternator to power his coils. Why not a magneto? As early...

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"The discussion as to the best way to adjust coils will go on for ever." "Setting the coils by ear probably will not give good results. The early coils with the single contact points might be more amenable to adjusting by ear than the later ones." If one uses the standards of the day - a properly ad...

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The Model T was not designed to be a high performance vehicle. And the coils are designed to be judged as go or no go. The discussion as to the best way to adjust coils will go on for ever. I don't have a STS coil Tester, but I do have my own design tester and current adjuster instrument on that ope...

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I noticed this statement from a forum inquiry about a recent purchased coil tester: "And it's definitely not suitable for finding matched coils since it cannot show firing characteristics of the coil." At the time Henry and company put their latest to the public were they concerned with matching coi...

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It would make more sense , rather than take the dremel to the NH Carb, to adapt a carb such as an SU or Amal to the Model T intake to improve fuel flow.

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OK. I was talking to a friend about maintenance of the "T". The discussion was where to attach the usb/data port for the computer scanners now in use. The scanners that read to vehicles computer and assist in resetting engine/vehicle codes. My friend suggested that the best place to attach the data ...

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Huntingdon Pennsylvania. USA. Brief history - first Tower Clock 1872. Destroyed by Fire 1910. New Seth Thomas Works 1911. Functioned till 1950's, fell to neglect from WWII. Electrified 1958. Original super structure in place. Electric functioned till 2014. Reconstructed 2023/24, as built by Seth Tho...

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Hummm? Valued on forum at $5,000 to $7,000, and at a popular national advertised auction a final price of double will be presented. Why?

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If you own a Model T Ford, why? Reading post I see where owners experience issues that original owner experienced when and with the introduction. Tyre size, timers, batteries, starting with the crank and magneto only and more. There are those who like earlier owners want more speed. Usually in the f...

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The 100 year old plus coupe is still functioning and running fine on a roller timer. Just follow the recommended maintenance schedule established by the factory.

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The request for 1922 tank support may be answered. If not this is what my car has for measurements. All in inches.

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Yep. This is more accurate, as my 1922 Coupe has the same arrangement.
borrowed photograph.
Square tank is positioned on a squarish platform with a 2x1 ish hold-down.

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What is more disagreeable: Constructing a replica from period parts, or restoring an original car because you didn't like to original colour? https://www.reddit.com/r/Bugatti/comments/17qn49e/bugatti_type_57sc_atlantic_57591_was_it_actually/ https://www.topgear.com/car-news/classic/one-bugatti-world...

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"A must visit & off the Lincoln Highway"

Actually Pitt Street is the original Lincoln Highway.

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This is not mine and I have no interest but.... Commanding, one of a kind, stone building located at the busiest corner in the Bedford Borough. Originally built as a Ford Dealership in the early 1920's, this property presents endless possibilities and opportunities. Light manufacturing, warehousing,...

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ANY QUESTIONS?

From Facebook

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What if the motor was surplus. Left over from either WWI or WWII military surplus.

The the AN *****, would indicate that it had another purpose.

Joint Army-Navy Nomenclature System (AN System. JAN)

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Aquiring extra power

Rather than rebuilding a strong motor to acquire extra hill pulling power, can the installation to a 4:1 compression motor of NO2 be a benefit?

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So How many Ford Related structures are still stand and being adapted to preserve them?

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So often reading the early development of the automobile, when companies were in competition to improve the marque, the manufactures used"professional" drivers.

What were the qualifications for a professional driver?

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Just a suggestion. As the early automobile makers used bodies related to (horse) carriage makers, a review of the literature from the Carriage Association of America may be useful.
https://www.carriageassociationofamerica.com/
https://www.caaonline.com/library/

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In the late 1920s the Ford Motor Company warned new purchasers of the Model T to make certain that all the production numbers lined up. The company went as far as print all motor/vin/year of manufacture numbers at least twice in the Ford Owner, and to be reproduced in popular publications as Motor a...

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I have to chuckle about all those who get excited over the Lincoln Highway (circa 1912/1913). Remember it was highway constructed to get folks out of New York. But remember that there was another high way constructed to get folks out of New York and points west - The Pikes Peak Ocean To Ocean Highwa...

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"A notable change in Model T’s came in 1919 with the introduction of an electric starter. That was a big improvement for a T. You can see and and buy older T’s with added starters and especially in the brass era cars. It’s not original to the earlier cars but people like to have the best of both era...

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" Already found I either have the wrong fenders or splash aprons or it's totally normal LOL." Yep. The Model T is hard to date and put together, especially when the factory parts catalogue states that it is for all Ts from 1908 to 1925. As a friend once told me -- "They all look alike." Pick a part ...

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Interesting. Following the ways of those who practice Historic Preservation and ascribe to the text found here to answer " (a) book, or list of some sort that lists points if originality.": https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/tps-publications.htm. The national register states that an automobile is an elig...

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For giggles and what not, remember that pre-1923 Fords ( and some others) depended on their bodies to be of a wooden frame and metal covering. Meaning that the business depended on coach builders familiar with wood frame construction. Suggest a read or at least a view of the following literature. Sc...

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Is this a starting place?

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Reviewing Sanborn insurance maps for local communities show a transition from carriage and stable to garages from 1900 to 1930s.

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- think those plaques are stupid! Anyone that can do basic math can figure out a cars true age. Why clutter up a nice car's dash or firewall with that nonsense?

Wow...

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Every Model T Ford Owner has wondered the year and production and country of origin of their car. The Ford Owner every few years would give information on production numbers, identification of point of manufacture and more. This information was also reproduced in the Motor, Chilton, etc. Attach is f...

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During an oral history interview of a local Model T Coupe, The story goes, when the car was delivered to the dealer for assembly, certain items were found in the seat cushion...they included an empty bottle of Goebel beer, a note with the words written "bread." And a pay stub, dated 1920...and small...

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There is a snobbery amongst vintage automobile owners. A car can be a trailer queen or a driver. It doesn't matter, if not used the car will deteriorate , if driven it wears out. A no win. Historic building generally survive from use and adaptation. Same can be observed with automobiles. An automobi...

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http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50893/77828.html?1231183405 https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=593282225&sxsrf=AM9HkKnnUNtR6XWQCM0jtd7tnpe2iAXqEA:1703347777279&q=dimensions+model+t+ford&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj47cX5-KWDAxX9K1kFHRKkC7AQ0pQJegQIDhAB&biw=1012&...

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So what did the RT test prove of a 100 year old plus car in the 21st century using modern fuel? The test would be more interesting if a 1915 gasoline mix was used compared to a 21st century blend. The test would be interesting is 1915 oil was in the crank case. So what did the test prove? A better t...

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To all Happy New Year. And Happy Holidays.

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"The United States is a republic - a nation of laws. If we don't like the laws in our state, there is a process whereby we can change them. Time to contact your representative in the state legislature."

I'll ask--

Please elaborate -- change what laws?

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I guess that every Deuce roadster hot rod except the first one built is a replica. Hooda thunk?

Yep! Hard to believe that an estimated 75% plus of the Model Ts, TT, Speedsters discussed here are replicas.

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Susanne - I beg to differ. From the WWW the source of current information (wiki) - "A replica is an exact (usually 1:1 in scale) copy or remake of an object, made out of the same raw materials, whether a molecule, a work of art, or a commercial product. The term is also used for copies that closely ...

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"In reality, they have created a vintage hot rod."

Would it not be a replica vintage hot rod.

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" The greats were buried next to each other, now their stones are nowhere near each other."

Well, this shows the importance of documentation.

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From the Horseless Carriage Club of America:

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I am not certain how to present this question and not feel dumb. Dwell is defined as - Dwell angle is the amount of time, measured as degrees of rotation, that contact breakers close in a distributor. Unless dwell angle is accurate, ignition timing won't be accurate. The discussion on the benefits o...

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This is really interesting. Does this imply that coil amperage is directly proportional to time-to-fire? i.e. Low coil amperage = more negative timing (advaced of zero) on the ECCT? Coversely High coil amperage = positive time (retarded from zero) on the ECCT? I'll definitely investigate this relat...

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Geo. John D. ....... Save your money on gas!..., Go out and buy yourself a Tesla ! I looked in to a Tesla, found out the dealer would not take the 100 year old T on trade. Found this on the interweb: https://econlife.com/2020/07/comparing-the-model-t-ford-and-tesla/ Decided in the long run the Model...

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Well....Jerry: "Well, if that's your reasoning, why own a Model T at all? Not owning a T could buy you somewhere around 2750 gallons of gas, on top of the gas you won't need to burn by driving it. Is a $1200 HCCT better? What if the battery powered device told you your coils weren't working? Is it w...

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Knives out....

All things being equal, and using the magneto as a source of power, spending enough money on a battery powered device that cost 100 gallons of fuel to be told the coils are working is mind blowing.

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My bad. I forgot to say that they are wire wheels.

Then by all means, sand blast and paint as desired.

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Your best method would be to leave the current paint on the wood, sand (by hand not sander) the current paint down, not off, leaving the current paint serve as a primer. And paint the wood spokes black.

Sand blasting wood is bad.

To be honest, never heard of powder coating wood.

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Sorry for the quality of the photograph, but with an increase magnification a number can be seen to the left of the key slot.

Langs list some ford keys with numbers - https://www.modeltford.com/model-t-part ... ches/keys/

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With safety of both driver and passengers, reconsidering a protective cage and seating may be in order for driving and enjoying a 100 year old cat in the 21st century. May be with future restorations, the shops can find a way to integrate reinforcement of the occupants area and still retain original...

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The attached is just a though as to driving a Model T Ford...
"Crash test of a Model T Ford" (2011)
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1324400436

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Oh dear - the thread has become shocking to some reading the comments.

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""Once a coil fires, the secondary current is AC, not DC, so I don't think system polarity would matter to spark plugs. Coil PRIMARY polarity is important.""

The vibration and shaking of a model T is the result of the Alternating Current of the magneto.

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And now this:Positive vs Negative ground. Is there an engineering reason? (circa 2022 discussion)
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/388502-po ... ng-reason/

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This is an interesting visual and read. And thank you for the presentation. But what is a proper smooth running motor with a set of induction coils? For me the proof of a proper adjusted set of coils is real world performance. I adjust my coils using the traditional buzz box, and making certain the ...

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It is unfortunate that there is no way to track sales or ownership of Model T from the 1920s. In the 1970s the factory records were destroyed by a fire. If you purchased the car from a previous owner, suggest a conversation to learn what you can and document it. At best you can locate year and day o...

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As the records at the Henry Ford for 1922 are destroyed, I tried to create a list of 1922 Ford Coupes surviving with Briggs manufactured bodies. The intent was to have a current geographical location, motor number and a matching Briggs body number for 1922 coupes. The results were maybe five parties...

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Well, this is going no were.

This car was last seen on the MTFCA website....http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/288571.html

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Granted trying to track over 15 million Model Ts, from 1908 to 1927 may seen daunting, but we all know that the total number in 2023/24 is far less than 15 million. The number of folks on this forum and related Motel T forums, probable own a small percentage of the original production. To say that i...

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Why isn't there a Model T Register? Every so often the question is asked, "Any one know the whereabouts of this car?" The a picture or maybe, if available a motor number ( 1 to 15176888) I believe those from 1909-1-09 (1 to 14161) may be covered and found. see- https://earlyfordregistry.com/ But all...

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To add to the discussion, and of course be criticized, if you observe your ampere meter, set the ignition switch to battery, and turn your motor by hand crank, with the coil buzzing, you should observe that the meter will show a discharge of about 2 amps, or one line to the left (a discharge). Of co...

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Garage: Stine Bros., McVeytown
Source: Mifflin County Historical Society Library Archives

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I didn't know it was that comprehensive. During the age of the Model T there were many, many publications to show how to keep a Model T alive and running. All the major motor journals, from the sale of the first Model T to the Introduction of the Model A, presented to the readers Q and A about the "...

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So, is a back-fire from the exhaust the opposite of a free start?

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If you know the provenance - big word - it would be restored accordingly. If the car was indeed belonging to the inventor of the automobile, then his modifications would be part of the restoration. -- How would you have restored this one owner 1919 Ford Model T Coupe? -- hford.png --- Note: The eng...

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The early accounts would appear that Ford was setting up a proprietary shop repair network. Ford publications aimed at owners warned about using counterfeit, non-approved parts.

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The new Ford was anticipated by many. But was there a cart before the horse situation. Did the FMC start selling the new Ford before advertising in the Post? Who purchased the first Model T Ford? From 2022 - Post by Been Here Before » Sat Mar 19, 2022 7:35 pm According to a brief search or newspaper...

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Or was it?

Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota · Wednesday, January 08, 1908

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Hummm...a free start is possible because --- why? One of the cylinders has compressed fuel, and the timer is "on" that cylinder and the cylinder is not leaking down. Turning on the key allows to coil/timer to make contact ( even a slight knock on the fender to move the timer in to position to make c...

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With my T, I start with the starter, Once started, I switch to the magneto. Or, to impress by standers, I will turn on the key, using the battery, and give a quick jerk of the starter handle crank and the motor will start. Not a rapid turning. So, I have noticed questions about slow turning starters...

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As for body construction for a vintage automobile circa 1922 this may be of interest:
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Th ... frontcover

Principals of Automobile Body Design. K. Forbes.

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From current MOTOR: There are many questions about the advent of autonomous trucks. One of the most obvious has always been who, exactly, will take care of a driverless truck if there are no humans on board? With EVs and autonomous vehicles now the "Thing", are drivers of vintage motor vehicles any ...

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Yes the Antique car hobby is changing. 1. Seeing a 1966 Nova with an antique plate. 2. Rat Rods as allowable transportation. 3. Automobile museums selling older collections so a newer classic can be considered as antique automobiles. 4. Yes BOB, Hershey is mainly a classy car show. Selling the colle...

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I understand that, but we're talking about the gap for the tester. A .035 gap doesnt necessarily mean you have a strong enough coil spark. I believe the gap for a HCCT is 1/4" Depending on your source, it requires about 15,000 volts to jump an air gap of 1/2 to 1 inch. So the 1/4 inch may be the th...

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Wouldnt it be better? Isnt the spark supposed to jump 1/4"? 1/4 inch is a gap of .25 inch. Suggested plug gap for a Model T Motor (stock) .031" - .035" I understand that, but we're talking about the gap for the tester. A .035 gap doesnt necessarily mean you have a strong enough coil spark. I believ...

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speedytinc wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:06 pm
Wouldnt it be better?
Isnt the spark supposed to jump 1/4"?

1/4 inch is a gap of .25 inch.

Suggested plug gap for a Model T Motor (stock) .031" - .035"

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Museum Quality Model T's are very, very quiet.

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Myxr6turbo wrote: ↑
Sat Sep 09, 2023 4:15 am
Would it be ok to use a model T spark plug instead of 2 pins to create the spark?

Of course.

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For us it is a 96 mile drive.

Best to get there, park, purchase a programme, and spend the day with programme and map searching items of interest. Good day trip.

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" Perfection is the enemy of progress."

Churchill eh?

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In theory, for a motor to start and run, one needs fuel, compression, and ignition (spark). With a healthy motor, a quick motion of a starter handle will start a T motor.

With a starter the same will occur. It should not take high rpms of the starter.

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