MTFCA Forum

If this was really in 1908, it would have to be one of the first Model T's.The leaves would be off the trees by the end of November.

I you're going to the meet to shop, you want to be there Tuesday, Wednesday. and Thursday. It has always taken me three days to cover the whole thing. One estimate I saw was that it's 26 miles of walking. I've always driven modern so somebody else will have to tell you about bringing a car to the F...

Whether you paint or varnish is of little practical importance. It's an aesthetic choice, for some people informed by history. While "natural" wheels did become an option on 26-27 cars, actual pictures of them are mostly in Ford advertising. I think most real-world contemporary photos show painted ...

For a vertical photo that will only post sideways:
1 Open it;
2 Rotate it 90º left or right (it doesn't matter which);
3 Rotate if back to upright;
4 close it.
That always works for me.

Does anyone know the history of this photograph? It is a copy. Camera shutters at that time were slower, so more time was taken to take a photo, so most all had great detail. [/size] Yes, it's most likely a copy of a copy of a copy of a copy, etc. Shutters of the time were slower because the emulsi...

Tuck your thumb if you want, but Rule 1 is most important: Never go over the top. Thinking of the handle as a clock hand, it's the kickback after 12 that puts you in the hospital. Sorry, Rod, but it can break a leg just as easily as it can an arm. As my video posted above shows, speed doesn't matte...

In this one the Ford is the punch line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uGyAzRjPsw

It has the no-windshield option, so 1909. An interesting feature is the Fast Frank hand crank.

Our experiences differ. The felt washers (as the parts book calls them) did not keep my brakes and wheels dry. It took gear oil sealant on the inner seals to accomplish that (thanks to Stephen Heatherly). Did I let the fourth main seepage get too deep in the rear axle? Maybe so, though I believe th...

I'm dyin' here.

There's no guarantee that smearing some goo on the inner seals will stop the leak, but it might. Make the seal and the inside of the tube clean of any trace of oil. I use lacquer thinner. Repack the bearings with new grease when you put them back in. You can replace the felt outer seals, but they a...

Taking Anthony's advice: I've heard descriptions of what's in this video, so I won't support it by adding my click to the views. Rather than address the guy who seeks attention by being an ignorant jerk, I'll write for the folks who read the comments. You'll do yourself a big favor if you feed your...

I believe Joe Bell is in Tiffin OH.

If you have been in this game for any length of time, you have heard the old tale of backing up hills to stop fuel starvation many times. I wonder how many who tell that tale have actually done it. I have found Model T backwards steering at more than a crawl so squirrely that I would be afraid of r...

Sorry about the angle but the website only takes photos when I turn my phone horizontal. [/size] If you're using equipment that allows you to rotate photos, try turning vertical shots 90º left or right, then back to upright before you post them. That works for me. IMG_2264.jpeg IMG_2265.jpeg

With a radiator in my 1915 that boiled easily, I was faced with a choice: buy a new one or get the old one recored. I went with the recore because it let me keep the original appearance (yes, there is a difference), did not require a wait time of several months, and saved me a few hundred bucks. Th...

From the Blockley website: The New Blockley Beaded Edge Range In recent times the "specialist" tyre suppliers advise that owners of Vintage, Edwardian and Veteran cars should avoid the use of Beaded Edge (Clincher) tyres for anything other than mild use, or perhaps just for standing the car on. And...

We learned in junior high that the boiling point of water ts 212º at sea level. At higher elevations it's less (in Denver, the mile high city, about 202º). The Ford car was intended to run below the boiling point, and in the real world I believe a T in good condition runs at a lower temperature. I ...

Instructions probably came with it, but things get lost. There used to be a PDF on the Fun Projects website, but that is extinct. I would contact John Regan through the forum and see if he can email you a copy. If that doesn't work, see if Birdhaven still has it.

Southwest of Waynestown, pretty near town. Dunno why it took me so long to figure this one out.

How difficult is it to pour water or anti-freeze/coolant into a Model T Ford, if needed?

In one of the FB Model T groups one participant said he buys ready-mixed antifreeze because mixing 50/50 is too complicated.

It was an 80 plus degree day... [/size] When I am up north and hear people gripe about 85º being hot, it makes me smile. :) So an expensive coolant has a higher boiling point than 50/50 does. So what? A Model T cooling system in good condition will stay well below the boiling point. I believe I hav...

Your description does sound like classic fuel starvation. As Norm mentioned, a grose jet float valve could be the problem. A reproduction conventional valve can give you the same trouble. Many of them have a .100" opening. If that's what you have, try a valve from Scott Conger with a .125" opening....

Are your pictures coming from a "device"? I post mine from a desktop computer, usually full size, with no trouble. Maybe you're using a Windows machine. I had one. Never again.

Before you resort to importing from the USA, research Canadian rules on buying from Britain. All the clincher tires currently sold by American companies are made in the same Vietnamese factory, of the same formula and construction. One of our members in Oz is fond of referring to them as rubbish. I...

This will go into the classifieds, and I'm putting it here too in hopes of somebody saving this stuff. The owner of a pile of Model T parts near Fort Scott KS is moving soon and needs them gone. He will sell them at scrap price to whoever will come and haul them away. I don't remember in detail wha...

The owner of a pile of Model T parts near Fort Scott KS is moving soon and needs them gone. He will sell them at scrap price to whoever will come and haul them away. I don't remember in detail what's there because I got what I went for and didn't make note of the rest. I do remember some rear axles...

When you rebuild your rear axle you will install new inner seals. Put this all around the back edge of the seals before you shove them in.

I wont make it this year. I waited too long to register. [/size] It seems they fill up PDQ these days. That's why I apply first thing in the morning on June 1 when registration opens. They always say notification will be in August but I got mine before the end of June this year. Seems to me it came...

Maybe I'm living in a fool's paradise, but I've driven up McGraw to West Grand (and back) four times, and nobody has ever bothered me.

I have three. 10-66 074.jpg 1 1953 Willys 4 x 4 pickup with SBC. I fell asleep and drove it into a tree. 2 1954 Ford convertible. I paid $90 for it. A year later the top blew apart on the 405 and I sold it for $90. img129 copy.jpg 3 1964 Kaiser 4 x 4 wagon. A well used Border Patrol vehicle. I drov...

Is it just me, or is anyone else detecting a certain consistency of writing style?

Can you ditch the tow rig at THF and drive to Piquette? When does OCF parking open? Checking in begins Thursday, so maybe parking is open then.

Does the lower engine speed with an overdrive make the engine last longer, or is that negated by the engine having to work harder?

I have my favorite year, but a touring would be a little handier than a runabout. A 1915 qualifies officially as a horseless carriage, has enough bling to be a snappy looker without the brass being a big chore, and has the modern convenience of electric lights. I like its style. 95-96,jpg copy.jpg ...

Better specify years. They're not all the same.

Check out Johnson's website. [/size] I realize the website is still up, but I suspect Steve Johnson isn't. He hasn't been at Chickasha in several years, and like George I've never received an answer to my emails. My guess is that his website is on autopay and he has left the building. That's why I ...

The 3:1 with Ruckstell might work very well in Kansas, but I have one in one of my cars and it must be shifted into Ruckstell going uphill more often than with standard ratio. [/size] The bone stock rear axle is good enough for Kansas and the rest of the relatively flat middle of the continent. Whe...

Now you know why I'm not on Facebook.

It was posted here too.

I agree on finding an old style spool. It seems they have enjoyed a pretty good survival rate.I don't remember where I got mine, but I do recall that it was pretty easy. It couldn't have been expensive. I would remember that. :) If an ad doesn't do it, call the parts dealers. They all have used stu...

Somebody in one of the FB Model T groups asked for a comparison between an aux transmission and a Ruckstell. Based on reading, not actual experience, this was my take: The Ruckstell sacrifices some speed for more climbing power. On a low-pedal hill it gives up a bit of climbing power but lets you l...

Love it! Some of it had me laughing out loud.

I do know chucks are available without the center post.

Yes, I found them online pretty easily.

A little plumber's putty on the threads won't hurt anything.

Did I get it correct?

Yes, you did.

If you're not familiar with magneto headlights, here's a page for you: https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG117.html.

Let's get closer. Screen Shot 2023-07-14 at 2.46.07 PM copy.jpg A "The felloes were changed to 'square' instead of being rounded, apparently in late 1917 or early 1918 according to a letter dated April 16, 1918 at the Ford Archives." B The hub appears caked with mud, but I think it has the machined...

Analyze this. You've seen it many times. Washington DC, 1922.

Why is none of the glass even cracked? What's the canvas thing on the cowl? Is the "stick" on the top really a stick? What year is the car?

...the colour (sic) cast looks different... [/size] To me it looks like a typical sepia toned print of a b&w photo. It appears to be a slow film, with a few cars and several people moving quickly enough to not be "captured" by the film. [/size] Yes, fast films over ASA 100 are a recent development....

If I had to pick one likely reason for an original radiator to overheat, it would be Pat's #3: 110 years of vibration loosening the fins from the tubes. In such a case it's toast. Boiled toast perhaps, but toast nonetheless. Such was the case with my 1915. What to do? I realize this is wildly unpop...

Yes, I used one of these: IMG_1882 copy 2.JPG Considering the sage advice above and my own inclinations, I believe I will test before each driving season and before each big trip. If I find that's too much I can cut back. I hope I can take some time next winter to learn coil rebuilding and have hal...

Mike Bender offers fabulous videos...

Next best thing to being in his shop with him.

The old plate will be only one on the car and will be referenced in the registration. The new plates will be kept in the car. I hope that is true! [/size] Most states have a Year of Manufacture law that allows old cars to be registered with original plates. But the details of requirements and proce...

My simple visual/verbal-oriented mind is in awe of you guys who understand and can discuss electronics without a trace of MEGO. I may learn how to rebuild a coil, but that doesn't mean I'll fully understand it.

Thanks to Mike Kossor, who noticed my remark that coils don't need to be checked often. He suggested they could get out of adjustment quicker than I thought. So I did some testing. From my 1915: Of the four coils and a spare, one capacitor tested excellent and four were good. On the coil/dwell test...

If this is the same block it's been drastically changed.

I don't know about inches, but "two gallons of gas is plenty but one is not enough".

I didn't realize this was an ongoing problem, not a sudden one. In that case, yes a recharge of weak magnets might be just the thing. Another possible cause of a weak magneto is too big a gap between the magnets and the coil ring, caused by excessive crankshaft end play. Check for that with gentle ...

...and be sure the fan belt isn't running against the timer cover.

If all else fails: https://www.modeltford.com/item/3524-25T.aspx

My mag looks fine visually. Does it just need to be recharged? [/size] Very unlikely. It may be weak and need a recharge, but that's not a reason for it to suddenly go too weak to run the engine. If I installed a new mag post and the mag output was suddenly weak, I would start there. Did the engine...

In this situation I would not spend the £400 or more for an ECCT or the likely £500 to £600 or more for a good HCCT. I would have an experienced professional test, possibly rebuild, and adjust the coils. If it turns out that you later take on rebuilding coils regularly, that's the time to invest in...

Most people won't or can't tell the difference and that's a shame. [/size] I don't know if it's most, but a lot of folks don't notice details. They mix different sizes of fasteners in the same bin because they can't tell the difference. They use a crappy camera because they can't see how bad their ...

...what's the best way (from home) to set the gaps to something that will work ? [/size] Not only for this, but for maintaining a T in general, you should have the MTFCA Electrical System book and the other books in the series (Engine, Transmission, Axles, etc.) They tell you what to do in greater ...

I use brass nuts there. No chance they will rust in place. Are they strong enough? Yes.

Whether coils out of adjustment are the cause of your problem or not, I would have them checked and adjusted by a pro. Tuckett Brothers are only about 125 miles from you.

J & M, MA; Joe Bell, OH; Mike Bender, OK; Ross Lilleker, TX.

The list covers only chassis parts, including Ruckstell and TT. Body fasteners are a whole other subject.

Are you sure all four cylinders are firing? Running on two or three cylinders certainly gives you reduced power. Do the screwdriver test. With the engine running, ground out each spark plug in order. If you ground a plug and it slows the engine, that cylinder is firing. If you ground a plug and it ...

...up to 1916 the holley had the 2 screws on the top plate a center drain and changed to the 3 screw and a bowl drain in 17. [/size] Bruce and the MTFCI Guidelines show the Holley G arriving on 1914 cars. The Guidelines show Patent Pending on the top plate until the end of 1914, then Pat Dec 1914 ....

I think end play is unlikely with less than ten thousand miles on the rebuild. I'll check some of the other things.

Last year on the first day of my annual Detroit trip by 1915 runabout the magneto quit working. The car was dead in the road. I restarted on battery and drove on. Trying the mag again I found it working, but not well. The erratic dimming of the charger light showed that power from the mag was fluct...

I have that list in its original format, but I like what Adrian did to it. I'll keep his version with the earlier one.

...the movie "Show Me 66" About the history of route 66 through missouri. [/size] I believe Missouri is the only state where nearly all of old 66 still exists as state and county roads. I don't count Kansas, as the portion there was only about 12 miles. Long stretches still exist in California and ...

... we had a very good experience having our cars used in the movie. [/size] I expect that would be due to Mr. Scorcese and the other producers. They hire all the folks and set the atmosphere where the work is done. I see this picture will be shown in iMax, so I'll be going up to Wichita to see it....

Oil line from the inspection door, or speedometer cable?

How did you get the cars listed to be in the film?

If I had a car being used in a movie, I would insist on being present. I'm sure the stories of damage through ignorance or lack of care don't happen often, but I'm also sure they do happen.

There is a toothed gear wheel for the starter to engage with once it starts to spin - I presume that should turn when the engine is turned by hand. Is that correct? [/size] If you're referring to the big ring gear on the flywheel, yes. It turns with the engine. When you use the electric starter, th...

Are the Wards Riverside from Eckler's a decent tire? [/size] Yes and no. The link below will explain that. The source of those tires is Lucas, and that's where I would get them if they were my choice. I decided thirty years ago that I would not deal with Mac's/Ecklers again. https://dauntlessgeezer...

I can recommend an ultrasonic cleaner with a suitable solution as a good methodology for cleaning carburetors.

Apparently that varies greatly according to which one you buy. I ended up with one which was a complete waste of money.

I saw the trailer earlier, and it looks like a good one. There are bound to be mistakes (there always are), but with this cast and with Scorcese in charge, I expect it will be a high quality production.

Especially with a parts salad, you need lots of photos. You want close-ups, medium, and long shots from front and back, both sides, and four corners. Show the engine compartment from both sides, hand brake quadrant, firewall, pedals, door hinges, front springs, and rear springs. All of those can be...

With a tendency to overcomplicate, I made my adapter adjustable to put the center of gravity at #4 with transmission on and between #2 and #3 with it off. Like most other T adapters, it has two ⅜" pegs at the bottom and two bolts at the water inlet.

When I removed my chuck to clean it, it was secured with wire as well.

The standard Ford repair kit.

I go with Stutzman for wood felloe wheels, but steel felloe (demountables) are a good DIY project. It's not hard to make a Regan press. https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG108.html You probably won't need to do everything on Milt Webb's list, but he tells you what to check. https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG...

At the pump end of the hose is a clamp from the hardware store.

At the other end I have twisted baling wire. I'm not sure why. I probably broke the real clamp trying to install it.

It's nearly certain that this is an AI Bot. [/size] Probably so, and I don't understand the point of it. What does anybody gain by reviving an old post? I fully understand the Facebook scammers who want to be my friend. They want to take an old man to the cleaners. But this? I don't get it. Is ther...

Don't bet the farm on this, but I think all black would be correct. I left the tube polished brass, but I think it's incorrect. My version of "natural" wheels. :D I was pleasantly surprised to find that the local Ace Hardware had the old style compression clamps you loosen with pliers to install. T...

When the get as bent as that one, I generally toss them aside. [/size] Yes, I tried a few that were warped more than ¼", and broke them all. But Joe Bell suggested doing those halfway, letting them cool overnight, and finishing them the next day. I'll try that next time. IMG_2495 copy.JPG Fortunate...

You need to check this line-up by putting the straight edge along the top of the ports. [/size] IMG_0342 copy.JPG Here's what Allan is describing. Note how #1 and #4 are out of alignment with #2 and #3. A manifold like this should be straightened or replaced. https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG82.html

You can bend a manifold a He!! Easer than If you replace the block, what about the babbitt, cylinder bore, valves and lifters? [/size] Agreed. But the current condition of the engine would decide it for me. If it's due for a rebuild anyway, I'd get a better block. If it's otherwise in good shape, i...

Yes, he's out scouting for parts.

You can probably replace the pin without spending a cent. If you have some little nails, you can make a pin from one.

I assume this is your 1922 touring. I see two possible solutions. 1 make a special shim to fill the gap on #1 (you can forget about bending a manifold to fit); 2 get a block that hasn't been boogered up. 1922 was a very busy model year and Ford made lots of engines. It should not be hard to find a ...

I don't recall ever reading this was put on at the factory?

Yes, that's correct. As the only accessory Henry ever approved, it was sold by Ford dealers.

My experiences with bald tires far from home tell me you decided right. I had one blow out on the way to Detroit last year, and on the way home the ancient spare I was running scared me into having Lucas send a new tire to George's in Missouri for me. Lizzy is getting new rubber all around before I...

Yes, I've seen comments by people who visited the shop. But I would call first.

From the T- prefix I assume those are Snyder's numbers you're using, so I'll do the same. Some people brag on the wonderfulness of the T-3063-CR one-piece gaskets. I'm sure they're fine, but they cost three times the price of the correct Ford style T-3063/64 steel rings with copper crush gaskets wh...

If you go with magnetic lights, be sure the magnets are plenty strong. Especially if you drive country roads, not all magnets will keep the lights in place. After the HF magnetic trailer lights failed, I made my own tail/brake/signal lights that bolt on.

Running board tool box, if you can find one more than 22" long. My box is 22", and the Ford pump almost fits in it.

Are they Ford, or Hayes? It doesn't matter whether the felloes are really Ford, Hayes, Kleenex, or Sal Hepatica, as long as the rims fit them.

Yep. Warford neutral would leave the T transmission disconnected from the drive shaft. That's why an aux transmission requires aux brakes.

Chaffins being the chief source of all things Rucktell, I asked there about dating from serial numbers. Dave says no, no list of numbers and dates survived. It would be neat if somebody found that info, but I don't expect it will happen.

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