MTFCA Forum

Rich P. Bingham

Not a “brass era” case. They’re all brass by the way.

Rich P. Bingham

Looking at the 2nd picture I notice the position of the offset acetylene tank. In that position I would thing they would have issues with their lights Good eye John! Yep I would bet it could been pretty exciting! "Whooosh"! :o Please explain the wherefore ? I’m guessing the proper position for the ...

Rich P. Bingham

Dan McEachern wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 26, 2025 4:11 pm
A 3/4" pipe tap is the perfect size to screw into the old driveshaft bushing . . .

I’ve had good results using a tap to remove “blind” or flanged bushings. Perhaps Frank’s shop-made tool would be economical for some. The cheapest 3/4” pipe tap listed in McMaster-Carr is $97.87. YMMV

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks, Craig, for a good, logical explanation. That makes a lot of sense ! I’m sure there are a lot of Ts, long retired now being resurrected, where the front trunion mount has rusted to the point of being a poor ground contact ! An added strap would avoid starter problems, no doubt ! It’s a good r...

Rich P. Bingham

And yes installing a ground wire from engine to frame or battery is a great idea as it prevents sparks from flying out of the front spring/motor mount when using a electric starter! Craig. :shock: Isn’t the engine “naturally” grounded to the frame by virtue of being bolted to it ??? Please explain ...

Rich P. Bingham

AND they leak. Some more, some less. Presuming you’re referring to the original Ford sediment bulb ? Mine does not. Requisite is a sediment bulb in good enough condition that the valve can be “lapped” to a proper fit. Assemble the parts with an application of that heavy, pasty fuel valve lubricant,...

Rich P. Bingham

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 21, 2025 10:41 pm
A revolutionary concept: When in doubt, read the directions.

“. . . ain’t never read a manual cuz that’s like cheatin’
He don’t mind the grease on his hands when he’s eatin’. . .”

Rich P. Bingham

mortier wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 21, 2025 3:18 pm
. . . [are] there . . . any pads installed under the two rear engine mounts . . . ?

No.
Wood blocks in the frame channel as noted, with their purpose.

Making sure rhe engine is solidly bolted to the frame is important.

Rich P. Bingham

The Dauntless Geezer speaks practical truth (as always)

Not on a T (obviously) but if you like accessory radiator caps, how about this one ?? I’m hoping the bagpipes play when the car overheats, and there’s a head of steam in the top tank !

Rich P. Bingham

Rick, that seems a very comprehensive list, thank you for that. I had only been aware of Wilson, Baudette and Fisher ! My ‘13 runabout is a Wilson body stamped with a “W” and a number that doesn’t appear to entail a date. I should take another look ! Curiously, the car came with a couple of floorboa...

Rich P. Bingham

Allan wrote: ↑
Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:23 am
I wonder if that is the Schmidt house on side?

Afrom down under.

It’s the Schmit’s !

Rich P. Bingham

. . . the main issue is the little patches of rubber touching the ground. Its about the size of two packs of cigarettes . . . This is the most important fact of life regarding Model Ts and braking. Any Model T in good repair and properly adjusted, is capable of locking up the rear wheels with the t...

Rich P. Bingham

Inability to create something new so they will try to ride on something that was, hardly surprising. Is this on topic? If you don’t recognize the “new” logo is an update of the one Ford used practically all through Model T production, then, I guess it is off topic. I found it amusingly interesting.

Rich P. Bingham

Timing cover is centered with the correct tool . . . As a 14 year old lacking a lot of reliable information as to the care and feeding of my Model T, back in nineteen-ought-sixty-two, the necessity of centering the timing cover was unknown to me, with the result the original timer and roller ran of...

Rich P. Bingham

Tim, that’s good news indeed ! I bought one from the folks in Spokane 9 years ago, intending to run it on my “new” ‘13 runabout. It was equipped with a TW Timer, which has given excellent service ever since, so I’m still holding the New Day in reserve . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Out of curiosity, what does the “race” look like in the timer body ? Over 62 years ago I ran a used New Day in my first T. Great timer ! I fear that the reproduction units don’t equal the quality of the originals, especially the fit of the bronze brush in the rotor. I believe the originals were self...

Rich P. Bingham

Good for you Chris !! With a T, all things are possible ! (well, most, anyway :lol: ) looking good, and a lot of fun ! Here’s a chance for us OCD history types to learn something - I was under the impression all of the “improved” cars were fitted with electric start, and ‘25 was the last year a cust...

Rich P. Bingham

Sounds like difficulty level 5

“Glue” the keeper halves in place with a dab of heavy grease.

Rich P. Bingham

Update for anyone interested in this thread. The block of nitrophyl from Kelch Restorations came in today’s post. FWIW, its appearance is VERY different from the float blank I had obtained from Lang’s. Smooth, black, with a sheen even when cut, it does not resemble the grey, granular texture of the ...

Rich P. Bingham

So far, no one has mentioned a “dry test” vs. a “wet test”. Dry is “as is”, for a wet test, squirt a little oil into the cylinder through the plug hole. Wet/dry variation can tell you something about the condition of your rings. From my experience, a “hold in” gauge is practically useless when check...

Rich P. Bingham

Pat, I have a hunch you’re right about the rubber. Pretty much what I’ve found to be the case, Jeff. . . So, is there a remedy ?

Rich P. Bingham

Thank you kindly Dan. I did try to search the forum, did not find that thread. It seems definitive, wonder why I can’t seem to get enough pressure to open the tire stem valve ?

Rich P. Bingham

Like many, I picked up a real Ford tire pump for my Lizzie. I would like it to be functional. Seems to be a good restoration, plunger piston has been replaced with a cup from a hydraulic brake cylinder, it moves air well. Fitting to attach to the tire stem doesn’t have a point for opening the stem v...

Rich P. Bingham

Tire problem solved. Thanks, MTFCA !

Rich P. Bingham

I ordered a piece of nitrophyl from Kelch Restoration Services in Bethel, Ohio. The gent I spoke with said he’s been using nitrophyl for floats for 20 years, no failures. He did say there are foam products being used that eventually get “waterlogged”, some swell and bind in the bowl.

Caveat emptor !

Rich P. Bingham

Does anyone have a single 30x3-1/2” smooth grey tire they would part with ? Pairs or a full set (2@ 30x3, 2@ 30x3-1/2) OK too - I’m not sure how far this hernia will take me !
White or failed (turning brown) white OK too

Rich P. Bingham

Thank you, Jeffrey. That’s instructive. Now to research it and determine if it can be formed into Model T carb floats.
Identifying the material Lang’s provides is still a problem.

Rich P. Bingham

Pat, I wondered if that could be the case. I shouldn’t complain about failure after several years, but it caught me off guard.

Rich P. Bingham

Photo #11 - “WTH ?!?”
Photo #12 - “Shot the S.O.B. that cut my tire !”

Rich P. Bingham

Both from the same source, perhaps we can assume it’s the same stuff ? It appears to be the same vis-a-vis the photo. Lang’s catalogue only specifies “modern material”. Just curious whether anyone else has found that it will absorb fuel “in time” ?

BTW, Nice work on that float, Richard !

Rich P. Bingham

My Lizzie pulled up with a belly-ache the other day, woes with the Holley G I’m running. It’s a brass-body G I rebuilt about 7 years ago, using the available composite foam float available from Lang’s. As usual, it’s never just one thing wrong, found a little crud in the inlet port, and the float va...

Rich P. Bingham

It’s great to follow your progress on these projects Tom, thank you ! (you do such fine work, it’s an inspiration !)

Rich P. Bingham

Great mud pix Dennis, thank you !

Rich P. Bingham

What’s missing from most authentic restorations ? Mud !! Lizzie is my faithful work companion every summer, as we chase the irrigation water from the diversion and in the fields. I kinda get a perverse pleasure from playing in the mud, she does clean up well when the time comes, but I can’t even beg...

Rich P. Bingham

Of course nowadays it’s most likely a 60s “muscle car”, but the principle remains the same . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Kieth, Tim, I agree with both of you ! And I’m curious about the T. To me, it looks too short for a TT, but the heavy rear wheel looks TT. Special chassis ? Optical illusion ?

The camper body looks ingenious. I bet those kids had a lot of fun on that trip.

Rich P. Bingham

Photo caption, “Dr. A.A. Foster and family on their camping vacation from Dallas Texas to Washington, D.C., 1920”

Modified TT ? What a great adventure that must have been !

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks for posting the picture of the whole carb. What a wonderful hunk of brass !!

Rich P. Bingham

RajoRacer wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 18, 2025 4:55 pm
Rainer - verify that the pan bolt directly under the timer has the head up top & the nut down below - when reversed, it can cause #4 to ground !

Good call, Steve ! Easy to miss, easier to forget when re-assembling a motor. So easy to ground a timer terminal !

Rich P. Bingham

I have a feeling the length of service of Ts as regular transportation had a lot to do with what part of the country they were from. Our family’s experience was likely typical. My granddad bought a used Model T pickup in 1929, his very first automobile. He was 38 at the time. By 1931 he had traded f...

Rich P. Bingham

Oil ? Yes ! Use it !!

Rich P. Bingham

Double check the commutator wires at the coil box as well, just to be sure. FWIW, yes, wiring out of sequential order definitely CAN result in a kick-back. Also, trying to start against a kick-back can result in a broken starter motor. Price of parts these days, almost as painful as a broken arm ! :...

Rich P. Bingham

DanTreace wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:14 pm

But remember the saddle will have a leather strap laying in the curve, so you have to add that thickness too.

Dan, is there a specification for the thickness (weight) of the strap leather ? Diameter of the rolled strap can be adjusted by skiving down the thickness of the strap.

Rich P. Bingham

Yes, he's long gone - John Borinaukus (SP) has been remanufacturing top irons for many years. Steve, when did he pass away ? Very sorry to hear this. When a falling tree branch damaged the top on my ‘13 runabout in September of 2020, Langs put me in touch with him. At the time, he said he was havin...

Rich P. Bingham

I beleive Restoration Supply has replacement mirrors . . . A quick look at their 2020 catalog shows they offer replacement nickel plated brass reflectors 5-1/2” dia., No glass. I have not seen any glass reflectors offered in parts for sale for many years. I bought a pair long time ago, of course th...

Rich P. Bingham

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Sat Jun 28, 2025 1:27 pm
Complete, factory-correct Model Ts were scarce by 1920.

The Model Ts produced in 1920 weren’t “factory correct” ?

Rich P. Bingham

Mexico City, c. 1925, the Universal Car !

Rich P. Bingham

March 2, “in like a lamb”, sunny, 50f, the snowdrift blocking the garage doors finally melted, time for me and my crew to get Lizzie out of hibernation ! Sure glad I did, because today it’s snowing again . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Strange ?? Not for many T guys, I don’t think. At age 5, I was gifted with a “Revell Authentikit” model of what they called a “1910” Model T Torpedo. I was smitten. A year later, the Bovey collection of antique cars in Virginia City Montana sealed my fate. “Hot rods” never appealed to me. I’ll apolo...

Rich P. Bingham

#10 - I’d love to know the story behind this photo. New-looking 1913 with electric lamp conversion (for the side lamps too, maybe ?). That tent is going to be there for the season, with a wooden floor. The two gents look pretty comfortable, and the saddle horse has a real solid ground tie !

Rich P. Bingham

Looks like the windshield glass is also missing in the first photo. The photo looks like a “still” from some movie. Movie cars often had the windshield glass removed to eliminate reflections and glare while filming. By late 30s, Ts were considered “funny old cars”, emblematic of failure, poverty or...

Rich P. Bingham

Perhaps I’m mistaken, but over time, posts about gasoline seem to indicate fuels may vary a lot regionally. Ten years or more back, I found ethanol blends caused me a lot of problems with my small engines. Changing to non-ethanol solved my problems, so I’ve adopted it for my Model T too. Re/ the pro...

Rich P. Bingham

Be aware of lining fragments in your oil as the clutch discs fail. They can cause an engine failure. From experience, I agree the original clutch pack is best. Lining fragments likely caused a piston-pin to seize in my T by blocking the oil hole.

Rich P. Bingham

Be aware of lining fragments in your oil as the clutch discs fail. They can cause an engine failure. From experience, I agree the original clutch pack is best. Lining fragments likely caused a piston-pin to seize in my T by blocking the oil hole.

Rich P. Bingham

While we’re on the subject, does anyone have any recommendations for a source of red rubber tubing ?

Rich P. Bingham

Kenneth, again, my thanks ! This makes more sense to me now. So, to be clear, when the tubing exits the crankcase block, you ease it out of the frame channel and under the steering bracket to end within 4” or so of the radiator connection ? No abrupt bends, just flexing the rigid brass tube -

Rich P. Bingham

Ken, thank you much ! So, if I understand correctly, you end the rigid tube behind the steering bracket, and use hose to flex under the steering and connect to the plumbing at the radiator ? Makes sense !

Rich P. Bingham

Mark, Kenneth, many thanks for posting the links to previous discussions ! It would seem the line is placed inside the frame rail just forward of the control shaft, where it is secured by a clamp: then it passes between the frame and crankcase support arm presumably the wood block bevel allows this ...

Rich P. Bingham

I’m interested to know how the acetylene line is supposed to be routed. On my ‘13 it’s essentially straight, suspended at the rear by the hose to the generator, and clamped at the front on the forward hood shelf bolt.

Rich P. Bingham

I also use EZTurn BUT be careful to use it sparingly - it will block the orifice ! Well said Steve !! “A little dab ‘ll do ya !” Apply a thin film to the “cone” make sure none gets in the orifice of the valve. It keeps the moving part from seizing, and will stop a minor leak. Three years now, mine ...

Rich P. Bingham

There is an aircraft product called “EZ Turn” that is fuel resistant, meant to lubricate the turning parts of fuel line valves and petcocks. It will stop minor leaks and seepage.

Rich P. Bingham

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 13, 2025 2:00 pm
What is a blackboard?

OK, OK, so it’s a geezer exaggeration. Some of them were green !

Rich P. Bingham

<r><QUOTE author="John L" post_id="356566" time="1739453366" user_id="254"><s>[quote="John L" post_id=356566 time=1739453366 user_id=254]</s> They don’t even teach them to write cursive any more, or to even sign there names. <e>[/quote]</e></QUOTE> Why the genius education PhDs failed to grasp the i...

Rich P. Bingham

Interesting ! The lady and little girl aren’t dressed for cold, but the T is sure buttoned up against wet weather. I’m guessing the hood cover is to keep the plugs dry and not shorting out in a real goose-drowner ? The stock T hood allows plenty of rain to descend on the engine through the center hi...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . I plucked out a felt from an old pack nut and unable to tell if its felt . . . :lol: The “go to” common fix back in the day was a few wraps of common cotton packing string and brown soap. (not common anymore. When was the last time you bought an item in a store, and they rapped it in brown pa...

Rich P. Bingham

FWIW - I’ve always used the felt packing on the carburetor feed pipe. Once disturbed, they seldom seal well on reassembly. Felt “donuts” from the vendors come dry, the old packing can be difficult to remove from the pack nuts. New, dry felt doesn’t really want to go in the nut and around the pipe. I...

Rich P. Bingham

Perhaps it’s possible for members of national clubs to organize and work in concert to prevent legislation that is harmful to the whole community of vintage car enthusiasts ? In unity, I’d think the constituency should be fairly impressive. Ford organizations alone, there are two Model T clubs, Mode...

Rich P. Bingham

RecklessKelly wrote: ↑
Mon Jan 27, 2025 1:55 pm
Its funny how they can evolve from treaded to smooth in little time.

I remember tire ads in the 60s claimed there was a parasite called a “squirm” that ate tire tread !

Rich P. Bingham

John, your comment reminded me of a friend of mine who “specialized” in 12 cylinder Lincolns. They had a float gauge for checking the static crank-case oil level, which he lamented, wishing they had never used. In his experience, the Lincoln motors were generally in very poor condition which he attr...

Rich P. Bingham

So that would be “Rajo”, not Ajo ?

(Ajo in Spanish is garlic. Maybe run your T on garlic oil ?

)

Rich P. Bingham

Older post on smoothies, from a T'er who drives a lot. Short of the cord showing through, I’d still like to know how one tells when they’re worn out ? I put smooth grey tires on my ‘13 when Coker offered them at a close-out. More miles off-road and on dirt than on pavement, I did almost get stuck i...

Rich P. Bingham

If it’s any consolation, starting was an issue “back in the day” as well . . .

Rich P. Bingham

How bad is bad ? A few years back, the “brown death” was overtaking the newer all-white tires. This was not “yellowing” that responded to Bleche-Wite or other whitewall cleaners. As Wayne noted, many suspected reaction with the tubes sold at the time. That tubes posed a problem seems borne out by th...

Rich P. Bingham

Art M wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 25, 2025 10:01 am
Treaded tires normally last longer than smooth tires.

How can you tell ??

Rich P. Bingham

:lol: well, I sure want to know ! You’d think the 1913 model (was it “S” ?) would be even better, but I didn’t find it so. I cheated and put a 1914 “G” on my ‘13, it comes close to the claim made by the H-1, but when it’s really cold like today (-3f) Lizzie has other ideas that may not be any fault ...

Rich P. Bingham

WOW !! that is one clean head !!

Rich P. Bingham

I don’t know them that well but is it a 2 lever car? It’s hard to see Bryant Good question ! One lever (that appears to be brass plated) is clearly visible. I think the “thing” in front of it is the speedometer cable. I don’t know enough about the two lever cars to say whether the reverse lever wou...

Rich P. Bingham

perry kete wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 21, 2025 7:01 pm
What a great picture!

. . . a mechanic that size . . . can walk under the car to check the oil level without bending over.

Thanks, Dennis. Another reason to miss my grandsons !!

Rich P. Bingham

Herb Iffrig wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 21, 2025 6:39 pm
Reminds me of Darren Liepold's car somewhat.

Darrel’s is a 1910, this one might be a ‘10, can our experts date this car ?

Rich P. Bingham

A nice T, a good mechanic, and a faithful friend !

Rich P. Bingham

#14 - Cute little ranch kids, 1939 somewhere in Wyoming, a well-used ‘26-7 roadster, with a good, solid top. You know Dad is in the cattle business, the tire cover is a promotion for Denver Stockyards as a shipping point. No need to go to Omaha or Chicago, reach markets anywhere in the country from ...

Rich P. Bingham

Bill Dizer wrote: ↑
Thu Jan 16, 2025 3:59 pm
Looks like both guys are driving! Two drivers, one automobile!

Have to ! No “tongue” to hitch to, the team can’t steer rhe car, but the feller behind the wheel can - the other gent has his hands full of reins, driving the team.

Rich P. Bingham

Where does YOUR dog ride ?

Rich P. Bingham

I wonder what happened to the Model T, that it needed rescuing ?

Rich P. Bingham

Given the low production numbers for 1909, I find it odd that the Landaulet body would have comprised such a high percentage. I hope someone can point is to an actual survivor! Re/ the landaulet in the auto show photo, it’s not impossible that became a “car that never was”. It was fairly usual for a...

Rich P. Bingham

Just imagine that brake lining wearing down thin, you do a panic stop and it snaps. Oh boy. Really no difference from burning out the lining in the stock band. No lining, no nuttin’. :lol: The seasoned T driver knows that if the brake band fails, stomping low and reverse at the same time will clamp...

Rich P. Bingham

How orange ?? Bright orange could be a red lead primer like they (used to ?) use on bridges. Any chance it was just rusty and painted over (not so orange)

Rich P. Bingham

Seems like a sound concept. Only “gripe” I have is whether they would release entirely, or have a bit of drag on drums constantly. ?? Guess we’ll never know. They never became popular, that’s sure. I had never heard of them before now.

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks again, Tom, for a wonderful collection. Given the topic title I just had to add this one, being partial to Collies and the ‘13-‘14 cars !

Rich P. Bingham

. . . Henry Ford . . . made the case that power farming was more productive than horse-powered farming . . . That is true. Mechanized farming led to surpluses, higher efficiency, producing more for less return, a deadly spiral. When I was small, we had a neighbor who still did some of his farming w...

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks Rich for posting the never seen by me era cartoons. . . . Henry enjoyed riding even when he was approaching 70 years old . . .” My pleasure, Bob ! Aren’t they fun ? :lol: “even” ?? :lol: at 76 I still throw a leg over. Not sure which is more fun - my horses or my Model T !! I hope I can cont...

Rich P. Bingham

Fascinating that some might’ve driven intercity at night with only kerosene cowl lamps. Recall in its day, the majority of traffic was still horse drawn. Carriage lamps were lit by candles - the purpose was not to light the way, but to make the vehicle visible to others sharing the road. Same for t...

Rich P. Bingham

“The horse is through.” - Henry Ford It’s been recounted over the years that Mr. Ford “hated” horses. Perhaps his disaffection for the equine race didn’t extend to a specific gut-wrenching animosity, but there is little doubt Ford’s massive incursions into personal mobility and on the farm resulted ...

Rich P. Bingham

And the rest is history !

Rich P. Bingham

Very true, Susanne. And Newt was sorely vexed !!

Rich P. Bingham

A recent photo of Chugwater shows how population has dwindled since KD’s time. The Parsnip Creek Dam project has diverted water from the former moss beds, just desert plain now where the Regatta used to be held. Sic transit gloria mundi . . .

Rich P. Bingham

I spent a moment puzzling over this too. Interesting Mark’s “untouched” ‘13 has lamps with hinges outboard.
Also interesting to learn not all lamp mfgrs. made “pairs”. Not a big thing, I mounted mine hinges inboard as the lenses can touch the fenders the other way.

Rich P. Bingham

Very good call, Herb ! Cartoonist Jack Kettle was a student of Van Pinksburg’s, although his offerings (like this one) weren’t at all funny. He was Ma & Pa Kettle’s nephew.

The Van Pinksburg influence can be seen in the exquisite detail of the “shiners” in this rendering.

Rich P. Bingham

Requesting loyal readers of KD’s Adventures to post any examples they may have of paintings, drawings and/or illustrations by Aldo Van Pinksburg. Recall, he was KD’s favorite artist. Perhaps he is best known for the labels on bottles of Happy Sally over the years. Thank you !

Rich P. Bingham

Almost exactly seven years ago, late October 2017, I made a trip to buy some parts from Mr. Huson, spent the better part of a very pleasant day with him and his very gracious wife. He showed me his cars and his work space, he is the “real deal” as T guys go. I’m glad to learn he is doing well.

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