MTFCA Forum

DickC

I have a 1988 Mustang 5.0 convertible daily driver (180,000 miles original and unmolested), a 2010 Ram 2500 tow vehicle and a 2006 Ford E250 work van. I don't believe in trading cars very often.

DickC

I have a 1912 that has lower compression but dose not effect the running. I get an unusual number of free starts. Unlike others that have indicated that coldness effects the free start, I get a free start many times when I have a first start of the day. It may have a lot to do with the starting proc...

DickC

Tie downs have been a concern of mine for a long time when securing a T. I have several cars that I haul on both open and closed trailers and the tie down issue applies to both and open and closed trailers. For years I was happy to hook to the front axle and then the rear axle. Never had a problem a...

DickC

I have an idea that has not been proven but just a thought. I have had a "paintless dent removal" done to several dents on my original 1988 Mustang 5.0. I was amazed with the result. If in this case of the radiator, would it be possible to open a one inch hole in the back of the tank so the rods use...

DickC

Not to belabor the issue but it may be a good thing you bought the rims with matching wheels. The Canadian wheels my be Kelsey and the rims are not interchangeable with other makers. Just my limited experience!!

DickC

Here we have a perfect example of intolerance in our country!!!!!

DickC

It sounds like oil is seeping passed the fourth main. Check the amount of grease at the universal. I have found that packing this will help to keep oil from going down the torque tube.

DickC

I certainly don't have the vast amount of knowledge that I have read on this subject. I don't even have half vast knowledge on this subject. I was told and have seen on 1913 T's there are offset flange bolts on the steering column. I understood that the offset was on 1913 only. Was I told incorrectly?

DickC

Leaks like this are not unique to this supplier. I have a brass radiator (for a 1912 T) supplied by the other supplier and also installed wings. The neck on this radiator should had three rivets but didn't have any. I installed the radiator and liked the look of wings and motor meter. Leaked the fir...

DickC

Allen from down under-not to belabor the issue, but I bought a 25 coupe that had a good tire mounted on the spare which was mounted on the rear carrier. One tire was bad on the car and while I was doing fixit stuff on the car and before I bought tires I attempted to mount the spare. I could not do i...

DickC

Kelsey was a wheel/rim that was used mostly in Canada. The rims are so close they are sometimes mistaken for Hayes. The lug positions and valve hole on the wheel will not allow them to interchange. I bought a 24 that had beautiful wheels. It took me a few rides to figure out why it tended to loop do...

DickC

I converted to 12 volts about a year ago and have not had any issues. Others have warned me as well as others have said they have had no problem. It may have something to do how you use it. Always retard spark, make sure you have throttle open, and don't grind starter for long time. Seems to work!!

DickC

I don't know where she advertised this car but I have a 25 almost exactly like this one and would not take less that $15,000. In fact, I have been offered almost that after I installed the new upholstery.

DickC

I'm sorry I can't help with your request. I have a 25 coupe that I replaced the interior. A fellow club member is a professional upholsterer and replaced my interior. He uses a vinyl coated material that is fairly stiff and will not be affected by moisture. I have used MDF for woodworking projects i...

DickC

You are a little ways from making and installing the seat bottom but I wanted to tell you what I did on my original Depot Hack. The leather seat bottom got very warn and rather ugly from removing it when getting access to the gas tank. I made a new seat 3/4 of an inch narrower. I used a brass piano ...

DickC

Sorry I'm late seeing your add. I didn't know I needed an ignition switch until now. I have a 25 coupe that has an after market (repo) switch that isn't worth dealing with. That is all the dealers have. I need an original, usable switch.

DickC

Have you sold the ignition switch for 1925?

DickC

I'm in Harnett Co. How far is it to Tulare Co.? When one advertises something and the location, it would help the indicate the State.

DickC

I know this is not T but related to our hobby. I am confused on the dates for Hershey. They changed the days for last year so we entered the field on Monday morning for set up and finished on Friday for the car show. The yellow information sheet in the package for registration states that the fall m...

DickC

I have used a bead breaker that my son had. It is called beadbuster 455. It did the job on tires like you have. Look it up on Amazon.

DickC

I need tom try to cook chili in the manifold cooker. Has anyone done this successfully?

DickC

I would check the drain vent for the sink first, if that is the way your system is plumbed. I have seen vent pipes plugged by acorns deposited for later use. If you don't have a vent pipe through the roof I would check the studor valve next to the sink.

DickC

Back in the early 80's I was putting together a hack body to go on a 22 frame. Never finished it because of job and location change. Any way, I knew I needed special fenders and located one at Hershey. I kept looking and found another but when I compared it to the one I had, it was the same side, (l...

DickC

I like the ideas of using a trash bag and the rim shield but I have used another method for years. I have four pieces of leather about 3 inches by 6 inches that I put over the rim under the tire iron. I keep moving the leather so it is under the tire iron. I use three tire irons. Always get the tire...

DickC

Looking for a good/working ignition switch. I've had two "new" switches that failed in one way or another quickly after installation. The one that is presently installed fails at times because the keyway is so loose the contacts fail and the key almost falls out. I want to get back to an original sw...

DickC

You may want to hope the other drums are good in your original engine. In addition to the cracked drum, the others look like they have deep scores which will destroy the bands quickly.

DickC

I'm with you!! I got tired of missing out on club events because of the cars I have/had. I was stuck on open cars and that is all I've had for years. In T's (I've had 6 touring) and a beautiful 12 Hack (a permanent keeper). I also have a 27 Marmon E-75 4 passenger speedster (for sure a keeper). Beca...

DickC

Everything that has been said should fix the problem. I had these issues with my 12 hack and applied all the fixes. They worked except sometimes when I crossed a railroad track at an angle I would get the T death dance. Having gone through all the fixes I resorted to the accessory shock absorber tha...

DickC

I don't want to jump on your forum question but I have a related question. Does the carbon build up cause a problem (other than on the valves) running the engine? I have a sweet running 1912 that has some carbon build up on the cylinders. This engine runs so well and is timed well so as to give me a...

DickC

I cannot find "original" mirrors for my T. Dealers have nice looking mirrors for hinge mount but they are labeled for model A. Has anyone used them and what if any modification is required?

DickC

We usually get there he night before entry day. We line up on the circle road and sleep until seven when they let us onto the choc. field. I heard that they will not allow that this year. Is that true?

DickC

Not to be labor the point but I also use the four post lift for other cars and trucks. I have a Marmon that would require extensions to clear the running boards. I have worked under a car without extensions and working on the front of the car caused movement. Was it dangerous? I don't think so. If I...

DickC

I have been getting valvolene 20/50 racing oil from Walmart through Amazon.

DickC

The reason I have a four post lift is because I didn't feel comfortable with long extensions. Just my opinion.

DickC

Thanks for the replies. I will try the drops of oil and open throttle technique to see if it makes a difference. In regard to the question on oil consumption, the last tour we took this T on was fairly flat,(rolling hills) that required frequent compression slow downs as I try to keep the speed arou...

DickC

What is acceptable? I have a 25 coupe and the compression for each cylinder is 38-39 pounds. Engine runs smooth and seems to have enough power for tours. I took the compression in hopes of finding an answer to oil consumption. Have checked all areas for leaks, no drips, rear end for oil seepage pass...

DickC

I have had this on two of my T's. After you finish bending and installing, don't expect the dip stick to go in easily. It takes a little persuasion but it is not too difficult to insert. I suggest that you drain the oil after installation and refill with the recommended quantity. Insert the dip stic...

DickC

Touring along a road at 32 mph that has several modern cars also using the road, have you ever noticed that cars approaching you often give you the "thumbs up" hand sign but those passing you from behind often have a different hand sign!!!

DickC

On the seat riser is where I installed mine on my 25 coupe.

DickC

Here is my two cents!! You stated that you are not concerned with the mix of Hayes/Ford with Kelsey rims or vice versa. I know that they will not fit and will in a non-concentric way if you force them to fit. You will have a car that will "lope" down the road. That is to say, each wheel will have a ...

DickC

Everyone loves seeing a T in a parade but not so much when behind one on a winding country road!!!!!!!!!!!

DickC

I'm still learning about Model T's after having owned, driven and worked on them for over 50 years. So bare with me. I don't know the year of your T but if it is one that you drive with a mag vs battery you may want to check the mag output. I have had the same kind of issues with an early T running ...

DickC

The MAG is problematic!!!! I recently opened the hogs head to adjust the high speed clutch. As I removed the cover and the filter, something fell out of the filter and plinked to the bottom of the transmission. A light revealed the small bar that holds the magnets. The net result was to remove the e...

DickC

I have a 1912 hack with all the brass that goes with a 12. About 15 years ago I made a terrible mistake by taking it on our club tour that was based on Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina. We toured for a week and about three days after I returned home I lifted the cover to find the worst case of bra...

DickC

I guess it goes without saying but I will anyway, Kelsey rims must go on Kelsey wheels. Kelsey rims will not go on Hayes or some other wheels.

DickC

If you are using an original monocle frame/bracket this comment may not apply. If you are using a "new" frame/bracket please sight it for curvature. I helped a friend install a new laminated safety glass into the frame. All went well and the end result was perfect. The car was in storage for about a...

DickC

Thanks for all the comments, hints and support. This should be my last update. Finished the clean-up and removal of the magneto with the help of Clyde Mengis in Fayetteville NC. Looking over the rods and journals and the rest of the inside of the engine I was impressed with the great condition of th...

DickC

Got the engine out, pan down and transmission off. I really was lucky to have decided to adjust the clutch when I did. In addition to the one mag clamp that fell out of the oil screen, I found two more in the pan and two more that were ready to let go on the mag. None of them were side by side to le...

DickC

Thanks for the comments. I am well aware of the potential destruction a loose magnet can cause. I have had T's for 50 years, rebuilt some, restored some but have never eliminated the mag. That is the question at hand. I am ready to pull the engine and am leaning toward eliminating the mag. I current...

DickC

I needed to adjust the clutch on my 25 coupe and opened the transmission door. As I lifted the door (with the screen) I heard a clink. I looked into the transmission and found a magnet clamp. Not a good sign but glad I found it before any major damage. I have converted to a 12 volt system and altern...

DickC

I have used "pourable grease". I get this from a friend who has some of the largest cranes in the South East. He has used it in his car collection which includes T's, early Cad's, Stutz and etc. I have not had a problem with it in three of my T's for about ten years.

DickC

I am not an expert on rims but have had some recent experience with a rim on a 25 I recently bought. I was told that the tire mounted of the spare tire carrier would not go on the wheels mounted on the car. I tried and he was correct. In looking at the rim I noticed that it had the "hinge" closer wh...

DickC

It was running great when parked!!!!

DickC

I am a contractor and install storm doors frequently. I have the same issue with the small rubber scrub on the bottom sweep of the doors. What I have learned is: start the weather strip by sometimes using silicone dab on the very end of the strip grip the strip with pliers NOW THE TRICKY PART-once y...

DickC

Could it be a broken drive shaft? I had this happen to a 1920 I owned. I was driving up a slight grade and the car started to jerk (or seemed to throb). I soon realized I had no forward movement, no reverse and no brakes. To shorten this story, I found the drive shaft broken under the race at the re...

DickC

I can be corrected but the modification to coils by Henry was not "plastic" but made of a mixture of "soy bean". They did not last and he returned to the common wood design. Dick C.

DickC

Brass Works makes a very nice functioning radiator. I have two at this time. I also have had a problem with one and it is probably my fault. DO NOT use a "wings" radiator cap. I found that the extra weight and wind causes too much strain on the neck. I had two instances with one of the radiators and...

DickC

This may not be important and incorrect. I noticed that the firewall is drilled for the steering column bracket. I have been told that the lower hole is offset only on 1913. It looks like the firewall is drilled that way. I will not feel bad if I am corrected!!! Dick C.

DickC

In most cases there is a need to use tire irons to pry the tire over the rim. When doing this, however, care should be taken to not chip the painted rim. I use small pieces of leather under the irons to avoid this. In every case, heated tires go on much easier! Dick C. Can you tell that being locked...

DickC

Most of us in this situation use an enclosed trailer. Most of us with older vehicles, T's, need a trailer. They can be bought in many styles and conditions.
Some are even not road worthy but can be used to store vehicles and parts. Just a thought, Dick C.

DickC

Kevlar is great but have you considered Wood? I have been running wood linings in my T's for about ten years. Our club tours three times a year, Spring and fall usually 160 miles each and summer is about 450 miles, and then I don't know how many miles I drive in search of ice cream and other running...

DickC

I may be wrong but this looks like a standard Kelsey rim.

DickC

I forgot to add in my response, please when you find the problem tell us what it is/was. We don't learn if we are not told. Thanks!!

DickC

Experience tells me that you have a bad U-joint.

DickC

I can't debate colors but having had two T's that were unmolested in the past, I have some thoughts about the finish of the samples you took. All of the T's I have had were black so that is why I say that I cannot debate colors. However, in looking at your samples, they seem to have a slight texture...

DickC

I don't have T story but I do relate to cold weather transportation. I grew up in Rhode Island which is not the warmest part of the USA in the winter. When I became of age to drive, the vehicle allowed was dad's 52 Ford F100. Dad was what some call "frugal" and others may call cheap. When he ordered...

DickC

Brake fluid on tires--takes me back to the years I had the show car urge. At the time my vehicle was a 37 Packard, original and believe it or not it belonged to an elderly school teacher who lived near the school and only drove the Packard to the grocery store and church. I attended several shows du...

DickC

I guess you have found the problem and won't be fishing in the pan for some metal. If you ever need to go fishing however, I have used a magnet strip from the inside of older refrigerator gaskets. It is about 4 to 5 feet long and easily slides down the transmission door along the bottom of the pan. ...

DickC

Don't stop by securing the sun visor. Please store the floor boards in a safe place out of the car. Also tie the hood down, I have used a ratchet strap in the past. I lost a floor mat before I realized what was happening and then when I did, I removed the floor boards. Some may also want to remove a...

DickC

I can't believe no one recognizes this car. It is a 1904 Henweigh. Very rare!!!

DickC

While the focus of these comments has been the radiator, some attention should be given to the block. It has been my experience that some water passages can become blocked and restrict internal flow. I have disconnected the radiator input and output and attached a garden hose tor the inlet side and ...

DickC

Lets talk about oil or how about the use of MMO!!!!!!!!

DickC

The issue of raising the front end or rear end was solved by buying tall jack stands. I raise the lift to normal height and place these jack stands under the axle and lower the lift a couple of inches. The front or rear is lifted to work on wheels, brakes and just recently changed shackles on a 25 T...

DickC

One thing I didn't mention was I also thought about a two post lift. All my cars (T's and one Marmon) have frames above the running boards. It would require about a 12 inch adapter on the arms or like others use a 4x4 wood frame . I didn't think I would like to work under a heavy car with any additi...

DickC

I looked at several before I bought a BenPac. Look at most of the tv shows on cars/car repairing/etc. and you will notice the lifts, both two post and four post are Ben Pac. I am happy with mine.

DickC

This is like the age old question, "do you wear it on the right or left?". I need to add to the comment by TXGOAT aka Pat, please check the ratchet for wear. I bought a 1915 and didn't realize it had a VERY worn ratchet. I cranked a quarter turn with my right hand and it slipped causing the back of ...

DickC

I have a "barn find" that I went through prior to driving. It had been in a barn for about 20 years and needed a bendix, new ball cap bearing, and rear brakes. Changed oil, installed new bands and tested driving it on several local trips. Took it on a recent club tour. No problem until we had a rest...

DickC

Kerry, It was a leather seal shaped like the new neoprene seal today. I think I understand the several suggestions in addition to the ones I made. However, since I replaced the "forth main" and filled the ball cap with grease, I have kept and eye on the differential and it is not getting additional ...

DickC

I have recently bought two 1925 T's (one coupe and one roadster). When going through them area by area, I found both had wet rear drums. The coupe wasn't too bad but after removing the bearing and race found the inner seal was OK but not the new type. Cleaned everything, new inner seal and used the ...

DickC

I have been using something called "portable grease". I got it from a friend of mine who has several restored T's. He also has some of the largest cranes in the south east for his business. This product is what is used for gear boxes etc. on these cranes. He has used it in the T's for ever and it re...

DickC

Have you heard of a product called "portable grease"? A friend who has some of the largest cranes made uses it on his cranes and in the rear ends of his collector cars. His collector cars go from T's to Stutz. I am using it in the rear end of all my T's. Better than "600" think. Maybe I will use it ...

DickC

Does this "NEW RULE" only apply to one who manufactures/supplies a product and NOT a common user? Excuse me for thinking this but this seems to be like some of the media giants controlling what THEY think is appropriate. They then ban the subscriber from the system. I hope we haven"t reached that po...

DickC

I am not a manufacturer!!! I have purchased products direct from the manufacturer. A comment appears on the FORUM about the problem a person is having with a product. Does this "NEW RULE' prohibit me from commenting about the pour quality of this product, the poor fit or some other issue that I too ...

DickC

Thanks everyone. I ordered the one piece set.

DickC

Need brakes and looking at Lang's there are two types. One is a single shoe that is lines and the other is a two piece that is lined. Which is best and why? Need to order tomorrow!

DickC

I had the same problem with a 1924 touring. I could not figure out the cause after cleaning the radiator and the block. I ended up buying a new square tube radiator. When taking the old radiator off, I turned it over and heard a rattle sound. Turns out the baffle in the top tank let go and rested on...

DickC

Steve, hard starting and rough running after start sometimes means manifold leak. What many of us do is use a propane torch (UNLIT) and pointed around the manifold with the engine running. If there is a leak you will quickly notice engine RPM change.

DickC

I can not get the micrometer on the tail shaft to get an accurate measurement. I am told that the end of the shaft is normally square but mine has a rounded off face. Not much but maybe an 1/8 rounded end. I can get the micrometer into the shaft be not far beyond the rounded off end.

DickC

I moved from the cold country to Cary NC in 1979. In 1990, the folks in Cary made it known that my "kind" are not welcome to the posh neighborhoods and by mutual agreement we left Cary to the "elite" ones that don't appreciate motor homes, car trailers, and model T's. We bought into a horse developm...

DickC

I agree with NOT using the fiber gear. My question is: is this a natural occurrence or should I look for other things that would case me a problem with a metal gear? I am aware that the generator gear could have caused the problem but given I install a metal gear would there still be as much of a co...

DickC

I bought this car knowing there was zero compression. I could see/feel the gear on the generator did not turn when hand cranking the engine. The pistons move freely. I felt that it was the timing gear and sure enough it was sitting there with very few teeth along the back edge of the gear. What are ...

DickC

I recently purchased a 25 coupe. I wanted an all weather car, my others are open. At first glance my wife said are we going to fit into the coupe? We have more room than any of my others. That includes butt, shoulder, and leg.

DickC

I'm no expert but I too have a coupe with 12v alternater and a 6v starter. I think the biggest problem is making sure that you have fully retarded the timer prior to starting. I may have problems in the future but don't right now.

DickC

Since most T's use the engine serial number to I.D. the car vs a vin number, and you feel that the car ended up in West VA. why don't you search the motor vehicle registry there under the motor number. Somehow you should be able to get the I.D. from past records where he lived. Just a thought!!

DickC

KWTownsend: noted your comment on the radiator wings. I reported this several times in the past and others said I was wrong. I had the same problem with my 12 and a Brassworks radiator. Changed to a dogbone and haven't had a problem in years. Just my .02. Dick C.

DickC

What am I doing wrong? I've seen others on the forum claim 20-25 MPG. I have had 7 T's from 1912, 1915, 1916, 1920, (2) 1924, and 1925. I have never gotten better than 15 MPG. My T's have all been standard, the one 1912 has a dual intake/exhaust manifold, and I don't "hot rod". When touring, we some...

DickC

I looked for a brass T for years and found one that was an original 1912 T depot hack. Ir has a lot of brass, radiator, lights, horn, windshield,rear light, hub caps, and on and on. It wasn't a chore the first couple of years to polish two to three times a year depending on our use for the T. I woul...

DickC

Allen--You may be correct about a better idea except for on reason. The rim you are talking about is a Kelsey. Very popular in Canada. However you cannot use a Kelsey rim on a Ford/Hayes. The latch on the Kelsey will not go over and inside the Ford/Hayes wheel. Dick C.

DickC

Thanks Dan, I saw the ones you talked about and thought that they couldn't be that different. Next question, how are they held in place? How did you get the old ones off?

DickC

For some reason the 25 T closed cars parts are not as available as early/late vintage. It would be interesting to understand if they are soooo different from 24 and /or 26. A simple example is the rubber mat. The only availability seems to be carpet!! Hinge pins--through 24 closed cars and then 26-2...

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