MTFCA Forum

Many of the cars on the sale were used on a movie set. I have no affiliation to the cars but will be in Nokomis this weekend for tractor school.
Just in case anyone is interested in any them I could get more pictures.

Are there any photos or dimensions telling me where to install the speedometer head on a two piece firewall (early 1912)?

The hole for the cable has already been drilled in the floorboard so that sets the horizontal position. Im looking for info re the vertical placement.

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I am sure that some of you have seen this sales brochure before. I wasn't going to get it until I saw the 2 handwritten notes inside under a couple of the pictures. I just thought I would share: It is still in excellent condition and came with the original envelope as well.

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Rivet mounts at foldover base with 1 round and 1 square bolt holes but what for and where ?
Thanks! 20240415_153022.jpg 20240415_153029.jpg 20240415_153035.jpg 20240415_153047.jpg

Looking at a 14 roadster sideways with no one in it, are the front and back fenders supposed to be level with each other or are the front fenders lower than the back ones? I am getting ready to mount the fenders on my car and I thought to measure the distance from the top of the fender irons to the ground. The front irons are 2” lower than the...

Can the stock 40 tooth Ford crown gear be used in a Ruckstell rear end or is a special recessed 40 tooth gear required. I have a NOS 11 tooth Ford pinion to go with it.

I decided to try and rebuild a few coils. The new capacitors I received from Langs are cylindrical and do not fit in with the glass plate. Do I remove the glass plate with this newer style cap?

Seeing a very fine line in the manifold, I suspected a crack and proceeded to wire brush and paint anyway. Crack seemed to go away. After running it, I now see that the crack is in fact, a crack.

Question 1: Can I should I drive it this way?

Question two: If I shouldn't, what are the chances of repair?.

Question C: If question A and 2 are off...

The eclipse just started where I live. Full eclipse in 1 hour. Full will last about 4 minutes.

Art Mirtes

Palacio Jackson. 18 de Julio esquina Plaza Cagancha, Montevideo. Circa 1920

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I've not found any evidence of plating on either of my 1913's, but I'm wrong! My understanding is they were either zinc or galvanized plated.
What a job it's going to be to get them right!

Wondering what the correct tail lamp bracket should be for a late 1915 to early 1916 Model T Coupelet. I have heard it is just a runabout bracket, and I’ve also heard that it is a special bracket that mounts underneath the body. If anyone knows and has pictures, it would be very helpful. Also looking for information on the side lamp brackets. Need...

Hello all! I am looking at what I am told is a 1920 Canadian Touring. It belonged to a gentleman I knew for years that passed away last year, and his widow is ready to sell it. Looking it over, it appears to be in excellent condition, radiator is full, oil level is good, interior and paint are in great condition, and it has a Ruckstell and Rocky...

I know the Edison #14 spark plug fits the Model T. Are there any other numbers that will fit the Model T? Jim Patrick

I just brought home another T. This is getting to be a habit. Nice car with very few issues but it is my first time owning a car with a ruxtell. The previous owner couldn't tell me anything about it so I just wanted to ask what should I check on it before really driving the car. I think that it runs regular gear oil instead of 600 weight, doesn't...

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I have a generator test stand that my dad made years ago. Not fancy, but works great. However, for the load , I need to have a 6V battery handy. Problem is, I don't often have one laying around to spare. My current one is a 6V Optima that belongs in my Sedan. It's at full charge right now and frankly, I don't like putting more charge into it with...

Hey fellow T people. I am trying to buy something for my 1916 Touring. I am offering his asking price but he will only accept friends and family payment. What are the advantages or disadvantages for me?
Campbell Tellman II
Beaufort, NC

I'm going to be doing a little presentation at the Piquette Museum on timers and want to make sure I have my facts right. Am I correct that the only NEW timers currently available are the New Day and Anderson for mechanical timers and the E-Timer which is electronic? I believe the TW timer was very popular but is out of production. I also...

Got a new wood kit for my coil box, wondering what if any color it should be or maybe just clear coat with some varnish. I searched the older posts but came up empty. Any suggestions wood be appreciated. (pun intended) JIm

I have a brass T in the shop that presently has a 12v Group 121R battery rated at 550CCA and a T starter & later hogshead retrofitted. Space under the back seat is very limited so we are looking at a way of minimizing space. This starter is mostly used when emergency starting the engine (-stalled the engine in traffic, or when hand-cranking is...

Is there a sure-fire way to identify an original New-Day timer cap? With all the Repos that have been made I suspect it would be easy to be mistaken at a swap meet.

Question, Do you still need to retard the timing lever ATC on the I timer to start the car or does the timer do that on its own? Thank you.

I am looking for a viton needle and seat for the Stromberg OF carburetor on my 24 Model T. I remember several years ago Stan Howe remanufactured them but he has sadly since passed away. Does anyone know if and where I could find one? I could try to make one myself but I would rather buy one from someone who has had experience.
Thanks!
Bill...

Working on a Ruckstell out of a '15 Touring from the Lake Tahoe area many years ago - anyone recognize this type of outboard axle bearing ? The p.s. has what appears to be knock-off tabs across from each other - not so on the Ruckstell half ? Federal # FS88508 on the outer carrier.

Also: how not to bush a #160 housing !

I know some of you are familiar with the Hill Climb each October in Newport Indiana. I have been reading there rulers for a model t speedster and I tried sending a message to them but no reply. In the rules for the speedster class it says you cannot run a pressurized fuel system. Would that rule apply to an electric fuel pump?

The Facebook page had this posted as a 1927 traffic jam but not sure sexactly.
Expanding the page I can see what looks like a 25 or later T coupe halfway down on the right next to the curb. The T’s if there are very many must have gotten hot if that was a summer photo! It looks like it was a big mess toward the top of the jamb as a few cars were...

about this head. IMG_8833.jpeg IMG_8831.jpeg

I got this valve seat cutter from a friend it's clearly marked 5-z-459. The tool chart I have says 5-z-457 are there more tools not on the chart anyone have a complete list?

Hi all,
What suggestions do you all have for replacing the small brass plugs that seal the carb passageways? They're made of brass originally, I believe. Can I use heavy copper copper wire, or does it have to be brass? Thanks for your help.
John

This Rear Fender looks a little bit different than any I have found or seen.

Does anyone recognize what year or body style that was designed for that fender use?

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I just came across this carpet on ebay and wondered if anyone has ever ordered one to see if it is any good. It is $22.80 plus shipping so it certainly is cheap enough if it is any good.

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Firestone serviceman and vehicle, circa 1916. Courtesy Wichita Public Library, Local History Section / #HTH100

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I thought what year T.JPG

I am completing a 1912 commercial roadster that has a build date of Dec 1911. Im getting ready to have a top installed and need to know about the straps that hold the front top bow to either the windshield or front
fender irons.

My fender irons have integral holes for connecting the top straps suggesting the long fender straps were used, but Im...

Worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

Is there a company or companies that sell window roller shades for antique and vintage cars? I am looking for patterned vinyl or cloth shade material for my Towncar. From what I can tell, only plain vinyl shade materials are available from Model A parts vendors. Am interested in fancier window roller shades. Thank you for any leads.

Today I awoke Clyde, my 1925 Express Wagon from an 8-month slumber. It started easily, though I did get a backfire as it was starting. It seemed to run fine for a few minutes then got rough and lost power.

I had just reinstalled the timer, so the first thing I did was check the wiring - all as it should be. I then started to check the timing and...

Am I the only guy that's getting that dang pop-up every time I open the main page ?????????????????

Ford T with carnival-goers. Avenida Rio Branco, Rio de Janeiro. 1928

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Hello, After backing out my TT to do some spring maintenance I went to start it up to take a ride. It started and stalled, when I went to start it again I had nothing. No coils buzzing, starter didnt spin engage.....I have 6volt power to it all but it all is dead. I even tried to put a jumper form the batt to the starter, nothing! Ideas?

Herb Singe’s T torpedo 1952 Popular Science
Found this article by chance

Surfing the web looking for an aluminum intake and chanced upon this. Measurements are good. So why?

My truck came with virtually no cotter pins on the castle nuts so I've been going through adding them everywhere they belong. My steering works fine with no binding but the bolt through the castle nut on the tie rod end will not budge. I've soaked it for 2 weeks with PB Blaster and even used an impact hammer to see if it would move, but it will...

Good Evening everyone and a pleasant Sunday to you all!
The 1927 model T that I’ve been mechanically restoring is just off for painting…. I think I’ve come up with the color of hunter green as the original! Wondering if anyone had a paint code that would still cross match as closely as I can to the original……and I get it, the paint is pushing 100...

I’ve read posts and can’t seem to find the tar local to me. I’m looking to buy enough to rebuild 8 or so coils. Anyone have a small piece they are willing to sell me?

Would anyone happen to have any photos/images of an original binder for the Model T Service Bulletins? Over the years I have put together a good sized set of them including some binder covers. The covers came in the bottom of a box with some other paper ephemera and my question is this; What was used to hold it all together? Was it split type...

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Searched but could not find specifics on how to install glass in windshield frames then in stanchions.
1, Do I wrap the glass in glass setting/bedding cloth tape I get at Lang's before inserting glass into frame.
2, Do I also use the setting/bedding tape or something else for under the clamp and each end of frame.
3, Do I get safety glass or...

There has been some discussion about aftermarket distributors and I would like to get this cleared up in my mind. As I understand there was
or is a gentleman that designed & manufactured the drive to run a Bosch distributor on a model T. What I cant seem to figure out is what was
his name? So far I have heard Rader, Raider, Reader, Reeder & R.G....

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This touched a nerve today. It's so typical of how things evolve.
Have a nice day.
Rich
From H.A.M.B.
(might be low cowl?)

Hi,
I have a Henry Carter from Madisonville KY, who have ordered (and paid) for a set of refurbished coils on eBay.

Due to shipment costs, I do normally not deal with Model T folks from the US and you do also have lots of alternative US based solutions, but now the payment have come through to me, but he do not react on the messges I've send to...

Hello, I need to clean up the threads on a 25 exhaust manifold. What is the thread size?

Thanks

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...... April 7th, 1947, Henry Ford died.

Does anyone know who made this? Is it still available?
Came off a speedster friend has. Don’t know history, hope someone here can tell me more. It bolts to what looks to be Model A transmission so it can bolt on to a T engine.
Replaces the Ball Cap, AKA 4th main.
Thinking about making them if no one else is still doing it.
Post here of email...

Looking for a brand name or information on a set or 4) 8-spoke Model t steel wheels I recently acquired. All was well until I measured them for tires. All 4) 24 . So 30 x 3's would work but think they wouldn't look correct or perform well especially on a Tudor. Are 32 x 4's an option? Any advice appreciated. (Or a set of 23 steel Wheels)

Thanks...

So, here's the lowdown on my Model T misadventures: I figured I'd dive into the deep end, had Joe bell rebuild the engine. He got it purring like a kitten... well, more like a kitten with a smoker's cough, carburetor problems, that's on me. Then I meticulously pieced together the rest of the car, from the tires up, with the confidence of someone...

Does anybody know anything about these front spring supporst shown in the attached pics? Do they serve a useful purpose. Thanks for your help!

Dummy questions here, sorry......
Does a Ruckstell rear end completely replace the existing differential or does it retain some of the parts?
Do you retain the inner Hyatt bearings?
Will it work with a 10 tooth pinion or only the 11 tooth that originally came with the car?

My current rear axle configuration includes a modern pinion bearing, ten...

I have a couple of early cars, including a 1914 T Runabout, that have old deteriorated tops made of plain black canvas. I had a chance to get a Juki industrial sewing machine from an upholstey shop that went out of business, and now I am thinking making my own tops and accessories. I don't think I would make curtains, as I don't think I would ever...

Anything special about a head marked WHITE and under the white stamping, is a K_R ? This is on my engine and I noticed it while the head was off to look at how I'm going to address bad exhaust valves, as well as rot/corrosion at the head bolt hole and the water jacket between 2 & 3 along with 2 cracks radiating from the #3 exhaust valve seat. I...

I came across a photo of this swivel and fiber gear. The bracket looks like 1915 or so, but the strait drive swivel and large fiber gear are throwing me off. Is this model T hardware or for another automobile of similar vintage? Just curious to see what the experts say. Thank you in advance!

I have a question about capacitors, I had some coils rebuilt in 2020 and I had thought it would be a good idea to check them on a strobo spark and have 3 of them that have capacitor that have failed according to the strobo spark. My question is why would I this happen with 4 year old rebuild coils. These coils were professional rebuilt and set up...

Just got done shipping a car by way of Bill Squires Transportation
And just wanted to let you all know as usual what a wonderful job by an equally wonderful individual. On budget, on time regardless of weather conditions, and the car was delivered in exactly the same condition as when it was loaded. I would highly recommend this carrier for any...

What's the going wisdom about 6 volt batteries these days?
Lots of motorcycle collectors I know are transitioning to lithium batteries, Light, leakproof, work well in warm weather, etc.
Is there a good lithium option?
My worry is that a regular lead-acid unit will just not take kindly to my sporadic use, and need to be swapped out every couple...

Finally fixed the running issue with my T only to find that my generator isn't actually charging the battery. I guess I never actually bothered to check before this. Before I got the car it sat since '87, and I've heard talk about generators needing to be polarized, does this apply to the T? I do know it's the generator itself that has the issue,...

Has anyone found any difference in the balancing beads sold by Dyna balance (the company that originated the product) or the ones that are being sold by the competitors. There's a marked difference in price between the two and I was wondering if the extra money would be worth going with the Dyna bead company compared to the ones called Conteract...

What is the difference in capacitors with the same rating?
On the computer I put in .47K 400V and came up with different capacitors with different prices and the same rating?
I am not an electronics person so plain language works best.

Thanks for the advice so far on my '26(25) Touring that I inherited.

One thing I need for sure is a fan belt. The old one was hanging in shreds, and besides, I removed the old plugged up water pump that my dad put on there, so I don't have a comparison.
I'm assuming I can put on one of those modern flat belts with the little ribs on the...

A friend of mine told me years ago about an unusual car cover that he had had for an A. It always sounded like a good idea and I wondered if anyone has or makes one for a T. The cover was more like a cap and just covered the top and windows on his Tudor. It has been too long to recall the specifics beyond that. I could probably make one myself but...

I am trying to mock-assemble a Ruckstell housing mated with a 12 rivet housing, and the differential carrier housing seems to be hitting in the clamshell area before the two halves can be joined. Do I need to machine the differential housing to gain the needed clearance? (Not sure if there is even enough material that can be removed) Has anyone...

I'm getting ready to adjust the Tie Rod now that I've rebuilt the whole front end. The first thing I'm going to do is drive the car just down the street and back to settle everything. Then I'll check the air in the tires. Here are the steps I'm doing with the areas I'm confused about

1. Measure the hub of the wheels from to back to make sure that...

So I just got a 13 tooth pinion stamped with Ruckstell, 8501 13-40 20N on the front and LC.CO. ID24 along with another number that can't be read on the back.
Would this have been used with the standard 40 tooth ring gear or other? With 40 tooth, looks to be about 3.07 to 1. How common was this combination, I don't see a lot in the Ruckstell repair...

I’m trying to readjust the Rocky Mountains on my car. I never installed them, they came when I bought the car. I’m having a hard time adjusting the gap to .020. There’s no constant gap all around. Does this look ok?

I have two tools I have been unable to identify. I believe they are Z tools; however, no visible marks to indicate that is the case. Any help would be appreciated.

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First tool

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Second tool

I am installing a correct steering column and magneto horn on my 1916 T. On the horn one wire goes from the magneto to the horn. The other wire goes from the horn to one terminal on the horn switch. Do I need to run a wire from the other terminal on the horn button to the steering column to complete the ground path?

I am in need of some help. I want to replace the sheet of plywood the P.O. used for the floor of a steel TT Express bed/box. I believe there are 5 steel rub strips over the seams between 7 floor boards, 2 steel side strips for between the outer 2 boards and the steel box, and 1 steel strip across the back end at the tail gate to cover the 7 board...

Has anyone successfully use a rust encapsulating paint on the inside of a engine pan to deal with surface rust? Rather than sandblasting? I hate
trying to get sand out of tight places so they don't end up in the finished engine. Tanks.
Craig.

I have a question regarding the radiator on our TT. We bought the truck in it's current state a couple of years ago, and the guy that restored it in 1978 has since passed away so I can't ask him about it, but it is fitted with an unusual radiator marked A.R.M.Co which I've been told stands for American Radiator Manufacturing Company. It has a...

thoughts and opinions which would make more horsepower, flat top pistons with a z head or domed pistons with stock head

Hi all.
I've been lurking here for a while now, reading and learning.
I inherited a '25 Touring car back in 1999 when my dad passed away. He had bought it as a retirement project, then burned out on it before he even retired, leaving it driveable, but only partially assembled. All the parts are there, I just need to figure out where they all go!...

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I came across this today. I was wondering if anyone would know how this was used and if it was a tool for a Model T service job.

Thanks

Herb

I have a 1927 Coupe that is painted Channel Green, and I came upon a very interesting 1927 Ford sales brochure that described the new paint colors for the Improved Ford. In the brochure, it describes the paint finish as a SATIN finish, which, to my knowledge, has not been described before. I'm wondering if anyone restoring a 1927 Ford has painted...

Hi,
I've seen some 25 Touring cars with nickel plated (and some chrome) radiator shells. Question: did Ford put them on or were they all black when leaving the factory. Was the nickel an upgrade, or just a personal choice? Thanks,
John

Anyone have his contact information? Thanks in advance!

Does anyone make the Viton float needle tips for the OF carbs since Stan is gone?

Any pictures of what others had done for wire wheel bolt color? I have a set of three bolt Ash Wire Wheels that are antique white with red center caps. Red, antique white to match, black...nickle plate. They will be on a 1926 speedster.

Note the pan straightening jig and other goodies in the workshop photo.

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I know this is not truly Model T, but perhaps I can get some information.
I have about 2/3 of an original one (missing the top half of the body). Looking online, I see that in the past someone has reproduced these lights. Were the parts “authentic”(would the parts interchange)?
I’m considering making a pattern and casting the piece I’m missing.

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I managed to crack the flat glass lens on one of the E&J 333 acetylene headlights on my 1912 Flanders 20. I plan to take it to my local glass shop to have a new one made. Should I ask them to make the new one out of plain flat glass like the original, or would laminated glass work? I wonder how well laminated glass would hold up to the heat (I do...

Caption says University of Iowa auto mechanics class.
No wonder it’s so neat !

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My brother, Brian, and I sadly post news that our father, Dick Fischer, passed away this week after a period of declining health. Dad really enjoyed this forum over the years. As many of you know, he was a true engineer, and nothing he liked more than talking technical. This is a great place.

We are keeping our 1912 Touring, as it's been in the...