MTFCA Forum

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks for clarifying that, Scott. I guess the “improved cars” really were improved, then !

Rich P. Bingham

The following is an excerpt from The Reminiscences of Mr. John Wandersee: All during this period from 1908 . . . after we had about 10,000,000 cars on the road, you could drive from here downtown any day you wanted to and see two or three rear wheels laying on the pavement . . . Surely that transcr...

Rich P. Bingham

I can never remember all the earmarks, so thanks much, Wayne, for the refresher. One detail I think I see, is the radiator script appears to have the long “wings”. What is the chronology of that ? Also, I’ve seen photos of the earliest Ts sans windshield that don’t appear to have the “spacer board” ...

Rich P. Bingham

With the disappearance of Scandinavia cotton linings the choice is now between wood and kevlar unless you find NOS in the ad section. You’d need to have a set of each to mix and match. I doubt if vendors break up sets.

Rich P. Bingham

And there’s the final word !! Doctors used TOURING CARS !! not coupes !!

Rich P. Bingham

Realizing some materials are spray application only, the best way to do an even, thorough job is to set up so wheels are vertical and can be turned from the center using a brush.

Rich P. Bingham

speedytinc wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 10, 2026 12:36 pm
How bout we put some effort into leaving/keeping this A.I. GARBAGE off this forum.

I HEARTILY agree !

Rich P. Bingham

I started with Model Ts when I was 14.
78 come June

Rich P. Bingham

Frank, thank you much for posting those parts book pages. Interesting to note that the earlier pans indicate a capture point for every bolt on the crank-case - then trimmed to three, and then two only on the manifold side ! Also noted, the parts listings don’t seem to show the style with the formed ...

Rich P. Bingham

Modern T drivers rarely roll on anything but pavement. It doesn’t take a lot of miles on dirt roads and in rain and snow to realize engine splash pans are a great idea ! They’re a pain in the neck to deal with on a major tear-down, and I also wonder if they actually improve cooling efficiency, but t...

Rich P. Bingham

I don’t recall ever seeing much discussion on engine splash pans on these boards over the years. Just curious whether anyone has researched them, and if there is a chronology that attends changes in their form. Question arises from an original condition ‘23 centerdoor with this pan, in 64 years of “...

Rich P. Bingham

Aprons, and shields, and guards, oh my !

“Them long, curved, sheet-metal thingies.”

Rich P. Bingham

I built mine from similar plans and the hardware kit from Snyder’s.

Rich P. Bingham

Scott, if I’m understanding you correctly, you’re saying compressing the clutch spring by its normal leverage point in the hogshead is actually a force moving the transmission away from the magneto ring ? Seems right to me.

Rich P. Bingham

Jeff, the repair on that Caddy part seems nothing less than miraculous ! I had no idea such technology even existed. Thank you for posting that, and thanks again for this great forum for making such information available for our far-flung members !

Rich P. Bingham

Here’s another one.

Horses : “We’d help if we could !” - “What is that thing ?” - “Got a jack ?” - “If my folks get one of those contraptions I’ll kick it to pieces !”

Rich P. Bingham

?? Looks like big trouble to me, but everyone is jolly.
Brings to mind one of my grandmother’s sayings :
“The man worthwhile is the man who can smile when everything goes dead-wrong.”

Rich P. Bingham

Horses to pull the sheep camp, the T to haul camp supplies from town while shepherding in the hills.Quicker ans easier than riding back to town and pack saddling in supplies. Allan from down under. Maybe “down under”. Here, in the Rocky Mountains the sheepherder would usually be in some nearly inac...

Rich P. Bingham

varmint wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 18, 2026 4:21 pm
Awesome pics.
I wonder if they pulled the spark plugs first.

Vern, I wondered about the “drag”, most cases the sheepherders weren’t necessarily that “tech savvy”

I’ll bet the team just had to take it in stride.

Rich P. Bingham

Here’s another - not a T, but it shows the trials early drivers endured. Figuring out the newfangled gas buggy’s limitations vis-a-vis what they were used to doing was quite a learning curve, I imagine.

Rich P. Bingham

I find it a little puzzling why the sheepherder would find a Model T useful in the hills, but here you have it. I’m going to assume the T doesn’t quite have enough power to pull the sheep camp up to summer range, but the team can handle the load plus trail the T.

Rich P. Bingham

I like the term, “Doctor’s Pickup” !!

Rich P. Bingham

Norm belonged to a special generation among Model T enthusiasts. He regularly shared his knowledge and experience on these boards, to the great benefit of all of us. He will be missed.

Rich P. Bingham

No one commented whether the manifold is possibly also warped - that adds another layer of difficulty for putting it back in service.

Rich P. Bingham

George House wrote: ↑
Sat Feb 14, 2026 6:23 pm
Rich,…LEDs ?

George, good choice !! I had no idea LEDs have been available since 1914 !
Why haven’t we used them before now ?

Rich P. Bingham

#1 - Looks new ! No acetylene generator nor Prestolite tank on the near running board, what other options were available to light the headlamps ?

Rich P. Bingham

Have you verified that there actually are magnets on your flywheel ? The past 40 years or so, it’s been popular to think a Model T can run 70 mph with modern traffic if only all that unnecessary revolving weight (flywheel magnets, cast iron pistons, etc.) can be eliminated.

Rich P. Bingham

Thanks, Steve. Makes sense.

Rich P. Bingham

Just curious, how do these optional plates solve the problem of ragged lugs on a worn-out brake drum and “basket” ?

Rich P. Bingham

Why ?

Changing clutch plates is a lot of work should this not prove satisfactory. What advantages are presumed ? I’m sorry, but efforts to re-invent the Model T clutch always seem like a solution in search of a problem.

Rich P. Bingham

“Knickerbockers”. One time considered snazzy attire for playing golf.

Rich P. Bingham

The big deal is finding some, Allan.

Rich P. Bingham

“Just because” - although I will never drive my T at night, it bothers my “brass snob purist” point of view that my Jno. Brown headlamps have metal repro reflectors. I honestly haven’t looked very hard to find a pair of glass ones. I did find a pair, but they are the wrong diameter . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Good points ! I had some copper never-seize that had an expiration date - WTH ? I had some aluminum anti-seize without an expiration date. After 40 years, it had “gone bad” (I don’t use it a lot :lol: ) I bet you could have added some thin oil or mineral spirits & reconstituted it. Waste not want n...

Rich P. Bingham

RajoRacer wrote: ↑
Sat Feb 07, 2026 10:43 pm
Good points ! I had some copper never-seize that had an expiration date - WTH ?

I had some aluminum anti-seize without an expiration date. After 40 years, it had “gone bad” (I don’t use it a lot

)

Rich P. Bingham

On picture Nine wonder what the extra brace was for? since no door there? Dunno but #12 & #13 are nice pics of '13's showing the correct top boot with the "corner flap" seldom seen on repro boots...and of course a properly mounted horn...Larry!! :lol: Maybe that brace was used to retain "stuff" hau...

Rich P. Bingham

Bryce S. wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 05, 2026 7:03 pm
#16 - Imagine how freezing cold it would have been to drive over 25 mph in a non enclosed T in what looks to be the dead of winter.

Very unlikely they would be going over 25 mph - if that !

Rich P. Bingham

varmint wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 05, 2026 4:26 pm
#6 19¢ a gallon

19 cents had the purchase power of $6.23 today

Rich P. Bingham

Definitely keep in touch Chuck ! It would be great to meet up with you folks ! And yes, there’s a lot of good Model T type roads in “Uta-Ho” !

Looking forward to touring weather !

Rich P. Bingham

This fabric item was between the front spring and the frame member on my ‘13. It appears to be long grain top material. The 1915 parts book shows an identical item, I’m wondering if anyone knows the purpose of the four small brass rivets ?

Rich P. Bingham

I heartily concur ! I bought a well-used well-done restoration I could “abuse” with a clear conscience. It’s more fun. When I got it ten years ago, folks would ask if I had restored it myself . . . Now, as items have worn and failed, I’ve rebuilt the rear axle, “freshened” the engine and transmissio...

Rich P. Bingham

Good on you guys ! I hope you have a good turnout and a lot of enthusiasm. I’m too far north of you to actively participate, but it would be nice to have some contacts closer than 2000 miles away ! There’s an active group in the Boise area, isolated T owners here in SE Idaho. Best wishes ! Keep us p...

Rich P. Bingham

I’ve read about this in past years on the forum. It’s do-able, but seems rather daunting. Only thing I know for sure is you sure as heck can’t remove the camshaft from the rear !!

Keep us posted Allan, sounds like you found a good one !

Rich P. Bingham

Picture #2 must be AI generated. No gas generator or presto lite bottle but gas lamps. Something just doesn’t look right. Could be but a good new looking '14 anyway with shiny paint that won't last 6 months. At least the horn is black and mounted correctly! I think I am seeing demountable rims & th...

Rich P. Bingham

A few years back, the browning of white tires was a hot topic. Scores of posts on these boards offered causes and cures, with no definite conclusions. My opinion: ( whatever that’s worth ) the culprit was the composition of the tire material. From reading recent discussions, I believe makers have so...

Rich P. Bingham

Seems like the restorer’s dilemma has been with us since the early days !

(cartoon from 1920)

You can buy a restored car for less than it costs to restore one !

Rich P. Bingham

And once again !

Rich P. Bingham

As long as we’re theorizing, looks to me as if the thing could be big trouble if the line it’s pulling can’t be kept perfectly parallel with the car . . .

I’d still like to know who could actually use one because of where they drive their cars !

Rich P. Bingham

Interesting subject. The thought of reproducing this item raises the question, how many of us intrepid T drivers venture on roads and into terrain where having one would be an advantage ?? Show of hands, please ?

Rich P. Bingham

Is this how you do it ?

Rich P. Bingham

Bump again

Rich P. Bingham

Thumpa-bumpa

Rich P. Bingham

This car was produced November of 1908. Is it even considered an 09? If it is not the Holy Grail, it is at least one of the wineglasses used by the 12! :D Experts on the first 2500 will be able to tell is how early in 1908 they began to be built. The model introduction was in October of 1908, Ford ...

Rich P. Bingham

Lest we forget . . .

Rich P. Bingham

Oh, to have such problems !

Yours is an embarrassment of riches, Russ !
Would you consider posting a photo tour of this wonderful machine ?

Rich P. Bingham

#7 a newish 1913 ? Difficult to see the distinguishing square doors, but the windshield and front fenders are ‘13 earmarks, right ?

#8 appears to be an ‘09 - license plate tells us the photo was taken in 1912. A “tourabout” sans windshield or top. Was it bought that way ?

Rich P. Bingham

#6 is interesting, obviously a well-used T, the photo is from 1914 according to the license plate. Interesting windshield arrangement, and period documentation of “boxed” stripes on the hood ! What year is the car ?

Rich P. Bingham

The solid shaft seems like the intention would have been to mount some kind of control device, perhaps a pedal or lever.
I also think it’s unfinished. Intriguing !!

Rich P. Bingham

ewdysar wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 13, 2026 1:56 pm

hull 433 wrote: ↑
Tue Jan 13, 2026 12:34 pm
Something’s off with the “Boeing” photo . . .
I agree. The historical record is changing as we watch.

Look closely at #2 - I think it needs a lot of explanation.
The “Boeing” photo is most certainly an AI pastiche.

Rich P. Bingham

I'd want to determine that pulling the engine was absolutely necessary, especially if I lacked a well equipped shop. Absolutely ! Everyone dreads pulling an engine, but if you have a T and keep it any length of time, it’s not “IF” you’ll have to, but “WHEN”. (For a feeling of accomplishment it can’...

Rich P. Bingham

Search this forum for the proper procedure for re-charging magnets in an assembled engine. It’s done through the block-mounted coil ring, the transmission cover needs to be on so a compass can be used to properly orient the flywheel. Many say the engine should be aligned with magnetic north, there w...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . My speculation is the Frame was dipped in Alkyd Enamel . . . Going down a rabbit hole: 1901 alkyd resin is synthesized in the laboratory 1914 General Electric patents alkyd resin for use as an insulating material in electrical applications 1926 General Electric introduces Glyptal paint for co...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . My speculation is the Frame was dipped in Alkyd Enamel . . . Going down a rabbit hole: 1901 alkyd resin is synthesized in the laboratory 1914 General Electric patents alkyd resin for use as an insulating material in electrical applications 1926 General Electric introduces Glyptal paint for co...

Rich P. Bingham

1925 Caddy with Hydramatic ?!?

Rich P. Bingham

Wow! It’s deja vu all over again ! Some of my earliest memories are of my uncle’s ‘49 Olds he bought new. Midnight blue metallic, a fastback. Beautiful !! I hope you’ll post a picture of it ! It’s hard for me to accept that a 77 year old car is a modern upgrade. When I first became enamored of the M...

Rich P. Bingham

Photo #6 - ‘09 ? ‘10 ? Looks like it probably was “born” with a windshield, now removed, the ladies’ hats look like 1912-17, a well- used car !

Rich P. Bingham

While we’re “picking on” the last photo, those square-nose front fenders seem a bit odd. After-market ?

Rich P. Bingham

colonelpowers wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 03, 2026 9:18 am
. . . There isn't a good option for hoisting the engine but it could probably be lifted out with a few people . . .

My first T (1962) we two teenagers pulled the engine by slinging a chain around a corral pole and between the cylinders. It will do to get it into your cart !

Rich P. Bingham

We disabled our Lizzie for a front axle refresh. A good friend has the KW tooling to re-bush the king bolts and put threaded inserts in. New spring shackles and perch bushings will complete the overhaul. I expect to get her back together good time next month !

Rich P. Bingham

Its a 30 x 3.5". No 30x3 demountables. I measured my non-demountable rims, 30x3” rims are 24” in diameter, with a tread width of 2-1/2” 30x3-1/2” rims are 23” in diameter with a tread width of 3”. What am I missing ? (I realize Henry never supplied 30x3” demountable rims, and I’ll freely admit I’ve...

Rich P. Bingham

Looks to me like 30x3” clincher

Rich P. Bingham

more speed = more fuel = more heat

Rich P. Bingham

just in case anyone is interested

Rich P. Bingham

Best wishes to all for a very Merry Christmas !

Rich P. Bingham

Neat !! On all counts. Par’m my French, I think the translator flubbed “conduite interieure” which I betcha means “closed car” in the context of the ad.

A French “California top” - how fun is that ?

Rich P. Bingham

tmodeldriver wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 23, 2025 9:23 am
You're probably gonna be famous.

No doubt !! There is some interest.
FWIW, Lang’s has posted a couple of “odd” tires in this section.

Rich P. Bingham

Herb Iffrig wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 22, 2025 1:23 pm
It looks like you just started one.

Indeed !

Maybe it will be helpful ?

Rich P. Bingham

I noted a request for a single tire today on these boards. I recently sold a single “grey smoothie” to a fellow who wanted one for display.

I’m thinking a “clearing house” thread might be helpful to members looking to match up oddball tires ?

Rich P. Bingham

Thought - I’d presume you would remove the axle, radius arms and all before “doing battle”. I, too, doubt the perches will be worth saving.

Rich P. Bingham

. . . I wonder how long the low band lasted in the 23 Roadster pulling some sort of plowing set up. It wouldn’t be fun to try to change it in the middle of a plowed field. Whatever it was pulling I think it might have been a harrow instead of a plow . . . :lol: Good question John ! I think the grea...

Rich P. Bingham

. . . 5th from the bottom of the post looks like to me that the guy is using a wider tire tied on to each rear wheel to gain traction to plow a field . . . Isn’t that a great photo ? Yup. He’s running rear “dualies” by chaining another tire to the rear wheels. I really wish this showed the implemen...

Rich P. Bingham

If you want to be period correct, no zippers before 1917, they didn’t come into general usage until the mid-1920s, probably only on garments. (More research is indicated) I recall my grandfather’s comments re/ zippers c. 1930 : “I don’t trust zippers. I saw a fellow get his necktie caught in one onc...

Rich P. Bingham

FWIW, a later cover is a better choice, as it’s nigh unto impossible to fabricate an original type felt seal for a 1913 cover. What Larry said !

Rich P. Bingham

Touring car or runabout, hard to put a date on them, at one point Ford jobbed bodies from several coach builders. They would be pretty much the same from 1915-25 although some of the earlier ones used wood members.

Rich P. Bingham

Neal, there was no indication the carb had been painted. Brass will tarnish near black in time though ! Corey, thank you for the additional information on the S ! Dan, I have two “S” carbs, the one that was on my car has the original cork float with a failed gas tank liner coating, the other has a m...

Rich P. Bingham

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 15, 2025 7:13 pm
. . . Did Holley continue to make the Model S after Ford moved on? . . .

Not to my knowledge. The 1913 model year was the only application, and they are rare today - as Stan said, “made of unobtanium.”

Rich P. Bingham

My 1913 runabout was fitted with an “S” when I bought it nine years ago. Opposite of your experience, it was very sensitive to flooding. The previous owner cautioned me to halt the engine by “starving” the mixture needle, and not to give more than two pulls on the crank when choking cold. The time o...

Rich P. Bingham

Radiator rests on one leather pad each side. Hard to tell how “wallered” the crankshaft stub is. That’s a problem. You could perhaps make an oversized crank pin if you have the right diameter stock. Upset the shaft with a punch or chisel to make it snug in the crankshaft. If you have a large enough ...

Rich P. Bingham

Re / #2, I panned it because as an item, it didn’t especially interest me. That said, having become phobic over the amount of AI trash being presented as historical images, it sent my “Spidey sense” tingling, it just looks “wrong”, and has the stench of AI manipulation about it. Thanks to Wayne and ...

Rich P. Bingham

Interestingly, they never were “babbitt” as we understand alloys commonly used for engine bearings, but a lead/zinc alloy developed for die casting commonly referred to as “pot metal”. The thrust washers performed adequately in the era, and for many years afterwards. At a certain point, it seems the...

Rich P. Bingham

Interestingly, they never were “babbitt” as we understand alloys commonly used for engine bearings, but a lead/zinc alloy developed for die casting commonly referred to as “pot metal”. The thrust washers performed adequately in the era, and for many years afterwards. At a certain point, it seems the...

Rich P. Bingham

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 13, 2025 5:25 pm
. . . the speedster pictured in the Up Up & Away thread was an early adopter of Flubber. He managed the control issues by adding a vertical stabilizer/rudder and stub wings . . .

An excellent solution. Thanks for an astute observation, Pat.

Rich P. Bingham

Sure looks like it ! Interesting !

Rich P. Bingham

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Fri Dec 12, 2025 10:38 am
. . . What would be the weight difference between helium at a given pressure and (dry) air at a given pressure?

If you’re running a Flubber conversion, helium makes the steering “lighter”. But be careful banking on hairpin turns !

Rich P. Bingham

Allan, that’s a useful revelation. I’m not understanding thoroughly - could you explain, please, with a bit more detail ? An aside, cuz that’s what geezers do, ramble on. When I had my first T, I was a skinny little slip of a 14 year old. I could spin my sometimes recalcitrant mount like a hurdy-gur...

Rich P. Bingham

Prayers and condolences.

Rich P. Bingham

Agreeing wholeheartedly, Wayne. Thanks for that. Ten years since I “returned to the fold” I have noted the graying (and the passing) of many of the knowledgeable and prominent T aficionados who have given life to this enjoyable hobby for so long. At this point, I really must protest the prevalent at...

Rich P. Bingham

I can’t speak for the earliest coil box systems (Jacobsen/Brandow ?) but Kingston, Heinze and early KW (1910-1913) all had terminals for magneto and battery, and a “bat” switch position.

Rich P. Bingham

I will never understand the obsession with cobbling up an antique with complicated retrofit “bandaids”. If you can’t abide your T the way it was built, drive something that pleases you. Please don’t butcher an intact, complete historic vehicle for the sake of perceived “convenience”. Driving / ownin...

Rich P. Bingham

Just a guess without foundation - I’d be willing to bet the first iteration of the hearse was horse-drawn.

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