MTFCA Forum

Caswell

Thanks Dave. Did the step yesterday along with new fuel line, all that's left is some cotter pins, safety wire, coolant and change the oil.
Time to clean up the shop, will also be listing the car in the classified area I think $7,500 is fair.

Caswell

Last picture. Almost 10K views, not bad for 3 days shy of a 3 month thread.

Caswell

Some more pictures

Caswell

Dean It is looking better than I expected. You have a talent for color. Too much black and you would not like it. I suggest the dark grey for the seats. Will give it a nice contrast, and black would be hot. What does your car look like with the seat up? I think I might steal the red stripe on your ...

Caswell

Nice job Dean. She is a real looker. I like all the decals. Thanks again for positive comments Dallas, I figured if it was going to look new (ish) that sponsor decals would not look out of place, all are period correct with Indian and Oilzum being from the same State, Firestone appropriate for Ford...

Caswell

TRDxB2 wrote: ↑
Wed Mar 16, 2022 3:51 pm
Copy Cat... looks like what I have on my daily drive

Must have been the right choice

Caswell

The last of today's pictures, a few people are interested in the progress but I promise to stop posting after the seats are done

.

Caswell

More pictures

Caswell

Did some more to the car, last decal set (gas), red line down the side and painted wheels, finished wiring and hood strap, refinished steering wheel.
Pictures are in no particular order, still have to make a step and do the upholstery when the leather shows up.

Caswell

One more picture that did not load. Guardian1fox2, I'm sure you can make the cowl plus other items yourself, as you note make a template from card (it's cheap) them draw onto the aluminum and you are set , no fab shop needed. The rear cross member from Lang's will lower 2" and can be riveted in or b...

Caswell

More pictures, water slide decals are a pain and more so when they are 80 years old, finished the decals today with the number 5's.

Caswell

Still not done but getting close, I painted it last week. Still to do are upholstery, finish hood strap, finish electric, paint wheels.

Caswell

Dallas Landers wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 6:15 pm
Lookin good!

Thanks Dallas.
Paint next week if weather warms up.

Caswell

I put some grey paint on seat backs, blacked out wood base and used some T trim around edge, repurposed the hood handles with one I riveted on the passenger seat for lifting that side to gain access to under seat storage and as a grab handle, the other handle goes on top of tool box . Looks like our...

Caswell

Yep, the page grab you posted is from this thread Mon Feb 7th (post 421 for me). I did some work on the seat base and painted seat backs today, I will post pictures later. I'm on the fence with regard to seat cushion color, I know it's not a speed item but I like thing to look good, I'm going with c...

Caswell

Any speedster owners know the weight of their cars ?

Caswell

color scheme starting to show (grey and black). Decided to lower the stance a 3 inches, will start on that when my parts get here.

Caswell

A little today, made bracket for tail light, rear trim and installed side skirts (no tape) will make braces that attach bottom edge of side skirts to chassis as soon as I get some more aluminum bar stock, skirts are reasonable solid but three or four angle braces per side will make it solid as a rock.

Caswell

AndyClary wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 10, 2022 10:53 pm
Good work Dean. I need to get back on my speedster.

Andy

Yes you do

.

Dean

Caswell

Not much done today, installed light switch, finished floor mat, made aluminum trim for rear deck fuel bowl cut out and cut the hood sides down.

Caswell

That is looking really nice Dean. Will you be painting or staining the floorboards before you put the mats down? What do you plan to use to hold the mats down so they don't curl up in the corners? Hope you can bring your car to Nebraska some day for the Speedster Union. Thanks again, I will paint t...

Caswell

The product I purchased has the rows running diagonal, would not work for a judged restoration but for a driven car/speedster/truck I think it's fine, with the lines not running longitudinal and latitudinal not being 100% square can be hidden or not noticed, I did work hard to line my cover and cut ...

Caswell

I'm now leaning toward lowering a little, High arch rear crossmember and Laurel type brackets up front. Also if anyone is interested the floor/deck covering is from link below https://www.allstairtreads.com/pyrumavigand.html?utm_source=pyrumavigand&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googlepro...

Caswell

Today my floor/deck covering came, I'm happy, correct size pyramids, automotive cert (oil resistant and fire resistant.) at a price I thought was great $5 linear foot 3 foot wide I purchased 8 foot just in case ($40), then I found my NOS tail light. I went with black as I don't want to look at a whi...

Caswell

Couple more pictures plus the 18" steering wheel, no idea what make.

Caswell

This afternoons work, make the aluminum skirts and hood shelves, not attached but held on with tape until I get some fasteners.

Caswell

That looks like the high arch rear crossmember (last picture) I was asking about yesterday.

Caswell

Wayne,
How did this car turn out when stance was corrected ?

Caswell

I asked before with no reply, as lowering keeps coming up, has anyone used the high arch rear frame crossmember available from Lang's (if in stock)? may be like 2854-DF. In addition how hard are the factory dropped front axles (2691-DF) to get ? The 26-27 spindles only lower by 1/2" best I can measu...

Caswell

I looked at this picture a few times before something leapt out at me The wheel? A very famous photo of Frank Kulick driving one of Ford's specials about 1911 or 1912. The thing about Ford's specials is that there were at least five of them, one went to France and was raced there by Henri Depasse. ...

Caswell

Got the side skirt patterns done, now to get some sheet aluminum, check with a couple of people about use of tools to cut and bend them, may look at bead about an inch in from edge to stiffen. Did not get around to cutting hood but will do tomorrow (original 14 aluminum hood).

Caswell

I have both, I have an unopened 1956 first print of the yellow one.

Caswell

Back to doing some small things (farm work priority this past week), cleaned up a coil box I got from Philip Lawrence a week or so ago, cleaned switch, rewire, new wood and may put an early brass switch cover on it, I did cut a hole and install carb adjusting rod , may remove and enlarge hole and pu...

Caswell

This guy looks like he is having a good day (not really a speedster but).
Also as we keep ending up on the subject of lowering, has anyone used the rear crossmember from Lang's (2" drop), if I did get a wild hair to lower this could be used with full length rear deck that I have made.

Caswell

Thought I had seen the car before, is the sheet metal around firewall dark grey or black?

Caswell

Take a look at the NW Vintage Speedsters website. At the top of the home page is a series of all the individual pages on the site. The "Lawrence O. Hughes Auto Racing Photo Collection" is the page you want. This collection of photos is from the midwest county fair racing circuit around Nebraska and...

Caswell

After setting the steering, toe-in . I believe I need to change to 26/27 spindles to reduce some of the camber that wire wheels don't need, my understanding is the earlier spindles have more camber and was done because of hub/spoke alignment and later it was reduced, I know the 26/27 spindle/axle is...

Caswell

Decided to go with earlier coil box with switch/key so spent a little time today refurbing one that I just got (new wood, wires, insulators and paint), this will clean up firewall, I'm also going to do without carb adjusting rod through firewall as I don't see the point (mixture is set, leave alone)...

Caswell

Love watching your progress. You might want to test fit your fuel tank, pumpkin, and fuel line to see if it all lines up before you connect it. That was a mistake I made. I had to make the hole in the floor bigger due to the curve of the fuel line so it would not kink. Dave, Thanks , in the picture...

Caswell

I forgot to add in my reply above, membership is only $40 and I can't see why people don't do it.

Caswell

Fit trim around pedals and brake lever. My engine is not built for speed but is fast for me, it has a cam lobe driver oil pump (old) along with 4 brass tubes with thin tips inside crank case that are pointed at strategic oil need spots, has troughs brazed to the horse shoe shaped brackets for cover ...

Caswell

Did a little today, cleaned and painted my inspection cover, tested paint on the plywood all looks O.K. to me, I pin striped for contrast pictured inside and outside in sunlight, this is the grey I was going with but have looked at dark green also. Gasket makes a great template for aluminum trim aro...

Caswell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkjixLVRv5Q

Caswell

"Interest in parts and projects declining" , money is getting a little tight with everything going up and none essentials will go on the back burner in many cases. Support of MTFCA that owns and maintains this forum should be on the list, it keeps the T interest going and draws attention from peopl...

Caswell

Thumbs Up, I see the cleco's are you going to rivet? If I can every lay my hands on a set of patterns I'm going to build aluminum skinned like your car but side by side, I spent years bucking rivets on aircraft .

Caswell

Can reach the steering wheel easily? Looks far away from the seats. Hi Jerry, From the center of seat pad to center nut of steering wheel is 15 to 16", from seat cushion to bottom of steering wheel is 10", from seat front edge to pedals is 22". One of the things that bothered me with a stock car is...

Caswell

Pictures of my string layout for hood lines and skirts, side comes up each end from 6" to zero (first and last 23")

Caswell

If nobody has build pictures. I'll post my progress today, aluminum trim around firewall (dash), made fuel tank risers and a lid for the tool box. Also started lay out for hood and side skirts.

Caswell

Tim, Email sent on this

Caswell

An interesting dealer picture 1915, speedsters in the doorway.

Caswell

I looked at this picture a few times before something leapt out at me

Caswell

Most of the aluminum edge trim etch primed and fitted, all wood cut edges wetted with epoxy. Hood shelves I'm going to cover with aluminum and incorporate a tapered skirt then run a 6" or 7" skirt the length of body, I'm thinking of making an aluminum hood that runs from the radiator to an 1/8" in f...

Caswell

This is what I was going to use as a step, no idea what it's from.

Caswell

Looks to me that the cup/bowl shape locks over the lower same shape area, place lid latch so they can line up this way and position is set.
Also looking at the parts picture above the lid latch is longer for the reason above.

Caswell

Thanks for posting Kevin, I've seen diagrams of that type, are you using the well made fuel tank support as a gusset also ?
I just sold the aluminum set (pictured) I have so I don't get tempted to lower my car.

Caswell

Depends on if the information came from Ford factory letters or internal memos. There are other ways to move paint besides the De Vilbiss Company type paint gun, siphon feed would be one, like many of the air brushes. A siphon feed spray gun works with compressed air. Although there are many spraye...

Caswell

Hi Dan, The statement below is from the MTFCA encyclopedia, I hate to be part of the problem with regard to posting hearsay Google garbage, like Ford made car floors from screw boxes. The original poster referenced early cars , were is the correct info for paint process for pre 14 cars. Is this a ca...

Caswell

Thanks everyone, I think I found some at a lower price (could be junk) 36" wide $5.00 per linear foot, I ordered 8' . If it's not correct I will take you up on your offer Larry. Again, Thank All.

Caswell

I just made new hood shelves that go from outer edge of firewall and taper to the radiator as I'm thinking of adding 6" aluminum skirts to the body base, will make the same way as most do. I may make my own aluminum one piece hood also. I have not seen a none lowered brass style car with skirts. Wor...

Caswell

Anyone know a supplier of cover pictured below ?

Caswell

On page 149 in "Model T Ford, the car that changed the world" there is a hint of how it was done. Reading that indicates that in 1913 the bodies were being sprayed with blue varnish. What spraying in this case would actually mean, I don't know. Reading how things were done in that era seems to poin...

Caswell

Following from search (I cut and paste it) Initially most of the Model T’s bodies were supplied by Ford's existing auto body suppliers C.R. Wilson (1903) and Everitt Brothers (1908). O.J. Beaudette (1910), Kelsey-Herbert Co. (1910), American Body Co. (1911), Hayes Mfg. Co.(1911) Milburn Wagon Co. (1...

Caswell

https://www.mtfca.com/model_t_encyclopedia/p-r/

Caswell

Hi David, As of today I'm thinking light grey for the body (as little as it is), gas tank, tool box, steering column, hood, hood former, radiator and seat backs with black pleated canvas upholstery, black wheels, chassis and step. Yes, under the seat is still accessible as the seat base will hinge u...

Caswell

Hi Tim, The one I got from Bill in the people Republic of California, based on the Grout one.

Caswell

Another period accessory used on speedsters (patent back to 1915)

Caswell

Some early manufacturers applied paint to their bodies using brushes. I know that Japanning sped up the Model T process later on. But I was wondering if anyone is aware of earlier Model T bodies having factory-applied brush painted bodies. Regards, Joe If you are looking at painting your own car, d...

Caswell

I found the axle trusses new but for me the $200 to my door price is a little high with so many other items to buy.

Caswell

TRDxB2 wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 13, 2022 12:26 pm
Rear axle truss accessory
truss 1.jpg
truss 4.jpg

I'm not sure a later axle would benefit from this truss, any thoughts

Caswell

My seats came today outstanding service from Speedway Motors as I ordered them yesterday first thing, they shipped for free and UPS dropped them off at noon, upholstery will be a pain but that will be a month down the road.

Caswell

And a picture for Andy, did you keep what looks like over wheel fenders (motorcycle type) ?

Caswell

Also have to add the Paco as nice boat tail.

Caswell

Looks like you are pretty far along on the base, but consider dropping the seat platform all the way down to the floor level. Your seats are going to be pretty far up in the air as it is now. I'm too old to sit on the floor ;) I'm not sure it's any higher than the first two pictured above or the bl...

Caswell

Model T Tom wrote: ↑
Wed Dec 22, 2021 6:10 am
Here you go

A big Thank You to Tom, what you shared in the diagram you posted gave me a big head start, I needed to modify it a little but the info was invaluable.
Now if I can find a set of paper/card patterns for a boat tail I'll be in tall cotton.

Caswell

Have to say that's the first time I've noticed that rod on Frank Kulick's 107.8mph car
Now I'm going to be looking for something else.

Caswell

As boattails go I favor Mercury like Andy's and this green one. Yep I guess the thread has petered out.

Caswell

Made a trunk /tool box this afternoon, drivers side is a battery compartment (will coat with epoxy) fits full size or Optima, checking tank location and may make some risers for it (only to clear sediment bowl/shut off), aluminum top trim on drivers side done also. Have to make lid for the box, will...

Caswell

Very nice, a small thing I like is the use of the hood latches (can't see if springs are on) to hold lower end of hood straps and if springs are still on even better.

Caswell

Dean very nice work. Thanks Craig, There has to be more build progress pictures and descriptions from when some of you built your cars, a bunch of info is out there for lowering (no more needed), for education purposes we need insight into wood build, wood bulkheads with sheet metal, skin work with...

Caswell

Started fitting the aluminum edge strip, flat bar stock on top edges to protect wood, center floor panel is U channel that adds a little support and protects edges, U channel permits hidden screws. Worked on firewall (dash) and put steering column in to see how much of a wedge I need to make for the...

Caswell

AndyClary wrote: ↑
Sun Jan 09, 2022 7:13 pm
Looks good Dean. What color are you thinking?

Andy

Thanks Andy, at this point I'm thinking light grey. Repaint the wheels black .

Caswell

Build progress pictures, this afternoon rear deck, floor (not finished), all body brackets done, seat riser and hinged top, seats will be a week or two.

Caswell

Dean, gluing and screwing sounds good, but may not be. The Ford frame will twist, quite substantially on uneven ground. The body needs to allow for this. If it is too rigid it will try to tear itself apart. The better built commercial bodies built back in the days were mortise and tenon jointed and...

Caswell

Thread title changed so people don't click on it if they are not interested in the subject or to be less vague , I have no idea where I was going with this post, I lost track 6 words in, anyway I normally hover the cursor over the subject and it shows first and last post on the thread, if I don't th...

Caswell

Gratuitous shot of my headlights to keep the thread going. Andy6AC580D8-549F-4047-AE05-9D088E9086C0.jpeg Very nice condition drum lights and a period correct accessory. To expand on my first post, anyone please post speedster pictures, build progress pictures, period correct accessories being used.

Caswell

Funny how this drifted into a thread about batteries. ----- Yes, there has been drift from the original question about "lowering". AND I'm about to cause more with the intention of bringing focus to several specific areas. https://mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26238 After the second reply th...

Caswell

Yesterdays progress , going to get more wood in a bit. Finish dry fit, take it apart, glue and fasteners and reassemble, edge trim and the list goes on.
Replacement top half of hand brake also pictured.

Caswell

I'm for it, as the starter of the other thread I'm not offended if it branches off. I'm surprised how many hits the other thread has in such a short time.

Caswell

My own fault for the thread drift kind of, was interested in battery location and method of storage when building a speedster, as I noted above many can not be seen in plain view considering the absence of stock sheet metal. The other information being posted is still of interest, a little drift but...

Caswell

All good info, I did away with the starter, will run lights (daytime and just incase at dusk), run engine on battery , it can run on mag and generator is still good.

Caswell

O.K. I'm looking at a lot of speedsters and in many cases I'm not seeing the battery hanging down in it's normal position, for me I will have to move it back to be just in front of the rear frame crossmember as the gas tank will be above the stock battery position, or put it in the tool box/trunk to...

Caswell

I found a nice set of those, Andy, and it was just so much weight I decided not to use them. It’s always hard to make that call when you finally find something. Like Andy, I like the look of Common Sense rods, to offset weight gain the original radius rods are gone, get rid of starter and use an al...

Caswell

AndyClary wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 03, 2022 1:25 pm
This Mercury belonged to a friend. Looks a little off without skirts. Was a nice car, don’t know where it went after sale.

AndyDF2569FF-E97A-4FA1-9D3B-F3FEE1186641.jpeg

Yep, skirt gives a more finished look.

Caswell

C322FDFB-1CA8-4F90-B0DE-E007A114EBBC.jpegA little flashback. Had to make new skirts for my Mercury, instant 7 inch lowering. AndyE89C93A1-3071-42B5-AF58-A29B3B831520.jpeg4EA0199A-82FE-4198-BDB4-E7B7FCFAA02C.jpeg Those are some heavy duty looking skirts, makes me wonder what it would look like on ol...

Caswell

I'm surprised that the body styles were this way as early as 1916

Caswell

Just did mine a few weeks ago, looks the same to me.

Caswell

Mark Osterman wrote: ↑
Thu Dec 30, 2021 10:20 am
177FF73F-45CF-4C28-8F0E-225A56D5A369.jpeg

Thanks Mark,
Is/was the filler panel between what looks to be two firewalls (looks well done) a by product of setting back seating for leg room ?

Caswell

"Sorry not very clean but well lubed"
Craig.

That's as it should be, clean is for trailer queens.
Dean

Caswell

If I do decide to lower I will stick to what I have done before for less problems, Z bracket at rear and 3" drop axle from Sid's.
TRDxB2 thanks for posting the information you did, this thread is also intended to be informative for potential speedster builders.

Caswell

Lowering adds extra cost of build, exhaust will need mods, steering column will need firewall bracket and lower bracket wedge, $500 front axle, rear frame Z brackets (or cut and weld). Big pain today is getting the good firewall bracket + wedge that Lang's used to carry, anyone have a spare set ? Ma...

Search found 192 matches