MTFCA Forum

After finishing the work on my trailer I decided to check the T over, change the oil, grease all the fittings, check the air in the tires, etc. before starting it.

When I looked in the radiator I couldn't see any liquid so I got a jug of 50-50 and added a few pints. Then some more --and more until I had added a full gallon. This put me in a bit...

I've acquired a nice, used, 2016 US Cargo 7 x 14 tandem trailer with a fold-down rear 67 inch ramp. Talking to the company, they say the ramp is rated for 1300-1500 lbs dead weight and 2500 transitional - I just wondered if any of you have found any need to reinforce the ramps on similar trailers and have any advice for me. I'd like to be able to...

I have been working on my trailer.
It needed a bit more work than I originally thought but it is progressing.
I just finished rebuilding the suspension and fixing the wireing.
As I was looking at the results of my work I realized that I needed to add something else when Seve Jelf’s picture came to mind.

After a bit of thought I added a JELF bar...

The Tennessee T's are having a Spring Tour to Reelfoot Lake TN. This is a small limited tour but I still have room for 3 more cars. I thought I would see if any of you would like to join us. We require, for insurance purposes, Membership in the TN T's club to participate but it only cost 15 bucks to join.
This will be a progressive tour. We are...

Let me preface this by saying that this is my first bone stock model T. I’m used to hot rods and customs.

I’m going to be replacing one of the front wheels on my 21 T very soon so I can get it on a trailer and get it home. The current wheel is broken and what’s left if sittijgnin the dirt. I need to go by and take a look at it to see what...

Hi,
I have one of Texas T Parts Hi Volume outside oil lines installed in my Speedster . I bought it about 3 or 4 years ago, and the chap who built the engine installed it. Unfortunately its leaking like a sieve from the Hogs-head gasket. Because I'm loath to removing the hogs-head unless absolutely necessary, my idea to stop the leak is to...

Last September I took the '27 to a tractor show on an uncharacteristically hot day so, wanting some air circulation through the car I rolled down the passenger side rear window.
It went down about half way but I thought nothing of it as I didn't want it all the way down anyway.
When I got home I tried raising it an it wouldn't budge more than a...

I spent some quality time with my kelsey wheels tonight. 20190417_201139.jpg
1st with a broken pickle jar for a scraper. Then soda blasted the spokes. After that the sand paper. The one on the left has the spokes sanded. The one on the right is soda blasted.
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Broken plate glass works better for scraping but the wife said we...

I just bought a TT that is a blank canvas as far as a cab, seat position truck bed etc. I have a farm on LI dating back to 1751 and run a couple of pre 53 ford tractors on it. We primarily are an agritourism Farm (yesterday 1300 people showed up for egg hunts). We produce our own food, only raising strawberries and pumpkins for sale....

I just bought a 1924 model TT. I am looking for someone to come and walk me through the possibilities of this truck. I figure that experience will save me time and trouble. Any one out there? I live in East Setauket.

Hello MTFCA,
I am 360 miles away from my 1915 Touring. Because I cannot do this myself, I am hoping that one of you would be so kind as to measure the distance between the street and the bottom of a Model T's running board. I cannot find this answer on the internet. I need it because I am looking at a 6'x10' trailer with short metal-mesh sidewalls...

Purists may not want to read any further... I've been going thru my front and rear suspension, axles, wheels - everything that moves. In the process I discovered my shackles and spring / perch bushings were worn. I ordered new shackles and bushings and was getting ready to install them when I decided to do a little experiment.

My '17 came with...

We are having our annual Model T-Model A swap meet April 20th at 8 A.M. at our farm. It is located at 7525 County 12 Blvd. Kenyon, Mn. 55946. It is located 50 miles South of ST. Paul, Mn. It is limited to Model T or A era parts, cars and auto related accessories. We have a lot of room if it is dry. No cost to setup or buy. If you have any...

what should the valve lash be ?

I was reading an older post on timer lube, some of the suggestions were non metallic grease, Vaseline , and oil. This post was 7 years ago, so I’m just seeing what anyone else was using. Thanks, Brent

Fired up my '15 for the first time and she ran like a top for about 2 minutes. I just wanted to do a short run and determine what needs to be done next. After I shut her down I found a little leak of coolant down the side coming from the head gasket. Just to be sure, sounds like pulling the head is next and see what gives from there...

Has anyone...

I'm a novice and have 1923 Fordor that I drive around the Ozark Mountains. I have a new radiator and the barf system works well. As we approach the hotter days of summer, would it be advisable to drain the antifreeze and replace with water in order to achieve a more efficient cooling system? The boiling points of antifreeze and the distilled water...

When I bought my 1915 Runabout, this plate was in with a pile of parts. Can someone tell me the correct location for it? Thank you!

Jim

I have this fairly complete Colombo front plate high tension magneto drive that I would like to use on an engine I am building. It has the small gear on the backside but I am missing the large gear that goes on the end of the camshaft. Would anyone have one of those gears kicking around? Or have one I can copy? Any help is much appreciated!

I thought some of you might enjoy these two photos.

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This is my grandfather at the wheel of our TT with 3 of his grandchildren, left to right me, my brother, Grandpa, and my cousin. This photo was take on August 17, 1954, my brother's second birthday.

This photo was taken today. That's me at the wheel and my two younger...

Recently I was able to procure a dash board patent plate tag for my Oct-Nov 1911 car:

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By the time my car was built, the number on the dash board patent plate did not match the serial number. This one is 403 away from my serial number which makes it an appropriate (although not original) number to match the car.

I'd sure...

Are the Watts clutch kits still available?

Are there options to obtain financing for the purchase of a Model T? I did a quick search on the Internet and I found some advertisements for classic car loans, but they don't appear to include Model T's. And for the record I don't want to do a personal loan or home equity loan. So, is there any place out there that does financing for Model T's?

Hello everyone.
I just bought a 26 speedster with a Ruckstell in it that is having shifting problems. The car sat for 3 years covered in a climate controlled shop. The story on it is that the owner changed out the rear end just before he died with a Ruckstell from another car. The rear end is running fine in low gear, no problems there at all....

Kicking around adding bumpers on my 1926 Touring. What are your thoughts? Pros? Cons? Split rears or one-piece?

My initial thoughts are they would be good to prevent damage, obviously....the big reason for bumpers, right? The con is the added length and weight. Also they might be in the way to hand crank, not sure.

On split vs one-piece rears...

A friend of mine sent me this great image of his family camping with a T and an “Auto tent.”

Not asking for a debate on metal vs rubber stems...just quality/ freshness .
I use rubber stems and my old man did as long as I can remember with no problems.
Who carries the best quality tubes at a good price ? Looking at some tires today and want to put new tubes in when I mount the tires.
30 X 3-1/2 BTW.

Thanks !! :)

Years ago MTFCA had a safety inspection sheet this was for cars that went on national tours was printed in VF a few times anyone have a copy they can email me
I doing a safety check seminar for the lical T club and wanted use ine
Thanks in advance

What happens if you have an individual magnet charger wrapped up and you run ac current thru it like from a train transformer and have it wired thru push button switch to just tap it on? If this would work could it be used to charge the magnets mounted in a T motor with the hogshead off? My mind wonders off on these tangents just like most other...

Hi all, my 1924 touring emergency brake is weak. If I am on a driveway with a gentle slope it won't hold the car. Testing it while under way does not result in both rear tires skidding. It is only a long tepid slow down. As far as I can tell everything is in order. What can I do to make it more effective?

-- IV

Looking for suggestions on a fuel pump. I only want to use it when necessary. Does anyone make one that doesn’t require a regulator?
Bob Giles
divco100b@icloud.com

I think I recall hearing that these can be used on a T engine??

Our model t Tin Tillie came down with a bad case of the knocks & a whole lot of ugliness going in there. I have a completely worn out engine but good transmission. I am in the process of building a big overhead valve motor for her but it will be a couple of years yet, finances mean it will be a slow build. Does anyone have a useable bottom end (...

A few things I have been wanting to do, got done today....
Took a little finagling, but got my 24 on my lift today. Changed the rear end lube, pretty thick stuff for a Ruckstell. I sucked it out slowly with a suction gun and filled it with 85W140, I think I'll run it a while and change it again.

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Found some manhole...

Hi Guys

I have a problem, I recently drove with my Model T and radiator water leaked when I saw the head gasket direction cabin.
It went uphill and the Ford is still in the test phase
have already installed a new head gasket.
Have now tightened the cap screws slightly on 60ft lbs
I have not driven since then, just wanted to ask if this engine and...

I got everything put back together today and it runs great but I reused the old “new” head gasket and it’s leaking out of #1. Pretty bad too. Damn. After all this...

I leave for Paso Robles on Tuesday. I’d rather not Fedex overnight one if somebody local has one. I’ll replace it with a new one!

Jeff

Friend has this rather neat accessory on the spindle body of his '26 coupe.

This accessory clamps to the axle yoke and places its 'arms' around the spindle body, a coil spring on the rear of the accessory applies pressure, adj. with the threaded screw. Just the right pressure grips the spindle body and provides more resistance. Helps to keep the...

I see the Bernie Long estate sale is this weekend. Who will buy the Fordson trk?

Has anyone replace transmission spring without pulling the engine. I have heard you can pull the rear end, would the hogs head have to be removed? If you have done this I would sure like your opinion, pull the engine or not. Thanks Sam

Hi Folks, I have a rare Splitdorf coil box & coils that is in the Chicago area and needs to be transported to Richmond, VA. We hate to ship it as it's very delicate and most all the shipper in that area are notorious for destroying delicate packages. It will need to leave Chicago area in about a week (May 17th or thereabouts) and get anywhere near...

Completed the drop/bent column for Dave Carnahan's Speedster Project. This will be at a very comfortable angle for his car.

Please enjoy!

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Can't wait to see this car all together!

All the Best,

Hank in Tin-A-See

IMG_1873 (2).jpg Have been working on an estate sale clean up, of a long time member, and found this Rad Badge amongst the 'treasures'.
We are wondering if it's an early MTFCA badge? or a well made replica of the MTFCA logo. It appears to be aluminum, with a 'Scotch® No. 467' adhesive backing. Measures a hair under 3 1/2 The lettering appears to...

I ordered a set of 21 Split Rims from Lang's a while back and had not received any response on the order status. While speaking with them today, they said they cannot get in touch with their supplier. I told them I had the same problem. Does anyone know the status of American Vintage Rims? Is this typical?

Anyone got a set they are willing to...

Top Main Deck, Sugested minimum temperature 75 F it hit 78 today :D top done. D346377D-509D-49CF-9718-DE31B350D2DE.jpeg

We happened to come across this brand new /nos two piece timer brush. Anyone have an idea on its value?

Brad

I forgot to order a pair. What size is this rope?
Thanks Steve

I have a 1925TT appears to have an electrical connection on the top/front of the transmission. If it truly is, what is it used for?

Hello fellow MTFCA members,

Would anyone be interested in maybe doing a 3-1/2 day Marin County - San Francisco Model T tour this summer during the first week in June?
I am thinking of touring places like The Panoramic and Shoreline Highways, Muir Woods National Park, Stinson Beach, Bolinas, Point Reyes, Tomales Bay, Nicosio, the Marin Headlands,...

Photo taken in Amsterdam.
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Want order some been a few years found unavailable and all sources
Links an info gone anyone found a compatible replacement

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It's probably not a Ford, but it is of the era.

I recently picked up this set of 5 Olympic 30 x 3.5 clincher tyres. One is brand new, the other 4 still showing moulding marks. Now Henrietta has her 5 original rims fitted, all with matching tubber. These are the ones which are really hard to wear out. 20190414_112014.jpg[/attachment
Allan from down under

I have had these top irons kicking around for a number of years now. They came from Fred Lau's stuff after the sale was over. Any ideas? They are between 24 and 25 inches total length.

The tires on my 15 Runabout have run the course and need to be replaced
I had one blow a hole in the side while just sitting.
The fabric is rotten.
I had to use a hack saw to get it off it was so stiff.
What do you all recommend that I buy for replacement?
Lang's has Wards Riverside for $152.
Lang's has a Universal T driver for $181
or a Firestone...

I am getting ready to frame my new addition and need to know if a 1926 one ton will make it into a 8’ x 8’ door. My original plans called for a 9’ tall door but they look crazy expensive ~ would be better to drop the height to 8’.

Travis Towle
Topeka, Kansas

Good morning! I am looking for confirmation that this is a 1915 engine block. The way the block is stored, these are the best photos we could get. It is a bare block without pan, but it is a pre-generator block.

Number stamped above water outlet: 846105

Casting mark (?): 6 25 15

Thank you in advance for your review and information.

Andy B.

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We’re landing at Dearborn Tuesday at noon. Spending Wednesday at THF, Thursday at Greenfield Village and Friday at Piquette. Recommendations for Tuesday afternoon? No car - Cabs only...

Does anyone know where Art Hart of Chester, N.J. got his tubing from? I know he passed away, but maybe someone might know something.

My hood doesn't want to line up with firewall. I've taken the radiator off at least twice before and never had this problem, unless I never noticed it. When I go to clamp down the side the curved upper part wants to buckle up. If I don't let it buckle up then there is an inch gap when clamped. We recently took off the wooden dash from the firewall...

Friday and Saturday night cruise-ins are back in full swing here again. There is one about 7-8 miles from our house that we go to most Friday nights, weather permitting. We have taken our other vehicles, a '40 Chevy sedan and a '55 Studebaker truck, but have not yet driven our '21 Touring there. We will tomorrow, or next Friday, depending on the...

I don't understand how these morons can post things like this recent crap.
If you have to get approved as a member before you post anything :?: :twisted:

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Has anyone done the metro rear brake conversion? Any thing you can pass on will be a great help. It's a 21 roadster, thanks Chuck.

has anyone run into issues with thrust and a scat crank? I have done engine work with stock cranks with no issues , installing a scat crank for the first time in a 26. block has new babbit,line bored and radius cut on babbit ends. when crank is dropped into block 3rd main journal has no clearance in block ,no in or out thrust .third cap has almost...

My '26 RPU has nearly new seat upholstery that was done for, or by, the previous owner. It's terribly uncomfortable. It just lacks any decent amount of padding between the vinyl and the springs. I pulled the seat back section apart and was able to add poly batting. That turned out great. The bottom, however, has not got enough side material to...

Where do you guys find calcium carbide for your carbide generator on the early brass cars? I know a prestolite tank will work but gotta try it the hard way first and don't know who might sell some.

HI, I just picked up a brass Zenith Carb that has OS or 05 on the side. It is an updraft with a 1.415 air intake and a 1.625 opening going into the manifold. A serial number of 26708 on the side. It looks real clean and I think everything is there. Float, linkage and butterflies are all in good shape. Any idea what this fits? Would it make a good...

On a recent post photos were posted of a balanced brake drum. Because this drum is bolted directly to the driven plate, I asked if any material was removed from the driven plate to help in the balance.
Here is what was behind the question.
This drven plate casting was poorly aligned in the fixture for machining and appeared to be machined way off...

C675411A-1864-4AEC-9683-4631084A22FB.jpeg Trying to get at least .045-.050 babbitt In the rod. Ending with 1.350 rough bore. Cut from .015 to .025. Balance will be addressed after they are poured and cut. Thoughts?

After some research & consequent discussions in the Forum, I am beginning to think that the Town Car being restored by us, is not a true 1916. I believe the last of the Town cars were manufactured in 1918. The Town car here has a bonnet hood profile and engine which corresponds to post 1922. Therefore, there were some modifications made by someone...

I have two of these, not NOS, but very early take-offs as they appear unused but have mounting marks Any idea what year and model ? Thanks : Bruce

Well, Erik Barrett certainly saved the day. He’s got a completely rebuilt 27 trans we’re putting in the car right now. And he had a 280 cam just lying around that I’m putting to good use. And he’s touchingly up the valve seats.

The tranny is perfect. All new bushings, new clutch, new ring gear etc. And the drums have much more material than mine...

I am restoring a very correct 15 roadster an need to know what the correct nuts and bolts that were used from the factory. And also if the nuts are used on the bracket side or behind the wood frame. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks Nick

I’m starting to think about replacing my seat covers on the ‘23 runabout. I love the fact that my car has original upholstery but I drive it so much that it’s not going to survive much longer. So, I’m buying a new seat bottom spring and am thinking of buying the seat cushion kit from Langs. Anyone out there used their kit and have opinions. I made...

Peter and the Fawcett group are working away on our racer. Next up, install 3:1 gears and painting. Below are fabricated seat buckets:

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Extended clutch/low pedal:

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Lengthened steering column and false tank hiding longer engine block:

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Hi Guys, I have a friend in the office that has been documenting the family tree and just got a new picture to work from with his great great grandfather in a car and he is wondering if we can help ID the car and year? All help is appreciated.

Howdy All, can anyone state unequivocally the type machine screws for the inside door latches and square panel (into the D nuts). Thank you
george

The oil pan petcocks on my car do not get tight until they are turned so that the handle is facing inward towards the pan. This makes it very difficult to open the petcocks to check the oil level. If I stop turning them so that they’re facing out, they are only snug, and I worry that they’ll come out while I’m driving or leak.

Is this normal or...

With the blackboard on the rear wall I thought this might be a mechanics school or even a design department. The first car could be a 1909 T I think. Are those one piece spindles? Also the steering spider has been mounted upside down.
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The car I just bought had been setting for 20 some years, when it went into a museum status it had a fresh engine and transmission, I am led to believe that the brake lever was left in the down mode in high gear which I think could have caused the clutch disc to stick together? After starting the car I had low band and after letting clutch out no...

At the end of the last driving season, I installed the 7-wire turn signal kit that the vendors carry. I'm sure everything is wired correctly, but they hyper-flash. I did tap the power from the back of the key switch, so the flasher is near the coil box on the dash. The bulbs are 6 volt incandescent. Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting? Is...

Disaster hath ensued. We had EVERYTHING ready to go together on my 26 engine tonight and tragedy struck in the form of a drive plate bolt hole breaking out of the brake drum.😭 now to take it ALL back apart to find a replacement. It was the third bolt I started to tighten down and then it suddenly went loose. Just my freekin luck. It was all going...

Should there be cotter pins in the engine oil pan bolts? The bolts on my 11 are installed from the bottom with the castle nut on top but there are no cotter pins installed. Thanks, Art

Wednesday I paid a visit to Denny Newman here in Michigan and had the front axle rehabilitated. It was straightened, top bushings and one thread insert in added with a Steven's tool, along with new brass bushings in the spindles. We also decided to replace the spring and spring perch bushings and the shackles themselves. The shackles showed...

I went to do a spring service on my '27 Touring. When I unscrewed the plug to check the differential grease, about half a quart of 'oil' flowed out. This must be engine oil. What seal has failed, and how do I fix this? Thanks.

If Tiger can take a worn out body and rebuild it into a winner, so can you with that extra Model T Ford lurking in back of your garage or even out side. It takes time and excellent care, but that old T can shine on the meet course. Take a swing at it and hit the ball long and score. My Model T is 108 years old, but it's heart is strong and it...

What would be the most likely suspected problem in a T that recently had a noticeable loss in top end power under load going up hills? This was not previously a problem. Stock setup, no fuel filters, Holley NH carb. The engine sounds good and smooth but simply seems to slow down at top end. :roll:

Dirty plugs? Clogged carb jet? Dirty/blocked...

Hello all,
I bought a 1926 Touring last fall and have been working on it ever since. I've been working on Fords for nearly 40 years and own 9 cars and a 1952 Farmall H so am constantly working on something in the garage. For now at least, the T is staying somewhat in it's patina-ed look as I fix mechanicals.

Anyway, On one of my headlight rims on...

I have read to run 1 gauge wire for my 6 volt system. However, 1 gauge is tough to find locally. I can find 2 gauge easy enough. Is anyone running 2 gauge? How does it work for you? I have been running 4 gauge, but the starter still lacks. The starter has been rebuilt. Thanks

I have been asked when did Hayes commence manufacturing the accessory Wire Wheels. I suspect
It was prior to the introduction of the starter motor era as examples of the non demountable
Wheels have been seen.
Thanks in advance
Alan in Western Australia

I want to get safety glass put in my windshield. Thought I would take the entire thing to the glass shop. It looks like there are only the two bolts on each side of the windshield frame that hold it onto the car. Is that correct? Thanks in advance

John

I was careful not to disturb stuff on the inside.
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The transmission repair I cobbled together worked OK, but while everything is apart for some engine work I should put in a better brake drum. So I've been going through drums and drive plates to see if I have any that are good enough to use. Matching up a drum and a drive plate is complicated by changes over the years.

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The...

Went out for a 55 mile drive in the country today. Was cruising steadily at 40 mph and at one point the engine started sputtering. I pulled over and found the carburetor was flooded and leaking like crazy. I turned off the valve at the gas petcock and figured there was something up with the float and valve in the carb. So I removed the cover and...

Is the Lurray Virginia T swap meet worth the visit? :?