MTFCA Forum

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the July/August issue of the Vintage Ford will be late. It is at the printer and should be mailed no later than July 22. We apologize for this but it could not be helped this month.

Thanks for your patience.

A friend has a 1920 Model T Touring that needs the ignition switch rebuilt. Is Ben Martin still doing them and does anyone know how to contact him? Or are there other quality rebuilders in the community?

Thanks in advance,

David

The 23-25 runabouts used a special 6 leaf rear spring. My 23 has the wrong spring in it and I'd like to put the proper one back in the car. Preferably, I'd like to find an original spring for the car, but considering most originals have a significant amount of wear on them and shipping would cost a fortune, I may be better off having a new set...

Here’s a 1928 Waco high school T hot rod, speedster or what ever stripped down cars of the day were called. It was taken from a 1928 annual. Somebody did a pretty good job of building it!

I purchased a Model T race car that was owed by Paul Larson. I would like to contact a family member that might be able to give me some more information about it. If you know of any contacts, please let me know.

Thank you,

Adam

Has anyone installed 1926 wire wheel hubs on a 1925 Model T.

Will the difference in brake drum size make things difficult?

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Family problems and health issues have kept my 1921 TT in storage for the last 3 years.
I'm trying to start it again after installing new generator and timing gears.
Something isn't right. I have fuel in the carb but not firing.
So I'm going through the ignition now.
Sitting the driver seat, which coil box is #1?
It appears that with the #1...

I have early real leather diamond tufted seats that have been in good storage for about 80-ninety years in great shape but could use a good product to soften them, what would be the best product, Thanks, Bob.

Starting to install front fenders and all the other front parts and have a bolt set coming from Langs to mount the fender brace to the frame. While test fitting waiting for hardware to arrive, I notice I have three bolt needs. One coming through the frame bracket that has an angled top to it, one coming from that same bracket but straight in from...

I have a 1921 touring that I have been driving for 6 years with no trouble.> As part of my routine service in the spring on checking the rear end oil I found about 2-3 cups of oil coming out of the fill hole. I checked it again today(after about 250 miles) and found about 1 cup coming out. I realize that the oil is leaking past the 4th main into...

My car came with aux brakes installed they are hetzel bros and look similar to the old rocky mountains.

They are installed on large drums, but at some point someone gutted the parking/ emergency brake out of this car. I'm hoping to reinstall the missing brake hardware and get a functional emergency brake again....

Just throwing this out there because I think it's interesting.

Serial number is just after July 31, 1917 so it may fall under the 1918 model year.

Driver's door (of course).

Note ribbed pedals - were these utilized longer in Canada?

Round lights (windows) in top rear curtain - typical of Canadian Ts.

Unlike U.S. 1917s, two additional bolts...

Hi ;
Some time ago I read on the Forum about the location of the Pistonrings .
But I can't find it back .
I hope you can help me .
Thanks !!
Toon

I suspect this gentleman is even older than I am. He has bought a very nice looking Model T, which he thinks is a 1917. It doesn't run, and he doesn't know how to get it going. I would at least take a look if I were there, but I'm far from Florida. I'll post a link here and hope that somebody nearby will be able to help out. I hate to think of an...

Don't get me wrong, I have some fun on Facebook, and the Model T groups there have a few people who really know their stuff. But there are also folks who will state the most preposterous baloney as absolute fact, and will not do any research trying to back up their superstitions. This forum is a good place to come for a sanity break. Folks are...

I posted this in the Classifieds and now here. I am in search of Ted's Tinkerin' Tips 2 and Fred Houston's transmission books. If you could help, please email to me. I certainly will pay fair price for them.
Ken

Here is a question for the experts.

Those looking for an air filter, could the hot air tubs be filled loosely with a course gauze material, lightly oiled be used as a simple but effective air filter for dusty conditions?

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We are currently accepting ads and articles for the upcoming issues of the Vintage Ford.

Articles should be focused on tours your chapter has taken, repairs or maintenance of the Model T, humorous articles about your Model T adventures, or historical/informational articles about Henry Ford or the Model T. High res photos often enhance the article...

Has anyone used or tried an aluminum radiator on a Model T? I realize the top hose would be in the wrong location but that would be easy to change. Would it cool properly?

No matter how long we do this, there's always something new to learn. I have been around Model T's my whole life, but I don't believe I've ever installed a wiring harness. If I did, it was long enough ago to have forgotten some stuff...

Anyway, this will be well known and basic to many, but what I learned is that the wiring harness for my '25 T,...

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Hello,
I am in the process of rebuilding my rear differential which I decided to move to a 3to1 gear ratio. I placed one half of the differential case, plus two thick washers and 1 modern bearing on the drivers side and turned it to see how it did without ring gear shims. It is rubbing. Not by much... but it is still rubbing.

I need to buy ring...

Hello All.

I just got my first Model T (1919), and it is equipped with these weird Hammond shock absorbers. The front ones consist of springs that connect to the oil pan, and the back ones aren't connected. I have the springs, but they connect to a weird hook and I only have one of them. The car drives fine, but if I go over any substantial bump...

I would like to upgrade the brake light switch setup on my 27 T. Currently it has a switch mounted on the crossmember behind the transmission and there is stiff wire going from the switch through a hole drilled in the brake pedal. The set up is not too dependable and somertimes stays on after the brake is released. I have seen some negative...

After a long spring with too much work load finally got the t running this weekend and out for a drive.

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Drive your Model T while wearing clogs, especially if you wear size 13’s and it’s not an “improved” car.

Never even thought of it, had been working on the car and was just taking it for a quick spin down the road. Clog got wedged between low and reverse pedals and then the other one fell off the brake pedal and also got caught. Turned the key...

Hi,
I have two questions in regards to my 27’s
One relates to bumpers, the second relates to the top boot.
The bumper question pertains s to the medallion in the center of the Ford bumpers.
Some of the literature show that the background of the medallion was painted.
I was once told by someone I respect that the Model T medallion had a frosted...

I got a nice surprise visit today from DHL. My 1000 new starter/generator brush holder castings I've been working on finally arrived. I also had a visit today from a buddy who happens to be a professional photographer, so I had to take advantage of that!

They are perfect in every respect. I could not be happier with the final result.
I'll get...

What does everyone use for non conductive lube for their ANCO timers? I've used a blob of Vaseline for years with no problems. Is there something better?

I made this Model T Garden fountain several years ago out of an old music box so I thought I would share it with you folks.

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I am located in Mishawaka Indiana an hour east of Chicago and 1.5 hours west of Toledo 10 miles South of Interstate 80
Basically I thought I knew how to trouble shoot Model T's ( I have had over 15) Due to family and personal health problems I have had two sitting needing diagnosed for repairs ( for 3 years) so i can get them running If anyone...

I have a car that needs to be painted, and I'd like to know what the finished result would look like before I do it.

I have in mind a computer program that can change the wheel colors and leave everything else the same so I can see the finished car with my color selection.

Does anyone know of such a program?

Any help would be appreciated....

Hello,

Have someone experience wih a Stepney Wheel on a model T?
Is it useful?
And what’s the size?

Looking for a easy dimension/picture of the lowered steering column going thru the firewall for a rootlieb speedster. Size of hole, distant to center from edge, you know. I know they specify that the bottom left bolt hole is the top of the firewall bracket. Just would like to verify before I drill. Also would like to know the elevation you have...

Anyone have a Fun Projects brake light assembly they'd like to sell? PM me if you have one you may not need anymore!
Thanks

I'm helping a friend (new T guy) and we are driving back along interstate 10. Is there anyone along the route that might have a good brass radiator they might part with?

Ever heard of this young guy? I just found him on youtube. He's hot a couple Model T's and appears to be into other sorts of antiques. Nice to see another young person getting into the hobby!

So I have been noticing on my 26 T Touring that when I need to use the Brake Lever all the way back to stop sometimes I am getting what sounds like a dry squeak sound when I pull it back all the way. Any ideas on what is going on. We have Owned the car for now 20 Years. I have had never had the rear wheels or brake drums off. The previous owner...

Just wondering what experience people have had using this. Especially brush application? Getting so difficult to find an affordable painter these days!!

I am having trouble with low end power on my 1911 Touring. It has the original.engine and it was completely rebuilt and a new 250 Stipe cam wss installed. The engine has about 1500 to 2000 miles on it.

Since it was rebuit, the engine has lacked low end power, but it is strong on the top end. I am using a good NH carburetor. Compressoon is around...

I searched the forum but didn't find anything.

I remember once seeing a plan for the drilling of a pan plate. But I can't find anything anymore. Can someone help me?

To rebuild my Touring I have to make my own tools.

Greetings from Switzerland

I would add a picture, but apparently I am not allowed to do so.

A friend just gave me this wheel. It states Bauer Tilt Wheel. It appears
to be locked up. Any suggestions on how to open it up, or maybe does it
need the leverage you get from installing it?

Thank you.

ps I can send the pics to someone else if they want to post them here.

I have a rear T axle with Will Holl casted on the ends, was told it was for a tractor trailer T in the day, have no use for them and need to find a home for them, if interested give me a jingle and I will forward pictures. Thanks Joe Bell 419-618-1025 Tiffin Ohio

My Lizzy is starting fine on battery (6V). Especially with electric starter it needs only a few seconds, even on cold start. Then I can switch to Magneto and it runs even better/smoother.
I made an electronic battery charging for charging battery from Magneto (with shut-off when battery is full and current limitation to a few amps to not cause...

This is the clip on my 26/27 radiator shell. PO had no lacing on the shell. Other clips I have felt are in the upright position which would allow for some spacing for lacing. With this clip, if I install lacing, it will cause the hood to sit at a higher level than this clip. No room under the clip to pass lacing under, so it would have to be two...

I just can't seem to keep my T to where it starts easily after it's been setting. I Prime it for 3 or 4 cranks. I set the choke up a little. Then turn the switch on . I have to crank I would say 8-10 times to get it going. It had been 2-3 after it was primed and it would go. I have noticed that about after the second crank of priming pulling the...

I need help installing a mirror on my coupe. How do I remove the hinge pin on the door? I tapped on the pin but It didn't move. I did not hit it very hard. I would appreciate suggestions on how to proceed.

Attached are photos of the mirror and the door hinge.

I am looking for a chart or something that lists proper thread pictures and sizes for the Model T. I have numerous bolts and nuts I would like to use a tap and die set on but do not have a gauge and could not find what I was hoping for on the website. Specifically I am looking for the size of the U joint 4th Main on the back of the transmission. A...

This is my first post with this new forum format. I was in the old forum before it was updated years ago. I have and rebuilt 1 Model T. My great grandfather bought it new in 1922. The block date is 2/22/22. It is a touring cut off as it was used on a family farm to move stuff around until 1942 or so when the war started. I went through it in 2011...

 
Anyone received one of these catalogs yet?
 

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When you have two nearly identical Yale lock tool boxes for your Model T and no key it is time to man up and do something about the key shortage. Relying on minimal knowledge gained some 50 years ago in a mail order locksmith course taken during a cold winter, I have achieved success and now have working keys for my tool boxes. One has been made...

The Canadian 1925 to 1927 Model Ts had a Rim Tire Change Tool that kind of looked like a varmit trap with big springs and short pegs that fit those holes near the rim break.

A friend has an early Dodge with the same rims.

Would anyone have one they do not need or some photos of that tool?

I have lost my photos!

I’m driving my T more these days and what I continue
to encounter when I pull the plugs after a long
tour: no’s 3 and 4, clean. No. 2, fouled. No. 1
really fouled.
I am running a Stipe cam and a Prus high compression
head. I have tested the intake manifold for any signs
of a vacuum leak. No signs of a leak. Engine runs
strong.
Any ideas guys....

I know this belongs in the classified section. It's posted there too. I thought maybe the General Discussion forum may get more traffic, so posting here too.

I was putting my Touring car back together tonight and noticed that my exhaust manifold is cracked. I would like to find a replacement fairly urgently as I'm getting ready for a couple of...

Sorry, no pictures. I was reading what my grandma had written about grandpa buying a Model T. He was 18 in 1923 and bought a brand new '23 Runabout. Not much was written about the car except how to drive it. He did splurge and buy an electric taillight. Is that to say that he most likely had owned a non-starter car or is there no way to really...

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Hard to tell what year. It looks like a teacup pan.

Does someone offer a top kit (I have irons and Bows) for the later style 1912 Foredoor (touring)?

For those of you who responded to my inquiry
regarding patina (to paint or not to paint,
that is the question) I would like to thank you.
A great deal of useful information was shared
To which I am most appreciative.

Craig Bothwell

Saw this (not mine) today and wanted to share a few pics - this T looks very un-monkeyed with, even the upholstery appears original. The wiring, and not much else, has been replaced in order to make it run reliably.

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I have decided to add a little bling to my car and attach a brass Ford script and a small 1914 script to my radiator. There are two recommended ways of attaching the script. They say you can use brass wires to hold the script to the radiator or you can silver solder the brass script to bolts and run the bolts through the radiator. I was wondering...

I recently bought a 23 roadster without a top, now i am finding out there are several type irons and bows for the 23. How can i determine the correct ones for this car. Is the front one wood, Please any info or pictures would sure help me out. Thanks Sam Mendenhall

I live in mountains of North Carolina, worry about losing braking from broken drive train. I own a set of AC brakes, have not installed them yet. Some commentators have mentioned that external drum brakes don't work when wet. Our area enjoys 70+ inches of rain a year so wet breaks are a potential worry. What is the consensus on external drum...

Well, I changed-out my hi-flow aluminum intake manifold for the correct dog-leg intake ...and now my 'G' throttle linkage hits the manifold. :o I realize the 'G' is not a 5-ball, but has anyone else used a 'G' on an early manifold? -and if so, what did you do?? TIA!

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Question - is the thing on the left of a left hand drive Model T, a parking brake or emergency brake?

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I have an opportunity to buy a static balancer assembly that was used in an industrial shop. I want to be able to balance my transmission and flywheel assembly. It is similar to this>

I don't know the diameter of the flywheel with a ring gear on it. Do any of you know? I don't want to waste money on a balancer that is too small, even though it...

A Minnsota photo near Lake Minnetonka.

I'm considering installing either an I or E timer on my crank-start '14. Any comments or advice would be appreciated. Thanks : Bruce

I don't care much for reproduction parts. Why? Because most of the time whoever made them cut corners, and didn't do it correctly. One recent example. Pre 1921 fan blades. The reproduction blades are very nice, except the ends are not convex as original. They went to so much trouble to do what they did, why didn't they finish it up?
Many years ago...

It is well known that the windshield can pop out at the top of the firewall and mine did. This caused significant rips in the top which got worse and worse until I really need a new top. Before I enter that endeavor I want to learn how to prevent it from happening again.

The Brackets are different between the engine side and the passenger side of...

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So filling up today noted the cardboard pieces are pretty well spent and would like to replace them. This is a 26 Fordor and mine are in two pieces (picture 3).

Putting them together as when under the seats the width is approx 16 3/4 and the length is approx 31 1/4 . I did not see replacements for these in the various auto parts catalogs I have,...

Hi, I'm rebuilding my starter and need to solder the bushing with babbitt but can't find any solder salt to seal the housing.

Is there any place that sells a small block of babbitt material? Thank.

In need of a new cable but only Langs carries them and they don’t know when they’ll get them in.
Suggestions please.
Thanks

Some years ago, a fellow club member had a T with a rebuilt differential that screamed like a fire truck siren. Well while flicking through some Canadian service bulletins, I learnt that in mid 1923 that Canadian T's had changed the diff gears, it seems that mixing with older ones was not a good idea, parts books also confirm the change. but I...

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I have my new drums bushed, balanced and mounted on the flywheel. Progress is slower this time around with no deadline. Had to take a break to watch some collegiate summer ball.

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Andy

Yesterday I drove my 1927 coupe 7 miles for the first time in six months. Question 1: At times, the engine backfired and coupe lurched badly in high gear. What are the main causes of backfiring?

Question 2: I checked the temperature of the upper part of the radiator. It was 214F. The temp of the head was 214F. The temperature of the exhaust...

Cleaning up some demountable rims prior to installing tubes, flaps and tires and don't see a down side to spraying the underside of the rims with a under coating rattle can or bed liner rattle can to prevent or reduce not only corrosion to the rim, but to provide a little more slip to the tube and flap during assembly. I will probably mask off the...

Today I made my first attempts to solder Babbitt on an old bearing shell. Has anyone done this and can give me some tips?
I would like to fix the axial play of the crankshaft on my engine.

greetings from Switzerland

Here is movement of a 2PC floating main shaft.
To allow alignment of 4th main.

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Now to the other side.
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Adding picture to some you where movement is.
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Just thought yous guys would like to see. Dan

I know that model As used both copper and zinc plated covers on cutouts up through about February 1929. Late model Ts use the same cutout, but where their covers copper or zinc plated also?

I rebuild generators and refurbish original cutouts. I'll use copper cutouts on some early model A generators, but would like to know if I can use them on...

To what purpose might this modified T generator have been put?
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Allan from down under.
There is a similar socket on the other side marked 230v ac.

Is there any state in America I can still buy Centari paint. I could get it in California until a year ago.

Howdy folks.

I often run Motocraft F 11 plugs and would like to use a knurled nut. does anyone know the thread size and pitch at the top of the plug? A web search failed to find such details.

Maybe someone knows where I can buy such a thing? Perhaps I'll need to buy something smaller and tap it.

I know it's just cosmetics but I would like to do...

I routinely capture information on given topics and nicely put it in proper folders for later recall. As I was looking through my carburetor folder I found the text below. I suspect I got this from the forum but I don't really know. I would love to know who wrote it, there are some details I haven't seen before. It is clear to me that I don't have...

Today’s forecast did not look promising for the downtown parade. Predictions and radar were showing heavy rain almost up to the 10 am start time.
Since I was leaving from Sam Atkinson’s house, 25 miles from the starting point, we had to decide to go or not. The decision not to go had been made and as I was heading to my truck to leave, the rain...

Emergency brake rod from handle to pawl question
are the 2 lengths very early to late I have a few and one is 12 the other 13 1/2 Bob

I have always relied on the outward flare on the sides of the high shells to easily differentiate them from the low shells where the sides are square to the front panel. It is my belief that all the high shells have the same flared out sides, but in a recent wanted ad thread it was indicated that the earlier high steel shells were different from...

By now we all know that beginning in December of 1925, engine serial numbers were also stamped on the frame. Does this include trucks too, or only cars?

In June 1924, something special happened... my Model T rolled off the assembly line! In June 2024, an incredible milestone was reached, Lizzie celebrated her 100th Birthday! I decided to share the celebrations at Mid Coast Ford Motorfest, on the King's Birthday long weekend in June. This annual flagship car show is put on by the Great Lakes...

Does anyone know where I can purchase a rolling engine cradle for a 1935/36 Ford flathead engine?
Thnak you , Craig