Search found 41 matches

by baltrusch
Sun Jul 06, 2025 6:53 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Comin your way.
Replies: 10
Views: 900

Re: Comin your way.

Photo 6 is a very rare Doctor's Roadster!
by baltrusch
Fri Jun 27, 2025 1:52 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: Riveted axle housings and two speed Jumbo driveshaft
Replies: 0
Views: 430

Riveted axle housings and two speed Jumbo driveshaft

1913-14 riveted rear axle housings with two speed Jumbo driveshaft. It worked well on the car but I think the Jumbo output shaft needs to be shimmed. This provides a nearly hidden two speed while retaining the riveted housing of the early cars. Might deliver to Stettler or pick it up in Great Falls,...
by baltrusch
Fri Jun 27, 2025 1:45 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: 5:1 Steering Columns
Replies: 0
Views: 425

5:1 Steering Columns

For Sale: Several 5:1 26-27 steering columns. You can use the main shaft, the gears, and the steering wheel shaft to convert the older units and improve your steering. I might be able to deliver them to Stettler or you can stop in Great Falls, MT, along the way and pick one up! $150 ea.
by baltrusch
Fri Jun 27, 2025 1:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Ford Model T generator with distibutor
Replies: 16
Views: 1231

Re: Ford Model T generator with distibutor

If the generator gear has the same number of teeth as the crankshaft gear, the unit will run at twice camshaft speed. I assume this could provide a wasted spark on each upward exhaust stroke, which should work without any gear reduction. It would be great to see if the unit does have some type of re...
by baltrusch
Fri Jun 27, 2025 1:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Texas t distributor quit.
Replies: 18
Views: 1183

Re: Texas t distributor quit.

I have had good luck soldering across the connections in the rotors to eliminate the carbon fiber connection.
by baltrusch
Thu May 08, 2025 9:14 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Distilled water with Antifreeze
Replies: 49
Views: 5280

Distilled water with Antifreeze

I read an interesting article in "Secrets - Vintage Speed and Sport" which states you should not mix distilled water with antifreeze and was also promoting a Rislone product. However, you can read the article at "https://rislone.com/blog/cooling/why-you-should-never-use-distilled water-in-your cooli...
by baltrusch
Tue Mar 25, 2025 10:39 am
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: 1923 -1925 NOS Sedan Rear Fenders
Replies: 0
Views: 1505

1923 -1925 NOS Sedan Rear Fenders

I have several sets of NOS rear fenders for 1923-1925 Sedans. Shop worn but very good. $200 each delivered to Stettler in July
by baltrusch
Thu Mar 20, 2025 9:57 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Cracked Block
Replies: 24
Views: 3702

Re: Cracked Block

We are talking about two different things here - cracked or rusted through - and repairs might be different. If rusted through, you might have to go a long way to get enough purchase for metal stitching. In those cases, "temporary repairs" using JB or other epoxies may last a very long time. A shop ...
by baltrusch
Wed Jan 01, 2025 9:10 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: WTB: Project t
Replies: 58
Views: 26972

Re: WTB: Project t

I like the looks of the four door sedans, but they retained the wood body framing all the way through Model t production. I suggest a 26-27 Model T roadster, touring, or Tudor sedan especially if the buyer is not into woodworking. They have minimal wood in the bodies.
by baltrusch
Sat Mar 30, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Rajo OHV question
Replies: 16
Views: 2751

Re: Rajo OHV question

I have never needed a water pump on any T and always remove them. However, my brass speedster with an early RAJO head would heat and boil until I put one on. It seemed like the rear of the head was not getting water and it certainly could be the radiator but the pump immediately cured the issue. Go ...
by baltrusch
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:18 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Transport For Two Model T's
Replies: 8
Views: 1957

Re: Transport For Two Model T's

You can get two bumper-less Model Ts in a 22' trailer by staggering them - one toward the left side and one toward the right. We tied them down well and also made special chocks so that they could not move. We backed the first one in and drove the second one in forward. Very tight, but it works. Mor...
by baltrusch
Mon Sep 04, 2023 7:03 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Fabric covered wooden body speedster plans
Replies: 14
Views: 2514

Fabric covered wooden body speedster plans

I thought I had seen some plans for the woodwork for a speedster body that would then be covered with aircraft type fabric. Does anyone know if those plans are still available?
by baltrusch
Mon Jun 05, 2023 12:39 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Driving Ts from Manhattan to Lincoln
Replies: 6
Views: 1947

Driving Ts from Manhattan to Lincoln

Is anyone planning to drive their T from the Manhattan MTFCA tour to the Speedster Reunion in Lincoln Wednesday or Thursday of the tour? Does anyone know of low traffic side routes? Thanks. Kurt Baltrusch
by baltrusch
Sat May 27, 2023 4:54 pm
Forum: Classifieds - Parts
Topic: NOS REAR FENDERS, 23-25 SEDAN ONLY
Replies: 0
Views: 563

NOS REAR FENDERS, 23-25 SEDAN ONLY

Several 1923-1925 Sedan rear fenders, believed to be NOS, shop worn but very nice. Holes are round, no evidence of installation. $350/pair, can deliver to Manhattan KS MTFCA Tour.
by baltrusch
Wed Mar 08, 2023 8:55 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: YeeeeeeeeeHawwwwwwwww!!!
Replies: 17
Views: 3317

Re: YeeeeeeeeeHawwwwwwwww!!!

My father was the town doctor in Ekalaka, MT, in 1949 when I was born. He exported Mom to Billings for my birth as he was concerned about delivering his baby with very little back up or support. That did not seem to matter to most other patients as they wanted him to do everything from rattlesnake b...
by baltrusch
Mon Dec 05, 2022 7:38 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Some you’ve seen, some you haven’t…..
Replies: 22
Views: 3125

Re: Some you’ve seen, some you haven’t…..

The towed car looks to be pre-1915, so pre center door. Could it be a custom Australian body? It also looks like it veers in at the front so maybe it is a wider commercial body.
by baltrusch
Thu May 27, 2021 8:38 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: 1927 Factory/Dealer Options
Replies: 21
Views: 4722

Re: 1927 Factory/Dealer Options

I have a December 28, 1925 invoice for a 1926 runabout. On delivery, the buyer also bought a pickup box ($35) and a Ruckstell ($70). NO other options are listed but the car did have a starter and 30x3 1/2 wood wheels.
by baltrusch
Mon Mar 30, 2020 8:22 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: New Gas Tank
Replies: 8
Views: 4136

Re: New Gas Tank

Before I sent it back I would assure myself that they had a replacement to send to you. As I understand it, there is only one shop making these and all tanks have been hard to come by and there was a waiting list. The advantage of some of the other T parts dealers is that the owner himself will talk...
by baltrusch
Wed Mar 18, 2020 9:54 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wasted Spark
Replies: 2
Views: 1928

Wasted Spark

I was looking through an old 3 volume set of Model T accessories and found a timer that used only two coils and operated on the "wasted spark" theory which has been used on other engines, including Harleys, for many years. It is also used on the True Fire system. Advantages would be only two coils a...
by baltrusch
Tue Feb 04, 2020 8:38 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Genrator block off Casting
Replies: 3
Views: 2668

Genrator block off Casting

There has been some discussion recently on the 1919 era cars that came without starters and generators, and that some of these cars came with a block off plate that eliminated the generator casting, This part made the engines look like the older blocks before they just started putting the 3 holed me...
by baltrusch
Sat Jan 25, 2020 8:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Stick in time took out crank?
Replies: 14
Views: 6219

Re: Stick in time took out crank?

It’s a good candidate for a two cylinder job. One old article I read stated that the owner did that after he broke the crank similarly and it took 13 hacksaw blades to cut the block in two! People were more resourceful, and patient, back then! I have one of those engines and it sounds like a John De...
by baltrusch
Wed Jan 22, 2020 9:30 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Shorpy old time photos
Replies: 7
Views: 4207

Shorpy old time photos

One of my favorite sites is Shorpy.com as it has different old time photos every day and has been discussed here before. This week one was titled "Water Boys: 1939" and showed two kids pumping water out of a communal well. The remains of a 12 year old Model T are in the background, but also shown is...
by baltrusch
Wed Jan 15, 2020 8:56 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Non-Ford grease cup - what is it for?
Replies: 2
Views: 2122

Non-Ford grease cup - what is it for?

This is not a Ford item but is a cool grease cup that is nicely plated and includes a ratchet mechanism so that you can only turn it one way and a handle so you don't get greasy. I assume it was in the inside of a higher dollar car but I have never seen another. Any Ideas?
greaser1.JPG
by baltrusch
Tue Jan 14, 2020 10:08 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What is this KRW tool?
Replies: 3
Views: 2696

What is this KRW tool?

This part came in a bunch of stuff that included a Model A era KRW differential stand but I do not know if it goes with that or not. What is it?
KRW1.JPG
by baltrusch
Tue Dec 17, 2019 9:57 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Building a Body on a Buck
Replies: 7
Views: 3985

Re: Building a Body on a Buck

Henry - what a great project and what lucky grandkids! Many of you have probably heard of Ernie Adams from Maricopa AZ (google Ernie’s Dwarf Car’s) who builds amazing apprroximately 2/3 scale replicas using steel bucks and often refrigerator panels. These cars are very accurate and include a 49 Merc...
by baltrusch
Sat Dec 14, 2019 8:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Your thoughts please.
Replies: 37
Views: 13964

Re: Your thoughts please.

I made a front mount starter for a friend and it works very well. I used an ATV starter clutch on the crankshaft and a chain to the starter - the chain is idle when the engine runs. I replaced the bendix with a sprocket and used a permanent magnet Nissan starter which turns backward with positive gr...
by baltrusch
Wed Jun 05, 2019 10:14 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: So tell me why I should buy a model T?
Replies: 61
Views: 24584

Re: So tell me why I should buy a model T?

I echo all of the above. The greatest part for me, which I learned years ago, is that the engine responds to your inputs, that is mixture, spark advance, etc. When drivers today sense an issue, they may miss-diagnose what is going on as they have no control - all is automatic. With a Model T, if it ...
by baltrusch
Wed Jun 05, 2019 9:55 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wheel Spindle help!
Replies: 13
Views: 6620

Re: Wheel Spindle help!

I assume that the 1910 is the same as the later Ts, if not, excuse my ignorance! It is good that the right side with the left hand threads went on well as a 3/4x16 left hand die might be hard to find. However, the thread file has always worked for me, and will work on either side. Another trick is t...
by baltrusch
Wed Jun 05, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?
Replies: 5
Views: 3625

Re: Any info on how to upholster a Rootlieb Speedster seat?

I called Rootlieb recently to find if there was anyone making a kit and they said no. Mine are now at the local upholstery shop and I will send photos if I can get them. This shop does excellent work but they are pricey.
by baltrusch
Mon May 27, 2019 9:03 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: EZ cold start jack
Replies: 9
Views: 5396

Re: EZ cold start jack

jack.JPG
I found this jack some time ago and painted it and put on a new handle. I works well but you'd have to have a pickup to take it along! It was made by J.H. Whetstone in Michigan.
by baltrusch
Sat Mar 23, 2019 9:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: "Ford ordered the new sedan bodies from an outside vendor"
Replies: 9
Views: 5345

Re: "Ford ordered the new sedan bodies from an outside vendor"

I believe that Wadsworth and Fisher were the major pre-1923 sedan suppliers. I read somewhere that the Wadsworth factory burned down in the late teens and may or may not have produced bodies after that. I compared my 1922 sedan body to one that was reported to be a Fisher and there were minor differ...
by baltrusch
Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:50 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sure fire way to find oil leaks
Replies: 6
Views: 4428

Re: Sure fire way to find oil leaks

The powder sounds like a great way to find leaks. Another method is that auto supply houses sell a dye that you add to the oil and then use a black light to find the leak.
by baltrusch
Thu Mar 07, 2019 2:57 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Powder coating rims
Replies: 14
Views: 8383

Re: Powder coating rims

I have two sets of wire wheels that I had powder coated and both look nice and are holding up well. The first set are Hayes and I took them to the les Schwab tire dealer. They truck the wheels to their facility in Oregon where a machine blasts and powdercoats them at a cost of under $35 each deliver...
by baltrusch
Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:57 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: 1911 Dash Fillerboard
Replies: 13
Views: 7382

Re: 1911 Dash Fillerboard

Maybe this is a little off-topic. Does anyone know the rationale for the filler board? I see several variations in the old photos but wonder why it was used at all. It seems that it would have been easier, stronger, and cheaper to just make the firewall 3 7/8" taller and not use the extra piece.
by baltrusch
Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:01 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Old photo A crate of T
Replies: 16
Views: 8669

Re: Old photo A crate of T

Where is the top? I assume that they were loose and all you did was tack the rear of the top to the back seat.
by baltrusch
Thu Feb 14, 2019 7:25 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: How Long Have You Owned Your Old Iron?
Replies: 62
Views: 24128

Re: How Long Have You Owned Your Old Iron?

I found a 1918 Ford touring with half the body gone in 1963 when I was 14 and the guy wanted $150. Dad and I each came up with $75 and went to get it. The seller told me it had been sold, and I told him I thought we had a deal for $150. Early life lesson 1 - it ain't yours till you put money down. T...
by baltrusch
Sun Feb 10, 2019 10:00 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Cooke City Highway in Montana
Replies: 8
Views: 4630

Cooke City Highway in Montana

The Cooke City Highway (Highway 212)provides a great Model T route from Billings to Yellowstone and you can proceed to Yellowstone or turn off of that and go toward Cody, WY on the Sunlight Basin Road (Highway 296). The Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody is a great stop. Both roads are very scenic but you ...
by baltrusch
Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:10 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Saturday Evening Post Cover
Replies: 1
Views: 1900

Saturday Evening Post Cover

I found this Saturday Evening Post (Fall, 1971) cover while staying at the La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ, along Route 66. It might have been posted but before my time. It exhibits an interesting twist to our hobby.
by baltrusch
Wed Feb 06, 2019 1:55 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Rajo model?
Replies: 13
Views: 6598

Re: Rajo model?

This is a RAJO I got some time ago and will use on a speedster. I think it is an early Model 30 but really do not know. It has just one intake port but no bump-out on the left side for the intake. The exhaust manifold connects to a normal Model T exhaust pipe. Any ideas of the model or intended use ...
by baltrusch
Fri Feb 01, 2019 9:49 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Great service from Snyder's
Replies: 2
Views: 2495

Great service from Snyder's

Several years ago I ordered a set of brass headlight forks for the brass lamps on my speedster. I finally got around to installing them last week and I found I had two right hand brackets. While I order most of my parts from Snyder's I could not find the invoice so they could have come from one of t...
by baltrusch
Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:45 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Cold Start Advice Needed
Replies: 38
Views: 20595

Re: Cold Start Advice Needed

I got my starterless T in 1963 and over the past 50+ years I have had numerous occasions to hand crank it in cold weather. Today's oils make that much easier. Generally, all I did was make sure I had a good battery, put in warm water from the house and jack up one rear wheel, and it always started. ...