MTFCA Forum

Just got the engine in my car and got it on the road recently. I know I should have pulled the front wheels and cleaned and repacked the bearings before I ever took it on the road. But I didn't. Did about 100 mile drive the other day and all was well. I took a short drive a couple of days ago (about 3 or 4 miles) and when I got home the drivers...

It was on this day in 1903 that the Ford Motor Company sold its first car, a two-cylinder Model A. It was sold to a Chicago dentist named Ernst Pfenning, who paid $850 for it. The Model A was painted red, with a seat that fit two people, and no roof. It reached 28 mph at top speed. The Ford Motor Company had organized just a month earlier. There...

I found this on one of the FB Model T pages.

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The owner said he's considering getting new tires and tubes. :D

My 23ish Touring had what I would describe as a severe fan hub wobble; it was really flopping all over the place.

Being a lazy, lazy man I tried giving it about 15 pumps of Red N Tacky on the grease gun. That seemed to firm it up pretty good so I was very happy with myself.

As you are surely aware, that fix lasted about 5 minutes and threw a...

Has anyone tried contacting Eckler's this week or last? All I get are recordings; no one is answering any phone or responding to emails. Dialing any extension only gets a recording saying The person at extension XXXX is not available.

???

Finally getting around to going through the differential in my 1919 Runabout.
Wondering how good are the thrust washer roller bearings that have been around for many years.
Yes I know the preferred original style brass thrust washers seem the best type to use going by past posts but somebody still must use the roller bearing type as they still...

casket car.JPG

My 1917 Touring didn't have a top on it when I bought it, just the rotting remains of the top bows. Some of the bows may have been original but others were obviously made by a previous owner.

As I prepare to install my new top bows, I have questions about the footman loops. Since I'm pretty sure the ones on the old bows were installed by a...

New rebuilt engine starts & runs good for two or three minutes then it seams to tighten up and the engine slowdown until it dies. It will start right back up and do the same thing. What do you all think.

Going through T parts I’ve had since the late 60’s I saved the borderline parts and stored them out of the weather. I may thin things down some more but I saved this pre starter flywheel. So far! When did Ford use this style of magnet clamps. These are different than the later style that’s usually seen and are earlier.

I'm wrapping up replacing the rotten and/or missing wood in my 24 Touring and I've come to the vertical wood slats at the back of the rear tub .

These are the ones that the rear backrest seat spring will lay against.

My question: how are they secured at the top and bottom? I see four holes down low on a structural piece that look likey they're...

We are very pleased that the Museum reopened this morning! After being closed 112 days (but who's counting!) it feels great! Kathy & David Tagert were our first visitors, so we are open for business!

Our intrepid volunteers have been hard at work in the past month to finish off the Show Room, Sales Office, Parts Department, and update the old...

Can someone tell me the size of the rivet that goes thru the X pattern top bow straps in a 1911 top? Thanks, Art

I recently purchased a lovely set of 5 Buffalo wheels and hubs/caps.
The caps look nickel plated.
The wrench supplied with them is like a flat piece of steel approx a foot long with two lugs protruding that fit into the holes on the cap which obviously operates the internal locking mechanism.
Previously I have seen knock on caps with the wings or...

New accessory coming tomorrow..... 502F6A05-AA5C-413D-BF19-EBA95913157B.jpeg

Well, I decided not to let a sleeping dog lie (idiot!!!). I had a minor grease leak from the rear passenger outer seal and decided it needed to be addressed (can you hear the can of worms opening yet??? 😊). I had all the parts I need so I pull everything out. That’s when I discovered this little gem (note the braised repair to the torn metal near...

Art & myself love impromptu tours. Today he said let's go to Peru (Ohio that is!) So off he, myself and Jim went, after we met at the township hall near my house. Great day, great touring all over the middle of nowhere, and a neat stop at a new coffee shop/antique shop in this tiny little place out in the boondocks. Called Pioneer Spring...

Good morning All,

I am working on a 1912 engine and should like to clean up the brass magnet clamping screw thread in the flywheel.
As I was looking for a tap to do this at my usual dealer and couldn't find it . The 14/24 tap or the 1/4-24 tap was unknow.
Where can I find this? (I am living in Belgium)
What does it mean 14/24? Is 24 the number of...

Hi, John again. You may have noticed my dumb questions in the past. Here's another. I recall watching a YouTube video claiming that the model t engine can be in TERRIBLE condition and still run. I already addressed the question on speed vs the engine, now I'd like to know what kind of major problems a T can have and still run. A modern car will...

I know I'm stirring the hornets nest, but I have a legitimate oil question.

Lately I'm finding synthetic oil is as affordable and sometimes cheaper than conventional oil. So in my recent oil change I used 5w30 synthetic (4 QTs for only $8).

I seem to recall a passing comment that synthetic can cause transmission bands to not catch. Is there...

Pictured are 2 drive shafts exactly aligned at the pinion gear end. One is noticeably longer than the other. Which one is right for a 1925 motor with a 1926-27 differential? The longer one came off of my Touring parts salad car of unknown history when I first took it a part and had all kinds of bizarre hacks on it to make it work. The second one...

Has anyone here either completed, or know someone who has completed, a coast to coast journey across America in a Model T? Using US Route 50 for example. Any articles or writings about such a trip out there?

I’m curious about the logistics. For example, would you think a Ruckstell axle and Rocky Mountain brakes would be a necessity? How many...

I'm looking for a small drum Ruckstell for my 1913 touring. I'd like to keep the 12 rivet passenger side differential half so the car is period correct...(yes, I'm one of those guys)... I've seen that the Ruckstell has to be modified for the early closed spool differentials.... can anyone explain to me what modifications are required? And.... if I...

hi need to know about oil dippers for scat rods

does anyone have any pics of how and/or where they keep their documents and wallets and cell phones ?
I have a homemade depot hack body and im trying to come with a creative way to store this stuff. id like to get a vintage ford little metal box or something like that
any ideas?
thanks

My oldest daughter Sarah has been accompanying me since last Monday on a cross country trip from California to the East Coast.

Today she had the opportunity to experience the kindness that has been extended to me over the years by so many Model T Family Members 👋

Sue & Mark in Albuquerque set a lunch table of golden beets w/ goat cheese &...

What is the difference in diameter, length, and spring pressure of Model T, Model A, and flathead V8 valve springs? If a owner wanted slightly more spring pressure to run with a high lift cam, could A or V8 springs be used if they provided higher spring pressure and were compatible in size? Would using stock reproduction springs with shims be...

I got the entire drive line of my '27 re-built, and I noticed when I put the rear wheels back on, that the cotter pin holes to lock the castle nuts on the tapered end of the new (2505HS) axles were in the wrong place. The old axles had the holes about 3/8 from the end of the thread,l and the new ones have a hole at about 3/4 . The nuts cover up...

Just got these hand brake and motor crank parts back from AW Custom Plating in Eastpointe Mi. The brass clarity and finish quality is excellent. These parts had been ruined by a previous vendor to the point where another shop would not touch them. Many thanks to Steve at AW, who described what he needed to do to rework the finish, and who did a...

A number of years ago a gentleman here on the mtfca site by the name of Rodger Erickson was making all brass Jno. Brown model 19 headlights. Does anyone know how to get a hold of him? I’m wondering if they’re still making them. Or: does anyone have an original set that is in good condition that they are interested in selling? I do not need the...

I have the window regulators that I removed from a 1927 Coupe. I notice that the Roller on the end of the actuating arm does not move. Shouldn't this rotate so it doesn't wear in the window track? Is there supposed to be a roller attached to it somehow? It would seem to me that with raising and lowering the window, this part would eventually slice...

I was just reading the the 1926 KR Wilson tools catalog and saw the ad for the dynamometer on page 54. Does anyone have one of these or know of any that are still around. I would like to build or purchase one. Thanks

I read that borax will get rid of them but will it corrode my car? I would rather not have to take all the wood out if I don’t have to. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

What's the best way to remove the two little rivets that secure the thin brass nameplate to the cast iron NH Holly carburetor body without damaging the nameplate?

image.jpg f image.jpg image.jpg A pin dent tool is the easiest, least destructive way I have ever used to get the little pins out. Almost every body shop has one and I bet they would help you out, just for the bragging rights. Around here the pin tools are around $100 at pawn shops. Harbor Freight has them and the pins.

Can't figure out this popping sound.

Ignition timing? Too far advanced? Retarded?

Here is a photo that a friend got off the AACA forum. My guess because of the logo on the gas tank, it was probably owned by a dealer.

F9A4EA62-AF3D-4C59-B858-6A4F11CDDBEC.jpeg . Taking the wheels off this old trailer to see if they’re salvageable. The axle housings have been welded on, but are the early style with the flanges. Are these rare enough to save or just throw them on the scrap pile?

I realize this ad belongs in the classifieds section, but I am reaching out here in hopes some of you have not seen this ad and have what I need?
I am in urgent need of good used rebuildable coil cores.
I have customers who want rebuilt coils for their Model T's, but have no cores to send me.
Looking to buy large or small stashes of used...

How do I make the forum print larger and bold. Some of the treads have such small print they are hard to read. I tried the computer size thing which worked on other sites and print but not this forum

Hello,

I have ordered a new radiator from Brassworks. I want to ensure this beautiful and critical component of the Model T has any preparation completed necessary to ensure its long life. Obviously, I’m concerned about rust or debris in the block which could be an issue.

I searched previous threads and ran across this one:

It mentioned to...

While my 26 engine and trans were out I removed the clutch spring to test (96lb's), the pressure plate, and the clutch discs.

The discs are original style and all looked fine with minor discoloration, except for two which had about a dime sized build up of carbon.

I removed the carbon using a plastic scraper and some sandpaper, thoroughly...

Hey guys,

I inherited my dad's 1916 Touring. I would like some of you to go over the pictures and tell me what's right, what's wrong and anything else you might add.

To begin with it is a 1916 (1222277), I have the original engine in my garage. It currently has a 1924 engine in it for ease of starting. It is 6 volt. I have changed out the spark...

Does Anyone Know Where This TT Truck Is?

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There is a discussion on an aftermarket KW Switch today. Here are some photos of an authentic original KW Box that I've had for years, and started restoring it a month ago, with Randall Andersons guidance. I've rebuilt a half dozen of them over the years, but have never refinished one. I used Minwax Helmsman spar varnish, and put 5 coats on it,...

I think the corners of my turtle deck are cracking due to shrinkage of the boards underneath. I can reduce the tension by making the holes bigger. Now what should I do about the cracks; brazing or welding?

Howdy all,

So I've gone and bought a pair of 5.00x23 tires for the rear axle of my 1925 TT project, which *I think* are correct for the 23 split rims I have. For the front axle, I used the turnbuckle trick in the mounting bosses to pull in on the rim, but the rear rims have no bosses through which I could run a turnbuckle... By hand, I can't...

I enjoy collecting and studying Model T engine blocks and seeing if I can find something interesting. It is especially fun when I discover one that is different from the normal expectations. I recently found and bought this 1916 block and I thought I'd share the find. At first glance you might be wondering what makes this block special - I didn't...

As I approach the completion of the reinstallation of the engine in my 23(ish) Touring one of the last obstacles is the radiator.

Removing the hoses was a HUGE pain, so much so that I just cut them off.

Now that I'm about to install my freshly cleaned and sealed radiator I'd like to ask:

1. Is there a right way to do this? any tips to minimize...

Trying to help a non computer friend sell a few things. This carbide generator is one of them. Can u guys give me an idea of what we should ask for it. It does have a crack in the side. Thank you in advance your help

I finally got the driveshaft and differential fixed (I think). When I lowered the body on to the rear spring, It was very hard to see if the spring center bolt went into the hole in the frame cross member. Now one side of the body ('27 touring) sits a couple inches higher than the other. Question: How do you get the body centered on the spring?...

Hello Guys.
Today we watched a very good show on the History Channel about Henry Ford. Some footage I haven’t seen before
which was surprising! The footage showed Edsel unveiling a plaque that read “this is the site of the birthplace of the Ford Motor
Vehicle”It appeared to be a newish building with walls highly polished greyish stone. Edsel...

I was hit by a distracted driver a few weeks ago and thought I'd write a few words on the progress in getting this car back on the road. The insurance co totalled the car as the repair estimate I provided exceeded the $10,000 agreed coverage. They gave me a non-negotiable salvage buyback of $2800 which I accepted knowing I could do the chassis...

A friend of mine has a 1927 TuDor. He has wood spokes with 21 inch rims. He needs to replace those rims with better ones. Are they all interchangeable? Or are they like clinchers - Hayes, Kelsey, Ford, etc? What might be a good source for him to get replacements? We are in Milwaukee.

Any suggestions on the best choice of spark plugs for the Model B Rajo head. Thread is for 1/2 pipe but I can use 14mm adapters. What would be the best choice of plugs? Running a DU4 magneto, where should the plugs be gapped? Did a search on the topic but didn't find anything definitive. Thanks

Just letting anyone that is interested know. I have a new batch of top tapered reamers done. I have sent a couple emails to people that were waiting. If you are needing one let me know. Will post a new ad on classified page also. Yes, there is a price increase. Sorry, not my doings. Dan

I have a slug of the black stuff the vendors sell for the purpose, but I am looking for guidance on how to work with it. I have a lathe. I have some expanding mandrels to take emery cloth cylinders like a drum sander. I have a band saw, and a Dremel kit. What else might I need and how should it be used?

Allan from down under.

Disclaimer: I'm not for one minute naïve to assume I can fully stop rear end leaks with a pressed steel clamshell rear end.

That said, I put this rear end together with only Permatex Black silicone (no clamshell gasket), and must say it does a reasonably good job...every 2 weeks or so, I get a very small oil drip at the bottom of the seam...

According to the Price List of Parts for 1909, the front spring is composed of seven leaves. What am I missing here? Can someone help me with this and if I am missing something I would like to acquire it. Thanks Front Springs - Tapered.jpg

Hello,

There is no MTFCA chapter in Georgia... I saw in a thread from a couple years ago, Robert Brough expressed some interest in seeing if there were enough folks in North Georgia to start one up.

Robert, are you out there or any other T folks in North Georgia who have heard anything on this front? Or anyone in Georgia have an interest?...

I regret to inform everyone that due to increasing rates of Covid-19 infection and the real possibility of even stricter restrictions in Michigan, the 2020 Michigan Jamboree has been postponed to 2021.

Next year's Jamboree will be held in Michigan's northern Thumb, just as we had planned to do this year.

Registrants will automatically receive a...

Will any overhead valve head fit in 27 coupe without firewall modification?

Thanks

Richard

Can you tell me how to check Magnito field coil ring On bench? ( not on motor )

I am looking for a head for my 23. Anyone near Sudbury MA have one?

I told KD that he surely is “ Dorian Gray “ .... ;)

Ray Wells thinks it has been 40 years they have known each other - that seems to be right around the average friendship - so KD has to be at least 89 years old ... :(

If you have bought or sold Model T parts - particularly the early years - chances are KD was involved at some point.

Watching...

I have never meet so many kind, generous, diversity of backgrounds, in people as I have meet thru this club! The over all impression is the car first, keep your ego at home, “Hey, check out what I found out” attitude! I am looking forward in meeting more of you in the future! I am very humbled and proud of the day to day operations and ethics...

The guys at Model T Haven sent me a spare tire carrier for my 1924 Roadster. I have searched in the Service Manual, Parts Catalog, and here for information on how it mounts to the rear cross member. Anyone have any better photos than shown on page 16 of the Service Manual? What is the type and length of the 8 mounting bolts that attach to the...

I saw this for sale on eBay. This looks more robust than the usual chain links. Was this an aftermarket accessory, a non-T speedometer chain or one for a T I’m not familiar with?

Since I've been driving my 27 coupe around more, including a trip to Tombstone this morning, I decided I need to start checking the fuel level occasionally. I haven't had much luck with the paint stick method. I tried a few other things, and decided that it needs to have a nice porous but high contrast surface, and also have a way to prevent me...

Just wanted to say that I noticed a difference in performance by switching my stock intake manifold to the High Volume intake manifold. I run a texas T modern carb. Anyone else have a similar experience?

Tim Williams

I am not getting increased speed when shifting from low to high gear. Seems the clutch is slipping.
Assuming the 3 clutch finger screws are identical in length, I believe the protrusion of each screw from the finger is to be the same. A sketch is attached of what I discovered before I prepared to adjust the clutch disc pressure. The sketch shows...

What is the best way to cure play in the steering gear case to steering column. I have replaced the rivets but that didn't improve things much. I suspect the holes are worn. Are oversize rivets/bolts the answer? By the way it's a 27 if it make a difference.

I don't know if there is already posted about these videos.

I came across a very amazing YouTube series, and I thought I would share.

Ep. 1 “Ambushing a Model T” | Shifting History

They are shot at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.
The YouTube page states there will be 9 videos total, one every Tuesday.
There are already 2 episodes...

So I was watching some videos concerning the shimming of the magneto and one of the things the guy said was to align the Main Shaft of the transmission and Crank Shaft. Seems like it can go on 180 degrees different. How is this alignment done and why is it important?

Today I met two people for the 1st time. Jay Bolante and Hank Lee. Jay has a very nice C cab TT and live about 45 minutes from me. Hank came to pick up his sail boat. He brought me some goodies for the TT and it didnt take me long to put him to work. 20200714_170218.jpg
All the photos of Hank was with his head down working on something....

Hey all, I grew up around T's and have been riding in them my whole life, I now am fortunate enough to share this passion with my son , he is 5 and loves going for rides and working on the T's. Recently after a ride this weekend his mother (my ex) has shown great displeasure in him riding in the car without a carseat or seatbelts, hours of...

I'm posting this on behalf of Mike Francis, the owner of Classtique. People in this hobby are unaware that their are TWO types of top material for Model T Fords. The colonial grain which is a nice substitute replacement type top material, and Turf Grain, which is as close to the original grain that is available today. Many years ago, Steve Coniff...

It's time to change the low speed band material on my 26.
The problem is the fellow who last replaced the bands did it while the transmission was out of the car, and apparently he installed the band's backwards, with the removable ear on the side opposite from the pedals.
Does this mean the hogshead had to come off?

Dave

You Can't Make This Stuff Up.jpg
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, I posted a want ad in the antique car classifieds. See, I was shopping around for a Brass Model T Ford, something I'd wanted since I was a kid. Well, middle age hit, my daughter was grown up and with the credit cards mostly paid off, it was time to pull the trigger.

So I...

This is to publicly thank Scott C. for is help on finding out my Mag problem. It is the 3rd main. For those of you who surmised this, congrats you were right. Now to fix it. Thanks Scott C.

I am wondering about arc welding(DC) can hurt the magnets. I'm about to do a small repair on the frame close to the engine,
and would like to hear your opinion. Thanks.

I have just converted the emergency brakes on my '26 roadster to works as service brakes as well. I modified an old stock T cross shaft mounted about 6 behind the regular cross shaft with an adjustable link to the brake pedal and two arms to connect to the new service brakes. I removed the original steel brake rods, saved the ends, and replaced...

I will post some photos later/ A friend helped me and we pulled the engine, all original (except for the time plate). He is retired and has time. He is a great mechanic, but his occupation was as a research historian. He is also a great carpenter and he replaced one of my side decks and stairs in two days for the cost of lumber. he smoothed out...

Three of us are planning a trip with one Model T to the Georgia Mountains from Juli 17 through 25. We are planning on spending 2 days in Thomaston then head to the Clarkesville area passing through Stone Mountain. Are there any ModelTers familiar with any of those areas who could suggest points of interest? Rich 561-262-0393

So something has been nagging in the back of my head for a while. When I got my TT all body work and paint had been done. On a whim, I decided to go up to that attic and unwrap one of the front fenders and sure enough no mounting holes have been drilled and the mounting brackets haven’t been installed. Such a shame because it’s all been painted...

Does anyone know where I can get the correct flat brass brackets for a 1910 T that hold the windshield spacer board to the dash? The suppliers seem to only sell the later style with the bump in it.

What is the weight ?

I received a new tool for the shop a few days ago. It is a tool I purchased before Chickasha that was going to be delivered to the swap meet. Well we know how that turned out. Thanks to three very good Model T folks, the stand has made it from Colorado, to Tulsa, then on to Dardanelle Arkansas and then on to me. Thanks so much to Nick, Mike, and...

It's time to move along with another restoration, and this 1916 Coupelet is my latest project. The car was purchased by Mike Walker, who had worked on the chassis, but did not get the body completed when I purchased the car from him. I had Ray Wells re-wood the body and had my good friend massage the body panels and paint the car in Limco Ultra...

Is there a resource that depicts what T pricing was through the years of production.? It's easy to find what the lowest OEM price was.... but wondering for instance what Ford was charging in the first or second quarter of 1915 for a touring car.

Thank you in advance!

I have been trying to narrow down what I picked up this weekend for a project I have. It was on the front of a TT frame but the castle nuts on the spring holder didn’t even have a key in it so it was probably swapped out at one point.

Axle T-202 with a W without a circle on it no ford logo found on it.
Steel oiler caps on the top of the spindles...