MTFCA Forum

Socket found. Thanks, Dan!

Didn't get your email, so I sent you one, Dan!

Phil

Seeking a headlight socket (thimble) 6574-X, new or old. Thanks!

You may wish to research the $800 tariff rule change. Here is a quote from a piano parts dealer in Germany yesterday: "We can still ship new bass strings tax and duty free due to the "de minimis" threshold... up to 800 USD everything is free. Mr. Trump has only lifted this de minimis rule for China ...

I measured the valve guides at .331 - .332 in diameter using a hole gauge. They are definitely not perfectly even in I.D. I plan to install the .030 oversize valve stems and ream the guides with the valve guide reamer from Snyder's.

Phil

Thanks for the replies. I may need to go with the .030 oversize stems (.340" diam.) as my .326" stems do have some wobble. What should the ideal valve guide fit be? .002" over the stem diameter?

I'm replacing my two-piece valves (with .326" stems). The engine runs nicely, and I notice it has aluminum pistons. My question: how do I know if I should get oversize stems? Also, since I'm replacing the valves, should I also replace the old valve springs while I'm at it?

Phil

Thanks, George! I'll send you my info.

Could anyone spare a used transmission Drum for use as a transmission band shaper? Can be cracked. Just need one to round off bands.
I'm in PA.

Glad I posted the photos. No idea what has been done to this car, but it does run and drive pretty well. The rear was worn. I replaced the U-joint, axles, axle gears and drive shaft. The axle and drive shaft tubes were straight, however. Never knew about the wood engine mounts (Lang's #3083?). Thank...

I was wondering about the red coating on the coils. What should I do to correct it? Is that a paint like Glyptal?

Phil

Since I'm rebuilding the rear, I thought I'd check out the transmission of my 1915 roadster. This is the first T that I've removed the hogs head. It has cotton linings which actually look OK, but one had loose rivets that came right off when I touched them. Anyway, any thoughts on how it looks? Phil...

Verification repeats itself, usually 3-6 times, before admitting I'm human.

I inserted the other sleeve figuring that, as long as that bump aligns with the hole in the axle shaft, it should work. No need to align the grease hole.

Confused again. I purchased left and right inner rear Axle sleeves, but they're not oriented like the old sleeves I removed. Both axles have the dimple facing "outward" as they are inserted (ie, closest to the differential), but one sleeve has the dimple on the inner end. I need to reverse the "arro...

Thanks! I found some gears.

Phil

"Vinyl records have recently outsold CDs for the second consecutive year, with 43 million vinyl records sold in 2023 compared to 37 million CDs. Vinyl generated significantly more revenue, earning $1.4 billion versus $537 million from CDs, reflecting a growing preference for physical music formats a...

Yes, I believe they are the same gear I '26. At least the axles are the same from 1911-1927.

Phil

Looking for a pair of axle Gears for my '15 roadster. Mine are pretty worn out. To be installed on new axles.

Phil

Seeking a usable U-Joint for my 1915 T (less than .020 wear). In PA. Thanks!

Phil

I just got a U-Joint off eBay for my '15 T (the one in primer), but looks like I made a mistake. What is this one off of?

It would be on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule which sets out all Tariff rates by category. Here is a link. (Warning: The list is long!)

https://hts.usitc.gov/

Thanks for the replies. I agree that a replacement drive shaft would be best.

Phil

Wondering if I should replace this drive shaft now that it's out of my 1915 roadster. The thrust bearing cut a groove, visible in the photo. I'm installing a modern pinion bearing from Texas T Parts which I assume is the old Fun Projects design.

Phil

-- SOLD --

I got my AC brakes from Daniel Bennett. He provided all the hardware and the special pedal. Unfortunately, I haven't yet installed them.

Seeking a 1915-style aluminum Hood (with louvers).

Phil Jamison

Synthetic oil is usually based on chemically modified petroleum, but can also be made from natural gas and other things. Every manufacturer uses different ingredients and processes to produce it. The idea is to produce a lubricant more stable under high temperatures, longer-lasting in the engine, an...

"The Bulb Horn" VMCCA magazine has an "Eagle Art" page featuring Rich's illustrations. He was really talented with a brush. He was also one of my favorite contributors to our forum. See you down the road, Rich.

Hershey delivery possible on this car!

Offering my 1915 Ford Model T roadster #874180. I found another car, so need space! This T is an older restoration. Though not perfect, it looks pretty good. No rust or damage. I’m not sure what the late owner did mechanically, but it starts right up, runs smooth and drives. Radiator has no leaks. T...

You'll see several discussions of the Evans product on this and other forums. Evans themselves do not recommend its use in non-pressurized coolant systems. However, a lot of people use it anyway. https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/320006.html?1351862306 https://www.mtfca.com/discus/message...

To quote Harold Sharon, "If the car won't start, or at least attempt to start, after eight or ten pulls of the crank, ...finding the cause is a better use of time and energy." Timing, fuel, spark, etc. It's often something simple. It just can take a while to find it!

Research answered my question. The outer axle seal rests against the rear of the axle sleeve, so it's located when the sleeve is installed. I'll use a little Permatex on it, as suggested. I didn't know where they were located because they were missing on my car. No wonder there was almost no oil in ...

Thanks for the tips. The safety hubs seem like a good idea. The axle nuts were finger-tight only. The last moron that worked on the rear axle put the oil seals in wrong. One side had the steel washer outside the axle housing cap, and no felt washers in either axle. I'm also thinking the inner oil se...

The key seems OK at 1/4", but it is loose in the keyway (which has no obvious damage). I haven't checked the 1-1/16" measurement on the axle, but I can feel wear with my finger. I think most of the slop is in the axle.

I see many posts regarding tight rear wheels, but my rear wheel almost dropped off when I removed the nut. How tight should the hub fit on the axle, and when do I know if shims are needed? That question aside, I think I may need a new axle anyway, as it has .055" up & down play and the outer bearing...

Your '15 roadster may be a bit twisted up now, Steve, but your restoration tips and videos have helped me put my own '15 back on the road. Many thanks.

I met Herb Singe many times over the years. Both he and his son Herb Jr. (both now gone) were active in the car hobby, and often toured. They rarely sold anything, and often invited groups to tour their collection of cars, automobilia and odd mechanical things. He began when stuff was cheap, but he ...

Russ, I just put your rebuilt Holley NH in my Model T Roadster. You and Potter's Piston Parlor will be missed!

Phil Jamison

My 1915 T has, I believe, a repro brass radiator and the lower coolant elbow is quite rusted. I see no holes, but looks like it's dripped slowly for years. Also, the female threads for the drain valve are too rusted to replace the valve. Any ideas for a sealant I might use? I was thinking of POR15 f...

Car is SOLD.

Here is a nickel-plated, 5-note "La Testaphone" musical horn from France. These were sold as car accessories, and had various numbers of horns. A cylinder with holes directs the air to play a tune. This one is not working (no bulb), but looks complete. All the horns have reeds, and the cylinder look...

(SOLD)

AC Brake Parts. See photo. $25 + postage.

Phil Jamison
West Chester, PA 19382

I wouldn't mind learning your procedure to replace the hogshead, Stu.

An interesting option is Yacht paint. This is a high-quality enamel which is designed to be applied with a sponge roller and "tipped" (lightly stroked one time) with a good-quality brush. There are several nice YouTube videos on the process. I get paint from Jamestown Distributors; they have a nice ...

I got these wood-lined bands from Mr. Guinn years ago, and wondered if they might fit my 1915 transmission.

(I have a 1915 T)

Can the earlier transmission bands be replaced by the later 2-part bands?

Waterslide and varnish decals are different. The former is easier to apply, but does spoil in storage, so you should use it quickly. The varnish type seem to last forever. I bought some 90-year-old varnish decals which were in good shape. I'm a piano technician, and have applied many to key-covers (...

I just installed a back-up camera on my trailer. I got it from Tadi Brothers. You can look them up on the internet. It might come in handy backing up a T with the top up and a tiny rear window.

I bought a similar set on eBay (search "wireless turn signals") and they work fine. You just have to remember to shut it off after you finish the turn.

Spotted this T speedster parked in front of the Kimberly Hotel on W. 50th St. in Manhattan. We stayed in this block several times over the past few months, and the car (and lamps) never seemed to be bothered. Every night, they put a cover over it.

Phil

The Amish are not completely uniform in practice. Many Amish use cell phones, and many use telephones and answering machines... just not in the home. They often have a little "out house" that has the phone in it. The local Bishop determines what modern things can be used. The Amish ride in automobil...

I saw a posting on another forum about using propane for lamps. The guy said he got a bright light on his 1913 Metz lamps, and posted a photo. I looked it up, and propane burns at a lower temperature than acetylene (2800f vs 3100f). Propane tanks are easier to find (any hardware store). Any comments...

As we know, Henry's wife Clara drove a Detroit Electric.

I wonder how many miles Edison put on that Model T Touring.

One guy followed my T home and gave me a thick book from 1916: "Automobile Design and Repair" by Page. He must've had it in his car. Great book. Said he thought I was the perfect person to have it!

Phil

My wife & I were driving a country road in central France and came upon a Model T touring puttering ahead of us. We followed it to a chateau where they were having a car show. The T driver told us his car was assembled in the French Ford factory (Marseilles?) and promptly poured us a kir (white wine...

Slim chance, but if anyone gets finds this in Stan's collection, I'd be interested. It's the needle valve and needle from the small Zenith carb on my 1921 Peugeot. I sent them to Stan a few months before he passed, but the family never found them. Needle is about 2.5" long. Might have my name on the...

Thanks for the tips. I cheated: This is actually for 2 driveshaft babbitt bearings on a 1909 Buick. I must set the clearances while on my back under the car.

How did the old-timers set bearing tolerances before aids like Plastigage?

Stan was a font of information and also a nice guy. He rebuilt an original Breeze carb for my Model 20 Hupmobile and, reluctantly, took on restoring an aluminum Waltham carburetor for my Metz. In fact, I was about to send him my 6th annual email about this carb, on which he claimed to have "45 minut...

I posted these two short videos. Catsup, a treatment I'd heard about, wasn't very useful. The poultice I tested, however, did a nice job of removing heavy oxidation. Followed up with buffing, the part polished up nicely.

Phil

https://youtu.be/qQl-_qmuyeU
https://youtu.be/U-MkqJdPNDc

What metal was used for the transmission bands? Was it just mild steel, spring steel, or ...?

Phil

Is there a preferred material to use for the carburetor-to-manifold gasket? I have 1/16" gray gasket material.

Phil

Thank you all for the great comments. Now I will pursue to learn the proper operation. I have removed a couple of tires from clincher rims and split rims. Not sure if it was the proper way or not but was a lot easier than removing them with the wheel on the floor. I've had one of these for several ...

I'd be interested to know how it is used. Could you make a video? I can find no instructions for this tool.

Phil

I had a similar problem. The fuel valve wasn't fully on and the carb starved for gas. If you bowl has a drain, you could check to see if it's full.

According to Franklin Tucker's 1967 article in Antique Automobile : "[In] 1916, the officials from the Metz Company obtained control of the American Watch Tool Company and in addition to the regular lines, parts for motor cars were made; horns, carburetors, etc. This is where the erroneous rumor aro...

My spring measures 8" long total, made of two straight pieces with round bends at each end. The coiled part (22 coils) is 2.75". The spring steel is .108"D. The top part (straight with a hook) is 3.5" long. The hooks are face opposite directions. Attached is a sketch.

Phil

The Buick Club of America is quite active. They have a Pre-War Division, also.

www.buickprewar.org

I would fill the hole with solder, unless it is now just out of site below the rim. It's full of solder. The black is just some carbon powder around the cable. I pulled on it, and it seems tight. I now must figure how to install the other connector so the length is correct for the cable housing. It...

I followed Mark's advice and drilled out the fitting and silver-soldered the cable inside. I'm not sure if I got the correct end in there, but it seems to be solid.

Phil

I don't know what was wrong with the orignal chain. The new cable was there when I got the car. Perhaps they brazed the cable on a bit crooked and it eventually broke. Langs sold an adapter (photo below), but they no longer have it. That looks better than brazing.

Phil

My Stewart speedometer "chain" cable was replaced with a steel cable. The speedo end was brazed on, and broke off there. Does anyone know if this end was hollow or had a hole in it for brazing the cable? I had no luck finding new fittings as Langs is out of stock and no other dealers I found sell th...

The old enameled porcelain signs were produced by applying colored glass powders to a steel sheet and then melting the glass onto the steel in an oven; the same way enamel jewelry is made. The early license plates were also made this way. Is anyone making signs like that today?

Thanks. I'm hoping it will fit my 1915 Overland.

Phil

Could some tell me the Model T Valve Spring Seat diameter?

Phil

Does J-B Weld stick to nickel plating?

I used a torch to remove the emblem on a similar spare radiator shell and the neck fell right off. I was thinking, for re-attaching the emblem, to position a piece of solder beneath it, then holding the iron underneath.

Phil

The radiator badge on my 1924 Citroen is soldered in place and must be removed to nickel plate the shell. I'm afraid to re-solder the restored badge on the re-plated shell. Any suggestions? A badge restoration guy says to use silicone adhesive.

Phil

I don't see the Australian Tautflex paint in the USA, but there is 'vinyl paint" such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/ColorBond-Cream-Leather-Plastic-Refinisher/dp/B00K77FAEM?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00K77F...

I have a pair of E&J side lamps missing their burners. Let me know if you make any extra!

Phil

Saw it last Sunday in PA. A lovely film. I got a little teary.

Phil

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