MTFCA Forum

Mark Osterman

I drive my runabout all year round. I don’t mind the cold but I hate the salt. A model T is not so good in snow or ice without chains. So I only drive it before we have snow in the beginning of the winter season or on occasion after snow has melted and rain has washed the streets enough that the sal...

Mark Osterman

You sure you mean 1923?

Mark Osterman

Maybe someone has an extra they are not using.

Mark Osterman

I need a solid (not bent or pitted) front passenger side fender for my 1923 T. Not show car quality but nice. The one on my car was rusted very thin where it meets the running board and there is not enough metal to do a good job of welding there. Every time someone steps on the running board to clim...

Mark Osterman

Both gauges sold! Thanks MTFCA.

Mark Osterman

Bought these at Hershey only to find out they were about 1 1/2” too long to fit my oval gas tank. Cleaned the steel guides and they work great. The pot metal dials are solid and nice looking. These are ready to install. $50 each plus postage. Mosterman@eastman.org

Mark Osterman

I did ask Mike at Classtique about the additional foam layer and he suggested it shouldn’t be used. I didn’t feel I needed it, been driving regularly for three years with the original seats and they weren’t particularly uncomfortable, so any new upholstery is bound to be even better.

Mark Osterman

I have a new set of springs and a Classtique seat upholstery kit for my 23 runabout. It’s been suggested that an inch of memory foam under the seat upholstery is a good idea. Anyone out there have a specific brand of memory foam material and a source for just enough to lay under the cushion upholste...

Mark Osterman

Picked up the seat upholstery from Mike at Classtique when I was at Hershey on Thursday. Anxious to install it.

Mark Osterman

Having the T parts spread out is kinda the whole point when it comes to picking up deals at Hershey. You can always find good parts at top dollar from people who specialize in T parts and that’s good when you really need them. But it’s the people that sell lots of parts from different makes ... the ...

Mark Osterman

Nice to run into Steve ... you were sitting on the blacktop sorting through a Klondike of old Ford wrenches when we met.

Mark Osterman

Silly question but are you trying it with a coil in place? Also you may need to clean the needle indicator and the ring with scotchbrite.

Mark Osterman

Another goodie. For oiling the front spring.

Mark Osterman

Spent all day yesterday there and came back this morning for one last look. This was a nice piece I found in good condition. Also got a nice low head and a new front spring.

Mark Osterman

Well, I guess I should turn around and drive back to Rochester; Steve has snapped up all the deals.

Mark Osterman

Looks like $269 is the base price plus a little more for a floor mat.

Mark Osterman

I think the basic package 1923 runabout was the cheapest. Naturally ... my car.

Mark Osterman

I had one just like this on my old speedster. I bought it at Hershey back around 2003.

Mark Osterman

Actually Mike at Classtique gave me the option of either hog rings or channel mounting. Since this new spring have the aluminum channels I’ll be getting the kit for that application. I was worried because the bottom springs look like you could bend them in half. I guess once they lay in the steel se...

Mark Osterman

I bought a new set of springs from Langs that seem to be made by Snyders. Have ordered the seat upholstery kit from Classtique. So here’s the thing. I’m looking at these new cushion springs that are made on an aluminum framework. They already look kinda twisted and bent right out of the box and they...

Mark Osterman

Used to be that you could find interesting parts peeking out from the dirt the year after a wet Hershey show. People left all kinds of stuff in the deep mud when they got out of there.

Mark Osterman

Yes Larry. I guess I didn’t describe it’s location and design very well when I asked you. Mike at Classtique was also scratching his head when I asked him too. I sent you these pictures the same time I posted them here.

Mark Osterman

No problem. I document everything photographically when I dismantle something. The combination of being both dyslexic and a little obsessive.

Mark Osterman

Getting ready to rebuild and reupholster the seats in my 1923 runabout. As I investigate and document the original seats I discovered these two sheet metal bands that are nailed from the bottom wood frame to an upper section. I presume this was to keep the padding from being in contact with the inte...

Mark Osterman

Found this Bosch type DU4 mod 2 magneto tonight in a barn scheduled for demolition soon. Is it the type for model T Ford?

Mark Osterman

Hopefully you’ll be driving it at 40 mph in not too much time. Welcome !

Mark Osterman

Very neat. Were the float chamber covers painted originally?

Mark Osterman

You mean she doesn’t mind the oil leaks?

Mark Osterman

Thanks so much! Those pictures are just what I need. I did speak to Mike at Classtique yesterday about the installation and picking up my seat kit at Hershey. Also spoke with him about how helpful it would be for them to create installation videos shot professionally without an audience so there is ...

Mark Osterman

I need a good front passengers side fender for my ‘23. Anyone going to Hershey have one to sell?

Mark Osterman

How dirty is the fuel line? Are you worried the line is actually rusted inside? If so, buy a new line at the local auto store and replace it.

Mark Osterman

That’s the way it works on my original slide on box.

Mark Osterman

Yes, the central spring bolt top is seated and I made a leather pad based on original specs. I’m wondering if that front spring clip is for a TT ... with about 3/4” more threads on the bolts.

Mark Osterman

I received the new seat bottom and back springs from Lang’s yesterday. They are made by Snyder’s. I’ll pick up the seat kit from Classtique when I’m at Hershey on the Thursday of the show. The new seat spring set is framed with aluminum. I’m assuming that the original frame is steel. Is there any co...

Mark Osterman

I noticed that my runabout leans a little towards the drivers side. I assumed it was because I weigh about 230 lbs and am generally the only one in the car on my frequent trips. I tried a topic search and only found one thread. Seems that it might be caused by some shifting of either the front or re...

Mark Osterman

Steve, If you had so much soot that cleaning made a difference you probably need to run more lean. That could also account for your milage. Once you get up to operating temp on your long drives, turn back the carb adjusting needle a little.

Mark Osterman

Yes, probably. The video was shot from behind a couple rows of seats. It would have been better to shoot a video up close at another time .. as an instructional video. The details are covered in the audio but not easy to see from a distance.

Mark Osterman

You sure it’s not some old bomb from the IRA ?

Mark Osterman

Great idea. Would like to talk to them at Hershey. Thanks!

Mark Osterman

Yes, that link takes you to the same bad video with all the action taking place off to the right and too far away. I can’t see how the material is being connected to the bottom of the metal seat frame or any other detail. It is nice to see how the seat compressor works.

Mark Osterman

Has anyone made a comprehensive video for upholstering the replacement seat springs available through Langs/Snyders ? I just received a new seat and back rest. The only video I can find for reupholstering a seat is from a demonstration event and seems to be shot from off to the side. Is there an act...

Mark Osterman

Second try

Mark Osterman

One more view of the cast iron industrial base I found. The hub cap is for scale.

Mark Osterman

I assembled these pieces over the years to put together a HCCT. Then I found an original. Selling what’s here for $150 plus postage.

Mark Osterman

Do these guys use air filters on their carburetors?

Mark Osterman

I used a single 12 volt battery when recharged the flywheel magnets before installing in my car .. and also when recharging them for my HCCT. Worked great. It does generate some heat on the windings, so it’s best to do a few and take a break.

Mark Osterman

Good tip on a telescopic pickup box. It’s not long enough for me to sleep back there as it is.

Mark Osterman

Hey Steve. I’ve been thinking of doing some camping with my wife in our T and realized that the runabout can’t carry enough. So, for the few times we will camp I figured I would replace the turtle deck with a pickup box. It’s only four bolts and about a half an hour to switch them out. Here’s the on...

Mark Osterman

I make them all the time. Here is a running board screw I had to drill to remove.

Mark Osterman

Now safety glass is something I would never drive without. I cut glass as a regular part of my day job. The idea of getting into an accident with thousands of razor sharp pieces coming towards me is really scary.

Mark Osterman

I’ll never install seat belts in a T. Here is my roll over in 2001. Thank God I wasn’t strapped in.

Mark Osterman

Mine is an original with an original brush and runs great. Curious that one else finds dust inside when they remove it. Maybe the spring is too strong on mine.

Mark Osterman

Well, it’s not as useful as I expected. Seems like another inch longer would be better. Of course I have those pads on the other pedals, so, maybe I need to remove them. In regards to the previous post of a T being a “chic magnet” .... my wife has said “my T was a chic magnet ... but all the chics a...

Mark Osterman

When I clean mine I often see brown dust from the case and also some of the brush and/or contacts in the case. I’m thinking that your dump truck might not get the kind of performance required for daily driving and road speeds needed to keep up with city driving so it’s not so important.

Mark Osterman

I was wondering how often others who run with a New Day timer clean them out. I remove mine about every 500 miles and brighten up the contacts with a Scotch-Brite pad and then wipe the insides clean with a cloth dampened with alcohol. Takes about five minutes and the engine likes it a lot. I have an...

Mark Osterman

Stopped at a barn where I was told there was lots of old car parts. Yup... all kinds of stuff in one old shop building but mostly 1940s and up. Lots of NORS fenders for 1960s cars. Then I went to the back barn and there was a fair amount of T stuff and other early pieces. Two Reo trucks. Several Ts ...

Mark Osterman

Just saw a very nice original wood pick up box for a ‘23 T in a barn this afternoon. It was bolted onto a front axle as a trailer but would come off easily. They wanted $400. Was near Albion NY.

Mark Osterman

The fender is fine ... pulled easily back in place. Installed this ... this morning.

Mark Osterman

I agree about driving a T compared to a more modern fast car. You sit on more than in a model T and even speeds as slow as 35 feel much faster. There is a difference sense of speed. I drive my T to work as often as possible and generally put about 100 miles a week on it when the weather is permittin...

Mark Osterman

Was out in the T with my wife this evening and we stopped for dinner. Left her off to get a table and as I was backing into the parking space my foot got stuck between the reverse pedal and under the brake pedal. I turned off the engine and grabbed the emergency brake .. but the passenger side fende...

Mark Osterman

I drive in the city of Rochester, NY every day. Sometimes it’s neighborhoods which is not bad but often it’s aggressive city traffic. You can’t hold back in the street in traffic ... you have to go with the flow. On occasion some lights have a count down but not all of them. Nevertheless ... the win...

Mark Osterman

I’m six foot one inches tall. When I driving my ‘23 runabout I have to be sure that I can see the traffic light by either looking under my windshield frame ... or over it. So often it’s right where I can’t see it. It’s a strange dance I do as I approach the light to make sure I don’t go through when...

Mark Osterman

“Water inlet”

Mark Osterman

Are there new messages to read? I don’t see them even though this thread keeps coming to the top.

Mark Osterman

Had I seat belts on when I flipped this back in 2000 I wouldn't have walked away from the accident.

Mark Osterman

Really hard to find those. Your best bet is going to Hershey with a sample and a micrometer.

Mark Osterman

I have some components for one of these I had planned to build if anyone is interested. A nice cast iron base and the two bearings. I bought an original example a month ago so I don’t need them now. Email me at mosterman@eastman.org

Mark Osterman

Does it look like this?

Mark Osterman

A matching pair of antique ny plates the year of your car is usually an easy find at Hershey. Ask someone who is going to get you some. Reregister them. State inspection is $10 at my service station.

Mark Osterman

I drive my T with no top all the time and generally I wear an old fedora hat. By the fall I have a pretty good “farmer” tan on my face, neck and forearms. It’s not really good for me and my wife is always suggesting applying a high number sun block lotion particularly on my nose. What do others do t...

Mark Osterman

What does OCF stand for ? Tried searching the internet but what I found can’t be what you guys are attending.

Mark Osterman

Interesting. Do you have a picture of one of those Corbin speedometers on a mid 1920s dashboard?

Mark Osterman

Seeing the pictures of people sleeping with their model Ts reminded me of back when I performed my traveling medicine show with the T for many years. These were two to ten day festivals and I used to fold the painted backdrop on the stage to create a tent for shelter. This shows me in the morning wa...

Mark Osterman

Sure, I get it. Russ rebuilt this unit due to that same expansion of a pot metal part. I drove it for about a year and it jammed. He kindly took it and adjusted it for free and it worked for another few months. I really like having it since I used the trip odometer as a fuel gauge. Also NY inspectio...

Mark Osterman

Driving to work this morning and going around 30 mph when I heard a faint clic .. and the speedometer registered 0. The chain broke of course but it wasn’t a chain problem ... the speedometer jammed. Couldn’t twist it with my fingers. It’s the second time it’s done this in a year. Am asking Russ abo...

Mark Osterman

I think I discovered the problem. I had some errant sparking between the back of the spark ring and the ammeter. So I put a spacer washer behind each of the four insulators and that allowed the spark to choose the ring instead in that area. Also filed out the spark ring mounting holes a little to al...

Mark Osterman

Aside from the tile works and Mercer’s home nearby I hope you went to the Mercer Museum in town. It’s a museum that specializes in technology from 1860 on back. My favorite museum in the whole world and a real influence since I was a little boy. In later years I demonstrated violin and tintype makin...

Mark Osterman

I’m working on my HCCT unit and am looking for 4 bakelite knobs like this. These are often used on stand alone magnetos for wiring contacts.The threads are 10/32. Is there a site for used magneto parts out there?

Mark Osterman

Oh my are you lucky Steve. And to find that broken shackle while you’re at an auction with mountains of parts available not to mention like minds to help. It’s funny how things work loose, break or bind up in a T and how they are discovered before disaster. The fan on my ‘23 has bound up a couple of...

Mark Osterman

Have any top irons / bows?

Mark Osterman

Sure I know the set screw allows setting the pointer. It’s just that the spark ring is not perfectly centered. It’s slightly low making more space from the pointer at the top than the bottom. I can file out the holes a little to make some adjustment room. I have assumed that the pointer rides within...

Mark Osterman

Yes, the distance from the pointer to the inside of that ring is slightly wider at 12:00 than at 6:00. But I see no means to adjust the distance. The ring is bolted into the insulators and the insulators are bolted to the frame from the other side. Aside from filing out the holes on the ring a littl...

Mark Osterman

Thanks ... haven’t even set the pointer yet. So if I’m missing a spark in a couple of positions it might be how clean that ring is in that particular location?

Mark Osterman

Got my HCCT wired and working this morning. I do see double sparking and a couple places where it isn’t sparking at all. Not sure if it’s the old coil I have in there or something else. The is new territory for me.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cov_CgqrVKc

Mark Osterman

Be very careful when you buy a swivel. Make sure it is tight with no slop and the right ratio! You can make very expensive purchases on ebay and car shows ... that are mistakes.

Mark Osterman

I would be interested in the roadster seat springs and upholstery kit if it fits a 1923. Mosterman@eastman.org

Mark Osterman

No, I don’t mind at all if people touch my car if I’m there with it. And I frequently let people get inside for snapshots. In fact, I have let wedding photographer use the car every time I come upon them in the park near our house. As far as at the Museum and my sign. It works most of the time. But ...

Mark Osterman

I bought a pair of those spiffy LED headlight bulbs. They are very interesting. Yes, more light. Now I can see how out of alignment my lights were. Were there adjustable sockets with different lengths (depths) ? Can’t seem to move one to align with the other.

Mark Osterman

I drive my T to work nearly every day unless I have a lot to carry. The visitors to the Museum often think it’s George Eastman’s car. Strangely .. when they think it was his car .. they often think it’s ok to climb into it for pictures and even open the hood! So I put this sign near the pedals befor...

Mark Osterman

Hey Frank, Thanks for the sites that sell phosphor bronze .. but that material is way too thin for making the kind of contact I need for this application. I was hoping there might be someone here who has some scraps of what I would need for making these contacts.

Mark Osterman

Thanks ... I was thinking that but couldn’t remember what they are called to do a search.

Mark Osterman

My mistake Ron. I misunderstood your message. I assumed you meant that the contacts were corroded on the Ford manufactured coil testers that used that type of contact. I said “early” Ford units because I thought they were largely superseded by other makers after awhile. You actually said “damaged.” ...

Mark Osterman

This came in a box of NOS carburetor parts

Mark Osterman

Hmm ... yeah, that’s what I thought. Maybe I’ll just use them. Easy to replace.

Mark Osterman

That’s what I thought and I have a box full of original contacts but Ron suggested I don’t use those. He said that the early testers made by Ford used them and that they corrode easily.

Mark Osterman

Yes, I looked there, but the smallest piece is 12”x12” for $50 plus shipping. I’m hoping to find someone who has the small scrap I need left over from their project.

Mark Osterman

So, I’ve been told I should make the coil contacts for my hand cranked coil tester from phosphor bronze rather than use the contacts found in the standard Ford coil box. Well finding a small strip of that stuff isn’t so easy. Is there anyone out there who can tell me where I can buy a strip about 5/...

Mark Osterman

Yup .... that’s the same way I set my timers. Generally my engine gives me a free start in the morning. I crank through three cylinders with the choke on and switch off. Then turn on the key. Starts right up. I also wipe the inside of my vintage New Day Timer with a little worn piece of scotchbrite ...

Mark Osterman

Here is the official vintage statement for which hand to use for cranking. Damn ... now I have to retrain myself.

Mark Osterman

Sorry to hear of your injury. Ouch! I always crank right hand with thumb in. Set the crank at about 7:00 and pull up. Always fully retard the spark. Never any problem. The very few times in forty years of cranking happened when I left the spark where it was after driving. I got smarter over time and...

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