MTFCA Forum

I am just finishing a long and difficult restoration of a 1936 Ford Cabriolet for a client in the Seattle area. The one thing left to find is an original hood ornament, either a NOS or one that can be restored. We have in this area a plater that can do wonders with old parts. If any of you have an original NOS ornament or one that could be fixed...

HELP!
I am the in the process of swapping rear ends. I really hurt my ruckstell.
Long story short. I pick up an original '26-'27 rear end so I can go to the Texas T-party.
Well Now I need some original style rear hubs. See the pictures.
Any idea where I can pick up a set, or does anyone have a picture of what I am really looking for?
Any idea...

I FINALLY found why my Hack is fuel starved and I almost don't believe the reason why.

The carb which was relatively new and a known good source and not one of my own rebuilds turned out to be the evil one. It had checked out fine on the bench during all the foibles and red herring work sessions. A while back when the carb was cleaned as part of...

I posted also on the AACA Forum - was hopeful to find more info on this great Model T advertising fan I recently acquired. I'm guessing the car is 1919-20. Lack of sidelamps is a giveaway on the 1919 or later date. It's of course an artist rendering which can often complicate more precise dating. Your guesses appreciated.
Also - looking at the...

I’m a guy who only has use of one leg....so working on de-gunking dirty fuel system has driven me nuts and taken months since I can only get down and under 2 times and can’t use a creeper and then spend 2 days recovering...lol

To save my mind and a trip under....is this Open or Closed ? I’m having a brain-spasm today 🤔

Steve, if I head for Auburn I will miss you. I left the north side of Milwaukee this AM and got as far as the Indiana dunes. I drove around Chicago because I did not want to drive thru Gary. Unfortunately the system will not let me add photos from my phone. Passed a farm where a guy had at least a doZen old gas pumps outside including one or more...

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?

A friend came by yesterday with a Ford jack for me. It is manufactured by Buckeye, with the Ford block lettering. Do you know if this would be used on a 1911 model? I am looking for a handle for this jack. MODEL T FORD JACK 1.jpg

Need a nickel plater in michigan for bumper bars. Anyone have a good experience with someone?

I am building an OHV engine and I want to know should I bother spending the money in a SCAT crank or not? I know this is a topic that has been visited many times before but no one ever gives a straight answer. I have the $$ to buy one, but is it actually superior to a stock Ford crank. I have been told the new SCAT cranks are made from soft...

Another video of the MTFCA Highland Rim Tour that was based out of Cookeville, Tennessee in mid-August.

I am getting Henrietta ready for our National Tour in Maryborough, Queensland in early October and have discovered some concerning noises. There is a knock when the motor is free wheeling. It goes away when under load, either on acceleration or on trailing throttle. All of a sudden it has become much louder, and there is considerable tappet noise...

293295.jpg can this be done when converting to 12 volts

I was just searching for an old file for a friend and came across this article. Around 1997 when I was assisting Gus Stangeland in administering the MTFCA forums one of the jobs I undertook was posting stories from members. I jump started submissions by posting a few stories of my own. This ondetailed how I obtained Rusty, my second model T Ford...

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 about it via email but wondered if anyone else has...

I have never been able to get the search function to work on this website, so if this question has been asked and answered a million times already, make it a million and one!
The friend's Coupe engine with the piston problems has what appears to be almost new rod bearing Babbitt. Hurray! Something done right on this car - finally! Someone has also...

Hi all
I have been helping my friend Bob Benner work on his TT truck that he acquired earlier this year. It is a work in progress that he hopes to give a new life and use as a truck around his farm also to give hayrides and take to the occasional parade and such. It has a ruckstell rear end that I believe has the five to one gears in it. It has...

Sept 21-22 will be our 51st. annual AACA Swapmeet at the Ranch aka Larimer County Fair grounds … this meet will have a variety of early thru late model cars and parts … myself and several other regional Model T and Model A vendors will have a good selection of parts onsite … always an optimist ...Gene French 970-581-2808

I am stockpiling parts for my early 14 touring (late Oct 1913) while the engine is being rebuilt. Is the current reproduction exhaust manifold correct for an early 14 T? I am trying to keep the car as year correct as is easily possible.

CA67213C-3016-428F-A018-84E3F7351733.jpeg What’s are the correct markings on a early 1912 front axle. Here is what I got. Or is it what is pictured in the first photo. Thank you in advance.
Michael

Is there any information on JWB 520 headlights?

Sometimes fate just lands in your lap.

I was at my local hardware store a few weeks ago when “George” was running and a guy comes up to me and immediately knows what the car is and even what year it is, As I’m sure you all can relate, that is highly unusual, and so I engage in an informed and lively discussion. Well, after a while he asks if I...

20190902_174839.jpg
Im happy for the family at the auction but too pricey for me. my buddy's and I drove 1 1/2 hrs east to my backup plan. This 18 cutoff touring came flying out of the semi trailer and into my trailer! A few other bits and said goodbye to Fred and headed home. I have my growler to go with my armature lathe now also. A great day...

I have a 6V battery backup on an F to aid in easy starting. It will start on mag when warm, but it starts easier on battery. There is a knife switch from a hot shot battery box that allows me to switch from the magneto to battery or open the knife for off. The original setup just had a single wire from the magneto post to the coil box, and the...

Hershey AACA Fall Meet is approaching. We are officially not bringing regular reproduction items to sell on the field. We want to show off and sell some of the wonderful used items that Don Lang has had hidden away for many years. We will be bringing a large array of Used and New Old Stock items to sell as well as your pre-orders. So this means if...

I recently got back a model T that had a frame off restoration. Drove it for 6 to 7 miles. The high speed clutch was slipping quite a bit by the time I got home. I believe a jack rabbit clutch was installed. Opened the trans cover, found some other issues. What I would like to know is, should the starting adjustment on this clutch be the same as...

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.

Gentleman,
my name is Joel and I live in Cupertino Ca. I need to get my old 23 Runabout from Southern California to Cupertino.
I sold it a number of years ago and the new owner was kind enough to call me and offer her back...it broke my heart to sell it then and am thrilled to get her back. The issue is I am having trouble getting things together...

Hello everyone.

Is they or is they not any othern folk from Oklahoma here? Just curious...

Best regards from Mounds, Oklahoma!

Mark

from the syndicated Walt Kelly comic strip Pogo , sung to the tune of Row Row Row Your Boat :

Roar, or owe yogurt
Jennie Dawn Arlene!
Warily hairily verily scarily
Lycra butter spleen!!

Today I purchased a front axle from a friend because the one that came on the car I am restoring had stripped threads on the passenger side lower fork hole. I sand blasted the area to clean up the kingpin holes and surfaces where are the spindle bushing flanges ride and discovered an interesting fix to an old problem. Namely stripped threads in...

I am restoring a 1924 Model TT truck and I have some questions about installing a thrust washer in the rear end between the differential housing and rear axel drive gear. What I am planning to do is machine (clean up smooth) the surface on the differential housing and axle drive gear then add a thrust washer to set the correct gear mesh between...

Hello. I have just joined the hobby and own two model Ts. My favorite one is a 1915 touring. I've been doing a lot of tinkering and repairing and a lot of CRANKING to get the ol' gal on the road. anyway, I got my first FREE start last night! I have to say, at 70 years old, It was a feeling like I haven't had in a L-O-N-G time, if you catch my...

We were at Mercer Moravian Pottery and Tile Works Museum in Doylestown, Pa. today.

As we were heading down the staircase toward the kiln area, my eye was caught by this Model T Ford engine sitting on a little makeshift chassis.

I have seen videos and pictures of how farmers and sawmill folks hooked these up to a belt to power various machinery...

Our T has grease zerks instead of grease pots. I'm pumping some grease in periodically, but how do I know if there's enough/too much? I have no real experience with a grease gun so it's a new science to me. I give it a few pumps, but never really know when to stop.

Is it possible to overdue it or can I pump some in every time I take her out? We...

Our little community just built a park/play ground a couple of miles from our house. This evening my wife and I picked up some chicken on the way and tried out the new fancy aluminum tables. They're great! We didn't play on the play ground though. Maybe next time dear , she said. 20190903_190718.jpg

Finally got mamma in the T today! Went to granny’s and did some work for her birthday. Photo credit to dad. Mama said that he be better not be taking out picture but I love it. Nothing but smiles all day! I was looking at the neighbors yelling out in approval.

Hello everyone.

I'm new to all things T as far as the hobby goes. After being introduced to them by a friend who loves and restores speedsters
he asked me what style of T I was drawn to. After some thought I came up with two, and that's as specific as I can get. The Roadster/
Pickup appeals to me because of the practicality of the pickup bed in...

All of the presenters of this years jamboree would like to thank all the attendees who came to Heath Ohio for the annual Labor Day weekend tour! We had a good group of 100 cars. With the exception of a few showers on Sunday morning, the weather was great.
Thanks to the John Harper family for organizing the tour and laying out the routes and...

I need to beg, borrow, or steal two rear wheels for a day. I need to move my car to CHP for inspection. My wheels are being re-wooded and won't be ready in time. Los Angeles area.

What kind of brakes do I. have? There is just one brake shoe that goes almost all the way around. It compress around the outside of the brake drum instead of normal brakes that have 2 shoes that expand outward contacting the inside of the brake drum. IMG_20190824_135719391.jpg

Where is the location of the focus adj. screw on the early 1918 headlights? Center top or on the left side

Have an oil leak on my TT at ball joint , (wrong name most likely) where drive shaft meets rear of transmission. Can the seal at this location be changed or repaired without pulling the engine or the rear end?
It slowed down when I greased the fitting there but came back with a few driving miles. Not much help in service manual. Thanks.

This is the oldest photo I have of our Canadian 1913. According to what I have found out about the car and it's serial number, it may have been built in Sept/Oct of 1912. The original owner's documents which I have says John Horman of Tavistock, Ontario, bought it in the fall of 1912. The results are interesting. I still have all the original side...

The Chassis Assembly of my 1909 Touring predated the Car Assembly by a full 2 months. Recent discussion of developmental features caused me to revisit my Build Sheet where this information is recorded. This duration sounds especially lengthy, suggesting that the Piquet Avenue plant was either jam packed with partially constructed inventory, or...

Interesting reading in a current 2019 Model A parts catalog were they state the Tubes they supply are 100% Butyl Rubber
and NOT a “recycled blend”....

Seems to me that maybe us Model T Owners are the poor cousins who don’t deserve to get 100% Butyl Tubes
For their 30x3 / 30x31/2 or 21” 😡 Alan

I had to lay out and paint for a basement for a new house this morning. I threw all neccesary tools and stakes in and went to work. 20190831_091709.jpg 20190831_091855.jpg

Got a few looks from people pulling into a job in that! I tell them I cant afford a new work truck! 20190831_101306.jpg

Started at 1:30 a.m. and met Dean Yoder at his place about 9:00. Dean did what he does best, quickly rebuilt the roller and the yoke that holds it for our K roadster. In a couple of hours, it was better than new, and off we went. Arrived at the Pink Pallace in Dearborn a few minutes ago.

Now, a week at Benson, and OCF. It doesn’t get much...

I am going to attempt to clean and restore several front wheel hubs. I have a combination of ball and roller bearings. All are old, some loose grease and some dried grease. I need to clean and inspect all the components. I'd like to determine which bearings and races should be replaced. So the key questions are what solvent would you recommend for...

I had a hard time starting my '20 runabout. The lights would work, the horn would work, but I couldn't get it to crank with the starter. I could hand crank it on battery. I figured it was the battery since it was over 4 years old. Then last week the horn wouldn't work as well as the lights. So, I took myself to the local Tractor Supply today and...

Checking out the cotton crop here in West Tennessee.

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Cotton likes the hot weather. The bolls are starting to open. Soon it will be time for defoliation and the fields will be pure white as far as the eye can see.

Though these pictures might help somebody in the future in putting together a Ruckstell Rear End for a Model TT truck. A person still needs to buy and read the MTFCA Ruckstell Rear End book before disassembly and assembly of such rear end.

TT REAR END Ruckstell #1.jpg
Worm Gear needs to be flipped around in picture (it is facing the wrong...

John Regan once said in a post... A few weak magnetos I have seen will put out correct low RPM voltage but then the position of the crankshaft shifts as the engine speeds up the the magneto never develops the higher AC voltage needed at the higher RPM's. Those will tend to indeed increase AC voltage with higher RPM but will just not be able to get...

1925 runabout - Does it make sense that there's continuity between the mag, coil, battery, and light terminals on the back of the switch when the key is on mag and the light switch is on (engine off)? I checked it all about a million times, but I want to make sure things are right to prevent a magneto discharge. Everything seems wired correctly,...

I have fitted an adjustable crank T-3963-AX pulley to the crankshaft and now the ratchet only just connects, it mostly slips off.

What have I done that's wrong?

Last Cantrell-Miller Bearing Race Pullers ready for packing and headed out the door. This was a very rewarding project. Now, on to the next challenge...

Al Champie, a Marin County local T guy, was apparently very active in the Model T world. I now have his impressive collection of Model T parts and hope to carry on where he left off. As soon as I get my car back together using his parts, I’m going to give him a ride.

Does anyone know him?

Jeff

Who are your contacts for repair / parts of ignition switches? Who's that

Today's Hemmings online has a link to a 1993 PPS special on the up and the down sides of Ford's $ 5 a day pay from 1914 to 1932. It has a lot of period film and some 1993 interviews with 1920's employees. Be for warned that, while the almost hour show was very interesting and worth watching it has a negative spin on Ford and Capitalism typical of...

I live 45 minutes from Hershey..never been to the show... If I take my coils to the swap meet, will anybody be there to test them, and sell me rebuilt ones if needed ?

The inevitable happened, my repaired rocker arm stand cracked along the weld. The repair was original to the car when I bought it. I'm soliciting opinions and help. My options as I see them:
Leave it broke, where' s anything going to go? The bolt is hold down the cracked end I can't see the valve/pushrod action moving it? Not planning on red...

After about 35-40 years of storage moves, putzing with body work, my Dad's TT has finally 'spoken up' once again. My 19 year-old grandson brought another friend along yesterday to try our luck at getting the old truck running. Checked the firing order, maybe a coil or two that's sat for too long....? Some stuttering and popping, but we now know...

I have been enjoying Steve's latest adventure posts and those pictures make me want to join in the ride. Even with the rain and the security guard moving him on, it seems like I am missing out on something not being there :-) - Thanks Steve - keep the posts coming!

I can appreciate Steve's frustration with the speedo. I use a mix of Navman units...

Found this photo the other day in an old book, thought that all of you would enjoy seeing this. The morning crank- Ambulance drivers taking their morning exercise in training a t Morristown, NJ. 1917.

Hi All

I recently went through a magneto failure issue that I think others have experienced in the past as well.

My recently restored ’15 Canadian Torpedo ran just fine on magneto through the recent PEI Red Dirt Tour. But when I wanted to go on my solo drive for Sunday morning coffee the magneto suddenly quit 2 miles down the road. Switching to...

I have a 1927 Fordor that I just got back on the road after forty years. I know there are some good front end alignment guys out there. I need help please. The drive train has been completely rebuilt. Newly built ruckstell rear axle, drive shaft and front axle. Steering column has also had a new bushing and pitman arm. I put wire wheels and hubs,...

I am installing what I believe to be a model 160 Stewart speedometer in a 23 touring with 30x3.5 wheels .what is the correct tooth count on the 2 gears at the wheel and is the pivot a 1 to 1 ratio of different? Thanks in advance

Have a 1921 coupe -- gas tank is in trunk. Was having trouble on steep hills with gas starvation, even with almost full tank. Installed an Airtex electric pump with switch to give boost. when needed Car runs fine with pump on. But, pump is supposed to allow gas to flow through when not running. If I switch pump ''off'' engine will run for a few...

I was overhauling the engine of my 1915 Touring car and when the car was back together I sent friends a pix stating done. One of the guys came back and asked me if my car was a wide track to which I answered no, absolutely not. Obviously I didn't have a clue! Today, out of curiosity, I looked up wide track and then measured the front wheel...

I am building the speedster engine. I think I just dodged a bullet today ... Today I was riveting the ring gear bolts in place that hold the ring gear and the 16 spools that Im using for oil slingers. While riveting the bolts one of the triple gear pins fell out. I thought they were in good shape. No wear at all and no signs of looseness. So today...

I’m trying to finish up the top for my 1913 Touring and need to know the location for the side curtain fasteners on the inside of the car. The top that was on the car had several curtain fasteners attached to the inside of the lower edge of the top. That may be correct, but I’m not sure and was wanting to ask the question. Anyone out there with a...

I came across this last night at a good friend's shop because I was in need of a knob for my choke rod. Only a small bit of the box and instructions remain, but what does, appears to be a cool 2 in 1way to adjust your fuel and choke your engine for startup. It was made by the Youngblood Sales and Manufacturing Company Atwood, Kansas. Anybody have...

Tman12 please contact me

I have attached a couple of pictures of the floor on drives side. I have no idea what I need to support the floor where it angles up and fits around the pedals up to the fire wall ???????????????? Any information would be very helpful .

Thanks Mike

I was driving home and the magneto stopped working. After some troubleshooting I pulled off the magneto post and discovered that a stray magnet clamp was disrupting the connection.

I pulled the hogs head off and found the clamp. Luckily I caught this in time before any serious damage was done. Flywheel teeth, gears, and other parts look...

I’m picking up a ton truck chassis next week with this aux transmission and I don’t know anything about it. Anyone have some enlightening information to share?

I was wondering where I could find the correct radiator mounting bolt and nut for an early T. According to sources, the 1909/10 T's had a single heavy head, brass plated mounting bolt that passed from the radiator mounting hole all the way through the frame and fender iron, using a brass castle nut to hold it all together. I know the vendors sell...

I needed something to hold my GPS while driving so I could see it. I did not want to modify the car, so I built a box. It hold a battery and a charger inside, and the GPS sits on top. I painted the entire box black, so the GPS will show clearly. I am not a carpenter, but I want to see how well this works. I should get a cord for my phone, too....

I had used the paper gaskets when I swapped manifolds and a refresh last summer. (I had them) Go figure, the back port let go.
Got some copper rings and the gland rings from Snyder's and swapped them out the other day.
Had a little difficulty getting the center to fit, but thought I got it. Not so, the bottom of the center ports didn't go together...

At the annual Auburn swap meet not that Auburn I found this little treasure. All I need now is a growler. Oh and to finds some belts for this. 20190830_165117.jpg

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.

After a lot of request, here you go folks. I will do my best to show the procedures which work best. But first a little pre-cautions and findings;

Use only USA made parts, ie, original Vega Saginaw Steering Box in good condition or new from a US manufacturer. They start at $350.00 new, used can be found from around $50.00-$100.00 and around...

Was looking at different options for my speedster build. 4:1, 5:1 what gear box... Then I stumbled across this steering quickener . Looks like it makes for an easier conversion and the one shown is a 1.5:1 box, There are other brands & ratios.
Howe Steering Quickener HRE-5225 ends 3/4 in. 36-spline 8in in length 2 5/8 diameter $90 spline coupler...

Is there a supplier for the 2 small nails used in the Ignition coil to hold the cover on?
thank you, Erick

Most of us are familiar with the common Ford script hub puller seen often at swap meets, and other places, but who has seen the one that is shaped like a tee-pee, with a built in striker? Mine has a Ford script, and appears to have the Cleveland Hardware logo on it too. It doesn't have a part number either. I bought mine from a dealer in 1960 for...

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 5/8” wide x 6” long x .030” thick? Or does anyone...

This came in a box of NOS carburetor parts

Is this a long gone after market item or are these extensions still being made ? I'd love to own one for my 27.

Ok i forgotton mix and matching parts
Have late teen closed spool rear end and putting in 26-7 rear end in its place do i need swap the spool
I want use same drive line if possible
Im thinking i need open spool make this swap

I was at work today when I looked up and saw what I believe was a 1914 Model T Touring heading South on State Route 45 between Austinburg and Rock Creek Ohio around 3:15 pm. If your local I would like to meet up with you and if not if you're ever in the area again contact me I live in Jefferson OH.
Beautiful car!

Windshield header.

Ron Jones,
Just checking to see if you received my email responses to your Forum private message? Thanks, Mike Lebsack

Does anyone know where I can purchase the correct size woodruff key that holds the emergency brake lever onto the assembly shaft?