MTFCA Forum

A decent paint job is 99% preparation (paint removal, rust removal, dent removal, bodywork, sanding, cleaning, priming, etc.) and 1% actual painting. With so much work involved, one should want to avoid using the cheapest alternative so that the necessity for having to do all that work again is kept...

Go to www.micromark.com. Select menu in the upper left hand corner (3 horizontal lines), choose “hobby supplies”, scroll to bottom of list to “weathering” for all kinds of weathering patina chemicals. Jim Patrick

Mine force feeds oil from the hogshead through a 3/8” tube through the side of the engine block so that the oil is fed to the front half of the engine between the 1st and 2nd cylinders flooding the front crank shaft bearings, pushrod bearings and cam shaft bearings. Very efficient. Jim Patrick

You can still find the old Model T pan belly apron support accessory. I bought two on eBay. Back in the day, excessive vibration caused pan ears to break from metal fatigue and strain from the weight of the engine and the pan apron was created as an after market accessory to remedy this common occur...

Yes Rich. That’s Bruce and his T. Thanks for looking it up. Jim Patrick

I just watched the 1991 movie “Rocketeer” set in 1938. A very good family movie that all ages will like. If you haven’ seen it, get it and watch it with your family with the kids. They will love it. At the very end of the movie a Model T drives into the scene and the driver jumps out and walks towar...

When did it start doing this? What did you do to the engine between the last time you remember it running good and now? Jim Patrick

PS. What do you think of the idea of turning the 4th bearing over to the side that it will not line up with the 4 bolt holes, then place a jack under the bearing flange and jack it until the bolt holes line up. This may provide the transmission with the necessary support with the drive plate shaft r...

Since the drive plate shaft fits the 4th bearing fine one way, but does not fit when the bearing is turned 180 degrees may be an indication that the babbit is worn down and the shaft is not precisely centered in the babbited bearing, causing the unsupported transmission to sag, resulting in inconsis...

The transmission is mainly supported by the 4th bearing. Have you considered sending off your 4th main bearing and drive plate to have the drive plate shaft turned and the 4th main rebabbited to fit the newly turned drive plate shaft? I had mine done in 2010 during my last overhaul and it removed al...

A large Jorgensen double screw type wood clamp will easily break the bead seal. Just put the clamp on each side of the tire with the clamp ends close to the bead and tighten. This will squeeze the tire and pop the bead on both sides. Do this several times around the tire to release the bead all arou...

Purina burlap feed sacks. The red checkerboard design looks really cool. Look up images of “Purina burlap feed sacks” onLine. You can probably obtain them from a feed supply place, or from a farmer, if you know one. Jim Patrick

Would it be possible to soak them in hot water for several days to re-expand them for re-use? If the flattened asbestos interior of the gasket can absorb enough water to expand it, somewhat, then allow it to thoroughly dry, it will have enough renewed thickness to conform to the head and motor block...

I had good luck years ago with Olympic oil based wood seal. If you ever want to paint it, don’t use the silicone type as silicone will not hold paint. Jim Patrick

Brian, I like the grain on your floor. It would be unfortunate to cover it. The original floor was still in my ‘26 coupe, when I bought it in 1970. The only finish it had on it was 44 years worth of dirt. Jim Patrick

The purpose of mixing turpentine with enamel is to thin it down enough to allow it to be absorbed deep into the wood to form a 1/4” deep barrier to moisture which becomes a part of the wood. The same thing can be accomplished by thinning clear satin Polyurehane or satin Varnish with mineral spirits,...

Unconscionable that Brassworks would say for you to have a local shop repair the radiator at your expense. They should, at least offer to reimburse you for the repair whenever you send them the repair invoice. Based upon their inadequate solution and some other postings on this thread regarding thei...

I would not try to repair, correct, or relocate the neck on this radiator. You paid a lot of money for a new radiator that should have fit perfectly. Who knows what else may be wrong. You may have gotten a lemon. Ten years ago, I bought a new tall radiator from Brassworks for my ‘26 coupe and it fit...

Lacquer thinner will take off lacquer and old varnish as well. I’m curious. Why were you using a wire brush on brass? When polishing a soft metal such as brass, I have always used a bench grinder equipped with a buffing wheel coated with jewelers rouge to attain a mirror finish. A wire wheel will do...

While I did not always agree with his opinions, which he had many, I had plenty of respect for him and his vast knowledge of Model T’s. I did not know he was sick. It must have been sudden. I’m sure many are wondering, was it the virus that took him? If so, it is a reminder for everyone, here, at ou...

Regarding using military web belts for band lining... If you are considering this, be sure you use the old all-cotton web belts. When I first joined the Marines in 1972, we were issued cotton web belts. Around 1974, nylon web belts were issued, as they were easier to clean. The newer web belts, made...

Yes. The cavity and ball do have a tendency to wear down, creating dangerous and unacceptable play in the ball and should be addressed ASAP, before driving the car. I have seen pitman arms so worn that the arm where the ball attached was to the point that the ball was in danger of breaking off, or t...

Are others having trouble accessing the old forum keyword search? If so, has it, for some reason, been disabled? I hope not, for it is an irreplaceable resource for information by the past legends of the MTFCA. Jim Patrick

Are others having this same problem of not being able to access the “2018 and prior forums” keyword search? Jim Patrick

Gasoline with ethanol added to it, typically starts going bad after 90 days. If you have a source for non-ethanol gas, you should use it in your T, instead of ethanol gas. It lasts much longer, especially if treated with “Stabil”. To find places in your vicinity that sell non-ethanol gas, go to: www...

Nice! Looks like an old fashioned glass gasoline pump reservoir. I would put in some water colored with green and red food dye to resemble the reddish brown color of gasoline and put a “Texaco” decal on it. Bourbon or tea with a little red food dye would work as well. Jim Patrick

Susanne made a great point. The most important reason for having such a thick oil as the 600wt, is so that it will stay in the pumpkin and not seep past the seals on each side of the gearbox, into the shaft housings on each side of the pumpkin, for if the oil seeps out of the pumpkin over time, your...

I agree with earlier threads suggesting you pull the rear end, turn it on its’ side to empty out the 600wt oil, open it up dismantle it, clean it, inspect each part and replace old worn out seals, bearings and parts with new modern replacements and reassemble. I bought the 600wt. Differential oil us...

Good point Dick. I agree. Just reminiscing about the old forum. I took Jeff’s advice and now spend most of my forum time looking at the OT threads, for, it seems like only a fraction of the old crowd that was so much help on Model T matters, no longer visit the forum to help those with Model T quest...

Nice story regarding your watches. I don’t know of anyone to recommend to repair them. That is why I only buy watches that work. Even if I knew of someone, I would be hesitant to recommend them to work on such a precious family heirloom in case they were not as good as I thought and ruined them. I w...

What is the criteria you use in selecting a good, antique pocket watch for your collection? I prefer a nice unworn gold filled (can’t afford solid gold) case. If a hunter case I prefer that it have a sharp, ornate engraving and a strong latch and spring so the cover will pop open and latch shut, sec...

Thanks for the memories fellers. Amazing how much we have in common and how our lives, interests and experiences are so similar and how we gravitated toward the same things. Born in 1963, I started collecting coins in the golden age of coin collecting, in 1963, at 9 years of age when silver was stil...

Is there any reason why I am unable to keyword search the “2018 & Prior Forum”? When I try to access it, the “2018 & Prior Forum” page appears, but when I try to access the keyword search feature, a notice comes up saying “the server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable t...

Since the engine is out, it is very easy and effective to charge the magnets using (3) 12 volt batteries (36 volts). I performed this procedure 10 years ago and documented it in the following thread posted on the forum in 2010. My magneto is still running strong so, as far as I’m concerned, this pro...

Hi Richard. That’s what I’m talking about. It would be great to learn about and discuss such things. Forums were created in Greek and Roman times to provide the public with an outlet to discuss all manner of things with like minded people. I think if it was permitted, there would be more participati...

Thanks Herb. Yes, it is enjoyable. No, I am not putting a whole lot in. I just search for nice uncleaned coins with a strong strike and beautiful appearance and lustre, then go to “Coin Help” and check to see if the price is fair for the date and grade. While coins are great investments, I also enjo...

I remember when, on the old forum, many of us had the same interests in addition to our interest in Model T’s and, at times, we had discussions with our many friends here, regarding these various interests, such as collecting and restoring phonographs, antique clocks, antique pocket watches, restori...

As you may know, whenever the economy is good, precious metal prices in the commodity markets, decrease and whenever the economy is bad, precious metal prices increase. During this time at home, I have revived a childhood interest of mine. Coin collecting and I have been buying choice Uncirculated e...

Does it do it both on Batt and Mag or just on Mag? Once, after going over a rough railroad crossing, while driving on mag, my T died. It would start on Batt but would die when switched to mag. I ended up having to drive home on Batt. When I got home, I discovered that when crossing the rough railroa...

Check out: www.fordwood.com. You can buy a roof kit or, if you want to build it yourself, you can enlarge the schematic for a ‘26 coupe to determine the way it was constructed and use your car to derive the proper measurements for the frame and slats. Jim Patrick

Not difficult at all with a rebuild kit containing the gaskets, and new needle valve and seat and the T-1 Model T Ford Service Manual to walk you through step by step. You will definitely need that manual, so, if you haven’t ordered it already... Jim Patrick PS. I see a screen door spring and some e...

Hi Chris. Once again, it time for you to do your magic for a second time in just 3 weeks. :) The fact you corrected it once is an indication that you recognized how easily it could get out of hand if everybody started competing for those top slots. Hopefully, this time you can find a way to confine ...

I agree it is not a big deal now, but I’m just concerned that, where there are presently 2 long running announcements now occupying the top 2 “topic” spots for several weeks, if not addressed now, they may increase to 5 or 10 and then it will be difficult to locate the first member’s topic. That is ...

I know I’m going to get grief from some members regarding this, who don’t see it as a problem, but here goes... I have noticed that long running post that should be located at the top in “announcements” are occupying the top several “topic” spots for weeks at a time. Is there any way for Admin to re...

I seem to recall a spring loaded, pulley type, fan belt tensioner used to be available for the Model T. If they are still and you can find one, that might be the solution. Jim Patrick

Have you considered wooden bands? I have used all 3 styles ( Kevlar, Scandinavian and wood) and, by far, I prefer the wooden bands. They would not be affected in any way, by a lip. Jim Patrick

I just received my Snyder’s catalog in the mail that is full of Model T and Model A parts and literature. It will help you to go to www.snydersantiqueauto.com and order their 245 page catalog. When I was just getting started, thumbing through a Model T parts catalog and reading about and becoming fa...

I remember accidentally finding a bad front wheel while waiting for a friend to bring me a gallon of gas, after I ran out, close to home. I was walking around my T waiting, when I noticed a very fine, light brown coating on the black rim of my right front wheel. Upon closer examination, I found that...

I was going to suggest that it was from an ambulance of the Great War, but the Netherlands were neutral during that conflict and was not adversely affected by the War like Belgium, to the south was. Jim Patrick

Ralph’s post was in 2011 and can be found in the attached thread. Ralph was very knowledgeable and his contributions always taught me a lot. He was taken too soon, by a very cruel disease called ALS and is missed: www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/256114.html. Jim Patrick

In your bottom picture, the rightmost button is the one located on the steering post of my ‘26 coupe pointed to the left. Don’t know about the ones in the top photo. Jim Patrick

Here is a post from the past discussing the wood used on the Model T. One of the considerations Ford had in deciding what wood to use was cost and convenience. Keeping costs down on raw materials used in the construction of the Model T so that the average man could afford it was the biggest incentiv...

The wood on your car is: the roof frame and slats, the spokes, seat frames, behind the seat shelf and body blocks between the body and chassis and behind the pan arms in the channel of the chassis. Some ‘26-‘27 bodies have wood around the windows, but I never found any evidence that my ‘26 coupe eve...

I would absolutely vote for returning it to the original 6V Model T electrical system, but it’s your T and your choice. Have you asked the former owner if he has the parts that were taken out, or if he doesn’t have them, does he know where the parts are? Having the original parts that were taken out...

Stan. I noticed that you did not mention yourself as a rebuilder of carburetors. Since you did not mention it, I’ll do it for you. Do you still rebuild carbs or are you no longer accepting work due to a heavy backlog? Jim Patrick

Can someone provide the current addresses of those that rebuild spark coils and magneto coil rings? Regarding the magneto coil rings, I had Wally do a couple for me, but I understand someone has taken over from him after he retired. Jim Patrick

As you may know, the weather is the opposite between the southern and northern hemisphere. For instance, in Australia, Christmas-time is hot, while north of a the equator, Christmas-time is cold. With this in mind, I heard on the news that the Coronavirus will, most likely diminish in the northern h...

Two of the best suppliers are: www.modeltford.com or www.snydersantiqueauto.com. If one does not have what you need, try the other. Prices and service are pretty compatible. When I purchased the red Model T restoration book, I was very please to find that the last several pages had the contact infor...

While you are waiting to pick up the T, order the 3 books I mentioned in the link and study them. Especially the T-1 Ford Model T Service Manual. Being a modern day mechanic is useful in knowing which tools to use and how to use them, but being a Model T mechanic is a whole different animal, because...

As Stan says. Don’t remove and replace the coil boxes. Your Model T can’t talk to you without its’ coils. Jim Patrick

Thank you everyone. Very helpful info. According to the matching engine and chassis number, my ‘26 coupe was made in March so, is considered an early ‘26. It came with the hole through, valve cover and the linkage was crusty with old built up oil and looked all rusty and original like the car when I...

Were NH vaporizer carbs an option or stock on the improved ‘26-‘27 T ? When I bought my ‘26 coupe in 1970, it had a regular NH on it. In 2000, I purchased a nice vaporizer to try and make my T it more historically accurate, but could never get my T to run as smooth as it did on the regular NH, so I ...

Try again Stan. I always enjoy your informative posts. Whatever it says, I’m sure it will contain information, beneficial, not only to Dave (the new guy), but to us all. Jim Patrick. PS. I know what you mean about posts disappearing. I never had a problem with my posts disappearing on the old forum ...

In 1971, I bought five (5) new 21” Universal tires from Mark Auto, only because as a 17 year old High School Student, perpetually low on funds from restoring my ‘26 coupe on my hourly wage of $1.65, bagging groceries after school, they were the only ones I could afford. After 49 years, they are stil...

You can’t take a chance with a damaged part whose responsibility is holding up the car. If one lug goes out, it could cause the others to fail one by one until the wheel comes off and causes an accident. The lug pictured has been pulled loose and is dangerous to use. The lugs were originally bradded...

Hi Dave. Welcome and congratulations on your purchase. You came to the right site. There is a lot of experience and knowledge here from people who want to help those like minded people who recognize the importance of the Model T and wish to enjoy and preserve them for future generations. You should ...

When repairing combat damage to UH-1E (Huey) helicopters in Vietnam, Marines in the field opened up beer cans and cut patches to size and riveted them over the holes. When the war ended in January 1973 and the helicopters were returned stateside, we came across many of these patches at MCAS, New Riv...

A lot of today’s oils, greases and lubricants have additives that are electrically conductive so cannot be used in many parts of the Model T such as the crank case (because of the magneto) and timer lubrication. I made my own mixture of non-conductive timer lubricant made from 3 in 1 oil and Vaselin...

Yes. One thing to look for, that I discovered on my ‘26 coupe, when I first bought it in 1970 is that the original gear on the original generator wore the gear hole, pin and gear key and the generator shaft causing the gear to loosened over the years so that the gear wobbled and did not mesh properl...

If the timing gear was shattered like that, the engine would not run at all because the synchronization of the opening and closing of the valves to the motion of the pistons would be thrown off. Though the steel timing gear is noisier than a fiber gear, I have always preferred steel to the fiber gea...

Ideas on how to concave Buffalo nickel freezer plugs: www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/146043.html.

I would lock the stem into the chuck of a drill press (you have at least an inch to grip in the chuck) and, using 600 grit wet dry sandpaper, with the drill press on high, polish the stem up and down until it is like a mirror, taking it out every now and then and applying a little oil to the stem, s...

Here is a thread from 2010 regarding a nose down engine support I made to help me in my transmission rebuild. www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/152658.html. It is very simple to make. Jim Patrick

No, no, no. The clunks you heard mean it is probably already too late and the damage has been done and cannot be undone by simply removing the hogshead, which, on a ‘26, is a very difficult job, even for the most seasoned mechanic. I have had my ‘26 coupe for 50 years since I bought it at 16 in 1970...

Those who are afraid to try, are afraid to lose. Those who are afraid to lose, are afraid of life. True advances are made by those bold enough to embrace life and it’s uncertainties. During his time, Babe Ruth held the record for home runs. He also held the record for strikeouts. You can’t reach the...

I worked for my Father for 37 years in a family business that we sold in 2014, so now I am retired. I started working for him after 4 1/2 years in the Marine Corps so I always had a can do attitude. For the entire time I worked for him, whenever I would present him with a groundbreaking idea, he wou...

Why such long handles? Seems like this tool would be used in a shop with either a lift or a pit. Since all the work I do is on a creeper under the car with the car jacked up and on blocks, I would have no need for a tool with such long handles. As others have noted I use the wire method. Jim Patrick

I think they were more influential in providing inspiration to the inventor of the electric chair.

I suppose a good example that demonstrates the necessity for a flywheel can be found on a 19th century steam engine. Jim Patrick

PS. One good reason to keep your magneto in service. Jim Patrick

Beautiful. If I did not already have a 1926, period correct Stewart 490, I’d buy one. I like the odometer to keep track of how far I’ve driven between servicings. Great job, great look! Jim Patrick.

I would never consider running my T without a magneto, simply because the magneto, to me, is what makes the Model T so unique. I’m not sure about the answer to your question but I have a hypothetical, food for thought, type question: If someone was considering illiminating the magneto by removing th...

I think Greta has had her 15 minutes of fame, because people (even those who agree with her) have discovered just how annoying and impossible to endure, her shrill rantings and ravings, for more than 15 seconds. Speculation has been submitted earlier on this thread that HR had autism. Greta Thunberg...

I’m not sure if Suzanne’s statement that the forum is to be shut down, was a joke or not, but I tend to think that something, such as the forum, that can be run remotely from the administrator’s homes, that encourage thousands of people to stay at home, will not be shut down. Jim Patrick

America entered the Great War in 1917. Could this have been a circa 1917-‘18 steel drive for the war effort? The cars look too good to be junk. If this was the case, the cars were most likely donated by patriotic Americans. Horse and buggies were not all that far in the past, so many probably went b...

Jeez! What I wouldn’t give to have that pile of 1920’s “junk” in my backyard. What fun it would be to invite a bunch of MTFCA members over to help me untangle it. Jim Patrick

I’m 6’-3”, 225 lbs. With my long legs, that pedal extender would render the reverse pedal useless to me. It’s hard enough for me to use the pedals without the steering wheel getting in the way of my knees. With my big feet, I’m just grateful I have a ‘26 coupe, equipped with the wider brake and clut...

One word. Fantastic! More words. I installed a set of Guinn’s wood bands in my ‘26 Coupe in 2010 and they are still going strong: www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/152825.html.
Jim Patrick

Thank you, Bob, for a very interesting post. Everything you wrote is accurate and there is not one thing in it, that I have not read in other sources. H.F. was an amazingly flawed person in many ways and it is hard for many who have him on a pedestal to be reminded that the man responsible for our b...

I have had great result using Rustoleum gloss black appliance epoxy. The fender shown was painted by me in 2010 and still looks great. Jim Patrick.
www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/169877.html

A package of items bought on ebay from a Chinese seller arrived last week. Even though we have been reassured that there is little to worry about with mailed packages, I still sprayed the package with Lysol. When I opened the package, I sprayed the inside of he package with Lysol, then sprayed the p...

In the railroad industry, tanks that, in the past contained flammable materials, that are being worked on such as welding, or performing work that could generate a spark, are filled with nitrogen. I never sandblast anything on my T. In some cases like on body panels or thin metal, sandblasting can d...

There is a lot of light illuminating that garage. I wonder if the photographer was using magnesium powder as a light source.

Might have helped to combat the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. That one claimed 60 to 100 million victims, worldwide.

My first thought was that someone dropped a flash drive into the gorilla enclosure at the zoo and it is laying next to the concrete wall guarded by the occupant.

Outstanding! Thank you, Chris. Jim Patrick

Great. Just want you to be safe. I shoulda’ known you would have done your research beforehand. Jim Patrick

In my experience, some types of rubber has been adversely affected by gasoline. Don’t be surprised if it swells, becomes misshapen and starts breaking down where it comes into contact with the gasoline. You may want to do an experiment and drop a piece of the gasket material into a jar can of gasoli...

Hi Mack. Thank you for your input. You weren’t rude. I agree. With all the problems we have at this time, one less problem would be very welcome, soooo...remove the top 5 posts. LOL!

Jim Patrick

If I’m not mistaken I believe announcements like those automatically disappear after a week or so, but I agree. I wish they would take them down ASAP, so member’s posts will move to the very top instead of starting several posts down. If posted announcements must remain at the top, it would helpful ...

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