MTFCA Forum

John Codman

Dan Hatch wrote: ↑
Tue Sep 16, 2025 1:46 pm
Shipping is high. But is high everywhere. I just ordered 1tire &4 tubes, shipping was 115 lbs. Won’t know tariff till they get here, hope it hasn’t gone up again. Dan

115 lbs for one tire and four tubes? Wow!

John Codman

speedytinc wrote: ↑
Mon Sep 15, 2025 11:36 am
How long will a T run on a 6V battery of unknown condition without a full charge?

If you live in my skin, one mile less then you need to go.

John Codman

I think that the procedure varies with body style. I have heard from several '26-7 Model T' owners that you can carefully wiggle the tank out of the car without removing the steering column. On my '27 Touring car the column has to come out. Before anyone hops on to this, if my tank ever has to be re...

John Codman

I didn't See where you mentioned what battery voltage your T has. If it's 12 volts, the above posts are all good. If it's 6 volts, the garden tractor batteries are not going to work. In that case, I would recommend that you find another good 6 volt battery as a backup.

John Codman

Your choice is to clean and repair the tank you have, or to find a used tank that is better then yours.

John Codman

I bought a set of repros and couldn't make one of them fit. They are the only parts that I have returned to that supplier. I had the originals replated with Nickle. Fortunately, except for the condition of the plating, the originals were perfect.

John Codman

I would start by checking the oil level in the T's engine. If it was full when you left and isn't now, you know where the oil came from. The next step is to figure out why. I'm assuming that you open-tow your T. If so, you shouldn't be going much faster then the T would under it's own power. As was ...

John Codman

Before this goes to doom and gloom, let's step back and take a breath. There have been a lot of worst case scenarios put forth here, but the T rarely has survived a century without accumulating a few dents and scratches. The T ain't all that fragile. I would go over the car with a fine-tooth comb, t...

John Codman

Wow, what a riga-ma-roll... Like I commented in your video, I think its harder to get an airplane registered and certified here in the states than it is to get your Model T registered and certified over there... As an airplane owner here in the U.S. since 1982 I haven’t found that to be the case. T...

John Codman

The distance between the top of the axle and the bottom of the spring is 2 5/8" at the center of the spring on my '27 Touring car.

John Codman

Yup. Coker and Universal are the same company.

John Codman

I'm glad that you are physically OK Austin. The T looks like it will be repairable.

John Codman

If it seems too good to be true...

John Codman

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Wed Aug 27, 2025 9:36 pm
As the old saying goes, you ain't seen nothin' yet. The American people wanted this, and voted for it, and now they're going to get it. Good and hard.

Yup. Be careful what you wish for...

John Codman

Do your self a favor, buy a new tank. Used tanks are like used radiators. They are not on a car for a reason. I couldn't agree more. If your tank was in good condition, I would remove it and take it to a radiator/tank shop and have it "sloshed", then coated with a chemical/paint that will keep thin...

John Codman

John, the anemometer I posted is about as light as any radiator ornament i have found. None of it is a heavy, solid casting. Have no fear about it doing any damage to your radiator neck. Original Ford radiators had the neck crimped to the top panel.This was then soldered to seal the joint. The repr...

John Codman

They're wood. Part #3083. There has been much discussion. I use them. I also use engine pans. I use good rims, so I don't waste money on flaps. I use stock ignition because it's more reliable than a disturbutor. I paint my wheels body color, like Ford. Do my comments upset anybody? I'll lie awake a...

John Codman

I really like the anemometer in the OP, but the only time that it would be on my T is when it is parked.

John Codman

John... No comment..., maybe you need another cup of coffee. Maybe I do. It seems that I have written something that you are not happy with. I meant no harm or disrespect to anybody. I simply don't understand why the spark lever would need to be in a different position whether starting or driving o...

John Codman

I do understand that, but the coils run on AC. Transformers do not operate on DC. The purpose of the oscillators (buzzers) on our ignition coils is to convert DC into AC. Regardless of where the coils are getting their AC, the timer stays in the same position, and when the plug fires, it doesn't mat...

John Codman

I start my T on battery. In fact, I have never even attempted to start it on magneto. Why would starting on battery change the ignition timing?

John Codman

Some time ago Ron Patterson in a post on this thread discussed the proper starting procedure for a Model T. He first pointed out that with the spark lever all the way "up", and everything set properly, the timing is way retarded. More then it needs to be. The piston is so far down in the cylinder wh...

John Codman

I remember a thread here that asked if any part in a Model T had been used for all years. IIRC, the final conclusion was that the Schrader valve in the inner tube might have been that part. A lot of parts will fit all years, but are probably not identical to the original equipment. My point is that ...

John Codman

If I ever decide to have a video done, I will know who to call.

John Codman

I agree with those who say that they are a band-aid. If there is something loose enough to cause steering issues, the looseness needs to be addressed, not covered up.

John Codman

Both Lang's and Snyder's list top bow rivets, but neither catalog lists the size.

John Codman

"Until you have to replace the clutch. I think the first part to go on the assembly line was the clutch, then they built the car around it." Heater core. But yes, C5,6,7 clutch is a royal PITA. I always tease my Vette buddies the torque tube and transverse spring design is 100 years old tech. :lol:...

John Codman

I would have the crankshaft in the OP cleaned, dye penetrant tested, and magnafluxed before I would put it into an engine.

John Codman

Joshua - glad to see that you have a C4 'Vette. That was the last year that wasn't a total PITA to work on. I have done one clutch on a C5; NEVER AGAIN! I have a C5! Last year of the flip up headlights. Its pretty easy to work on imho, but I also have access to a lift. Until you have to replace the...

John Codman

We have been in Michigan and traveled the entire length of 66 in 2018-19 in correct fashion (old roads in a 1950 Ford F1). There are "official" Route 66 books that will detail the route more than I have time to explain here, including motels. Since the Chain of Rocks bridge of Route 66 is closed, g...

John Codman

I don't know how much of 66 is still drivable, but I did almost all of it many years ago when it was still open end to end. If the section that you describe is still open I have some advice that you should look into. Suggestion 1, bring at least a gallon or two of potable water - in a cooler if you ...

John Codman

I second Will's comment on the Berg's radiator. My '27 touring car runs at about 170 degrees on a known-accurate thermometer down the road here in SW Florida. If you have a radiator in really good shape, there's no reason for yours to be significantly different. Since my T does not have a water pump...

John Codman

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 ...

John Codman

Joshua - glad to see that you have a C4 'Vette. That was the last year that wasn't a total PITA to work on. I have done one clutch on a C5; NEVER AGAIN!

John Codman

When I see online advice involving interaction with "the DMV", I'm reminded that states are like Model T cars: They're all different. What works in Kansas or Illinois may not apply in California. I agree. Also, some states didn't issue titles until fairly recently. I'm not positive of this, but IIR...

John Codman

The only time(S) that I have had to call AAA was due to crud in the Carburetor. It didn't take long to figure out that the crud was from the fuel tank. I drained the tank through a paint strainer and used the gas in my lawn tractor. I pulled the tank - not an easy job in a '27 touring car, and took ...

John Codman

Hi Joshua! As we say, welcome to the affliction. Although I'm not an A&P, I was a general aviation pilot for 44 years. My "ride" was a PA24. It was the first Comanche built and it's serial number was PA24-1. I had a great friend who was an outstanding A&P and ran his own business who did all of the ...

John Codman

I don't know what type of compression tester you are using - mine is a hold-in, I'm guessing that yours is a screw in. If so, just install the tester and crank it over with the starter. If yours is a hold-in, you will need a second person anyway. A remote starter switch won't work on a T because the...

John Codman

DHort wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 30, 2025 7:33 pm
The DMV should be able to use the death certificates to allow you to track information without her filling in the forms.

I agree. This cannot be the first time this issue has occurred.
If you can find a friendly police officer, he or she can probably gain access to whatever you want from the DMV.

John Codman

It sounds to me that this is a replacement engine. It has been posted on this forum that some of the replacement engines were sold by Ford with no engine number stamped on it. You were supposed to stamp the number of the original engine on the new one. I also have read that California was one of the...

John Codman

If you want to use fully synthetic oil go for it. I don't use synthetic in my T because with no oil filter I change the oil frequently enough that I don't see any benefit to it. I'm not opposed to synthetic oil; I use it in my whole-house generator that starts automatically and immediately winds up ...

John Codman

I guess that I have one of the rare Ts that doesn't leak or burn oil. I do put the full four quarts in it. I use Shell 10 W 30, but any modern oil is way better then anything that was available when our Ts were new. FWIW I use Rotella T4 in my hot rod pickup truck (not a Model T) as it has fairly hi...

John Codman

Question Mike: you stated you purchased "new coils" - as in brand new from a vendor or an original rebuilt set by one of our coil rebuilders ? Reason I inquire is that "new" coils have not gotten any good reviews ! I don't get a cut, but I would recommend that you contact Ron Patterson about your c...

John Codman

Welcome to the affliction Mike! The first thing you need is what we call the Bible. It is the Model T service manual straight from Ford. The MTFCA has them. If you can't find exactly what you want in the manual, ask here. There are lots of people here who can help you - sometimes just by asking the ...

John Codman

My '27 definitely has two bushings. Perhaps in the distant past someone replaced the lower shaft bracket with a unit from a different year.

John Codman

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 24, 2025 5:14 pm
I can imagine myself using an exhaust whistle, but not this. I want four good spark plugs, intact and well-adjusted. Brand doesn't matter. Champion X, Wards, Splitdorf, Horseshoe, whatever.

I agree 100%.

John Codman

My '27 definitely has two bushings, as well as no felt seal. The original bushings are of top quality; I know that because they wore out the steering shaft while remaining in perfect condition. The bushings that it left the factory with the car are still there, but I had to replace the steering shaf...

John Codman

I have looked over my late '27 T quite carefully, and the only weld in the car that I could find was on the battery rack. I had done the welding as a repair to it.

John Codman

What year is the T touring? It's nice!

John Codman

I'll go along with those who have said that the late '40s and early '50s were about the end of the Model T as transportation. What has not been mentioned (or I missed it) was that a significant number of Model T bodies found their way into hot rods - particularly on the west coast. Someone mentioned...

John Codman

Some previous owner painted the rear drums on my T with whatever. I only have the brakes that the car left the factory with, and have owned it for almost 15 years; I only use the parking brake to park. The outside of the drums look fine. As has been said, if you have some kind of an auxiliary brake ...

John Codman

I agree with Larry. My late wife had her right knee replaced and did precisely what she was told to do - including the physical therapy. It came out perfectly and she never had any issues with her new knee. Sadly, she did have other unrelated problems that ended her life some years later.

John Codman

Allen - I absolutely agree with you about welding on a tank that has had gasoline in it. The problem is what do you define as recently? I was a High School Teacher and had a student - at his workplace - Attempt to weld a crack in a 55-gallon drum. It had been stored inside for a year with the vent a...

John Codman

My 2005 Dodge 5.7 Hemi calls for non-synthetic engine oil. I have never had any difficulty in finding it. Auto Zone stocks it, and so does the local Firestone and Goodyear stores. I also can get Shell Rotella T-4 and Shell Formula 10 W 30 in a Walmart about 15 miles from my house. Despite it's name,...

John Codman

TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 09, 2025 11:50 am
It would be a good idea to determine what the problem is before trying to remedy it.

I sure agree with this.

John Codman

I use whatever is in my squirt oil can. I drain the bottles that held engine (usually) oil into a container that eventually goes into the squirt can. It's oil, it's clean, and so far it seems to work just fine. I like the motorcycle chain oil idea though.

John Codman

If I still lived in Massachusetts, I'd be happy to volunteer. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a commute from SW Florida.

John Codman

I hope that crud is the problem. Keep us posted.

John Codman

Humblej wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 09, 2025 1:01 pm
I recomend you find how long the crack is and drill a small hole where the crack stops. Untill you stop drill it, it will continue to grow.

I agree. This is the way that A&P mechanics do it on airplanes.

John Codman

John, your 27 should have 21" split rims. These do have a flap, to protect the tube at the join in the split rim. NOT using a flap in those could cause failure at that point. Using a rim liner on a split rim would make for problems when fitting the tyre. Allan from down under. It does and I do. The...

John Codman

The top and bottom coolant temperatures concern me. The radiator should drop the coolant temperature more then 20 degrees. 170 going into the engine is about what my T has coming out of the engine. My radiator drops the coolant temperature 40 degrees idling on a hot day. I'm sure that it lowers the ...

John Codman

The great flap debate is in the Mystery Oil category. I use them on my wooden-wheel '27, and I'm not put out in the least if you don't believe in them.

John Codman

Lang's lists them.

John Codman

That would be my kind of living room coffee table display.

John Codman

The engine should run hotter with a lean mixture, not cooler. Are you sure that you are not operating the controls backwards? The fuel/air mixture becomes richer as you open the mixture control (turn counterclockwise).

John Codman

Check with you're insurance agent - you may need to carry commercial vehicle insurance if you are running a business from it.

John Codman

My '27 runs smoothly (for a non-counterbalanced crankshaft engine). I have no reason to believe that the engine has been apart other then my pulling the head just to see what was going on inside. The only thing that I replaced was the headgasket and two head bolts.

John Codman

It seems that we are making something fairly simple into a big deal. Start the car, when it reaches something close to normal operating temperature, check the temperature of the coolant in the top tank of the radiator. With the same probe check the temperature of the bottom of the vertical tube clos...

John Codman

I would be very surprised if there were not already mandated vehicle standards for headlights in USA. The rush to LED's here has led to a plethora of replacements for standard bulbs, most of which are not DOT approved for road use. That does not mean they are not used on the road though. The earlie...

John Codman

I just saw an article that Massachusetts has started enforcing an obscure law. The law states that automotive headlights must be considered as a unit. You may not use LED headlight bulbs in housings that were not originally designed for them. This means that you could be given a defective equipment ...

John Codman

John.Zibell wrote: ↑
Mon Jun 09, 2025 8:54 am
If an old radiator/original, the fins separate from the tubes. You may be in need of a new radiator.

I agree. A new radiator solved my heating issue.

John Codman

Hey Dan. It’s a 22 runabout. Here are a couple of shots of it. You can see the flaps on the top. Looking at it, it looks like it’s coming down enough in front. Maybe the rear straps are too tight. My guess is that you are right about the rear straps. My T is a '27 that has clamps to the windshield ...

John Codman

I love the color. The flip side is that most folks are not crazy about it. My late wife bought a new leftover '67 Ford Fairlane in that color for a very reasonable price, because the dealer couldn't get rid of it due to the color' which I have always called "Swimming pool green". We had it for years...

John Codman

I installed the Aluminum ball-bearing pulley setup from Lang's. It's on the car and works beautifully. No more oil all over the place! I still have the old setup which the car's next owner can reinstall if he/she wants to. It was some of the best money that I have spent on my T.

John Codman

Well leave it to Steve Lang to solve the mystery. He noticed that each top looked like it was welded on. Sure enough I looked and he was right. Someone must have cut the tips off and welded C channels on each part. I can not overemphasize the value that Lang's is to the Model T hobby. What great pe...

John Codman

I bought a set of 48-star flags years ago and they are still fine. The problem is I can't for the life of me remember where I got them.

John Codman

On my '27 touring the front brackets are bolted and screwed to the windshield post. The rear of the front bars are bolted to the next bar back. All of the other bars are riveted together except where the long rear bar is bolted to the body. The only exception to this is that the second bar back is a...

John Codman

In order to get to the article that you posted, I was required to agree to some third-party's terms of use. I never do that.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The link worked fine for me, part of History.com, should be no issue.

Chris B

John Codman

It is not the same as the bar on my '27 Touring.

John Codman

A perfectionist would also replace the head bolts every time I guess that I'm sorta a perfectionist then. Shortly after I bought my T I pulled the head for inspection purposes. When I reinstalled it, I used a new headgasket from Lang's. I also inspected the head bolts (technically head capscrews) a...

John Codman

I'll jump in line with those who say buy the best car that you can afford. In the long run it will save you a lot of $$ and also a lot of work. That rule applies to any used car. If you purchase what is about one step above a pile of parts, it is quite likely that you will end up selling your pile o...

John Codman

I'm old-school. I would not reuse a headgasket if I could get a new one. I have not received a new Lang's catalog in several years, perhaps they are now strictly online, but in the 2021 catalog that I do have, they are very good about describing the quality of many of the items that they sell. I don...

John Codman

Sorry for your flooding and losses of life. I hope that you are OK.

John Codman

I guess it's back to the future.

John Codman

We could use a bit of that rain here in Florida, mate.

John Codman

Thanks to all who responded to my previous post. My 1916 with a 1921 engine is positive ground. To change it to negative ground I plan to: 1) reverse the battery cables 2) polarize the generator by briefly touching B+ to the field terminal Should I disconnect the generator wire while I polarize the...

John Codman

I agree that the modification is ingenious, but their have been literally millions of Model Ts that ran fine without it. I cannot help wondering if you are putting a band-aid on the actual problem?

John Codman

What is the alternative to distilled water? Tap water? Puh-leeze. In most places the mineral content of tap water makes it a bad choice. In the approximate center of the lower 48, a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water works for me. I run the 50-50 mixture, but I'll bet a nickel that Ford di...

John Codman

Here's how I handle it. I just don't care... Water, Prestone and down the road I go. People waaay overthink stuff. Have fun! I actually agree with you. That's why I provided all the possible thinking and it ends up with just the 50/50 mix like all the manufacturers recommend :lol: I agree too.

John Codman

It sounds counter-intuitive, but pure antifreeze has a higher freezing temperature then 50-50 Glycol and water. I'm not going to tell you not to run 100% antifreeze, but there are no advantages to running straight antifreeze, and several disadvantages to it. Having said that, if it's working for yo...

John Codman

What is the alternative to distilled water? Tap water? Puh-leeze. In most places the mineral content of tap water makes it a bad choice. In the approximate center of the lower 48, a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water works for me. I run the 50-50 mixture, but I'll bet a nickel that Ford di...

John Codman

It sounds counter-intuitive, but pure antifreeze has a higher freezing temperature then 50-50 Glycol and water. I'm not going to tell you not to run 100% antifreeze, but there are no advantages to running straight antifreeze, and several disadvantages to it. Having said that, if it's working for you...

John Codman

I agree with those who think it's a fuel delivery problem. Those are the classic symptoms of fuel starvation.

John Codman

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan This is a mini series on TV made in 1985, and yes Paul Hogan was a tad younger at the time :-). There is another minis series called 'ANZAC Girls' made in 2014 following the experiences of a group of nurses. I didn't re...

John Codman

My Lang's repro exhaust pipe fits perfectly.

John Codman

If you can ever find it, ANZACS is a great WW1 film starring a young Paul Hogan. I have been trying to buy a DVD of it, but it's stupid expensive. I recorded it on a VHS tape years ago, but the tape deteriorated to the point that it was no longer watchable.

John Codman

I have long been a bit of a Grinch about installing seatbelts in cars that were not designed for them. Even the major manufacturers have run into trouble with seat belts. Some years ago Ford ran into a huge seatbelt issue. I don't recall whether it was the Maverick or the early Falcons had a seat be...

John Codman

speedytinc wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 31, 2025 12:50 am
Parts fit together. Today most are using worn out exh manifolds & worn nuts.
A new manifold & nut wont shake loose Tightened with the ford wrench.

I have found that the above is true. I haven't touched mine in at least 10 years.

John Codman

I have no clue, but whatever it is, it is very cool.

John Codman

Looks really nice!

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