MTFCA Forum

Now a days, the coil wrappings are sealed with brushed on “Glyptal”, which was originally developed by Thomas Edison and his Company, GE to seal the wire windings of electric appliances such as fans and generators. It comes in clear and red. Since it is so tough and impervious to oil, many of us her...

Years ago, I saw where a member dropped something into the transmission. He got a wad of rags and tied a string around it so it had 2 feet of string on each side. The end of the string was tied to a steel washer and fed into the transmission and fished out with a magnet on the other side. Once the s...

Hairpin cotter pins

Yes. I would use an easy out. They come in many sizes. Jim Patrick

When grinding the end off a bolt, it can damage the threads on the end of the bolt so you will not be able to get it started into the hole, so, before grinding the bolt down, screw on a nut. After grinding off what you need to, bevel around the end of the bolt then remove the nut, which will open up...

That picture may have been used in a newspaper article comparing the modes of travel people used 50 years ago compared to the way folks travel today, 50 years later, in a Model T. Look at the shadow of the photographer in the foreground. Appears that he used a large Civil War era glass plate camera ...

I wonder if some kid got his dad to haul that stagecoach home to restore like we did with our Model T’s. Until computer games recently relegated kids to their parent’s basement, boys who enjoyed being active outdoors and enjoyed a challenge remained mostly the same from generation to generation. Ins...

The only adjustment is by revolving the offset cam adjustment the fan pulley is mounted to. When the fan pulley is as high as it will go, that is it. Belts come in various sizes. Perhaps you need a smaller belt. Jim Patrick

Just remember that the surface preparation of the item to be plated is 99% of the job and that the plating is only as good as the prepared surface. If the surface is foggy, so then, will be the plated surface. If it is a mirror finish, so then will be the plated surface. Get it to a mirror shine the...

Three posts. All OT.

3 posts. All OT.

Mike, you may want to consider starting a new thread entitled, “Classtique Upholstery was not bought out”…or something like that. Then explain in the content. That way, anyone who has not read this particular “Mac’s Fiasco” post will get the word. You may also want to announce it in an ad in the cla...

Geology is fascinating. Tens of millions of years ago, when this area was an active volcanic zone, the surface of this area used to be even with the top of this sandstone formation. I wonder if this formation is still standing. If so, it would be interesting to see what it looks like now after 100 y...

Once impregnated with oil, the felt swells. Not sure about the rope type. Jim Patrick

I dealt with Mac’s in the early eighties after I was discharged from the Marines and never got burned. I assume that, at that time, I was dealing with the original founder, who had nothing to do with the way things turned out. I hate that he has passed away, but am glad he is not around to see what ...

When a specialized business such as Mac’s, Lang’s and Snyder’s is first started, the founder starts it because he has an interest in the hobby to which he is trying to appeal to. The buyers can relate to him because of that interest. His bottom line reflects how successful he was at relating to his ...

CLR is an acidic cleaner. I would be very cautious about using it in the cast iron water jacket of the engine block, for cast iron reacts much more aggressively to acid in that its’ porous surface deteriorates and breaks down much faster than steel. Jim Patrick

Yes. Those are inside corner chair braces used to secure and provide support for chair backs, chair legs and arm rests. They are usually out of sight but are nice enough in appearance to be visible. I have a set of antique dining room chairs that are assembled using them. Jim Patrick PS. Since these...

David. Good point. Liability is the first thing I thought of when it was suggested to get a neighborhood kid to help start it. It would be nice to be able to teach a kid to start a Model T, but unfortunately, the world has changed dramatically since we were kids so that things like this need to be c...

I agree on installing a starter, however, even if you were able to start it, would driving it, with the primitive suspension and excessive vibration, be too much for the compression fractures in your back? I hope you find a solution and are able to keep and enjoy your beautiful T for a long time to ...

There is a lot of vibration in a T. Even if both tangs are bent in the same direction the pin can work its’ way around and out. Better to split the tangs in two directions. Jim Patrick

There is a Westclox auto clock for sale on eBay like the one pictured. The clock picture was taken from the internet since eBay does not allow their photos to be used. I have one mounted on the dash of my 1926 coupe. Jim Patrick A3274BDD-98E5-456F-92F5-45EC1B0B2117.jpeg DCD1A2A3-B766-4D1A-AB55-5AE61...

A round drill bit won’t work. You must measure from the flange and a bit will not seat on the narrow, recessed flange. The best way is to make a rigid paper measure that will seat on the narrow flange surface. If you don’t measure from the flange, your measurement will be about 1/32” too wide, meani...

Search this site for rim wind Phinney Walker clock. I recall seeing a good thread on this type of auto clock about a year ago. Jim Patrick
Here it is:
www.mtfca.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=18211

When you fill the oil pan with oil using the front oil breather, it takes awhile for the oil to completely make its’ way all the way back to the transmission. If you immediately drained the oil after filling it, the oil may not have had enough time to completely make its’ way from the front to the b...

Here is picture of a measuring tool you can make from the rigid paper of a Manila file folder. Cut using a very sharp razor blade. Measure from the flange to the top of the float opposite the hinge. Jim Patrick

How about this. I believe these drawings are also posted in the drawings section of the MTFCA encyclopedia. Jim Patrick

One big thing that you forgot that points toward this being a modern photo is the lack of a hat. Just about all men wore a hat of some kind back then. The common working man, especially mechanics and factory workers all wore the “newsboy” cap. Men, who worked out in the sun, would have wore a brimme...

Does anyone here do bright nickel plating? Ken Kopsky used to do nickel plating on the side and did a great job on some parts I sent him about 15 years ago, but he stopped doing it several years ago and I have more parts that have accumulated that need to be plated. Jim Patrick

In answer to your original question, I paint my split rims with Sherwin Williams DTM (direct to metal) “Silver Brite” paint, which needs no primer. It was developed to paint metal shingled roofs and is the closest silver paint I have ever seen that looks like electroplating. Being designed for prote...

Since the body is mounted on top of the springs, there is a lot of independent movement between the chassis and the body in the form of bouncing , rocking and flexing. If you install the rear light wire between the chassis and rear left fender without installing the slack take up spring assembly, th...

When we lose a member, please post the member’s name in the title. Whenever I see the title “We lost another one…” my heart skips a beat until I realize it is an old two week old post for someone who passed away back then. Thank you. Jim Patrick

The adjustable tappets I installed in 1972 were easy to install and adjust. When I bought a new tappet set in 2010, for my second overhaul, the adjusting bolts and nuts were too big to insert the tappets into the holes from underneath, and the TPI was bigger so, even if I could have used them, the a...

You can prime and paint the exposed portions of the spokes and front and rear flat areas, but do not paint the flat angled areas that join together. Also, do not paint the tenons. Even the thickness of the paint can cause the spokes to be too tight and not go in. As you tighten the spokes down, on e...

It can be repaired. The windshield frame of my ‘26 coupe was like yours when I bought it in 1970 and I repaired it 53 years ago using the following technique. Fill the hollow areas of the frame behind the pitted metal with 2 part Aluminum Devcon 10610 epoxy putty. It is okay to drill holes for easie...

Check the box and packing your radiator came in. My Brassworks radiator came with those two shell securement brackets separate from the radiator. I guess they come separately in case you have an aftermarket shell that does not line up with the normal location of the brackets, you can mount them wher...

Can anyone recommend an affordable setup enabling one to professionally electroplate plate small items himself? Thank you. Jim Patrick

Seems like after experience gained from the manufacture of 15,000,000 Model T’s over 18 plus years, Ford would not have used something that did not work. I would say use the original ones and keep an eye on it. If they leak, then use the new ones. If they hold, keep the original ones on. How many ca...

In the past 53 years of owning my 1926 Model T Coupe, I have tried just about every timer on the market and have come full circle back to the original roller type Tiger timer that came on the car. As great as my T runs now, I wish I had stuck with the roller type timer all along. Would have saved a ...

You are an artist. While I would never consider installing a water pump on my T, I might make an exception in your case cause it is just so purty. Jim Patrick

Hoppy Easter everyone. Jim Patrick

It is very important that you video tape your first attempt at starting your T. You won’t regret it and you can post it here so we can share in your celebration.

While modern fuel is clean, the inside of the tank might be rusty or sludgy. Before eliminating the fuel filter, be sure to flush and clean the fuel tank of all dirt, rust and debris. Jim Patrick

Mike’s crank is correct for a ‘26. The sleeve should turn in your hand. The crank should not be bent in. If it is, it may have bumped into something in the past. Remedy would be to pull it out to a precise 90 degree angle. May need to remove the crank, clamp it into a strong vice and, attain the cor...

Original is, by far, the best. After a refurbishment it will be as good as new and way better than a repro. I think you had a thread about this several months back. When reassembled, prime and paint gloss black. Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy is the best. Might want to look it up and review it to see wha...

Never buy a reproduction part to replace an operational or repairable original part that was made by Ford and has been with you car since it left the factory 96 years ago. The more original a car is, the better. There is something that is lost, when an original part is replaced with a new part that ...

“Auto Zone” has a wide variety of 6V batteries in different sizes with the negative on the left side, close to the frame. Go there and meet with the manager or someone with experience with your L x W x H in hand and he will get the battery book and find, for you, the correct 6V battery for your batt...

I’m in love with the flapper in picture 11. She looks like she would have been a lot of fun. I almost didn’t notice the car. Don’t tell my wife.

Jim Patrick

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Dennis. Well done! That Rube Goldberg looking hot air filter looks right at home on a Model T. You could probably market that. Jim Patrick

Do you think you could have the best of both worlds (the hot air pipe and a filter?)? What about stretching a nylon mesh paint filter across the intake opening of the carb prior to installing the hot air pipe? The end of the hot air pipe would hold it on. I don’t know how hot the air from the hot ai...

I would say No! I have had my 1926 Coupe for 53 years and have always sought ways to make it run better from experimenting with all types of timers to using a filter in the hope it would keep impurities out of the engine. For several years, I experimented with a very well made filter on my 1926 coup...

With those distinctive spring shocks on the front, wooden steering wheel and license plate, it might be easy to spot, especially by our vast membership. I hope it is still around. Jim Patrick

Straightened up the photos. Good luck finding it:

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Pour one cup of vinegar in a bowl and add a tablespoon of salt. Put the connector in the solution including an inch or so of wiring in case corrosion has progressed up into the wiring. Let soak for a good while. If green does not come off by itself you may need to scrub connectors with a firm bristl...

Return the Model T motometer for a Model A motormeter to see if it fits. Like Frank said, if it doesn’t fit, you can simply return it. Be sure to save all of the packing in case you need to return it. Jim Patrick

Here is a motometer from the Model A section of Snyder’s antique auto parts, which has female threads on the cap and male threads on the neck. I assume that your radiator cap is for a model A, but I could be wrong if the cap size and TPI is different from a Model A. All I do know is that it is not f...

I don’t know, but I found a diagram that may help. Jim Patrick

Is it possible to remove the rear wheels then remove all the pumpkin bolts and separate the halves about an inch, enough to clean the halves real good with mineral spirits, let dry, then apply a bead of “the Right Stuff” to one side and carefully embed the gasket in it making sure the gasket holes a...

Daylight savings time. Don’t forget to move your clocks one hour ahead tonight at 2:00am so you won’t be late for church tomorrow. I understand that they are trying to make it permanent. It is in the Senate now. Last year they passed a bill to make it permanent, but when it got to the House, it went...

Again?????

Front wheels look to be bent in the same direction so tie rod is intact. Could be a broken wishbone caused the front axle to bend back and under? Jim Patrick

No complaints here. The weather could not be nicer here in the Sunshine state. March has always had the nicest, most beautiful weather of the year. Right now, it is about 75 degrees under sunny, cloudless skies. Jim Patrick

The choice is yours, of course, but the wiper handle on a ‘24, closed car would have been nickel plated. Keep us posted as to where you get the material, how you make the sleeve and how you install it. It would be a nice ending to this thread. Jim Patrick

My original, never restored, 1926 Fordor had a sleeve to take up the long horizontal shaft because the frame was not thick enough for the length of the shaft. My 1926 coupe did not have a sleeve because the frame was thick enough to accommodate the length of the shaft. On both wipers, the shaft goin...

Rich, Babe is still mad that you replaced him with a horseless carriage.

Jim Patrick

On the assembly line, the sleeve was probably spot welded or brazed when the windshield frame was being made, but since using heat now, would damage the paint patina, burn the rubber, or break the glass, I would not try that. Instead, I would consider getting a sleeve tube slightly larger than the f...

Wayne. Once the latch is fixed, could you latch the rim closed and use the rim spreader in a different direction to convert the oval to a circle? I have a Hercules rim spreader and it really made easy work of changing out my (5) 52 year old Universal tires for a new set of (5) Goodyear tires in the ...

Yes. The dash light wire need to be replaced. While you have the switch apart with the contacts exposed, bend all of the contacts out somewhat for there to be more tension between the contacts. Take some 600 grit wet dry sandpaper and sand each contact until shined. Sand the small round concave cont...

I found a picture online of a Fordor that may help. Being black, it is a little hard to see, but if you look hard, you can see the sleeve. You can enlarge the picture with your fingers on the screen. Jim Patrick

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As Mark said, hold off on doing anything with the sleeve until you get the wiper assembly at which time, you can then determine what size sleeve you need, if any. Jim Patrick

The sleeve is like a tube with a outside diameter the same as the hole opening and an inside diameter the same diameter as the horizontal shaft and a length the same as the length of the shaft from front to back. It should be positioned with the end flush with the outside surface of the frame. I wou...

You can duplicate the patina on those two holes by mixing gloss black paint with flat black paint until you achieve the correct shade, then carefully apply the paint to only the two repaired holes. To avoid sanding the filler, dab the filler in the holes with a finger, when it starts to harden, wet ...

Yes. I had to re-thread (re-tap) the hole to use a larger bolt, which I ground down on the inside and bradded with a ball pien hammer. When tire is mounted and the rim is installed, onto the hub, the bolt cannot be seen, as it is inside the hub. If a full sized nut head bothers you, you can grind it...

Yes, In my opinion, it can be salvaged. When you get a tire on it and inflate it, it should straighten out. Do you have the latches? Here are several photos of how I repaired the latch locks on all five of my rims that broke off after being rusted in place for many years. Jim Patrick 534F8C84-A54C-4...

Try those photos again, John.

The hole, being larger, the horizontal wiper shaft will most likely require the sleeve (adapter) I discussed as the shaft will be too small to fit the selected hole. You’ll need to make one. Jim Patrick

Yes. JB Weld, Bondo putty, or Aluminum Devcon putty will work fine to fill the holes. My Fordor had a steel sleeve the length of the shaft through the hole that was flush with the exterior frame surface, with the extra length protruding into the cab. If your wiper hole was above the windshield frame...

Your T used a hand operated wiper that needed only one hole directly in front of the driver. The other two holes are not needed and can be filled in. There may have been, at one time, a wiper operated by a vacuum motor. Hand operated wipers are a pain to use. Luckily, Your T has a sunvisor (rainviso...

Here’s my wife and I. She’s a lot easier to look at than me. Jim Patrick
PS. I’m the one one the left…

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The purpose of the forum is not necessarily to form absolute conclusions based upon the scientific method, which requires rigid experimentation, but to provide as much general information, ideas and opinions, as possible, allowing the reader to use his own common sense, experience and deductive reas...

Air follows the route of least resistance. I would venture to say that, without the pulling action of the fan, a good portion of the air is most likely to bounce off the radiator and go around it rather go through the small openings between the fins. While I agree that the fan does not produce enoug...

I have an original blue cloth covered hardcover edition and the photo illustrations are very clear and much easier to see compared to the reproductions, but since it is in mint condition, I have it vacuum sealed in plastic to preserve it. I had 2, but I sold one last year. Jim Patrick

Congratulations.

There are 4 brake shoe clips (A in the left picture) that are riveted to the round backing plate that holds the brake shoe centered and against the backing plate. It is common for the curved portion that holds the shoe in place, to wear through until they break, leaving nothing to hold the brake sho...

When restoring a Model T, it is very important to research the year of your T to determine the correct color to paint the car, as most people who are willing to pay top dollar for a Model T, want it to be correct. Of course, as we stress here, everyone is free to paint their Model T any color they w...

Great job, Bruce.

Animal hair was most likely used by Ford in Model T’s. When I bought my all original 1926 coupe in 1970, the seats were all original. When I removed the original upholstery, they had animal hair in the seat cushions, though I don’t know what type. When I reupholstered the seats, I reused the stuffin...

I don’t want to mandate or censor topics. If there is more to say about it, by all means, keep it going, but go to the first thread on this subject and I think you will find all you need to know about it from how to install them as well as the pros and cons of having them and the scientific theories...

We recently had a thread on this with 85 posts, whereby splash shields were thoroughly discussed, ad Infininitum. I really don’t think we need another thread on this just one week later. Time to move on. Jim Patrick

You can only delete your last post if it has not been responded to by someone else. Jim Patrick

Norman. You should relocate to Florida. Great weather (except for the occasional hurricane). No disasters like wildfires, floods, earthquakes, riots, or Gov. Gavin Newsome.

Jim Patrick

I sold my Model T in 1996 and after the buyer passed away in 2001, his widow contacted me and I bought it back for what I sold it to him for. In the time he had it, he converted it to a 12V system. In changing it back to a 6V system, I discovered the bendix spring had been destroyed by the starter ...

Although the spring is not loose or broken, is it distorted? The securement loops should be on the same side. If the spring has unwound it may not have enough strength the return the gear back to its’ starting position. Jim Patrick

If it had rolled over, I believe there would be a lot more damage to the body. As such, most of the damage is to the front. Damaged radiator, left front fender, left front wheel and front lights. I would surmise that it rear rear ended another car. The cracked windshield could have been from the dri...

Contact Administration and ask them to be more vigilant in dealing with scammers. As an honest and trusting membership, many here are the perfect prey for these predators. My advice is to not do business with anyone without a picture, an address, a phone number, a phone call, a reference, if possibl...

Good stuff. Have used it for years. Spray both sides of gasket. Jim Patrick

Here are two photos. It looks like it can be installed either way. Your choice. Jim Patrick

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As the years progressed, problems with the Model T arose and as they did so, Ford engineers addressed them. There were many and one of them was the increase in size of the radiator and the addition of louvers on each side of the hood to release retained heat inside the engine compartment. Over the18...

This has been one of the most informative threads I have ever followed. I originally installed splash pans on my 1926 coupe because they were something that was installed at the factory and I wanted my T to be as accurate as possible. Until this thread and the many thoughtful posts on the reasons sp...

Last picture. What celebration would include a Cuban flag (second car)?

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