MTFCA Forum

Mark Osterman

I used benzine at work and just for fun brought some home and using my small test gas tank (from an old lawn mower) tried it in my T. It ran fine. Would be a very expensive alternative now but I understand it was one of the more common fuels in the early days. We also use toluene but I didn’t try th...

Mark Osterman

Hope everyone has a peaceful, healthy and safe Christmas.

Mark Osterman

That’s quite a distance way under the pickup box. Have you thought of bringing it to a place where it might be more easily seen?

Mark Osterman

I am turning 66 in February and plan to apply for Social Security in April. I had been planning to retire the middle of 2021, so covid stepped up my schedule by a few months. Actually very happy to do this. Last week I brought a mountain of boxes from my lab and office. I have established an archive...

Mark Osterman

Well, as of this week I am officially retired from my job of twenty-one years at The George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York. For ten years I taught photograph conservators how to identify different types of 19th century photographs by teaching how they were made and also how they deteriorate. ...

Mark Osterman

Does anyone sell a brass replacement valve? You could fill the pits with silver solder, file to shape and grind it in place with valve grinding paste then the yellow stuff.

Mark Osterman

As the title states

Mark Osterman

Sold ... thanks MTFCA

Mark Osterman

Ok Danny, it’s yours then.

Mark Osterman

Didn’t get your message Danny. Please email me if you still want it. Markosterman@icloud.com

Mark Osterman

I usually use gasoline. I had some kerosene but it left the parts oily and I want them to actually dry before the next step. I’m pretty sure it’s the day job chemicals that will eventually kill me. I make daguerreotypes and tintypes on a regular basis.

Mark Osterman

I posted a short video of my turn signal system on Youtube. It is set on hazard (all lights flashing) but you get the point. My car is the standard 6 volt system. I made an adapter to hold 21 single contact bulbs in the cowl lights and smaller lights in amber lens beehive marker lights in the rear g...

Mark Osterman

Yes Allan I thought the same thing. I haven’t really cleaned the black part yet. Surprised it hasn’t sold.

Mark Osterman

I used the cowl lights for the front turn signals. Used amber beehive marker lights in the rear.

Mark Osterman

I worked on this too in the summer. I fixed the problem by finding vintage US made flasher units. The ones made in Taiwan were really bad and the more modern type for LED didn’t work for traditional tungsten bulbs. I have recently come upon some NOS flashers if anyone needs one. $10 plus post.

Mark Osterman

I only cleaned the brass a little with ketchup to confirm the brass top and door. Original black paint. Font and burner good. One slight dent on door. Could be knocked out. Use on a survivor as is or restore.

$150 plus post. Markosterman@icloud.com

Mark Osterman

Andrew, you did a great job on all of it. Really appreciate the attention to the aesthetics of what would have been used back in the model T era. Much more like an original than the new boxes that are made like a piece of fine cabinet making with quarter sawn oak or walnut. Back in the day they woul...

Mark Osterman

So sorry to hear of his passing. We have lost several friends to covid. Serious stuff and I hope we can all stay safe long enough for the vaccines to be distributed.

Mark Osterman

Been trying to put together a pair of good original pans. Here is what I’ve found so far. Because i have a U&J carburetor I will need to modify the right side pan.

Mark Osterman

Imagine how much better it would run with a good functioning magneto putting out the volts!

Mark Osterman

Wonderful seeing these in the wild. Love the pictures but now I want to see more.

Mark Osterman

A couple of weeks ago I noticed some shimmy in my front axle. There was some slop in the right side king pin bushing. I changed the bushing and the king pin was good and tight. I checked all the various ball joints but then I discovered the nut on the spindle arm on the drivers side was loose. Probl...

Mark Osterman

I was just thinking about the effect of having the spark set at exactly the right place for the circumstance. I set it one place for starting from a dead stop .. then as I shift from los to high gear .. and then as I accelerate flat out or climb hills. There are times when I’m approaching 40-45 that...

Mark Osterman

Are you planning on using it just for storage ... or running in an engine?

Mark Osterman

Hi all. I’m looking for some standard stem size and the traditional type that take a pin. Just don’t want to use the two piece size that were in the engine.

Mark Osterman

I have a spare 1923 engine on a work stand. The pistons, crank bearings and cam look good. I’d just like to get it running just for fun this winter. It currently has the old two part valves so I’m looking for some modern valves that have been pulled from an engine that was rebuilt. Would like to fin...

Mark Osterman

I’ve enjoyed reading this recent installment of “prices going down.” I know it’s hard to see them go down when you’ve put so much into your car but very few people ever make restoring a car an investment opportunity. It’s a labor of love and keeping them going is a form of entertainment you have to ...

Mark Osterman

Yes, and I walked away from it with no broken bones. Here is a before and after.

Mark Osterman

I bet that car had a death wobble shimmy!

Mark Osterman

I also use satin black. When gloss is used it shows every single little pit in the metal. Satin gives a nice sheen.

Mark Osterman

Same for me ... it’s great on exhaust manifolds. For other things I use the black Rustoleum Rust Reformer rattle can paint. Rub it down with a cotton cloth about 20 minutes after spraying for a very nice sheen.

Mark Osterman

We would call this “out of the tube” coloring where I work at the George Eastman Museum. The picture would be considered amateur quality because there is no mixing of color pigments to give a realistic effect. A piece of wood may be “brown” but the hue would change depending on the distance from the...

Mark Osterman

I guess I don’t worry much about my car in an unheated detached garage built in 1919. I do remember having an OF carburetor with a stuck float dumping a gallon of gas on the floor once.

Mark Osterman

I have the brass right angle shut off at the carburetor but I have only used it when removing the carb for adjustments or switching out carburetors. I ground in the valve on the gas tank and use EZ lube there. No leaking in either place. Did people shut off their gas in the old days when they parked?

Mark Osterman

Just in case a visual is needed.

Mark Osterman

Over the past several years I have run Nellie, my 23 runabout, with several different carburetors just to see the difference. These included the stock Ford stamped NH type that came with my car, a straight through NH, a Stromberg OF and I’m currently running a U&J. I also try different oils and gaso...

Mark Osterman

I think some of you old guys are a little rough on him. I loved history in school and I don’t remember any part of the curriculum or the books that would have resulted in me knowing how a model T Ford was used in “The Great War.” Aside from The Blue Max, there really wasn’t much in the movies or pop...

Mark Osterman

A pretty good Peerless tool box. No serious rust or dents but missing the clasp hooks and the lock clasp. Usually these have been drilled out for door type padlock clasps. Would clean up nice .. or use on your “barn find” as is. $60 plus postage. Email me at markosterman@icloud.com

Mark Osterman

Sorry ... sold to the first to send me a message.

Mark Osterman

An original exhaust pipe nut wrench

$30 plus post

Mark Osterman

Vintage exhaust pipe nut wrench

$30 plus post

Mark Osterman

I noticed some front end wobbling in the past week of driving and thought I’d get a jump on it right away. The sooner the better. I had the afternoon off from work and it was up to 75 this afternoon, so a good time to tinker. After jacking up the front axle I found the king pin bushings on the right...

Mark Osterman

Interesting. They look like a NORS hook given they are stock from a box marked from another manufacturer. Wouldn’t the Ford box be marked Ford? Just asking.

Mark Osterman

Yes, I have seen you comment about this before in earlier threads. Also seen the pictures of your roadster pickup with the side curtains installed though never seen any detail shots of that which would be very interesting. Since my T has side lights would I still install the smaller flat hook on the...

Mark Osterman

Yes, I saw the posts you made regarding the oversized windows in your side curtains. Very neat. Now that you’ve had chances to them, what do you think? Would you change anything or do you like them as is?

Mark Osterman

These are the front side curtain clips I have. One set has a circular mounting hole ... the others gave a square mounting hole. From what gather from the links Mark posted the square hole version with the shorter hook must go on the oil lamp bolt that also goes through the windshield mounting bracke...

Mark Osterman

Mark, I did see some pictures of your installation but not all the points of contact.

Mark Osterman

Thanks for posting the link. Never hurts to help again .. right? When I did a search I couldn’t find them. But I don’t actually see any detail photographs of the inside and outside of the side curtain installation on a 1923 runabout. Have I missed that too? So sorry to ask again.

Mark Osterman

Well .. in lieu of having an original in my hands I need to “rely on the kindness of strangers.” Can you please post pictures of your original curtains? My car had no curtains but it did have the fasteners inside the bows and on the arm rest. I do also have some of the original
clips for the front.

Mark Osterman

I am now thinking about side curtains on the 23 runabout. I’m confused about how they are fastened. My assumption is that the fronts are secured to the windshield bracket and posts with flat hooks. Then the top of the fronts are held inside by three common sense twisty fasteners that are on each sid...

Mark Osterman

Sold ... thanks MTFCA

Mark Osterman

$50 plus postage

Mark Osterman

I tried them but went back to conventional bulbs. When your lenses are fluted like the Ford H style it throws a strange pattern. They are much better with clear glass lenses.

Mark Osterman

I’m looking for a good rebuildable tire pump. Markosterman@icloud.com

Mark Osterman

Well, I’m enjoying the new top on my runabout and I’ve figured out how to see through the rear windows ok. But the stop lights are a different story. Driving predominately in a city I stop at many traffic lights that are impossible to see unless I crouch down really far to look up. Now mind you many...

Mark Osterman

Bought a large lot of vintage NOS electrical stuff just for some 6 volt flasher relays. Here is a box full of condensers that might be good for distributers and alternators etc that people might be able to use on their model T upgrades. I dunno. $25 plus post.

Mark Osterman

Thanks, I was wondering because I have some of the same type in my garage.

Mark Osterman

When was the magneto last rebuilt?

Mark Osterman

Do they deteriorate in the shelf? Mildew etc.

Mark Osterman

Rebuilt the top assembly and installed the top on my 23 runabout.

Mark Osterman

I’m not sure why you need to put so much pressure / speed on turning the crank unless your magnets are in really poor condition (assuming you don’t have /use a battery). When I hand crank with the coil box set to battery all I need to do is set the crank at around 7-8:00 and lift very gently. I usua...

Mark Osterman

Is there an international registry of model Ts based on serial numbers?

Mark Osterman

Does anyone actually remove and reinstall bands through the inspection cover? If not .. is there any advantage to bands with removable ears?

Mark Osterman

Got tired of having the lid whack me on the hand ... and don’t want it to leave a permanent dent in the new top. So, I drilled two small holes on the inside of the lid and the turtle deck and inserted a stiff removable rod with the ends bent inward.

Mark Osterman

Ok guys. The 1923 model T was the first with the windshield that tilts back ... often called a “slant” windshield. Unlike the the 1921 and earlier that allow the top windshield glass to fold down the slant windshield has the hinge up higher allowing the top windshield glass to tilt outward at the bo...

Mark Osterman

I do have the original glass windows but I checked them when I had the safety glass cut and they were the same size. I just looked at the set screws on the windshield posts and see that in theory the windows should be able to seat further down ... but the rubber gasket between the bottom windshield ...

Mark Osterman

I have it as far down as possible. That’s why I was wondering about the thickness of the rubber gasket.

Mark Osterman

I finally got around to installing that rubber H channel that fits on the lower windshield and acts as a seal against the upper windshield. There isn’t enough clearance to close the windows. They have always been a little tight with the metal caps rubbing against each other (see picture). I always t...

Mark Osterman

Were there specific carburetors for kerosene?

Mark Osterman

My sense from the answers is that no one actually worries about that steel bracket on the center bow digging into the top material ... right? I have gotten better since I shot that last picture.

Mark Osterman

What does that one say? So are the ones for sale above cut down from these?

Mark Osterman

Been running a vintage New Day timer for the past two years. I clean it out and dress the contacts by twisting a disc covered with very fine sand paper about every two months. I drive my car every day .. around 100 miles a week. At the same time I remove the plugs and clean those .. and check the co...

Mark Osterman

Come on guys ... I know there are a few people with runabouts / roadsters who can give me the advice I’m looking for. I posted on the mode T Facebook page and all I got was pele telling me to always have the top up while in the garage and in storage.

Mark Osterman

I did push it in on the back ... but it’s the sides I can’t figure out. How does one avoid the metal bracket rubbing against the top material? That’s where a video of a 23-25 runabout would be helpful.

Mark Osterman

Ok, so I installed the Clastique top kit on my 1923 runabout. It goes up fine and comes down fine too. Now I’m trying to figure out how it should be ticked in and folded in the down position. There is the metal bracket on the second bow where the end of the first bow goes when the top is in the up p...

Mark Osterman

Top bows sold. Thanks MTFCA

Mark Osterman

I bought this extra set of original top bows as a reference to look at while I was installing the bows I rebuilt on my 23 runabout. It had enough of all the elements of the original top installation to show me where things need to be tacked on my new top. The front wood was no good where it met the ...

Mark Osterman

I’m installing the top on my 1923 runabout and have noticed that the “lift the dot” fasteners that come with the kit are not the same size as the originals on my bows. The male fasteners that thread into holes on the inside metal supports have a smaller head than the originals and naturally they don...

Mark Osterman

Here is my 23 with an original box. I still have the tail light on the back end of the deck.

Mark Osterman

I agree with Steve that the “younger” model T enthusiasts might go to facebook first. Interestingly in the the “cyber world“ facebook is known as where the “old people” hang out. It’s all relative. I go on both and also search for answers to technical questions in other places like the hit and miss ...

Mark Osterman

I think that the model T facebook site gets more action than the forum. It’s faster and easier to post pictures.

Mark Osterman

I am installing a Classtique top kit on my 1923 runabout. I opted for the additional (not factory) roll up back curtain. One problem is that the two straps that are to be tacked to the back bow will actually cover the two windows when the top is up and they hang down. I’m wondering if the window spa...

Mark Osterman

Anxious to see if they work.

Mark Osterman

Was thinking I could hang it from one end and apply steam. I have a hand held steamer for clothing.

Mark Osterman

I am getting ready to install my Classtique top. The top deck is spread out on my dining room table. I plan to do the installation out in the sun but would it be a good idea to use an electric blanket to relax these wrinkles from shipping?

Mark Osterman

I might have a pair. Markosterman@icloud.com

Mark Osterman

One of my favorite carburetors to photograph on collodion glass plates.

Mark Osterman

Wasn’t there a Buster Keaton film with a turn signal like that? Anxious to see pictures of it out in the daylight. Preferably a cloudy bright day with no hard shadows.

Mark Osterman

Paul,

Yes I tried that electronic flasher but four coils they don’t work due to electronic interference. They work great with the engine tirned off!

The option I would like to find is the electromagnetic type but I’ve yet to see one in 6 volt.

Mark Osterman

Allan, This seems to be a common problem discussed in the 1940-1960s car forums. From what I’ve read there there is a significant difference in the quality of the older 6 volt thermal flasher relays (cans) compared to what we can get today made in Taiwan. People say you can buy a dozen of the same t...

Mark Osterman

Allan, The electronic flasher seemed to be sabotaged by interference from the coils. Worked great when the engine was off but really screwy when the engine was running. The thermal type are a crap shoot ... all different speeds depending on the unit ... and then they die. I’m hoping an older nos ame...

Mark Osterman

Yes, I have seen a lot for VW and was thinking a German made until might be much better ... a German stereotype if I ever saw one.

Are the three prongs in the same configuration as the typical unit in American cars?

Mark Osterman

Frank,

Yes, the lights run off the 6 volt storage battery.

Mark Osterman

Tom, yes I would prefer the 21cp in the rear but these are the little beehive amber light assemblies and the lens won’t clip in place with the 21 cp bulbs because they stick out too far. I tried them initially by using vinyl tape to secure the lenses ... might still do that. But the 3 cp works fine ...

Mark Osterman

Ok, so I installed an old flasher control to two 3 cp lights in the rear in beehive accessory lights, and two 21 cp bulbs in the Ford side lights. It worked great forma couple of weeks and then the #585 relay fried. I installed another #585 unit (NAPA) and it was too fast so I removed the cover and ...

Mark Osterman

Well, I usually get a head of steam when I approach a hill if moving. Much harder when you come to a stop light or sign on a hill and then have to start out in low. I usually retard the spark and gradually advance the spark as I pick up speed. I weigh around 220 and the car is very responsive with j...

Mark Osterman

I have gotten spoiled driving in two passenger model Ts all my life. Fast acceleration and pretty good hill climbing. This weekend some old friends of mine came up to drop off a banjo for some refurbishing and I gave them rides in my runabout. These guys are in the 260 lb range. I was amazed how muc...

Mark Osterman

Why not patch the larger hole with some thicker rubber. This way you could punch the hole in the patch before installing.

Mark Osterman

Well, the owner is willing to negotiate. He want to move from Rochester and is a motivated seller.

Mark Osterman

The seller has it listed for $5000. He has never seen it run. I pulled the plugs and hand cranked the engine and it had compression in all cylinders. Didn’t open the transmission cover but the pedals didn’t have any grip. Rear wheels looked pretty good, not sure about the fronts. No good rubber. She...

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