MTFCA Forum

I’ve noticed of late that my timing lever won’t stay put when I drive. It continuously slips upward, costing me power - unless I hold it in place. But I need my hands for the steering wheel and throttle, so holding that timing lever isn’t very convenient. Any tips or ideas on how best to keep that lever put? Thanks in advance.

I've been a huge fan of Time Saver for years. Today I found another use. Timing gears. When I got a newly babbitted block back from the rebuilder and installed the crank and cam with the timing gears installed, it was was evident the gears were too close. They were binding a bit making marks on the large time gear. I tried a number of other timing...

I bought my 27 touring a year ago and havn’t had a moments peace yet. Being new to model T’s the car seemed pretty good but immediately the problems started. I have gone from front to back diagnosing and solving problems, with the help of the ford service manual, a couple of great local T guys and the MTFCA forum. The car had a terrible vibration...

The pinstriped front axle is on my '11 Touring. Note how there are no holes for pop-in oilers, AND how the bottom leaf IS tapered.

The other pictures are of an axle I bought a couple of years ago. It has holes for the pop-in oilers, AND the bottom leaf is NOT tapered.

I'm building a '12; should I buy a new axle just like the one on my '11, or...

In an earlier post, those that responded told me pretty clearly, You have to remove the body of an '11 Touring in order to remove and replace the fuel tank.

Before I undertake that project, I'd like to give cleaning the tank (without removing the body) another try.

My idea is to fill the tank with an appropriate cleaner, then agitate it with a...

Just seeing if I can post a topic. My not so smart phone is giving me grief, and I use it whenever I want to post photos.

Allan from down under.

Just wondering. Is there any help for braking power for my '25? Linkage set, band adjusted but really have to apply a lot of force to slow to a stop. I anticipate a stop well in advance, use low speed compression before braking. What, if any other considerations are there? I've heard good and bad about Rocky Mountain brakes and would invest in...

I saw the photos of the first day Montana 500 T's. Were there others or did I miss them?

Does anyone out there know anything about an aftermarket ECCO carburetor? Looks a lot like a U&J, but has a mixing control similar to an early Kingston controlled by a rod through the dash. Thanks : Bruce

I can try to get the wires attached in the horn button, although their is not much space to attach the wires to their posts.

Cn anyone show an easie wAY to get this to work. attaching to the horn nd batery is simply straight forwrd, but then trying to get the horn bottun functuioning propabiy need some trining. Doues nyone have short video o step...

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Only trouble New day timer.

Today, after ten years of operation, I decided to grease my speedometer chain. First of all, it was almost as clean, and well lubricated as when I put it in, but I thought I'd try something new. I fed the chain in one link at a time, hoping it would come out the other end. It didn't, and I had to remove the whole cable. What happens is the chain...

and into gear. This makes cranking virtually impossible. Starting is only
accomplished by depressing the clutch pedal. What adjustments are needed to
prevent this ?

Is there a certain sealer that should be used to prevent gas drippings when mating brass fittings to sediment bulbs? I'm sure any kind of plumbers tape would simply dissolve.

Dad bought our steel-cab stake-bed TT in 1942. It is to eventually be inherited by my family, then on to an enthused Grandson, and is to stay beyond him with our family. This past Sunday afternoon gave me a glimpse into that future, providing a hint of promise that the TT will flourish.
My Grandson came to work on the truck, bringing along one of...

Last weekend I installed a new (old stock) radiator on my 27 Tudor. Install went well and I took the opportunity to upgrade a few parts on my fan as well. I also removed the water pump that someone had installed on my T and went back to the stock pipe system. Driving the car several times since then, I have noticed some noises coming from my...

There is nothing that runs like one of these! They came in a variety of sizes for different racing engines. Ed Winfield worked for Miller before he went on his own building his carburetors. They were similar but the Miller is a lot simpler and probably IMHO better adapted to T's.

Notice the Master manifold. I have only seen one other of those,...

Thought I'd share these unusual parts.
Pulled the Sept. 1922 engine out of my 1915 cut down touring today. This car is nice and cobbled together, a real farmer's special.

Two interesting items or accessories of note on the car are the two different 'Crank case repair arms' used in place of the riveted rear engine mounts. The original engine...

What is the Ford way to route the headlight wiring on a 1920 roadster? We have a separate harness for left and right sides.

My new tools
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These were on a friend's car when he bought it.
First
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I have a 26 coupe. Does anyone use any kind of sealer between the rubber gasket and the body metal? Also the qtr window I've tried so far doesn't make an even contact all around. I've cleaned the channel well so there isn't any junk in it but it still isn't making good contact. Any suggestions
Thanks

Has any one researched what kind of steel is used in the magnets for the alternator on the model T? It would be interesting to try to make one. Your input would be appreciated. Thanks Jim

Tinkering in the shop this morning before it got hot. Picked up some tools from Tim Morsher to aid in the process. 1867 pat. Date. After study of said apperatus, I grabed some scrap metal and started playing. Before I knew what happened the morning was gone! Tim didnt send the instruction manuel? :D

The scrap I used was a tad thicker than what...

I came across this Hagerty video on PreWarCar, it's a must see video IMHO
and just a little OT but i think most forum members will love it !

(Hope this link works)
Enjoy !

I finally figured out how to get this U&J to perform as expected. I tried adjusting the needle on the bottom but if I gave it too much gas the engine sputtered. If turned it the other direction the slightest there was not enough gas. The tolerance was so touchy and I couldn’t get it right no matter what I did. Don’t know if it’s the modern...

I am changing wheels on one of my cars. I’m going to change the front wheel bearings. One of the outer races is worn thin and there is not enough “ledge” to get behind to knock it out. I am looking for ideas before I try my “untested” idea. Thanks!

For me, it's been a lousy year and a half of no Model T-ing. A third ruptured lumbar disc in April of '18 and subsequent fourth spine surgery in February pretty much took me out of the game. After some months of recovery and having clawed my way back into the cockpit, I discovered that leaning forward to operate the parking brake handle is no...

I was thinking, we often post pix of our latest iron...anyone want to (or dare to) share a picture of their first Look what I brought Home?

Add the year you got it too.....maybe a little story too?

Here's me 1979...40 years ago now...geez

It only went for a mile at a time, I scraped all of that yellow off with a broken glass bottle. Still own...

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the two different stamp marks stood for on my 1910 hogshead? The one sure appears to be P.P., and the other is clearly an H. Any ideas??? 20190727_153016.jpg 20190727_153002.jpg

did model t come with tool kit

Hello, I am now the proud owner of a 1915 Model T Touring car.
Love the car and its in great running condition, give or take a few minor issues.
I was hoping to get help or guidance on paint scratches and chips. The car is black but i do not know if its original or not. Looks original. Has anyone tried to use paint chip repair applicators and if...

Testing to see if I figureed out how put up a pic...

I KNOW THERE MUST AN AGGREGATE NORTH OH 25000 YEARS OF COMBINED MODEL T EXPERIENCE OUT THERE., SO IM' SURE SOMEBODY CAN HELP ME ON THIS.
I WANT TO PUT STOP TURN & RUNNING LITES ON MY T. SO I BOUGHT THE FRED HOUSTON MTFCA T TIPS CD 7-4 MODEL T SAFETY PART 1. THEN I BOUGHT THE LED LITES, THE TURN SWITCH THE BBAKE LITE SWITCH & BLINKER RELAY. IT...

I need help contacting a member in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
His name is John Williams and he goes by tman12 on this forum.
His email is now bouncing and I need to contact him urgently.
If anyone has an address or phone number, I would be very grateful.
Thanks.

I was somewhat delayed posting due to the forum problems, so we’ll have to rely on my feeble memory.
Tuesday was sign in day and opening banquet. Wednesday was the first Touring day and we drove about 100 miles out to Pompey’s Pillar. It is located about 50 miles east of the town on the Yellowstone River. It was signed by Clark of Lewis and Clark...

Continuing saga of the Center Door

I had no idea what the spring bottom looked like as it was not present with the car when I got it.

So...I fudged it.

Two days ago a friend who parlayed his Vietnam crew chief experience into a lifelong job repairing helicopters found that he no longer had any slow speed. Removing the floorboards revealed that the slow speed pedal turned on the shaft a bit, but then caught and would engage the band when fully depressed, very depressing! With hogshead removed we...

Is this black and brass E & J tail light correct for a 1913 T?

Thanks,
Gene

I have had a 27 T for over 50 years. When we first got the car, I noticed that it would run noticeably smoother and have more power when switched over to mag. Over the years, everything on the car has been rebuilt-motor, trans, electrical system, etc. At some point it started running as well on battery as it does on mag. Is this normal for a car...

The maroon fordor I restored last year made the big time. Will be featured in the Model T Times . Congratulations Dave McPike !!

My Dad left me with about 5 T camshafts, all in numbered Iskenderian boxes but otherwise unlabeled. I want to know which cam has which grind. I have V blocks, a dial indicator, and I'm pretty sure there's a degree wheel somewhere. What do I do from there?

Thanks!

I know there is not much to go on here, but does anyone have any input on this T? Any obvious red flags? Asking price is pretty high, but seller does say they are open to serious offers.

I have a KR Wilson Mag Tester that I've never used. It has 2 lead wires...1 on each side of the meter. Does anyone know which side attaches to the Mag post ? I assume the other is a ground ? There are no markings to identify which wire go's where.

Below is a link to odds and ends collected over the years for anyone interested. The file includes information about Henry Ford’s first automobile company endeavor, the Detroit Automobile Company, founded in 1899. Included is an 1899news story in which the reporter gives first hand impressions while riding in one of the DAC automobiles, with Henry...

I’ve had two bad kickbacks from the 1910 Ford racer, and one from the K so far this year. So far, the K’s bite is worse.....

Due to the large motor (406 cu in), I have to grab the crank in both hands, and essentially perform a deadlift motion:

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Unfortunately, that leaves four limbs exposed when they...

Hello everyone,

My 15 touring has what seems to be a slipping problem in high gear, which has been there ever since I got it. The symptoms include a complete lack of power in high and a lurching motion that occurs when climbing even the slightest of hills (1% grade or less). High works alright on flat ground and just fine going down hill. Low...

I have an old Bosch distributor on my 20 T. I believe it is the 600 series. I am looking for a set of points and condenser for it. The condenser is kidney shaped with a stud that goes thru the wall of the distributor to hold it in place. If anyone knows what the part numbers are and where I can purchase them I would appreciate it. Thanks

ZINK MOTOR CO began business in 1916 selling Ford Modet Ts and remains a Ford dealer today. ZINK's building itself was designed by Ford Motor Co and remains as it was back in the day. This past June 13th the owners held a special early Ford meet which drew cars from early T's to a pristine 1932 Cabriolet. Among the vehicles was an original 1919 TT...

I had a guy contact me today to work on his T. He said it was idling in his garage and heard a horrible nouse from transmision. It killed the engine. The car will start with wheels off the ground and its in gear. He said peddles work as they should. If he applies the E brake it kills the engine. He took the inspection cover off and bands and...

Just picked up a T wood steering wheel. It has the grooves all around the inside diameter for finger placements and is in great shape. A couple of the joints are slightly loose. Enough where you can feel them wiggle. I know if this issue isn't addressed, it will become much worse. There are brads throughout the wheel helping to hold the wood...

I picked up some 26-7 parts today and among them was a complete greasy motor and transmission assembly. The casting dates are as follows. Keep in mind that these are Canadian sourced.

Engine casting date 11/10/D, where D represents 1926.
Cylinder head casting date 11/11/D
Transmission cover casting date 12/2/D

It would appear that things were...

I am putting together a order to make a run of;
1. 1/2” thick aluminum test plates that facilitate leak testing the T block and heads prior to assembly (or prior to doing ANY work). They will run about $150.00
2. Neoprene reuseable head gasgets for the same testing process. About $50.00

The KW coil box pictured was found in the back seat of a 1913 Ford Touring. The box shows traces of red paint on the front.
It does not appear to be repainted.
All the boxes I’ve seen have black and gold graphics.
Can someone identify the year of the KW box pictured?

Thank you,
Gene

Since the new ISP wondering if you are able to read the forum. I am using my IPad to be PC and have not used a real PC. Give me a call or answer this post....
Happy days everyone.

Anyone know of model T owners or vintage car collections in Sicily. My wife and I are teaching a photography workshop here for the next several days but we have the weekends off to explore.

I am mounting my rear fenders on my '26 T and need to dbl-check that they are 5/16 24 bolts? I think there are 4 on each side that bolt the fender to the body. If so, is that a common size for big box retailers to carry?

Thanks,
Jim

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Hello Fellow Model T-ers,

A very generous and knowledgeable gentleman east of San Diego, CA has offered to teach me how to replace the driver's-side rear axle in my Ruckstell rear-end. It has somehow gotten bent causing the wheel to wobble like a drunken sailor on my 1915 Touring fitted with large drum Rocky Mountain Brakes.

I was told by...

I so want to have my car's picture taken in front of this building, but except for Google Earth, it is RARE to find this place without cars parked in front of it.

I just replaced the timer (commutator) wiring harness on my '27. The old harness was routed under the front coil box bracket that holds the box to the head. A previous owner had put a tie wrap around the harness and the bracket to hold the harness a fraction of an inch off of the head. That's sure not the way Henry did it. Does anyone know for...

So the mission is to put some real strength back in these old boards. The termites had a feast but this is a historic grain box from Iowa and the repairs can't show. Should be a fun challenge!!

What years did Ford use the dished high head bolt?

Can someone post a clear photo of an improved car front axle? In the parts section a poster commented that all of the '26 and '27 Model Ts had a dip in the center of the axle. I have no reason to believe that the axle in my '27 has ever been swapped, but it doesn't appear to have a dip in it. I'm wondering if I'm not seeing something that others...

My parts chassis came with this APCO radius rod thingamabob. I'm assuming it's a vintage one because the chassis was last a real car that was being used sometime back in the late 50's or early 60's.

It was really crusty and seized up but I managed to free up all the bits after soaking it for a few weeks in penetrating oil. After that, it cleaned...

Preparing to remove old gas from my model T tank. What is best/safest way of disposing of the stale gas ?

Found this at a local flea market a few years ago.

Can anyone tell me what the MAXIMUM inside diameter of the phenolic material with it's 4 metal segments can be machined to before it is deemed too big? Also, what was the original inside diameter supposed to be when these were new from Ford? I'm referring specifically to the 1913 cast aluminum timer casing variety if that helps. Many thanks in...

Some folks are afraid to drive a Model T in city traffic. To me it's the bramble patch and I'm Brer Rabbit. Born and raised in southern California traffic, I sometimes find it annoying but it doesn't scare me. Of course I stay off interstates and other high speed roads, just as I do in the country. Most city streets have T-friendly speed limits....

Well, price inflation is understood most times, but just received the annual invoice from JC Taylor. Have used them since 1985, reasonable rates, never have had a claim either.

A 50% rate jump with no changes in coverage or autos was such that I called them. Seems that Foremost Insurance Co., Grand Rapids, MI, that JC Taylor uses, mandated this...

I thought I’d finish disassembling this 1920 block this morning and the front cam bearing set screw looked like part of it was broken off. I then found a ball bearing inside to hold the bearing. I’ve never seen that before. I suppose that it was a fix from not having another screw but I don’t know how one of those screws could get damaged in the...

I went to the The Forest Grove Concours d'Elegance this past weekend and this car was there (listed as a 1919 School Bus). I found it interesting and thought maybe you guys would as well. The owner (fellow with the hat in first photo) started it up and it ran strong). No other info as I didn't get a chance to talk to him.

Rod

Just as I was loading my '14 touring into the trailer for the trip to Tarytown NY and the O2O run, the door latch (rt front door) quick locking the door. The same thing happened to the left rear door some time ago. I removed the lock and find the spiral-wound clock spring has broken. I do not see an easy way to repair this so I am looking for...

Checking to see if anyone has summer travels plans to be passing by Bob's Antique Auto outside Chicago towards KY &/or TN? Or Northern OH?

He's a radiator I'd like to pick up without paying an arm and leg in shipping.

I'd still like to have it! speedster damaged.JPG

Last weekend was the local power show that I have gone to over the last 15+ years and try to take something old car related every year. Most times only a few old cars or trucks show up and the rest are tractors and lately lawn mowers. I took the Indiana Truck starting in 2003 as a project that didn't even have an engine at the time and every year...

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First time for me to drive a 4WD T.

For the 29 participants in the O-2-O + 10 run, they completed an aggregate of about 120,000 miles. Failures were minimal when compared to 10 years ago, but were most catastrophic with non-original add-on equipment. These included an electric in-line overdrive unit, a Watts clutch, and 2 or 3 alternators with gear fitment problems. There were at...

Dumb Bass me forgot to raise the wheel on my trailer as I was hauling my Polaris ATV. As I pulled onto the road, I thought it was riding a little rough. As I looked in the mirror, I noticed the trailer moving from side to side. It had popped off the ball and was held on by the safety chains. I had the tongue locked down with a pad lock but the...

...All I know is that it’s not Ruckstell. Anybody know? It matches the forward end collar of the T torque tube...

Is the manifold installation tool sold by Langs (#3066MTG) for $29.95 worth having? Does it make a difficult job easier? Can the job be done without the tool?

Replacing the firewall in my 21 and can’t get the steering column out. Following the Model T bible, but is the timer rod supposed to be bent like this? It’s the only thing holding the bracket on.

Dean, I tried phoning but your mailbox is full and not accepting messages at this time . I tried to send a PM through the forum but couldn't make that work, so I'll try here. When you have a minute to spare, will you call me? The number is three one six 772 seven four two one.

I have a lot of NOS double threaded studs that are 3/8” SAE thread both ends, about 2 1/4” long, only cotter pin hole in ONE end. Does anyone know what part number they are or where they go on a T? Thanks Dan

Some call it the low speed clutch . Some call it the high speed clutch . The bible just calls it the clutch, with no reference to speed. :)

About a mile from my home I saw a 1925 Tudor for sale on the side of the road, I am not connected to the sale, but if anyone is interested the number on it is 312-451-2542, not sure about price, but the car looks nice.

Thanks,
Jim

i am working on a 26 touring front axle problem is the axle is leaning to the rear of the car i know it has to lean to the front of the the bottom of the axle to the front just trying to see were the angle is built into the axle or is it built into the spring perches or the frame it steers so bad steering wheel always wants to always go to the...

Hello: My machine shop guy called and asked who is willing to do engine work in the MN area or close by. He is going to do the machine work, bore , valve seats, valves. He does not have the time to assemble the engine. Send me a pm and I will pass the info along. Thanks Gary

Because I have a Ruckstell axle and no brakes other than the transmission brake, I decided to install the Sure Stop disc brake kit, both because I like driving my model T and I would also like to go on living.

It really is more or less a bolt on kit.

Minor annoyances:

1. To install the brake hose coming out of the master cylinder requires that...

I think I've got this right, but then sometimes what I think is correct isn't too.

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Please look this over and let me know, thanks. :)

Oddball firewall! I’ve had quite a few questions about the firewall I used for my 26 speedster since most improved firewalls were made into the cowls. This one was so graciously given to me and was about as NOS as they come. From what I can gather, this style wasn’t used very much at all. The only part number I’ve found is 3634-L. Seems it was...