MTFCA Forum

The quality of the shut off is important as some people have mentioned. If you use a switch buy a good one. I would not recommend anything from harbor freight.

Andy

Since half the time forum members can’t agree on torque specs it’s probably not a big deal.

Andy

I have a battery cutoff for all the usual reasons. One happy by product is the ability to let kids sit in the car knowing they can step on the starter button and nothing happens. Kids get in the car almost every time we’re out.

Andy.

Thanks for sharing Mark. School interactions are always fun, we’re hoping to expand on that this school year.

Andy
Redwood Empire Model T Club

Been following on Facebook. What a great tour, love the colors.

Andy

I’ve seen the posts of people headed to the Australian tour. I recognize the T’s but they have some very different looking tow vehicles.

Andy

Hope everything goes well Warwick, look forward to seeing the progress.

Andy

What size Winfield do you have now Paul? A B or BB should be providing plenty of flow for you.

Andy

The hardest part is finding a decent starter.

Andy

A few of us went to the Wings and Wheels car show at the Pacific Coast Air Museum today. One member displayed his J-3 Cub and we had shade to sit under. A lot of our club members took overdue vacations this summer so our car counts have been down but we keep on. Andy Redwood Empire Model T Club 2131...

What does this kit use fir brake shoes? I wouldn’t expect a stock lined shoe to give satisfactory service.

Andy

They wanted a photo of Donna’s car by the roaster.

Andy
Redwood Empire Model T Club

Last Saturday the Redwood Empire Model T Club had a tour. We started with a tour of the Bella Rosa Coffee roaster. The owner explained all the processes the went through to roast and blend their coffees. They get beans from 8-10 countries, far more than I would have thought. After the tour and some ...

I like my Blockley tires. I agree with Larry about the tube. It is pretty heavy at the stem. I balance my tire so it’s just a little more weight.

Andy

I saw that cylinder head for sale and I was very tempted. Fortunately you snapped it up before I made up my mind.

Andy

I agree with John on the rear spring going on first. It doesn’t make a lot of difference if you put the engine or rear end in first. I’ve always found it easier to stick the u-joint into the motor than to stick the motor to the u-joint.

Andy

The Redwood Empire Model T Club went in our annual T&A tour with the Sonoma A’s yesterday. We seem to be at peak vacation time and only had 5 T’s show up. There were around 10 Model A’s. We drove around through the vineyards and eventually got to Healdsburg for lunch. It’s funny because the Model A ...

Every Model T his to video I have seen has “issues” in my opinion. The difference is a lot more people will see this one. If it draws attention to our hobby, so much the better. The pluses outweigh any miscues.

Andy

Congratulations to Bob on the Rosenthal Award, you join a list of great T folk.

That’s a great turnout Kathy, I like seeing the early cars out and about.

Andy

Today’s release on Jay’s YouTube channel had him teaching one of his producers how to drive a model T. While many will disagree with his methodology, I have to admit that it is a real nice car.

Andy

Well July was a quiet month for the Redwood Empire Model T Club. But on the 7th we had our monthly business meeting and last Saturday we had a shop day. The shop day went ok. We reamed some spindle bushings and ate banana bread. Vince had a problem with his Rockies that we determined was a bent brak...

50 seems high but I would guess the club voted on it. We take in a couple grand in dues and pretty much spend it all. We couldn’t make it on 10-15 dollars. We’d have to have fund raisers that no one wants to do. Just wondering, the clubs with very low dues, what don’t you do? Andy Redwood Empire Mod...

So, what are dues being spent on? Our club has about 70 members. We have recurring web site, newsletter and historian (scrap books, photo service) We reimburse tour hosts for up to 100 for expenses. This ranges from coffee and donuts to event space rental. We reimburse more for the annual overnighte...

Just curiou Or are you thinking of raising your dues?

Andy

Our dues have been 30 for quite some time. It allows us to underwrite expenses like the newsletter and we also can reimburse some expenses for tour hosts. Donut prices have really gone up.

Andy

Unless the reading is real low don’t get too fixated on the actual number. As Pat brought up you are looking for consistency between the cylinders.

Andy

I agree with Mar on the 75# torque. I recheck after a short drive, especially if you are using shims. Axle nuts should also be part of your spring checkup or before a long tour like a national tour.

Andy

That sounds like a heck of a tour Chris. I’m glad others were able to join in and cheer you along. How was the weather?

Andy

The cooler inland weather makes for good summer touring. Thanks for posting Chris and John.

Andy

That’s a CNC lathe Jeffrey. Makes roundish stuff.

Andy

Millzilla is looking a little spindly. I’m glad you finally got your machine, it took forever.

Andy

You’ll have to oil the rockers manually. If you have the valve covers you can use a felt pad for oiling. In the case of Winfield carbs it’s important to keep the fuel pressure in the 1 1/2 pound range. And remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

Andy

It just wouldn’t be official without Ed and Karen. Looks like fun.

Andy

Saturday we had a tour to the Penngrove Power Museum. It’s a great collection of mostly motors from hit and miss to a 20+ foot long diesel. 8 guys (ladies seemed less interested) toured in 7 cars and about 10 more met us there. Andy Redwood Empire Model T Club 39BDD7E2-7547-4011-8465-A0D59BDD16C8.jp...

Ok, I thought you meant a Mercury or Paco.

Andy

Didn’t see any on Hemmings, did I miss something?

Andy

Another recommendation to send them out. The turn around time usually isn’t too bad. Simply put you cannot adjust a coil without a tester.

Andy

Hi Mike. I’m glad you found this forum and the MTFCA for help. There is a chapter in Rochester Hills. While it is a ways from your home there maybe some members closer to you. My recommendation for new T owners is to contact a chapter because while the forum has a lot of info there is nothing like h...

What a great tour. Thanks for posting John

Andy

June ended pretty quietly after the Anniversary Tour. Between that and the Santa Clara endurance run Jeannine And I had about 450 Model T mikes that week. This weekend club members are participating in 4th of July parades.

Andy
Redwood Empire Model T Club

I haven’t seen Bobby’s Mercury in person but from the photos it’s nicely equipped and VERY yellow.
Found this from an old auction photo.

Andy

: E2F1AD6F-499B-4520-9843-838247EA7B0B.jpeg (27.26 KiB) Viewed 1487 times

I have another Mercury that I might turn loose of. It doesn’t have the legroom of the red one.

Andy

Just the most photographed Model T in history.

Andy

The short local tours are the backbone of the club.

Andy

Anyone doing anything fun out there. The MTFCA is a club after all.

Andy

Actually I’d like a PACO if I could find one.

Andy

Nice car, wrong continent. Someone will get a nice Mercury.

Andy

As to the original question, I have had Blockley tires for a year and a half. I am impressed with the smooth ride and even wear. Jury is out on wear. I’m guessing about 1500 miles and the wear is noticeable.

Andy

I’d have to give some more though to how the carb would respond to what amounts to a vacuum leak. More practically, by the time you seal everything up enough to make a difference you could just fix your leaks.

Andy

I use a motorcycle battery, last 2-3 years and costs 26 bucks from Amazon. The 12 volts gives a good spark while hand cranking.

Andy

My 14 roadster is 33 5/8” from inside screw to inside screw.

Andy

Got a few photos from the tour, hopefully more to come. Andy Redwood Empire Model T Club 31332C31-33B9-4CEC-B949-1B01B2494DA4.jpeg FD8288D3-E2A6-4A83-B837-CA5EEF33AC1B.jpeg 93E461A4-6AE3-4C1C-846E-5E61502F591B.jpeg 1807DAD4-F485-4980-BC9C-ADC501F6E12F.jpeg 8D4A4EEF-A006-4A50-B418-7C29FD5B4250.jpeg

I for one am just happy the cars like this still exist.

Andy

Yesterday we finished our staycation tour with a trip out to the Point Reyes National Seashore and a barbecue. It was pretty chilly when we got to the cost but then the sun broke through and it warmed up nicely. When people send in their photos I’ll get some posted. After I process everything I’ll s...

Nothing like a speedster rally. Looks like great country to tour.

Andy

Yesterday, Day 2 of the staycation, we traveled through the Alexander Valley appellation. Lots and lots of grapes and wineries. We got away from the cold wind at the coast and were able to tour in T shirts. We stopped for lunch at the Warm Springs dam and learned all about their fish hatchery. They ...

Yesterday was day one of our staycation overnighter. We are staying home but treating it like a three day overnighter. We are running three tours from our 2018 national tour. Yesterday we went up the coast to Fort Ross an original Russian trading outpost. Upon our return we wound down with a happy h...

Her is a photo of Jeannine and I with the Mercury and the cup we got to take home. I haven’t gotten a pic with the big trophy.

Andy

I really just want to thank Chris and everyone that works so hard to put on this event. For the participants everything ran smooth and I had a great time. I also want to thank everythat participated in both the endurance run and low land tours. Saw old acquaintances, made some new friends and missed...

Your problem sounds like the classic old round tube radiator issues. As a couple guys already painted out, as the radiator ages it looses conductivity between the fins and the tubes. While the radiator still works to some extent, once it gets hot it lacks the capacity to cool. Unfortunately you are ...

Results.

3rd place - Dani and Dan McEachern
2nd place - Paul and Alexandria Allen (very nice Paco replica, hope someone got photos)
1st place - Andy and Jeannine Clary

Andy

I don’t really take a lot of pictures, here’s a couple.

Andy

After cruising through the Santa Cruz mountains, Peter and Maria Jorgensen enjoyed the coveted first donut.

Andy

All loaded up and heading to Santa Clara this morning. A nice afternoon at the Bertolotti collection and a BBQ dinner. Tomorrow we’ll find out what I forgot to do to the Mercury. Results on Monday.

Andy

Today I said goodbye to Rosie, my ‘26 Coupe. After 24 years it is off to a new home. Cyrus found us when we hosted a national tour in 2018. As a 17 year old he was amazed by the old cars. Through our club’s free student membership program he became a member and has produced our newsletter for two ye...

Thanks for posting. Now that the weather has turned the tours and activities will be coming fast and furious.

Andy

Saturday we took a short tour to Sturgeon Mill, a steam powered sawmill in Sonoma County. We were joined by a couple members of the local horseless carriage club. Combining tours with other clubs is fun and with active members declining jut helps fill the tour. Andy 2BADE724-CC6C-42E5-81B1-E5D331437...

Looks good Dodge.

Andy

C’mon Dodge, quit teasing and fix that photo link.

Andy

I registered early. If you can attend you should. The run is great fun but the Saturday safety check and BBQ are a can’t miss. Saturday evening in the motel parking lot bench racing is icing on the cake.

Andy

It’s been almost a month since I posted. We got everything done early in April. So far this month we had our monthly meeting and Saturday we had a Shop Day and switched out the engine in a 19 touring. It went pretty smooth considering how many cooks were in the kitchen.

Andy

I used long u bends that came from speedway motors via Amazon. That gave me two primaries from each one. Same source for the cones. I gout the straight 3 inch tube from a muffler ship since normal shipping is only 4 foot pieces. I had them bend it a slight bit to follow the contour of the body. Andy

Thanks Morgan, I’ll check them out.

Andy

Looks good Morgan. Where did you source the reamer?

Andy

As I recall the header plate that Mark supplies with his Rajo kit is 1/2 inch thick. I still managed to put a minor warp in it while building my header.

Andy

Only a few days away. Entice us all with your rare finds.

Andy

In case anyone was thinking of going, the Virginia City hill climb in May has been cancelled. The city was unable to make promised road repairs in time.

Andy

I agree with Mark. I don’t like 3:1 gears even in a speedster. Except for cruising it never seems to be the right gear. I do a lot of club tours and with the 3:1 you don’t want to get behind a poor running stocker going up a hill in low ruckstell listening to each coil buzz.

Andy

I have 3.25 gears in my 26 coupe. It’s a good all around gear but I usually take off in low ruckstell just to be a little nicer to the low band.

Andy

I like the giant chicken. I’ll bet the food is pretty good there.

Andy

At the factory I’m sure they drive them in with a single hammer blow, lid closed.

Andy

I hadn’t done this in a while and now I know why they sell them in packs of 10. Tried to install using a bolt as a driver like I have done in the past but screwed up a couple. Broke down and spent 3 minutes at the lathe making a driver.

Andy

Looks like a good turnout Chris. Is it a rule for Model T clubs that someone has to bring a Model A? We give them a hard time but pretty much anyone is welcome.

Andy

Today we had our Spring Pancake Breakfast/Safety Inspection. We had a good weatherproof and a good turnout. I forgot to take action photos but here is what was left.

Andy

I’m not sure the pizza parlor where we meet will let us tear down an axle but I’ll ask. We’ve had pretty good success with our Shop Days getting the mechanical stuff presented.

Andy
Redwood Empire Model T Club

We had our April meeting Thursday, nothing to exciting but the snacks were good. Next Saturday is our Pancake Breakfast/Safety Inspection. Usually have a real good turnout because, free food.

Andy

Saturday we had a surprise Shop Day for a member whose T would not start. After vigorously examining the coffee and pastry selection we went to work. No coil buzz, no crank. New battery. Diagnosis: remove the plastic battery post protectors before installing the cable. Andy Redwood Empire Model T Club

My battery is in the same place as Vincent’s in my 14 runabout. I use a motorcycle battery, charge it when I think about it, lasts a couple years. It’s 12 volts so it can be pretty dead and still rattle the coils. I switch to mag right away so it’s never been a problem.

Andy

I have a new Warford in my Mercury. I made a cross member/battery box with a bracket to support the warford. It is a simple triangular plate that bolts to two of the warford rear bolts and a single bolt through the cross member so it supports the weight but can twist. I also run a pan sling due to t...

So I left my Strobospark plugged in after use, probably for a week. We’ll, it quit working. So I checked power from the transformer and it was ok. I took it apart and really had no idea what I was looking at. I noticed the panel illumination was out so I checked power to the bulb and found the bulb ...

The rules are posted on the F.A.S.T. Website, VintageFastFords.com.

Andy

We didn’t test brasso. Like Steve, I used gallons of brasso during my time in the Marines. The new stuff isn’t the same. I also use Noxon for initial cleaning of highly tarnished brass. It’s discontinued. I have used barkeeper’s friend, but the follow up is more work to get out the minute scratching...

Today we had our March Shop Day. We tested polishes and I started another thread about that.

Andy
Redwood Empire Model T Club

P.S. Mango was a no show.

We had our March Shop Day today. No one brought anything to work on so we tester’s brass polish. I have a dozen samples I made some years ago. It’s just brass sheet attached to a short piece of 1x4. The last test was several years ago so the test pieces had a decent tarnish to them. Here’s what we t...

I’d love to accompany you John, but the California to Kansas City leg would wear me out. Sounds like a fun trip.

Andy

Mango, the MTFCA mascot, is visiting with us here in Northern California. Mango was invited to our 35th anniversary tour and came out early for the weather. While Mango is here he/she (?) will join us on our club events and may even get to participate in the Santa Clara endurance run.

Andy

We had our March business meeting last night, attended by 26 people. Run of the mill meeting highlighted by a visit from Mango, the MTFCA mascot. More on Mango’s visit in another post.

Andy
Redwood Empire Model T Club

Today our club, along with the Bay Area Horseless Carriage Club, visited the Collector’s Museum in San Rafael California. The owner Sheldon has collected just about anything you can think of. From antique cars and motorcycles to a huge collection of smiley face items. His space is packed full and if...

I’m not gonna make it to your swap meet but I’m glad it’s happening. It’s a lot of work but worth it in the long run to help the hobby continue.

Andy

That’s good to know Dan. I got rid of one because the “correct” parts were were really expensive.

Andy

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