MTFCA Forum

CatGuy

I pulled the magneto post yesterday. I’ve had it off before. It was clean and had continuity. I tried putting a scope in the top of the transmission to see if the magneto is actually there, but it was inconclusive. It’s really not visible unless you take the hogshead off, I assume? When you remove ...

CatGuy

I pulled the magneto post yesterday. I’ve had it off before. It was clean and had continuity. I tried putting a scope in the top of the transmission to see if the magneto is actually there, but it was inconclusive. It’s really not visible unless you take the hogshead off, I assume?

CatGuy

I took the wires off the switch and tested it. It tested fine and normal. I am going to replace it as it turned so hard that it feels like the key will twist off. I’m not sure what to test next. Everything (except the magneto) works as it should. Lights go on and off as normal.

CatGuy

Mike Silbert: This is an example of why it important to isolate circuits when testing resistance. I very much suspect that your new switch is laying on a bench and has nothing connected to it and thus checks out correctly Similarly, I very much suspect that your old switch is still in the car and i...

CatGuy

I checked a brand new ignition switch that I have, but haven’t installed. I got completely different readings with the continuity meter. Checking the old switch (new not original) I can put one lead on the ‘BAT’ and the other on any one of the other screws and I have continuity from. That doesn’t se...

CatGuy

Is the way the junction block wired on page 43 of the Black Book the way all years are supposed to be? Mine is wired up a little differently.

CatGuy

Possibly a really dumb question. It’s an early spring in Iowa so I’m out tinkering on the T and getting sun. I thought I would check the continuity from the MAG post to the other end that goes on the terminal block. I haven’t disconnected any wires, but so far I have continuity from the post to ANY ...

CatGuy

Has the magneto ever worked in this car? I would test the magneto before going too far. https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/599638/665328.html?1470945248 It is possible to have a shorted magneto post so that is a quick test. The last one I found was a tiny bit of wire caught in the spring, never ...

CatGuy

How was the 1/8" end play measured? If it was done by levering on the fan pulley and engine block, some of it could be due to a loose fan pulley. Whatever, 1/8" is excessive. If it is due to wear on the thrust face on the third main, I would suspect that the crankshaft flange is also worn. That rul...

CatGuy

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. :roll: Good point. I had...

CatGuy

Russ T Fender wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 12, 2026 6:42 pm
I have used the pulley shim on one of my cars for years with great success. It was a good temporary fix that kept the magneto functioning until the engine finally got to the point where I pulled it for a total rebuild.

Would it be possible for you to post a picture of it installed?

CatGuy

I guess I assumed from the Black Book that if there was too much space the magneto wouldn’t work at all. I know I’ve not gotten a light to work by hooking it up to the post and when I flip it over to ‘MAG’ it immediately dies.

CatGuy

I’m looking into why the magneto isn’t working on my ‘26. I’ve checked the post and it was fine. I just now checked the endplay and it seemed fairly significant to me. It’s an exaggeration, but I would say it’s nearly 1/8”. That’s just a guess. The black book talks about an oversized bearing endcap....

CatGuy

#13, the big store with the horse and buggy looks to be a bicycle shop with the one in the window. It's interesting to note that they have the upstairs windows positioned so as to create airflow.

CatGuy

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Tue Oct 21, 2025 12:09 pm
Don't run it on 2 year old gasoline!

I didn't. I drained the tank and added a gallon of new gas just to try things out.

CatGuy

This past week I was able to get the proper battery cables and new battery installed. This afternoon I tried starting it, but now the starter is acting up. I was able to crank start it and let it run some. Might be driving it soon! It’s been over two years since it was running.

CatGuy

From one Iowan to another, welcome! About where are you located? Great looking T!

CatGuy

How much of an effect does the different weight of oil have on the transmission function? Any?

CatGuy

Humblej wrote: ↑
Fri Oct 03, 2025 9:22 am
I have a 1/2" wrench that I use as a battery cut off.

That's what I have, too! What I forgot to mention is that I don't enjoy leaning into the trunk of my Roadster to do that.

CatGuy

Do I need a battery shut-off on my car? When I got my '28 A 4 years ago it came with one. The car was restored around 10 years ago and the wiring is good. One day I did leave the switch 'on' and it ran the battery down. My fault. There is a draw somewhere that needs fixing, then. Out of all the many...

CatGuy

It's interesting that Henry was bragging that it was not an 'assembled' car.

CatGuy

I drained the 2 year old fuel and bought a new battery. I'll hopefully do more when I feel up to it.

CatGuy

It should have a vent hole. I'd put the new battery in, oil the timer, if it is a Ford roller timer, and start and drive the car. Then, if it needs parts, you can start making a list. Nearly everything on a Model T needs oil, including body parts like door hinges and control rods, a number of point...

CatGuy

I'm getting a slow start to this. Last night I bought a new battery and drained the gas. Great fuel flow! I'm going to replace the battery, cables, cable from the switch to starter, (with cables bought from Lang's) and other little things that I haven't had time to do. I have the parts so that is go...

CatGuy

Scott H., On 9/12, it was suggested that you do this... If [left] in gear (brake lever forward) there is generally less drag. Try starting with one [rear] wheel up, in gear. You should notice it's easier to crank. [/i] Have you done this? Unfortunately since this move this month all I've had to rea...

CatGuy

"Some of the clutch discs can stick together only running it will fix it. My T sat for a short time..." What are you using for motor oil? Have you removed the access plate on the oil pan to check for heavy sludge? I'm embarrassed to say I don't know. I haven't driven this more than 10 miles since I...

CatGuy

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Fri Sep 12, 2025 1:27 pm
Did you drain out all old fuel and replace it with fresh?

No, I didn't yet. I need to do that.

CatGuy

Not exactly what you think. Last night I tried starting my '26 for the first time in two years. I tried charging the battery, but it was taking it's time getting there so I decided to try my luck at crank starting it as the coils were buzzing. I got it to 'pop' a couple times and even got a 'free st...

CatGuy

Like Neal, I try to spread the wealth among several. We are lucky to have Lang's, Birdhaven, Chaffin's, Snyder's, etc. I've bought parts from all of them. IMG_1944 copy 2.JPG Stopping to shop at Birdhaven. My wife says they tore the old farmhouse down that was in front of Birdhaven. I think he's co...

CatGuy

I'm going to mount a spotlight to the windshield of my '26. Where is the best place place to connect the wire? Did you drive the T to your new home yet. Is the spotlight required now :P Not yet. That's on the 29th. The longest drive for the T in many years and the longest I've ever driven one!

CatGuy

I'm going to mount a spotlight to the windshield of my '26. Where is the best place place to connect the wire?

CatGuy

TRDxB2 wrote: ↑
Mon Aug 04, 2025 3:42 pm
Go for it!! Hilly in Iowa means going downhill then uphill. The area around Pella is full of small valleys not hill. You should be able to make the 15 mil trip in 45 minutes at 20mph.

That was one of my big fears....is that to much hill for the car? Good to know that it's not.

CatGuy

I'm excited about taking this car on it's first longest run since I've had it! If I recall right, it's on the upside of the hills where you have to worry about lugging the engine and potentially breaking the crank, right? So I'd have to retard the spark some, correct?

CatGuy

In the OP the poster uses the word "highway". My concern is what is the poster's definition of highway? If it's an interstate, the trip is an easy "no" for me. If we are talking about a multi-lane divided road that is not an interstate or it's equivalent, the maybe. I have two magnetic flashing red...

CatGuy

Put the battery on the charger and make sure it is fully charged before you go. Check the obvious things such as oil level, coolant, tire pressure, etc. Have you lubed the differential and drive shaft lately? How about the rear outside hyatt bearings? Wouldn't hurt to check the level in the rear di...

CatGuy

It all depends……..do you enjoy driving your ‘26 roadster and does your generator charge the battery ? If either of these is a ‘no’..then I’d just trailer it from one garage to another. But if you’d enjoy a good 30 minute drive, by all means - go for it ! I haven't driven it in awhile now because it...

CatGuy

My wife & I are moving back to our hometown (15 slightly hilly highway miles away). I've never driven our '26 Roadster very far and mostly in town. It runs pretty good, but I've never gotten it up past 35, I believe. I know the magneto doesn't work. (maybe that won't matter) Is it a bad idea to driv...

CatGuy

1927, with wood wheels and 30 x 3-1/2 tires. Not unheard of but interesting just the same. I was thinking it was a '26. (I have a '26 just like it, but with wire wheels) Teach me something here.....what are the differences in the '26 & '27? I was going simply by the "brand new" look of the car and ...

CatGuy

I was just thinking about this. It's not the question you would think. What I've been wondering is this: how long was the T considered a viable, sought after piece of transportation back in the day? When did they disappear from being seen regularly on city streets, parking lots, Used Car Dealers lot...

CatGuy

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 16, 2025 9:14 am
1927, with wood wheels and 30 x 3-1/2 tires. Not unheard of but interesting just the same.

I was thinking it was a '26. (I have a '26 just like it, but with wire wheels) Teach me something here.....what are the differences in the '26 & '27?

CatGuy

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 01, 2025 2:17 pm
Don't use resistor-type spark plugs on a Model T.

This is something I hadn't heard of before. How can I tell the difference in spark plugs?

CatGuy

Sadly...nothing since June of '23. I just....can.....not....get the motivation to work on it or the 'A' anymore.....

CatGuy

Just wondering, for myself, is it possible to have a failure on the magneto itself? I know mine doesn't work, but I have a few things, as mentioned to check.

CatGuy

In picture #4 (DNA)....that sure looks like John Boy Walton to me! Also, I realize I don't know everything about these cars, but I didn't know they had 'Suicide Doors'. Was this a custom job?

CatGuy

Pretty dry up here in Iowa. This time last year we had two big blizzards come though in about two weeks time. Seems like the same pattern as last year just further south. If it wasn't for the salt on the roads, some pretty hardy folks could be driving their T's this month!

CatGuy

How often was there broken glass enough to warrant a truck just for it? Someday I'd like to own a TT......

CatGuy

Remember, there was a series which started with A before the Model T. Then there were at least 3 later on with the new series starting in 1928. Models A, B, C. Then V8. So it is not inconceivable that Ford could start a new series of electric cars with the letter T. Norm I've never heard of the 'C'...

CatGuy

The steering wheel looks like it's falling apart. I have to wonder if the owner thought how antiquated it was compared to the T.

CatGuy

Or....... He was sold a 23 model, but He was given a 22 manual? Close enough. The literature could have been lagging. Were there pictures of grandpa with his T? 22 would have had a straight, vertical windshield. A 23 would have a slanted windshield. Not to mention the different trunks & top hardwar...

CatGuy

I have mentioned before that my grandpa was 18 and bought a brand new 1923 Roadster in '23. However, this weekend my cousin gave me three of Grandpa's books and one of them was a 1922 Owner's manual. So, either grandpa forgot what year he bough the car (which is possible since it was nearly 70 years...

CatGuy

perry kete wrote: ↑
Tue Nov 26, 2024 7:09 pm
With the Model T on rollers do you have enough room to turn it sideways in the one bay?

That’s what we have now, but I’m trying to avoid doing that. It’s sits ahead of the A.

CatGuy

How wide is your garage? How big are the doors? I am able to fit 3 Model T’s and a Chevelle in a 32’ wide garage with only 3 overhead doors. I can get each one out without moving any of the others. It’s 24’ wide with one door. We’ve thought of that, too, but then we’d have a hard time getting into ...

CatGuy

My wife was able to get three cars in a 2 car garage. I have the '26 T, '28 A and the '55 Chevy truck. The T is on rollers and in front of the A. That works to save on storage, but it's such a hassle to get it out that the T hasn't been driven in over a year now. The garage is 24' long and the A & T...

CatGuy

"This is a car driven frequently after dark, and in reality, I'm probably the only person unhappy with the look of the LEDs." You are NOT alone. I have a set of the focused LED headlights sitting on the front seat of Ole Rough & Ready just waiting to be installed. A few weeks ago when coming home f...

CatGuy

Is there any symptoms that would show up before the thrust washers go bad? Or do they just crumble and you’re coasting? I thought last time I had mine out that the left rear hub was warm. Could be parking brake. We’re going to be moving soon, 15 miles away, and I’m wondering about driving it or find...

CatGuy

Sadly I haven't driven mine since June of last year. It's just not in a good place in the garage to get it out quick and easy. May just have to sell it......

CatGuy

Well, you got me beat! When I was your age I was driving a 32 year old Chevy truck to school. Just looking at the engine picture, I can see that the clear glass fuel bowl isn't correct, there appears to be a modern dipstick off to the side for oil and the splash pans are missing. Easy stuff to corre...

CatGuy

My first 2 Model T's were purchased within months of each other. One shifted between low and high smooth as silk. The other shifted hard with a bump and if I tried to shift by "slipping the clutch" it would not slip- it would just go bump-bump-bump (bouncing). After meeting an experienced T owner i...

CatGuy

With the emergency handbrake engaged, when you are cranking the car you are fighting to break the clutch discs loose. That is why it is better to jack up a rear wheel, and allow the transmission to drive that wheel until the oil is heated up a bit. Shuddering shifting from low to high may be a func...

CatGuy

'One tip that is mentioned here from time to time here, is that when you install the wishbone ball cap, the studs must be safety wired together. Do not use cotter pins. The pins will keep the nuts on the studs, but they will not prevent the studs from unscrewing themselves.' Now that is something I ...

CatGuy

We have a very similar show going on in Mt Pleasant, IA this weekend. Last year there were a number of T's and they even had the timed T build.

CatGuy

Reading about these trips make me want to get my T on the road and go for a tour! Looks like fun!

CatGuy

Just curious as to how far most of you travel to attend a club. I've thought about joining a Model A or Model T club, but with my schedule I couldn't be very involved since the clubs are all an hour or more away.

CatGuy

So, does anyone rotate their car tires? Was that a maintenance thing back in the day? Would it make sense these days?

CatGuy

I wonder what would cause one tire to wear more than the others? I have a Model A that has one worn tire on the right front. Odd.

CatGuy

Be sure to look him up on Youtube. He's 16 years old and about to restore his first Model T! I can't share the link, but he has 'Part 1' up.

CatGuy

Ever heard of this young guy? I just found him on youtube. He's hot a couple Model T's and appears to be into other sorts of antiques. Nice to see another young person getting into the hobby!

CatGuy

Very interesting comparison!

CatGuy

And knowing my grandpa as I did, he was very good and very careful with his money! He would not have splurged.....unless it was for a $1.00 taillight....

CatGuy

Doing more reading.....'Don said in 1923 he bought a brand new Model T Roadster. The asking price was $323.00 and he paid $1.00 more to get an electric tail light, which was better than the kerosene tail light that came with it. The electric headlights came from a magneto built into the flywheel and...

CatGuy

Sorry, no pictures. I was reading what my grandma had written about grandpa buying a Model T. He was 18 in 1923 and bought a brand new '23 Runabout. Not much was written about the car except how to drive it. He did splurge and buy an electric taillight. Is that to say that he most likely had owned a...

CatGuy

The brake pedal appears to be from a '26 or '27.

CatGuy

Very interesting reading. I've struggled with this on my '26 Roadster ever since I got it 2 years ago. I'll have to try backing off the Spark next time I have it out. I'm also planing to go through EVERYTHING on the car to make sure all the components are functioning as Henry planned.

CatGuy

Looks like fun! There's some abandoned roads near me like that that I'll have to try out someday. I subscribed!

CatGuy

OK, Thanks! I'd better check everything over........

CatGuy

I was going to add a license plate bracket to the front the other day and when I looked I saw this. A lock washer, a washer and no cotter key. That’s not right, is it? Do I need to reinstall any washers? Just the bracket, nuts and cotter key?

It won’t let me add a picture….

CatGuy

I hope they write a book about this experience and the other times they've made the trip.

CatGuy

On the way back from a car show yesterday, the generator on my 27 quit charging. Stock generator and diode type cut-out. Tested with a test lamp and no voktage at generator post when car is running. There is power coming to cut-out from battery. Generatotr had new 3rd brush insulators and new brush...

CatGuy

When I was younger I would listen to my grandfather tell about his Model T's and always thought it would be neat to drive one someday. He had a '23 Runabout that he bought new when he was 18 and an unknown year TT. In High School once when they got to the era of the 20's, the question was asked "why...

CatGuy

Will_Vanderburg wrote: ↑
Mon May 27, 2024 3:46 pm
Well at least they’re not deliberately destroying cars.

Exactly! They are out having fun, promoting the 'T Hobby' and aren't destroying the car. I enjoy watching their videos. I hope they do more!

CatGuy

Anytime I get frustrated, discouraged and want to get rid of my T, these videos are a pick me up! I like how they are having fun, learning and have a genuine respect for these cars. I sure hope they make more videos!

CatGuy

I wish there was a Swap Meet like this in Iowa. We have one in Greenfield, but it's just not very good anymore and nothing really old. Lots of knick-knack stuff. I wonder if everything is just changing. I just do my shopping online or on Facebook Marketplace. I would rather do in-person buying, but ...

CatGuy

I would love to live in a town like that! (as long as it's crime free) I'm at the stage in my life where I just work all day and come home too exhausted to care about hobbies or anything so I don't need any nightlife or entertainment in town. Having that garage would be a wonderful place to store an...

CatGuy

In photo 3 are the cars standing up on end? I didn't know that was a storage option.......

CatGuy

This makes me want to try it someday! Looks like fun.

CatGuy

As I type this we are getting our first really 'good' snow of the season. As I glanced out at the snow this morning it really made me want to get my '26 Roadster out and play in the snow! I didn't because it just isn't ready, the top isn't good and it's still coming down. It got me thinking, for tho...

CatGuy

Looks great! I really like the looks of the black wheels. I have the straw yellow ones and would like to get them painted black someday.

CatGuy

I know that there was a couplet custom made for him and edsel. They were modified cosmeticly as years went by. Henry's car was destroyed in an accident. Edsel's car went to the Henry Ford Museum and was sold off to fund a project and is now in possession of our chapter president and he drives it. T...

CatGuy

This may have, probably has come up before, but I just started thinking about this last night. Whatever happened to Henry's personal Model T or Model T's? In a museum somewhere?

CatGuy

Thanks to a friend coming over last night and braving the cold, I was able to get the throttle linkage sorted out and finally the carb can go to full closed and full open! Little steps to hopefully having a better running T next year!

CatGuy

My bad. I forgot to say that they are wire wheels.

CatGuy

I'd like to change the color of wire wheels on my '26 from pale yellow to black. Is that something that I can do by cleaning and prepping the wheel and using either spray paint or brush on Rustoleum.....or is it better to have them sandblasted & powder coated?

CatGuy

And spark lever was only down 3-4 notches for most of their trip and that did add to the overheating along with the water pump and no radiator cap on. Easy starting , ignition sounded great. Are you saying that the water pump could cause overheating? Not to start a whole other long thread on water-...

CatGuy

This would be fun to be involved in in some way. I'm about an hour south of Highway 30. We could have a caravan like they do for RAGBRAI!

CatGuy

That's very interesting! I live not far away and have never heard of it. Maybe there will be time for me to go Saturday afternoon for a bit and then maybe next year get a car in it.

CatGuy

1946 Chevrolet stylemaster sedan. Not a particularly exciting or valuable car. I bought in 1979 with 41xxx miles. Very well kept by an older gentleman, no rust, dealer installed seat covers, kept in a garage. At that time, original unrestored cars didn't draw quite the attention they do now. I enjo...

CatGuy

My 1947 Chevy Fleetmaster. I restored it and had it looking like a Police Car. I would love to have another one. It's the one car that I would trade my T for.

CatGuy

Definitely worth watching! I even subscribed to see what they do with it next.

CatGuy

I’ve been trying, along with the help of you folks on here, to get my ‘26 Roadster in good running shape. It’s come a long ways. Still, there are things to be done. I doubt that it’ll be ‘tour ready’ for quite awhile. What I need most of all, and it’s been suggested, is someone to drive my car or to...

CatGuy

About 20 members of the Redwood Empire Model T Club met at a charter members house for a tour in the wine country. Ok, yeah, all our tours are in the wine country. About 65 miles round trip with mild weather. AndyB0A62844-F335-4B54-A886-42C6D3E54130.jpegADB10E39-56EA-4BDB-AECC-1BAD8BD59070.jpegA4FC...

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