Search found 80 matches

by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:52 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: What's your MODERN? :)
Replies: 54
Views: 2065

Re: What's your MODERN? :)

I'm a devoted Ford fan, and apparently I like old cars. Other than my '23 Touring, I daily drive a 1905 Escape with the V-6 engine, and my garage also houses a 1904 Expedition, which I used to use in my Contracting work, but now only use to pull the T Trailer around or when we go on vacations. Since...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed Oct 11, 2023 12:22 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: What The----?
Replies: 7
Views: 532

Re: What The----?

I believe you are correct. Barometer.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:45 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Common Sense fastener Murphy fastener difference
Replies: 16
Views: 2378

Re: Common Sense fastener Murphy fastener difference

I believe the explanation I'm about to give is correct, but if not it's comforting to know that I'm absolutely certain I'll be corrected by someone. Both the fasteners you ask about consist of a 'male' portion usually fastened to the car, and a 'female' portion usually attached, grommet-like, to a s...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Jul 03, 2021 8:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Opinions
Replies: 42
Views: 4680

Re: Opinions

I would never presume to tell you what to do, but I WILL tell you this: I have had a Model T since 1950's. There have been two. Both were "barn finds" and came to me with natural-wood colored spokes. I don't "show" them, so I don't care what the purists think. But - and this is my message to you - W...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:33 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Tire Cover
Replies: 12
Views: 2657

Tire Cover

You often see cars, like Jeeps, with the spare tire mounted on the tailgate and covered by a "slip cover" with writing on it, usually the name of the dealership where the vehicle was bought. I'd like to do a similar thing with my Model T. Can anyone tell me where I could find a tire cover for a 30 x...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat May 22, 2021 4:57 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Spark plug threads, a definitive summary?
Replies: 6
Views: 1716

Re: Spark plug threads, a definitive summary?

The standard Model T cylinder head was outfitted with 1/2 inch female pipe threads for the spark plugs. Male pipe threads, as found on standard Model T spark plugs, are tapered, so that the joint becomes better seated and therefore better sealed, as it is tightened. Because there are scads of spark ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Apr 15, 2021 10:22 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Cellphone on 6volts
Replies: 7
Views: 2204

Re: Cellphone on 6volts

Allan, the answer to your question lies not in the kind of cell phone, but in the circumstances of a Model T tour. A cell phone, when it's just lying there or sitting in your pocket, is in constant communication with the closest tower. The stream of data going back and forth is automatic, and it's s...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Apr 06, 2021 6:51 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Besides your T, what other Ford would you wish to own?
Replies: 51
Views: 5812

Re: Besides your T, what other Ford would you wish to own?

1957 Thunderbird, and 1957 Skyliner (retractable) I'll own both, right after I win the lottery.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Apr 02, 2021 10:08 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: A name is?
Replies: 32
Views: 5426

Re: A name is?

I seem to be one of the few who include our location in our log-in name. I wish more of us would do it, because.... well, you understand.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Mar 30, 2021 11:02 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: That 1/16 inch Measurement
Replies: 6
Views: 1636

Re: That 1/16 inch Measurement

You've gotta remember who the Model T was designed for. These were farmers, ditch diggers, etc.... They didn't have exact measurement tools, or the time to use them. The idea the instructions are trying to convey is that with the pedal all the way back, there's still a little play in the linkage, bu...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:50 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: wiring a coil to make it buzz. Help
Replies: 3
Views: 1083

Re: wiring a coil to make it buzz. Help

One other caution: Don't keep a coil buzzing for very long without a cooling-off time. Just to pick a number, I'd say 5 seconds ON, then 15 seconds or more OFF.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Jan 21, 2021 8:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Field Coils: Must they all have even turns?
Replies: 7
Views: 1562

Re: Field Coils: Must they all have even turns?

I've never wound coils for a Model T magneto, but I have built transformers and re-wound motors - so I have some experience, and a thought. Here's my question -- Can't a finished coil be re-shaped, so the leads come and go where you want them to? I envision winding a coil on a round mandrel, then af...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun Jan 03, 2021 9:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: FJ - Check your trailer wheel bearing races !
Replies: 12
Views: 2377

Re: FJ - Check your trailer wheel bearing races !

When I'm pulling my T in its trailer, I have developed a habit of checking the temps of all the tires and bearings (car and trailer) at every stop. I take my infra-red thermometer (the same thing the doctors' offices use to check you for Covid before they let you in) and walk around the car and trai...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Nov 17, 2020 10:32 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What name have you given your T
Replies: 61
Views: 6548

Re: What name have you given your T

My grandkids named the '23 Touring, "Bullwinkle" and my Big Red 3-wheeler "Rocky." Sadly, Rocky has given up the ghost, but Bullwinkle still comes out on occasion - less and less as I get older. I'm trying to decide whether to sell him, or donate him to the Museum.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Nov 16, 2020 12:43 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Alchohol?
Replies: 29
Views: 4424

Re: Alchohol?

The only sure thing I can think of, is to drain the cooling system when not driving the car.

Or, you could try to seal the system. There are plenty of radiator sealing products available at any auto parts store.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Nov 03, 2020 4:47 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Check this out
Replies: 13
Views: 3156

Re: Check this out

The bottom one came with Evinrude and Johnson outboard motors (same thing - different paint)
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Oct 29, 2020 11:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Starting Small
Replies: 14
Views: 3443

Re: Starting Small

Son of a gun! It DID copy!
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Oct 29, 2020 11:34 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Starting Small
Replies: 14
Views: 3443

Re: Starting Small

Great work! When I finished reconditioning one of those, and got ready to mount it on my running board, I got worried about the fact that it would be metal-to-metal, with some movement expected, and rust could build up under it without my knowing it. I ordered 4 Isolation Dampers from Grainger, and ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Oct 24, 2020 6:01 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Starting My T
Replies: 7
Views: 1753

Re: Starting My T

Sounds like the Batt and MAG inputs are switched at the back of the switch, or possibly at the terminal block on the firewall. That being the case, your observations are exactly normal - coils buzz when you crank slowly, and the engine starts when you spin it. Then when you switch to the other input...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun Oct 11, 2020 7:44 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Starting the Model T
Replies: 13
Views: 2966

Re: Starting the Model T

I've always recommended doing it the other way! Engage the crank at between the 2:00 and 4:00 position. Stand in front of the left headlight. Hold on to the radiator filler neck with your right hand, standing upright. Look at the spark lever, to make sure it's where it should be. With your right foo...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Oct 02, 2020 8:28 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: F.O.R.D.
Replies: 27
Views: 4206

Re: F.O.R.D.

How about:

Cracked
Heads
Every
Valve
Rattles
Oil
Leaks
Every
Time

Or:

Just
Everyone
Else's
Parts
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Sep 29, 2020 11:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Hard starting TT, ugh....
Replies: 14
Views: 2748

Re: Hard starting TT, ugh....

P. S. I have no opinion on ethanol gas, but I do know that STALE gas can give some of the problems you describe.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Sep 29, 2020 11:13 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Hard starting TT, ugh....
Replies: 14
Views: 2748

Re: Hard starting TT, ugh....

This is going to sound like I'm hijacking the thread, but I'm trying to be helpful: I have always advocated a different way of cranking a Model T. It's more important on one that doesn't have a starter, and even more so if you're fiddling around with the spark advance trying to find a sweet spot. My...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Sep 11, 2020 7:07 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Runs rough on battery
Replies: 11
Views: 2676

Re: Runs rough on battery

Both those issues suggest the same problem. It's a faulty electrical connection somewhere in the system. If the starter cranks the engine properly, and will do so for several seconds, then it may not be in the connections between the battery, the starter switch, and the starter, nor in the ground ci...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Sep 07, 2020 4:46 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Free Start need Help
Replies: 12
Views: 2499

Re: Free Start need Help

If you're serious, and want to stop the free starts, simply turn the key to MAG instead of BATT.

I'm told this requires pulling the spark lever down a couple of notches, but I have no experience here.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun Sep 06, 2020 7:59 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Need ideas on weird noise
Replies: 15
Views: 2883

Re: Need ideas on weird noise

This is waaaay outside the box, but maybe there is actually something inside the water outlet making the noise. For instance, someone could have put a thermostat in there, and its flapper has gotten loose and is waving around. Or, maybe some kind of piece of something has migrated there. The only wa...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Sep 05, 2020 10:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Need ideas on weird noise
Replies: 15
Views: 2883

Re: Need ideas on weird noise

Click and Clack always suggest getting a 3' piece of rubber hose, like vacuum hose, and using it like a stethoscope. You put one end in your ear, and touch the other end to various points, and try to see where the noise is loudest. It's crude and not particularly exact, but it can be very effective....
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Sep 01, 2020 4:58 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Interesting article on screws
Replies: 2
Views: 1478

Re: Interesting article on screws

The Higgins boat company, in New Orleans, who built the famed PT Boats and Landing Crafts, among other boats, was instrumental in development of formed-plywood hulls. They had a plywood plant in the East part of the city, on the Intracoastal Canal, where they made plywood on forms that produced pane...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Economy Motor Head Company
Replies: 13
Views: 3084

Re: Economy Motor Head Company

I'm also fascinated that there is a priming cup built in to each cylinder's opening.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed Aug 12, 2020 10:14 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Crankshaft pulley pin loose in crank
Replies: 12
Views: 3547

Re: Crankshaft pulley pin loose in crank

I'm reminded of a similar task I had on a non-T project. I used a tapered pin and a matching tapered reamer. I kept going until the pin fit where I wanted it to. In your case, I think you'd want to drill a cotter-pin hole in the pin, to keep it in place. The amount of taper on a pin is miniscule, an...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Aug 08, 2020 10:28 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Shriner T's
Replies: 18
Views: 5447

Re: Shriner T's

I was told by a Shriner friend, that those were not Model T's. They were more modern platforms, dressed up to look like T's, to please the fans. The one he drove was actually homemade, with a Volkswagen engine/drive/rear end, and a tubular frame with both metal and fiberglass parts & pieces to make ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Jul 21, 2020 11:05 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Tight engine after it runs
Replies: 14
Views: 4702

Re: Tight engine after it runs

I'm having trouble with your problem being solved by adjusting the neutral, although that may have been needed. Your initial post stated that the engine starts and runs fine for a while, then "tightens up" and slows down and stops. You further stated that "it will start right up again" and repeat th...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:51 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Vibration
Replies: 17
Views: 5123

Re: Vibration

If you decide to put rubber pads under the transmission arms, then it will be a good idea to provide an alternate electrical path for the "neutral" or "ground" side of the battery. I always recommend doing so anyway, because it makes the starter work a little bit better. You can easily buy a made-up...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed Jun 10, 2020 7:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Timing
Replies: 8
Views: 3354

Re: Timing

One of the problems you can encounter when switching from an old-style roller timer to a new-style flapper type, is the timing can be quite different. Not only that, but a roller works just as well in either direction - which means that if the engine kicks back, no harm no foul. But a flapper-type, ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Jun 02, 2020 2:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Old gas
Replies: 20
Views: 5981

Old gas

Just read the thread about problems with old gas. I'm concerned about that, and I have a question: If I drain the old gas out of my T's tank, into, say, a 5-gallon gas can, what do you suggest I do with it? Let's assume it is old enough, and has gone bad enough, that it won't work in my modern car, ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed May 27, 2020 7:04 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: 6 Volt Battery Cap
Replies: 11
Views: 3855

Re: 6 Volt Battery Cap

When you go to those places to ask about a cap, go in the Model T and make sure they see it. That will change most people's reaction from (yawn) to (what can we do to help?)
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun May 24, 2020 11:06 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Any cheap ideas or good ideas for buying paint
Replies: 7
Views: 2877

Re: Any cheap ideas or good ideas for buying paint

Back when I was a Contractor, my painters taught me a very simple but important lesson: When choosing a brand of paint, pick up the cans and test their weight. The heavier the paint, the better it is. The reason is, the 'goodies' that will be left behind on the surface after the solvent evaporates, ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu May 14, 2020 4:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: The frustration of incompetence
Replies: 124
Views: 57852

Re: The frustration of incompetence

I'm happy to allow that it might be a camera illusion, but: What I see in all the pictures of the valve seats, is that they are not concentric. Every one of the seats seems wider on one side than the other. It's as though they were cut with a tool whose guide shaft was bent. Or it was loose in the v...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed May 06, 2020 12:14 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Floor sealer help
Replies: 19
Views: 5479

Re: Floor sealer help

I like Alan's suggestion of thinned enamel, especially black. But, I have a couple of suggestions to add. First, Alan said "Mineral Turpentine." As a Painting Contractor for many years, I have to say I never heard of that particular product. There's Turpentine, and there's Mineral Spirits. Actually,...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Apr 20, 2020 6:15 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: tire mounting lube working too well?
Replies: 10
Views: 3972

Re: tire mounting lube working too well?

Of course the lubricant you use is important, but don't forget to use the correct air pressure - it locks the tires against the rims, resisting slippage. It should be 60 psi. On our modern cars we're used to tires that seldom need additional air, but older, tube-type tires tend to weep air, and shou...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Apr 14, 2020 8:44 pm
Forum: Forum Support Questions
Topic: New posts - top or bottom?
Replies: 1
Views: 2702

New posts - top or bottom?

It seems like a new post or an answer to a post on the General Discussion Board, has always shown up at or near the top of the Board. I recently discovered the OT Board, and specifically a thread started by Freighter Jim some time ago, called "Something to brighten your day." It appears others have ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Apr 11, 2020 11:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Red hot manifold
Replies: 5
Views: 2620

Re: Red hot manifold

Steve's right - that generally means you're running too retarded on the spark. Here's the reason, as I understand it: If the spark ignites the fuel late, it's still in the process of exploding when the exhaust valve opens, and the explosion continues in the exhaust manifold - thus heating it red hot...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Mar 19, 2020 11:46 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Water pump
Replies: 10
Views: 4082

Re: Water pump

WARNING!!! If you remove the water pump, which I recommend you do, don't forget to also remove the thermostat! The original "thermo-barf" system didn't use a thermostat. When a water pump was installed, some folks also installed a thermostat. Without it, the engine would take quite long to warm up, ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Mar 07, 2020 5:24 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Starter bendix springs
Replies: 10
Views: 4016

Re: Starter bendix springs

Aren't they wound in the opposite direction?
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Feb 10, 2020 10:22 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Engine Miss
Replies: 8
Views: 3653

Re: Engine Miss

I vote for a come-and-go short inside the coil box. Or a bad connection inside the coil box.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: OIL IS CHEAP
Replies: 8
Views: 3917

Re: OIL IS CHEAP

This is not particularly relevant to Model T engines, but more for general information. Years ago a friend who works for a tow-boat company, who said his company's boats could be recognized by their sound, as they sound just like diesel locomotives - because they use the same engine - told me of the...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Dec 14, 2019 3:35 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Your thoughts please.
Replies: 37
Views: 10125

Re: Your thoughts please.

Bud, I've always enjoyed interfacing with you on the Forum. I'd hate to see you sidelined by this problem! I have always posted, almost to the point of preaching, that when a Model T is to be cranked, it should always be done with the foot, never the hand. Here's my thinking: First, the leg is much...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Nov 30, 2019 10:44 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What do you use to heat your (freezing) shop for your T?
Replies: 44
Views: 13036

Re: What do you use to heat your (freezing) shop for your T?

Sorry, I meant to specify any heater that burns fuel -- not electric heaters.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Nov 30, 2019 10:42 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: What do you use to heat your (freezing) shop for your T?
Replies: 44
Views: 13036

Re: What do you use to heat your (freezing) shop for your T?

I'm a lot more concerned by your "almost passed out" comment than the actual temperature of the shop. It sounds like your heater may have used up enough of the Oxygen to put you in a dangerous situation. This is serious business. It goes without saying that the combustion products of any heater shou...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:11 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Strictly Model T Humor
Replies: 144
Views: 38448

Re: Strictly Model T Humor

Great, Rich!!

The only thing that could make it better would be somehow showing the ignition key concurrently falling in....
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: ”Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.”
Replies: 21
Views: 7392

Re: ”Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.”

I'm always a bit skeptical about a quote attributed to someone in the past. This one, of course, is "part of history" according to many, but then, so is Caesar's quote: "All Gaul is divided into three parts." The correct quote would be "Gaul as a whole is divided into three parts." Not a lot differe...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Sep 27, 2019 10:48 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Is This For A Model T?
Replies: 10
Views: 4346

Re: Is This For A Model T?

I know! I know! It's a THINGAMAJIG! Of course, when you find a left-hand version, it's called a DOOHICKEY.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Sep 07, 2019 7:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: New New York License Plates
Replies: 16
Views: 5997

Re: New New York License Plates

I live in Memphis, which comprises most - but not all - of Shelby County, Tennessee. That means there are two governments, two mayors, and two sets of rules governing me. In addition, I pay Property Tax to both, and they are about equal amounts. All that I learned when I moved here, and I've pretty ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Jul 13, 2019 8:40 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Rusted Radiator outlet
Replies: 9
Views: 3811

Re: Rusted Radiator outlet

It appears from the pictures that you might be able to get a decent seal with a hose. I'd start by clipping away the ragged parts, making sure you have at least 1/2" of good metal all around. If you do, you can probably use a slightly longer than usual piece of hose, and seal it with Permatex or som...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Jul 04, 2019 2:54 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Commutator defect?
Replies: 5
Views: 3170

Re: Commutator defect?

I would suggest you check for "slop" in the ends of the wire that runs from the steering column to the "commutator.' In the scenario you describe, I can see where everything electrical is working correctly, but moving the lever doesn't immediately move the commutator. This would show up in both dire...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Thu Jun 20, 2019 9:31 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Strange charging issue . . .maybe
Replies: 11
Views: 5292

Re: Strange charging issue . . .maybe

Let's take the ammeter first. It should show a discharge when you turn on the lights. If it doesn't (you said it shows nothing ever), then either the ammeter is defective, or it's wired incorrectly. I think the easiest way to find out would be to disconnect one of the wires from the ammeter, and see...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun Jun 09, 2019 9:56 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Porcelain Engine
Replies: 14
Views: 6141

Re: Porcelain Engine

I'm going to hazard a guess that the coating is NOT ceramic. My reason is: I imagine that iron and ceramic have vastly different coefficients of expansion when heated, so there could not be any adhesion between them, and the coating would flake off. Unless, of course, the engine was being prepared f...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Jun 04, 2019 8:16 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Diagnose by Sound?
Replies: 7
Views: 3817

Re: Diagnose by Sound?

My compression tester has a rubber 'nose' on it, that you just jam down into the spark plug hole. The only problem is, you need both hands to hold it down tight, and that means you need someone else to hit the starter. Generally, you should crank the engine enough for the cylinder you're testing to ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Jun 04, 2019 5:33 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Diagnose by Sound?
Replies: 7
Views: 3817

Re: Diagnose by Sound?

Could be an exhaust valve sticking open. To check - take all 4 plugs out. While someone slowly turns the crank, use a flashlight and look into each cylinder and watch the valves move up & down. You can tell the intake valves from the exhaust valves by their positions - next to where the affected man...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Jun 04, 2019 5:20 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Looking for help re mixture problem
Replies: 22
Views: 7745

Re: Looking for help re mixture problem

I may be way off base here, but something said "intake leak" to me as I read your post. It seems counter-intuitive, but worth checking for - I think. It's easy to check for. Simply start the engine, and spray either WD40 or carburetor cleaner around the two places where the intake manifold meets the...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Jun 03, 2019 8:54 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: trouble shooting weak ignition spark !!! Help
Replies: 12
Views: 5170

Re: trouble shooting weak ignition spark !!! Help

12 gauge wire should be plenty capable of carrying the current needed to get good spark from the coils. I'd take another look at all the connections, though. You spoke of the "sound" from the coils. Have they been looked at with the proper equipment? As I understand it, it is not possible to set a c...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:12 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Am I ready for the Parade?
Replies: 13
Views: 6065

Re: Am I ready for the Parade?

You probably already know this, but a Model T will spit excess water out of the radiator overflow, until it gets to its comfortable level. The only mistake I have made in a parade was having the spark retarded too far, and she overheated and stopped. After she cooled off, she was AOK. All the other ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed May 29, 2019 5:37 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Removing oil from concrete.........
Replies: 12
Views: 5334

Re: Removing oil from concrete.........

RajoRacer » Wed May 29, 2019 3:06 pm
Muriatic acid.

I must respectfully but strongly disagree!!

Muriatic Acid dissolves the bond within concrete. That's why it is used to clean off spilled mortar on bricks and driveways. If you use it to clean oil from a driveway, you are destroying the concrete!
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon May 20, 2019 11:56 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: How far we have gone!
Replies: 10
Views: 5136

How far we have gone!

On May 20, 1899, which I make out to be 120 years ago, Taxi driver Jacob German was pulled over and arrested by a police officer riding a bicycle for speeding down Manhattan's Lexington Avenue in his electric car at 12 miles an hour, at a time when the speed limit was 8 mph; it was the first recorde...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed May 15, 2019 2:34 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: OT? Not Really, Model T Related
Replies: 9
Views: 4456

Re: OT? Not Really, Model T Related

It would be a shame to put either that boat or that outboard in our dirty water!!!
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed May 15, 2019 2:29 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Old Photo-Air driven car
Replies: 13
Views: 6603

Re: Old Photo-Air driven car

I'd be interested in a comparison, not done by someone with a pre-conceived idea, that disregarded all the other supposed statistics, and simply compared the CO2 produced by a modern gasoline automobile per pound/mile traveled, vs. the CO2 produced by several different types of power plants, to char...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon May 13, 2019 5:18 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Help/suggestions trouble shooting no fuel flow problem
Replies: 11
Views: 5051

Re: Help/suggestions trouble shooting no fuel flow problem

Dave, your profile shows you have a 1921, and an earlier post says your new project is older. Either way, that means the fuel tank is under the seat. Right so far? There is a solid brass combination shutoff valve/sediment bulb under the tank, if original. But your post says something about a "glass ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun May 12, 2019 7:14 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Flushing radiator
Replies: 8
Views: 3983

Re: Flushing radiator

CLR has been widely touted on this Forum for that purpose. There are three things you're trying to remove from the water passages -- Calcium and Lime from the water, because folks don't use distilled water as we all know we should, and Rust. That's what CLR stands for. There may be some oil and some...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun May 05, 2019 4:19 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: New floorboards painting...help!
Replies: 15
Views: 6008

Re: New floorboards painting...help!

Mark, you used to be correct, that the computers only found the closest match. Today, however, they can do an exact match. Essentially it's an infinite-choice machine. They also know that a different mix of colorants is required for each type of base. As for Home Depot, not only "the kid" doesn't kn...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat May 04, 2019 1:26 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: New floorboards painting...help!
Replies: 15
Views: 6008

Re: New floorboards painting...help!

I suspect a search of the archives would show that the factory 'washed' all floorboards with black something-or-other. If I'm wrong about that, others will quickly correct me. If I'm right, the blue floorboards would have been a later change, and you could go either way. If you want to absolutely co...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Apr 29, 2019 9:24 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Sta-Bil or Seafoam?
Replies: 17
Views: 7223

Sta-Bil or Seafoam?

I'm curious - which do you prefer? Both claim to stabilize gasoline in the tank, although neither says how long. And, is there a third choice I don't know about?
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed Apr 10, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Professional Appraiser
Replies: 5
Views: 3182

Re: Professional Appraiser

Bump
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Apr 08, 2019 11:33 pm
Forum: OT - Off topic
Topic: Professional Appraiser
Replies: 5
Views: 3182

Professional Appraiser

A friend at church asked me to recommend a "professional appraiser" for an antique car he is looking at. He implied it was a high-dollar car, and worth the cost of having an appraiser come and look at it.

He's in Memphis.

Any suggestions?
by Peter, Memphis TN
Mon Apr 08, 2019 11:31 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Trailering Questions
Replies: 9
Views: 4293

Re: Trailering Questions

Most folks cris-cross the tie-downs, making it almost impossible for the tires to slip around.

In terms of the hand brake, leaving it on makes it less likely that the car will roll off the trailer when you un-do the straps. Seems like a good safety idea.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Fri Apr 05, 2019 2:02 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Let's talk gasoline
Replies: 36
Views: 11732

Re: Let's talk gasoline

I don't qualify as an authority, but here's what I have gleaned from reading this Forum and other sources for many years: About gasoline: Like oil, any gasoline you buy today is light years better than was available when your tractor (or Model T) was built. About ethanol, however, there are some rea...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Mar 16, 2019 8:56 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: oil
Replies: 7
Views: 3914

Re: oil

First, you need to know that the dipstick you mention was made by a modern car factory, for a modern car engine. Whoever put together your dipstick kit used one that approximates the levels in a Model T engine, but it isn't necessarily accurate in terms of the quantity needed to become "full." What ...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Wed Feb 20, 2019 11:17 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Were these standard on tube stems?
Replies: 11
Views: 4835

Re: Were these standard on tube stems?

I've found that the cap with removal tool makes the stem too tall for the big cap. So, I have one only on my spare tire. By the way, this reminds me of a good little Trivia question - which I got from CarTalk: There is a part of your car that is exactly the same as it was when it was first made, whi...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sun Feb 17, 2019 11:53 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: t coils
Replies: 5
Views: 3308

Re: t coils

I'm going to propose two other purposes. One, the tar would be a reasonably good insulator, and help prevent arcing. Two, it would provide a pretty good heat sink. I've had hot tar dropped on me, and can testify it holds heat longer than you'd expect.
by Peter, Memphis TN
Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:38 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: Wierd bolt attn blacksmith era not t but old
Replies: 6
Views: 3716

Re: Wierd bolt attn blacksmith era not t but old

When I take my grandchildren to Philadelphia (a family tradition), we always visit the Art Museum. Mostly because of the "Rocky Steps." They have a whole gallery devoted to medieval armor. Suits of armor, swords, etc. I have noticed that parts of the suits of armor are held together by threaded stud...
by Peter, Memphis TN
Sat Jan 12, 2019 1:16 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum
Topic: The dirt funnel
Replies: 17
Views: 7611

Re: The dirt funnel

The more learn about the origin of the Model T, the more I wonder just how much of its design was done by Henry, and how much was done by the Dodge Brothers. Of course Henry approved what they did, but did he have a hand in the design of details like this?