Search found 245 matches

by Fordwright
Thu Feb 29, 2024 1:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: First car
Replies: 17
Views: 1087

Re: First car

I would love to have lived in those days, when the horseless carriage was just becoming affordable.
by Fordwright
Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: If you could ask Henry a question ...
Replies: 40
Views: 1974

Re: If you could ask Henry a question ...

I understand the part of Henry Ford who was the old time traditional farmer. Being deeply cynical of mankind and often racist, I imagine as he became the world's richest man, he began to feel empowered to "set the world right."
Something no one can do, of course.
by Fordwright
Fri Jan 26, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: If you could ask Henry a question ...
Replies: 40
Views: 1974

Re: If you could ask Henry a question ...

The Ford Model T was a great gift to humankind and a big step forward for civilization, and for that we owe Henry Ford a large tribute. But much like his mentor, Thomas Edison, his accomplishments and wealth gave him self-entitlement to become a monster, ruining many lives and nearly destroying the ...
by Fordwright
Fri Jan 05, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Ever seen a rusted out Model T?
Replies: 20
Views: 1294

Ever seen a rusted out Model T?

I'm sure they exist, but I don't recall seeing one. Was vanadium steel all that rust-resistant?
by Fordwright
Tue Dec 26, 2023 1:22 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: 1910 Ford Model T conquers Mount Shasta... well kind of...
Replies: 4
Views: 570

Re: 1910 Ford Model T conquers Mount Shasta... well kind of...

How did they keep it from stalling out from gas starvation? They had to climb hills in reverse back in the day because the gravity-flow fuel tank was in the wrong place.
by Fordwright
Tue Dec 26, 2023 1:13 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Reproduction Exhaust Pipe
Replies: 17
Views: 1712

Re: Reproduction Exhaust Pipe

Stainless steel would be my choice, even though it wasn't yet invented at the time of the Model T.
Most people wouldn't spot the difference.
by Fordwright
Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:37 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: State of the art in 1906
Replies: 9
Views: 778

State of the art in 1906

Most of the mechanical innovations that we see today had been introduced by 1906, albeit often in primitive form. Carburation, wet-cell batteries, roller-bearings, to name a scant few. But reliability had largely not been achieved. Having a mechanic on-board was still fairly necessary in many cases....
by Fordwright
Thu Dec 21, 2023 1:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Model T philosophy: What is a restoration?
Replies: 89
Views: 11145

Re: Model T philosophy: What is a restoration?

Most restorations that I have seen (not just for automobiles) have been able to achieve a balance between restoring those components which have deteriorated with age, back to proper function. And preserving the patina and other signs of age, which do not otherwise impair normal function. I agree and...
by Fordwright
Tue Oct 10, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Model T philosophy: What is a restoration?
Replies: 89
Views: 11145

Re: Model T philosophy: What is a restoration?

I'm bothered by a restoration that has obvious modern features added; like digital gauges, LED lighting or even custom floor mats. I don't mind if it has modern reproduction parts, as long as they conform to the original. Nothing irks me like seeing an alternator on a vintage vehicle. In my mind, ev...
by Fordwright
Sat Oct 07, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Magneto battery charger
Replies: 41
Views: 9526

Re: Magneto battery charger

Never hook up modern electronics to the Model T electric system.
Like building a day care center in a lion cage.
by Fordwright
Tue Aug 02, 2022 1:18 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: This was trucking-Old Photos
Replies: 1406
Views: 325504

Re: This was trucking-Old Photos

Growing up on a farm, I don't know anyone who never overloaded a truck.
by Fordwright
Sun Feb 06, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Snyders modern 12v starter
Replies: 79
Views: 8516

Re: Snyders modern 12v starter

I've always assumed that most 12 volt starters were wired the same as 6 volt starters. When cars converted to 12 volts from 6, they changed the bulbs, rewired the generators and wired a resistor to the ignition coils. The starters stayed the same, they only cranked faster on 12 volts.
by Fordwright
Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Magneto battery charger
Replies: 41
Views: 9526

Re: Magneto battery charger

I wouldn't risk connecting my phone to dirty power. Voltage spikes have an erosive effect on electronics, similar to the way gravel roads damage nice paint jobs. If I were serious about charging my phone in a Model T, I'd use a good power filter, an isolation transformer or a power bank.
by Fordwright
Sun Feb 06, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: This was trucking-Old Photos
Replies: 1406
Views: 325504

Re: This was trucking-Old Photos

A lot of excessive horsepower nowadays comes from impatience. My dad hauled a caterpillar on a 1945 GMC with a 216 ci engine. You just used a lower gear. You still got there soon enough. Nowadays, some people are never satisfied, and frequently use the word "underpowered." What that means is that so...
by Fordwright
Mon Jan 24, 2022 12:34 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: This was trucking-Old Photos
Replies: 1406
Views: 325504

Re: This was trucking-Old Photos

Reading some of the old local histories for this area and others, it's evident that bridge failures were a fairly frequent occurrence in the early 20th century. I'm assuming that most of them were built by locals, and were deemed "good enough" by their own standards, but things changed with more big...
by Fordwright
Fri Dec 31, 2021 11:37 am
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: This was trucking-Old Photos
Replies: 1406
Views: 325504

Re: This was trucking-Old Photos

Solid wheels, rubber and otherwise seemed to be the norm.
Probably a carryover from the old lumber wagon days;
"lumberwagon" became a euphemism for a very rough ride.
by Fordwright
Wed Oct 13, 2021 1:22 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Plastic Cased Coils….
Replies: 10
Views: 2174

Re: Plastic Cased Coils….

Greg: Plastic cased coils and wood cased 'ford' coils function alike. On magneto, both types fire during rising or falling portions of the AC voltage wave form. The magnets are 'timed', that is positioned on the flywheel to give 'optimal' but discreet firing times. Ron Patterson has written several...
by Fordwright
Sun Oct 10, 2021 7:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Plastic Cased Coils….
Replies: 10
Views: 2174

Re: Plastic Cased Coils….

No idea how well they work with a magneto, but certainly for battery operation I don't see any problem with them. I've wondered about that myself. The magneto produces alternating current, which seems like it might disrupt the resonance between the condenser and the coil. Obviously it works on both...
by Fordwright
Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:59 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Compressing Radiator Mounting Springs.
Replies: 13
Views: 2208

Re: Compressing Radiator Mounting Springs.

Just a thought. How about compressing them in a vise and tying them with twine, then cutting the twine after they are installed?
by Fordwright
Fri Aug 13, 2021 1:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Seeking Information
Replies: 5
Views: 1322

Re: Seeking Information

Something here might possibly help:
https://www.ledlight.com/ledlight-6-vol ... talog.aspx
by Fordwright
Sat Jun 12, 2021 1:27 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: More on charging a phone with a 6 volt battery
Replies: 14
Views: 2531

Re: More on charging a phone with a 6 volt battery

Next, they'll want to install a OBD port.
by Fordwright
Wed Jun 09, 2021 4:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: More on charging a phone with a 6 volt battery
Replies: 14
Views: 2531

Re: More on charging a phone with a 6 volt battery

I wasn't too clear either. Using a 12V to 5V converter will probably not work on a 6V system. It depends on the specs of the components. Just hooking a USB phone charger cord to 6V will probably work because most power regulators in the phone will have no trouble converting 6V to 5V, which the phone...
by Fordwright
Wed Jun 09, 2021 1:54 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: More on charging a phone with a 6 volt battery
Replies: 14
Views: 2531

Re: More on charging a phone with a 6 volt battery

If it were just for me, I'd connect a USB power outlet directly to the 6V system. Most phones have good power regulators that will adjust and filter the power to charge the phone.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/82 ... 1532551500
by Fordwright
Mon May 24, 2021 8:44 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: 1926 Ford Model T modification
Replies: 27
Views: 4898

Re: 1926 Ford Model T modification

Ammeters are fine for seeing how much current is flowing back and forth, but a voltmeter will help you a lot more in protecting your battery.
You wouldn't have to modify the instrument panel at all, just run a wire to a convenient place where you can mount a voltmeter.
by Fordwright
Sun May 16, 2021 1:06 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: FS Key wind Mecca clock-Sold Richard K
Replies: 2
Views: 1120

Re: FS Key wind Mecca clock

I would love to see that clock restored.
I'm always amazed at how long it took in the history of clockmaking to develop a keyless winding mechanism.
by Fordwright
Mon May 10, 2021 12:30 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: When Did Model T's Stop Being Cool
Replies: 39
Views: 6716

Re: When Did Model T's Stop Being Cool

They were cool in 1908; the coolest thing. Even cooler in 1915, but by the mid 20s they were the ugly duckling of the automotive world.

Ford was a lot of things, but his biggest contribution to society was to break the paradigm: "You can have it cheap or good, but not both."
He gave us both.
by Fordwright
Sat May 08, 2021 3:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: When Did Model T's Stop Being Cool
Replies: 39
Views: 6716

Re: When Did Model T's Stop Being Cool

I think each car tells a different story. If it spent most of it's life in a garage, I could tolerate some new rubber and a few paint blemishes,
but if it was restored faithfully from a pile of junk, I can forgive a lot more modernities. What I find hard to tolerate is a customized "hot rod."
by Fordwright
Sat May 08, 2021 3:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Perfection never needs to change
Replies: 5
Views: 1676

Perfection never needs to change

Or so Henry Ford seemed to believe. He was nearly right. He came closer to perfecting the automobile in the 1920s than anyone else; it had everything you need, and nothing you don't. There were countless add-on accessories for that. But there's really nothing perfect, and we all know that he was ver...
by Fordwright
Wed Apr 28, 2021 5:01 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Tail wagging the dog.
Replies: 11
Views: 3362

Re: Tail wagging the dog.

I don't suppose it's legal anymore, but I saw a brake system that applied the brakes on the trailer when the towing vehicle decelerated, by compressing a piston in the hitch, which applied the trailer brakes.
by Fordwright
Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:28 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: Walden worcester speed wrench 9/16
Replies: 1
Views: 810

Re: Walden worcester speed wrench 9/16

You had to buy a different one for every bolt size?
by Fordwright
Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:23 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Tail wagging the dog.
Replies: 11
Views: 3362

Re: Tail wagging the dog.

One morning, for no reason that makes sense at all, I pulled onto a freeway going against one-way traffic. I had gone a few miles before I was head-on to a pickup pulling a trailer. That was the microsecond I realized my error, and the pickup was a bit slow to respond but eventually swerved out of m...
by Fordwright
Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:10 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: And now, for something entirely different !
Replies: 18
Views: 3576

Re: And now, for something entirely different !

That photo popped up somewhere else but I can't recall where. Someone mentioned those were 16" Chevy wheels. I don't know. Also the location was mentioned but I lost track. :roll: Seeing the crank and crankcase tells me it could be driven but visibility would be a challenge. Thanks for bring it to ...
by Fordwright
Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:18 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: Headlight switch with fuse
Replies: 3
Views: 1289

Re: Headlight switch with fuse

I picked up a "headlight switch" from the local auto parts store. The instruction sheet said, "Fits all models including 1938 cars."
Was this old stock that stayed in inventory for all those years?
by Fordwright
Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Model T philosophy: What is a restoration?
Replies: 89
Views: 11145

Re: Model T philosophy: What is a restoration?

Personally, I don't mind a few remanufactured parts, but I draw the line on customization. I feel offended to see a vintage car dressed up with custom car accessories all over it. If you want a stereo, bring a boombox. If you want to charge your phone, bring a power pack. Don't mutilate a vintage cl...
by Fordwright
Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:44 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Who inspired Henry Ford?
Replies: 16
Views: 3174

Re: Who inspired Henry Ford?

Henry Ford was fascinated with watches as a child. He learned to take them apart and reassemble them at an early age. Georges Frederic Roskopf developed “La Prolétaire” (People's Watch) in 1867, intended to be affordable by the masses. I suppose it's possible that young Henry would have known about...
by Fordwright
Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Who inspired Henry Ford?
Replies: 16
Views: 3174

Re: Who inspired Henry Ford?

FreighTer Jim wrote:
Mon Apr 12, 2021 1:50 am
Henry Ford amassed the power to change recorded events to favor his version of Reaiity.

“ Inspiration “ can be defined in many different ways.

FJ
There's often a very ugly side to total self-actualization.
by Fordwright
Mon Apr 12, 2021 12:09 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Faster, Better or Cheaper- Pick Two
Replies: 8
Views: 2356

Re: Faster, Better or Cheaper- Pick Two

"But successful people are breaking that paradigm all the time" You are correct Sir! I will add a 4th part to this....The ability to succeed at doing the three listed & still make damn good money while the others "flounder" & are happy to "break even at the end of the year". Unfortunately in doing ...
by Fordwright
Sun Apr 11, 2021 9:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Who inspired Henry Ford?
Replies: 16
Views: 3174

Who inspired Henry Ford?

Henry Ford was fascinated with watches as a child. He learned to take them apart and reassemble them at an early age. Georges Frederic Roskopf developed “La Prolétaire” (People's Watch) in 1867, intended to be affordable by the masses. I suppose it's possible that young Henry would have known about ...
by Fordwright
Sun Apr 11, 2021 3:41 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Faster, Better or Cheaper- Pick Two
Replies: 8
Views: 2356

Faster, Better or Cheaper- Pick Two

I used to believe that old axiom when I was younger, then I went to work and learned it was mostly a story for telling customers. But successful people are breaking that paradigm all the time - Henry Ford was one of them. General Motors tried to corner the market on automobiles and would have been h...
by Fordwright
Thu Apr 08, 2021 1:59 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Model T/Model A Song 1928
Replies: 9
Views: 2205

Re: Model T/Model A Song 1928

I'm just a 17 year-old kid who repairs antiques, listens to early "jass," and wants a "T." All of these attributes made me want to repair an old gramophone, pick up some '10s and '20s jass/jazz records, and fall in love with one of the records, "Henry's Made a Lady Out of Lizzie." Thought you might...
by Fordwright
Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:07 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Ford's Turbine Truck?
Replies: 1
Views: 1320

Re: Ford's Turbine Truck?

Over the years, several ventures were started based on turbines. Most of them failed because a cost-effective turbine failed to materialize.
Two places where it worked were in large ships and airliners.
by Fordwright
Mon Mar 29, 2021 1:04 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Coolant
Replies: 34
Views: 3951

Re: Coolant

Too much water, it can freeze.
Too much glycol, it will gel.
by Fordwright
Fri Mar 26, 2021 8:03 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Canadian Wire Wheel Hubcaps
Replies: 5
Views: 1623

Re: Canadian Wire Wheel Hubcaps

Harry Lillo wrote:
Fri Mar 26, 2021 7:04 pm
Greg,
Do you have dies to make wire wheel hub caps?
Harry
I joked.
by Fordwright
Fri Mar 26, 2021 2:52 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Canadian Wire Wheel Hubcaps
Replies: 5
Views: 1623

Re: Canadian Wire Wheel Hubcaps

I could lend you some dies.
by Fordwright
Fri Mar 26, 2021 1:10 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Ford, Cadillac, Overland, Thomas and others. Another story......
Replies: 14
Views: 2491

Re: Ford, Cadillac, Overland, Thomas and others. Another story......

Rob wrote:
Fri Mar 26, 2021 12:04 pm
And another of the Reddy six cylinder Ford, seen in a Portland newspaper:


502287D6-CAA3-4858-9837-451A8EDBAB95.jpeg


Next, moving on through 1907, into 1908 and 1909.
Looks like a taxi from Pakistan.
by Fordwright
Fri Mar 26, 2021 11:49 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Ford, Cadillac, Overland, Thomas and others. Another story......
Replies: 14
Views: 2491

Re: Ford, Cadillac, Overland, Thomas and others. Another story......

I believe the article is referring to the Ford Model K, a car with 40 hp motor that had 6 cylinders and a displacement of 405 cubic inch.
It sold for $2500 - $2800 but it was still one of the most popular cars in 1906-1907. Ford would never again return to a 6-cylinder car until 1941.
by Fordwright
Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:58 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Porcenlin liscense plate restoration
Replies: 15
Views: 2837

Re: Porcenlin liscense plate restoration

Yeah, don't give that autocorrect any help at all.
by Fordwright
Wed Mar 10, 2021 4:33 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Kerosene lamp questions
Replies: 13
Views: 2613

Re: Kerosene lamp questions

I'm not sure Ford was making their own kerosene lamps at that time. It could have been a supplier that equipped several car brands also.
by Fordwright
Mon Mar 01, 2021 12:09 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

It was Henry Ford's personality as a farmer and a tinker that caused him to eschew normal business practices, and build the best car that could be made for the masses at the time. He split with investors and bankers who wanted him to follow normal business advice that exploited the customer to extra...
by Fordwright
Thu Feb 25, 2021 11:20 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

Imagine the revelation that you might be able to afford an automobile, something that was always just a dream and impossibly out of reach. Akin to nowadays gaining access to the worldwide web or maybe even a chance to visit space. More than just a horseless carriage, it was the finest thing many peo...
by Fordwright
Sun Feb 21, 2021 1:17 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

In my Dad's time, the Model T was a poor man's starter car. Like a Pacer might be today. As soon as they could afford it, they got a '29 Chev, and then better cars from there. There was never any love lost between them and the Model T.
by Fordwright
Fri Feb 19, 2021 2:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

I must admit; the Model T has lost some of its charm for me, having read frank accounts about the personality of the man who created it.
by Fordwright
Fri Feb 19, 2021 1:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

If you read Tin Lizzie it gives a very good account of the New Ford that Henry wrecked!! In 1911 or 12 Edsel would have been very young,and his name was not mentioned in the story! The actual story say"s Henry wrecked the car with his hands and feet,no sledge hammer!! :D Please read Tin Lizzie by S...
by Fordwright
Mon Feb 15, 2021 12:45 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Henry Ford's quadricycle
Replies: 3
Views: 1655

Henry Ford's quadricycle

I've seen conflicting reports about what became of Ford's first driveable automobile, the Quadricycle. Most sources say it was lost, and Henry Ford built a reproduction for his museum. I'm reading a fairly recent book that says he initially sold it for $200 to raise money, but he bought it back a fe...
by Fordwright
Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:51 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Show us your hit n miss engines
Replies: 61
Views: 16268

Re: Show us your hit n miss engines

Burger in Spokane wrote:
Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:49 am
I recently helped my brother rescue an upright boiler from a barn
and am utterly fascinated with it. It looks like it would take little
work to build it back to functional as shop power or something similar.
First lesson of restoration:
What looks like a little usually ends up being a lot.
by Fordwright
Tue Jan 19, 2021 12:34 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Electric Model T?
Replies: 13
Views: 2438

Electric Model T?

Has anyone made an electric Model T? I think it would be great to drive it without the annoying engine sound.
by Fordwright
Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:25 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Resistance: How many ohms are acceptable?
Replies: 10
Views: 2208

Re: Resistance: How many ohms are acceptable?

Zero resistance isn't really possible, especially with some of the older metals. Remember, amps = voltage ÷ resistance.
So 12 volts ÷ 0.3 ohms = 40 amps.
by Fordwright
Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:18 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Was the Model T good value for money?
Replies: 19
Views: 3460

Re: Was the Model T good value for money?

This is getting political so I'll stop, but blaming others for our problems won't accomplish a thing.
We need to remember that our powers of innovation are unsurpassed.
by Fordwright
Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:58 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Was the Model T good value for money?
Replies: 19
Views: 3460

Re: Was the Model T good value for money?

TWrenn wrote:
Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:22 pm
The other point is about China itself...DON'T TRUST THEM! How quickly we forget they are COMMUNIST.
And of course, look what they "gave" us last winter! :twisted: :evil:
Calm down, they make good stuff, in fact nearly everything is made there.
by Fordwright
Thu Jan 14, 2021 2:50 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Was the Model T good value for money?
Replies: 19
Views: 3460

Re: Was the Model T good value for money?

Well, the point I guess is that cars are about as affordable now as they were in the 1920s.
by Fordwright
Thu Jan 14, 2021 11:48 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Was the Model T good value for money?
Replies: 19
Views: 3460

Was the Model T good value for money?

In 1908 the Model T cost $850, or around $21,340 in today's dollars when adjusted for inflation. In 1916, the prices had dropped to only $360 for the most basic Model T, or around $7,020 in today's dollars. Dec 20, 2012 I'm not so sure they can't do better nowadays, considering what you got for you...
by Fordwright
Sun Jan 10, 2021 1:36 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Starter Switch Problem
Replies: 30
Views: 4161

Re: Starter Switch Problem

Welded contacts is a common design problem with high-tension switches.
That's why they have strong springs.
by Fordwright
Sun Jan 10, 2021 1:33 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: looking for suggestions on location of battery cut off switch
Replies: 31
Views: 3998

Re: looking for suggestions on location of battery cut off switch

I'd put it near the driver's seat in an obscure location because I'd be sure to forget to turn it on most of the time.
by Fordwright
Sat Nov 07, 2020 11:42 am
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: For Sale. Aluminum Warford case
Replies: 9
Views: 2402

Re: For Sale. Aluminum Warford case

Someone could fill it in with aluminum weld and then grind it back to look original.
by Fordwright
Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Bat or Mag start?
Replies: 15
Views: 2810

Re: Bat or Mag start?

The Model T magneto was unregulated and provided AC voltages from 0-30V. The addition of dry cells did make starting easier, particularly if wired in series to provide over 6 volts DC. This was particularly useful in cold weather, but without a battery, a burly man could still crank the engine hard ...
by Fordwright
Wed Oct 14, 2020 3:37 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Why wooden spoked wheels and not steel?
Replies: 19
Views: 3887

Re: Why wooden spoked wheels and not steel?

I don't think a pressed steel wheel ever needs repair, so the easy repairability of a wooden spoked wheel seems moot. I think that the mindset of the wheelmaker was so strong that people simply didn't trust anything but a wood-spoked wheel in those days. Our grandparents were fond of pointing out "c...
by Fordwright
Tue Oct 13, 2020 3:18 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Why wooden spoked wheels and not steel?
Replies: 19
Views: 3887

Why wooden spoked wheels and not steel?

It must have occurred to someone that a pressed steel rim was better than the wooden spoked wheel in those days. I don't buy the argument that wood was lighter, because the vanadium steel at the time could have made a wheel as thin and strong enough to achieve the desired weight. Was it simply that ...
by Fordwright
Wed Oct 07, 2020 3:03 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Are These Irons Restorable?
Replies: 23
Views: 3759

Re: Are These Irons Restorable?

I don't know anyone who restores old things for profit. It's the joy of taking something that appears to be too far gone, and bringing it back to a useable condition. There's no accounting for the time and money you spend doing that.
by Fordwright
Tue Oct 06, 2020 2:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Are These Irons Restorable?
Replies: 23
Views: 3759

Re: Are These Irons Restorable?

Anything is restorable, if you have unlimited time and money,
but what else is new?
by Fordwright
Tue Oct 06, 2020 12:37 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: F.O.R.D.
Replies: 27
Views: 4207

Re: F.O.R.D.

Funny
Old
Recreational
Diversion
by Fordwright
Sat Oct 03, 2020 2:13 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: F.O.R.D.
Replies: 27
Views: 4207

Re: F.O.R.D.

Finding
Old
Relics
Delightful
by Fordwright
Thu Oct 01, 2020 2:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: F.O.R.D.
Replies: 27
Views: 4207

Re: F.O.R.D.

I know, but I wanted to make my own.
by Fordwright
Thu Oct 01, 2020 2:50 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: F.O.R.D.
Replies: 27
Views: 4207

F.O.R.D.

Finding
Old
Rusty
Discards
by Fordwright
Thu Oct 01, 2020 2:43 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Cutting Down A Model TT Drive Shaft
Replies: 7
Views: 1882

Re: Cutting Down A Model TT Drive Shaft

In modern vehicles, that run at higher speeds, 50-100 thou runout is considered the acceptable threshold.
Of course the real test is the vibration you feel at speed.
by Fordwright
Thu Oct 01, 2020 12:06 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Am I "over-greasing" my Universal Joint?
Replies: 33
Views: 4850

Re: Am I "over-greasing" my Universal Joint?

I never understood something about over-greasing. If too much grease will break the seal, how did the grease escape?
by Fordwright
Wed Sep 30, 2020 12:51 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Am I "over-greasing" my Universal Joint?
Replies: 33
Views: 4850

Re: Am I "over-greasing" my Universal Joint?

I do not have a Warford, my T is stock. But thank you for the info, it will come in handy when I buy my first TT! This winter I will remove the rear axle and flip the drive shaft back the proper way. I'll make another post about it asking for advice when that day comes. :D I'm a little confused. Wh...
by Fordwright
Sun Sep 27, 2020 9:21 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Interesting tool
Replies: 8
Views: 2882

Re: Interesting tool

What about those clear plastic sight gauges that screw into plug holes? Has anyone tried that?
by Fordwright
Sun Sep 27, 2020 3:37 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Flying Model T
Replies: 23
Views: 4276

Re: Flying Model T

HPetrino wrote:
Sun Sep 27, 2020 3:10 pm
Greg,

What you say is true, but not very many of them actually flew. :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
by Fordwright
Sun Sep 27, 2020 2:57 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Flying Model T
Replies: 23
Views: 4276

Flying Model T

It shocks me to realize that I'm old enough to have lived in a time when some people were still using a Model T as their primary transportation. When the movie, "The Absent-Minded Professor" came out in 1961, it was plausible that Model Ts were still some peoples daily driver. 780x463-absent-minded-...
by Fordwright
Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What oil do I use in my T? 5w? 60w?
Replies: 30
Views: 3982

Re: What oil do I use in my T? 5w? 60w?

Full synthetic MIGHT work, but IMO it would be a waste of money. Remember, Model Ts don't have an oil filter, so you will need to change the oil more often than a more modern car. Of course, if you have a source for FREE full synthetic oil, the money aspect is moot. Is anyone running full synthetic...
by Fordwright
Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:12 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Share Your Tractor(s) - old ones that is ;-)
Replies: 124
Views: 31272

Re: Share Your Tractor(s) - old ones that is ;-)

I'm so old that tractor doesn't look old.
by Fordwright
Sat Sep 26, 2020 4:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: SCAM
Replies: 14
Views: 2992

Re: SCAM

You can't protect some people from themselves. Someone I know let me know that he could get any movie he wanted from a Russian website and he could burn me a DVD of it for free. He also complained to me that he was losing money from his bank account in $20 to $40 amounts every time he got paid, so h...
by Fordwright
Fri Sep 25, 2020 11:31 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: SCAM
Replies: 14
Views: 2992

Re: SCAM

TRDxB2 wrote:
Fri Sep 25, 2020 8:43 pm
And don't answer any of the emails - not even to tell them to buzz off. The reason is current technology can set up automatic response for the next step in the scheme regardless of your response.
And they don't like too many questions. Asking them makes them buzz off.
by Fordwright
Fri Sep 25, 2020 11:30 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: SCAM
Replies: 14
Views: 2992

Re: SCAM

Lots of good advice in this thread. The poor English and the odd times on the email are red flags. When they send you an email at 3 AM there's a good chance they are somewhere like Africa. A variation of this scam is where they offer you more than your asking price, but they ask you to ship it immed...
by Fordwright
Fri Sep 25, 2020 11:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Found this not so old pic...
Replies: 28
Views: 4326

Re: Found this not so old pic...

The Spruce Goose was a good idea, poorly executed. With the German U-boats taking a heavy toll on Atlantic shipping, the US needed a better way to transport troops and supplies across the ocean. If the plane had been finished sooner and made of aluminum, its history may have been different.
by Fordwright
Fri Sep 25, 2020 12:04 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Underpowered?
Replies: 13
Views: 3243

Re: Underpowered?

For the first batch of automobiles around the turn of the century, 2-5 HP was much more common. When the Model T came out with 20 horses, it was probably overkill. Little did anyone suspect that 20 HP would be considered pathetically underpowered in years following.
by Fordwright
Thu Sep 24, 2020 5:52 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Do they make a self advancing distributor?
Replies: 36
Views: 5395

Re: Do they make a self advancing distributor?

Interesting background: The American Bosch Magneto Corporation was founded on September 6, 1906 by Robert Bosch in New York City, New York as an American division of his German operation, Robert Bosch A.G. Its industry was automobile accessories and radios and its headquarters were in New York City,...
by Fordwright
Thu Sep 24, 2020 1:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Do they make a self advancing distributor?
Replies: 36
Views: 5395

Re: Do they make a self advancing distributor?

I'm starting to think that nearly every type of accessory or upgrade was available for the Model T. But I suppose if you bought them all you'd have spent more than the cost of a luxury car.
by Fordwright
Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:29 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Do they make a self advancing distributor?
Replies: 36
Views: 5395

Re: Do they make a self advancing distributor?

The Bosch period distributor had a centrifugal advance, which only worked partially well. It still connected to the spark advance lever.
by Fordwright
Tue Sep 22, 2020 5:11 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: FS: all brass 3 screw Holley carburetor
Replies: 14
Views: 3061

Re: FS: all brass 3 screw Holley carburetor

For god sake don't recycle it.
Doesn't matter what it's worth.
by Fordwright
Mon Sep 21, 2020 2:05 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

The Model T was an ugly duckling no doubt, but that's part of its charm. Henry's son, Edsel had a gift for style, and it was said that he designed his own stylish car behind Henry's back. When Henry saw it, he reportedly took a sledge hammer and smashed it up. That story is controversial and refuted...
by Fordwright
Sun Sep 20, 2020 1:02 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

For my grandparents it was a stellar experience, getting their first car, a Model T, having been raised in a world of horse and cart, mud and manure, to suddenly own a machine that could take them almost anywhere with speed and comfort.
by Fordwright
Sat Sep 19, 2020 8:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?
Replies: 72
Views: 8421

Re: What to you, gives a Model T its charm?

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 gr...
by Fordwright
Sat Sep 19, 2020 3:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: The Hunter Model T starter
Replies: 16
Views: 5065

Re: The Hunter Model T starter

Something tells me that only Mrs. Henry Ford could have persuaded Henry to install electric starters on all Model Ts in 1919.
by Fordwright
Sat Sep 19, 2020 3:18 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Model A motor into a T?
Replies: 38
Views: 8876

Re: Model A motor into a T?

I can remember when neighbors used to stop and talk when they met on the road.
Here's a conversation that might have happened in 1928:
"How do you like your new Model A?"
"Not bad, but it's awful hard on gas."