MTFCA Forum

Working on a model T can be challenging, often frustrating. Generations of T guys have come up with clever helps not necessarily found in the repair manual, but can make the work easier. Here are a few I've collected, mostly home-made or improvised:
Left to right, half clamps permit seating the exhaust manifold then positioning the intake...

My 1915 T has, I believe, a repro brass radiator and the lower coolant elbow is quite rusted. I see no holes, but looks like it's dripped slowly for years. Also, the female threads for the drain valve are too rusted to replace the valve. Any ideas for a sealant I might use? I was thinking of POR15 fuel tank or their Hi-Temp paint. Also, how might...

What tools would be in the tool kit for my 1921 Runabout?

Hello T-people

Can anybody help me further? What material is the hogshead made of? Can it be welded?

I have a hogshead with tight pedal shafts, but unfortunately a corner on the back broke off during the drilling.

Can I fix this?

Greetings from Switzerland

Hello T-people

I had a lot of play in my driveshaft ball. I wasn't very impressed with the provider's insert disc and so I've been thinking for a while about how I could solve the problem.

While straightening the rear axle, I had the idea of ​​trying to heat and cool the ring.

It took some patience and several rounds of heating and slow cooling...

Sorting thru our T parts stash on a rainy day. Came across these.... what are they?

Many thanks for suggestions and insults in advance.

Ok a question for those in the know. Does anyone have solid verifiable evidence or information on the placement, etc. of these tags? I was told that these tags were not put on by Ford at the Factory. Making a guess here, were they added at dealerships?
Thank you in advance. Trying to settle a dispute/discussion.

Been trying for a while to figure the YouTube thing out. We did a few short test videos, and finally got a 12-minute video to post. It has been a pretty tough learning process for an old timer :) We are wanting to do a lot more vintage camping with the T and to post some of our trips to YouTube. We also do modern overlanding camping with our...

Teenaged boys, who are junior members of the Molesters Club (as indicated by large M s sewn on the seats of their pants) leaning into the engine area of Richard Burns' 1927 Ford Model T jalopy named Tooty .

Interesting Nina Leen photo series for Life Magazine, definitely a different era. Scrolling is to the right....

I accidentally dropped my KR Wison transmission jig and broke it. Looking for someone to expertly repair it. Any suggestions?
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Interesting radiator mascot.

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My sandblaster guy went a little aggressive and roughed up the outside of my rear drums. I use Rocky Mountain brakes. Can anyone tell me if that’s going to tear up my brake linings?

Got lucky and found some Stevens tools I was needing to add to the collection. I bought three Stevens engine lift eyes that are used to pull the engine or to help install a head when replacing the gasket. I already had one of the 1/2-inch pipe thread versions for Model Ts and have been looking for years for the other one. Found three of them in an...

Is anyone out there running the jack rabbit clutch discs ?
And if so how well does it work?
Thanks in advance.

I’m helping a club member with her car, and found the transmission brake band appears to have real brake linings. It was her father’s car and wasn’t driven much, I’ve checked the drum and found no burns or cracking, some light wear. Going to put Scandinavia material on the band.

Has anyone seen this before ?

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Hello,

We ran the 1914 T at the inlaws last weekend. We discovered even more parts.

Can anyone tell me what year was this NH is from?

It appears to be all steel and complete. The float works.

Any wisdom given much appreciated.

:D

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Anyone have any idea what this manifold was intended for when new. I don't believe Model A due to the port shape. I know what the carb is from, and dont know if that's a clue or not. My only guess is Iron Duke Chevrolet.

What distinguishes a 1913/14 Corcoran carbide generator from the others. Otherwise, how do I know if I am looking a Corcoran generator or some other brand of generator? Pictures would be helpful.
Thank you
Craig

Why is it so hard to weld two broken pieces of cast iron together?

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Manny, Moe, Jack, Moe , Larry, Curly, Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and the Carbureted Cowboy are the wheel.

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Photo made by neighbor Rick. Gang is some of my neighbors too.

I thought these numbers interesting. Michigan Department of Labor conducted factory inspections and took a head count each year. Unfortunately they didn't provide a factory breakdown for 1902 and 03. The initial Ford Motor Co. numbers show a low number of employees at the Mack Avenue plant. This inspection occurred in the spring of 1904 (1899...

Ordered a set of .015 over T style valves. Specs given we they were .327 stem. I planned to cut new guides with a 21/64 reamer (.328) and then a quick hone to get to proper size. The valves arrived and measure .3245-.3250.

Anyone see an issue running the valve a but looser than one typically would on a rebuild? I suppose its not a big deal was...

I've been asked to help a non-hobbyist dispose of some T & TT stuff they inherited. So far I've only seen a few photos but I will be paying a visit sometime in the next month to look it over. The collection includes three C-cabs (just the cabs) and a pile of parts, but one item caught my attention. It appears to be an auxiliary transmission on a...

how long should the threaded rivets be in the 1911 rear axle housing? Will 3/4 work? I need to replace all of them inboard and outboard.
will these work?

The Grey Ghost took her first drive yesterday, after some years of storage. She ran well, started on mag, and is beginning several days of test driving and sorting out.

I think not, but I'm captioning this photo for our local club newsletter and would like to be sure. The photo is dated August 1921 and the setting is the Pembina River at Evansburg, Alberta. The ferry was replaced by a single-lane road bridge in 1923.

The rail bridge in the background has an interesting history... it was built in 1909-10 in...

Odd question perhaps, but does anyone know what tap size to use on a brass steering wheel nut? The threads on the inside of mine are buggered up a bit.

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2024 BAKERSFIELD BRASS ERA - PRE WAR SWAP MEET
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Vendor Set-Up Day; May 3
Swap Meet; May 4
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Famoso Drag Strip - 33559 Famoso Rd.
McFarland CA (9 miles north of Bakersfield, CA.)
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The Brass Era - Prewar Swap Meet has exclusive use of the YELLOW ZONE so be sure to reserve your space within this larger event's YELLOW ZONE . The number of...

I am looking for a period license plate for North Carolina, Virginia or Tennessee. We can use expired plates in NC but must have current plate in the car.
Thanks,
Campbell Tellman II
1916 Ford Touring
252-528-0093

I have 2 steering columns I have been told are for 1916. They both have the two mounting holes for the horn button, but one has a U shaped channel for the horn wire while the other has the small round tube for one wire. Which would be correct for a 1916 made in December, 1915?

I saw this old picture today at the rehab where my grandma is at in Tyler. It was too long to take a picture of all of it with my phone but this is most of it. It looks like a 1913 touring sandwiched between 2 1914’s. They’ve got the horses and cars parked in separate locations. That is the old Smith County courthouse. They are about to tear down...

I put a boot on my top to try to keep it cleaner while driving gravel roads but notice it hangs down on the spare tire thus creating a kind of air scoop that also scoops in dust. Is there some way to cinch up the bottom of this boot. By doing so, it would also cinch in the sides a little. This is a very nice boot by Classtique. It has three straps...

I just signed up a short time ago but have been lurking for years here. I love T’s! I recently inherited a 26 or 27 engine with a 1937 Chevy transmission already adapted to it from a family friend that passed. He had this engine in a touring that he traveled all over the Midwest and lower Canada in. I am going to build a speedster and I want to...

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I am finishing a late 13 block someone else started. The block has had seats installed, ground and guide reamed to accept what I believe are chev valves that have been included. The valve dimensions are 5.103 long. 1.506 head diameter. .3415 stem diameter. They have 1 notch about. 90 or more wide for the keepers. The slot diameter there is .3003 ....

Hi all,
My good buddy (acar collector) wonders if anyone knows of a good system/app which could keep track of gas levels/condition in his collection. I know he could use pencil and paper. Just wondering if anyone has found an easier plan. Thanks so much!

This is what my coupelet looks like now. It is getting a starter installed.
The engine block has had some repairs to it. On the side near the rear some welding has been done.
Freeze cracks have been repaired.
Both of these repairs were made about 40 years ago and they have not leaked or caused any problems. I guess they are good to go. The crank...

searching using mtfca on google is working again. philip

It brings sadness to announce the passing of Bob Parmenter who was known to many of you. He was part of the Youngstown Model T club since the 1960's. He was a mentor for the hobby and an extraordinary Model T mechanic and heavy truck mechanic all his life. He loved those Detroit Diesels the best. Rest in Peace Uncle Bobby. He was 91.

Our local T club went on a visit to a collection of all sorts of stuff today. I was intrigued with this machine. Not bad for late 19th century stuff. I could make room for it any day. 20240225_104314.jpg
Allan from down under.

I'm finally getting to put the axel in. Thanks to Scott I'm making sure to line up the square blot on the spring with the square hole on the frame. Here is what I plan to do to get the car on it's own wheels so as not to stress anything

1. Took the spring off and made sure the square bolt lined up with the square hole in the frame.
2. While I...

I'm still designing my firewall, cowl and dash set up for the WWI ambulance and came across this dash panel in the parts stash. Don't even know if it's Model T. Approx. 38 long with 3 1/2 hole for . . . ? Clock? Spedo? Steering column bracket and choke rod hole line up with current T set up. Dash light, but it's toast, might have to find a hole...

Where do the butterfly bracket holes go on the
1912 firewall?

I'm writing this post in an effort to assist a man who is asking on the MTFCA Facebook page. Seems his neighbor might have a 1911/12 body up in the attic. Apparently the doors and body have the same number stamped in it (13 213) thirteen SPACE two-one-three.

Is the body number for these earlier cars the same as the serial number of the car? I...

Gearing up for a batch of generators. I will have two available armatures if anyone needs a refresh, spring is just around the corner.

David

Williamston T Works (Facebook)

Here’s a colorized 1920’s downtown Waco post card. Horse and buggies, street car, early cars and a few Model T’s. At the very end of the street was the town square. My Mother got her drivers license in 1925 for .25 cents at the age of 14 on a Saturday at the square. She got to drive the Model T touring to school because she was the one who could...

I am looking for fenders and running boards for 1926 fordoor in good condition. Also need both headlights. If anyone will have these items at the Marietta meet then please contact me
tkirgis@gmail.com

Trying to figure out if this a model T deck lid.

Measuring the top from outside edges it is 32-1/2 L x 21-1/4 W.

I'm not sure how many different sizes were used with model T's.

Thanks,
Clay

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Looking for help from anyone that has built a speedster body from the Lee Thevenet plans
Which I believe are also the same bodies that Langs and RootLieb sell
Built the base framework and placed it on my T frame to line up where to cut out for the parking brake. Problem is seems like it’s 2 inches short. If I was the push it forward to where the...

Rather than tacking this onto the other LED thread, I just have a question. I noticed tonight with the 1920 roadster running in a dark garage that there is a very faint, barely perceptible flicker from my LED headlight bulbs with the light switch turned off. This seems to coincide with engine RPM. I notice it in both bulbs, on magneto or on...

Starter problems solved by cleaning and adding a ground strap.

Starts and runs great, and I can rev up rpms and sounds good.

When I switch to magneto it runs poorly and when I rev the rpms, it sputters.

I cleaned the mag pickup which did have fuzz on it and jiggled ignition key (no change) and it still runs poorly. Back to battery and it runs...

I am getting close to installing the metal panels to my Detroit Electric (I know this is off topic). One of the things that is obvious is that the wood structure was totally painted prior to the panels being installed. I’m wondering about what kind of paint that is available today people have used?
Thank you

I virtually don’t know anything about voltage regulators so be gentle ha. This horse has been beaten to death but I’m not sure I’ve read anything on the forum about using a 1940’s-50s automobile voltage regulator on a model T. I’m sure someone will be able to find an old post but thought I’d ask anyway. I’m a glutton for punishment, I have a 49...

A bearing vendor has new Timken bearing kits (except the one bearing made of Unobtainium) for original Warford transmissions. He lists separate kits for early Warfords made from 1923-24, and late Warfords, made from 1925-27. How do you determine whether you have an early or late Warford transmission? I'm sure it makes a difference so FYI, my...

Did they ever produce Model T cars at this plant? I was closed probably in the early 1960s and was torn down in the 1980's. I could still see the Ford Motor Co. on the side of the building until the end.

I acquired a Rayfield Ford Special side draft carburetor. It isn't NOS, but is very clean with possibly low use. I know nothing about these carburetors. Although everything looks original, The throttle levers look to be very short. There is one on each end of the throttle shaft. The choke is operated by cable much like a Stromberg. The air intake...

My resent thread on the firewall transition for my WWI ambulance has got me thinking about 50 steps backward in this project, but might be the right thing to do. Rather than use the existing 27 depot hack sheet metal and build the wood ambulance body to complete, I have access to a 20 roadster project that will probably never get complete and the...

Where are you coil fixers getting your tar from these days?

So Ive ordered a radiator from Brassworks and Ill probably cut the nuts off to get the old one off the car.
My question is which hardware to use going back up? the car is a 1913 but I like the looks of the newer thimble design. (1920's)

The story from the family as told to the kid that I got my car from is that it was used to take trips to Baja to fish

I have a 1913 touring car and a 14 Touring car the 13 had a top on it that was tore up needs to be replaced. And broken bows , I collected the top socks in pieces for the 14. It turns out that the front bow on the 13 belongs on the 14 and the piece I got for the 14 belongs on the 13. I need measurements of the sockets and the bow if this is hard...

Anyone know what this is? Came in some T parts.
Thanks
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Who is the party that is usually at Hershey with horn parts? Need a diaphragm for a number 3 Long horn. George

My '26 original ignition switch tumbler broke at the back inside and I replaced it with an aftermarket one.
It works but when in the Batt position it is right on the edge of making contact and while driving
it will vibrate and move just slightly and shut the engine off. I can't turn the key any more. I have 20volts from my magneto but when I...

Open car info needed. I’m looking for a picture of the card board panel especially where the windshield bolts pass through or around near the top on both sides of the body and how it should be trimmed. I didn’t have the originals and all my tack holes have been filled in the original wood. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just 8, eight, ate short days till the Marietta, Ohio swap meet, March 2, 2024. All vendor spaces are sold, the ladies are preparing kitchen getting it ready for coffee and drinks for breakfast at 7:00 am. Then lunch at noon, with pies, chili and coney dogs. Nice heated building. Good selection of new and used parts. Don’t miss out on seeing all...

24 Coupe with missing parts to the adjustable vent (air scoop?) that lets air into the cab. What's that thing called so i can at least look for parts? I see nothing at Langs

I know I kind of painted myself into a corner by starting with a 26/28 depot hack to convert into a 1917 WWI ambulance, but it's what I had on hand and my budget could afford. So, it will never be anything more than representative of the specisis, which is more than acceptable to me and the people hearing me tell it's story. So, I have 26 engine...

Hi all,
If I have a running, very original (original body, wheels, upholstery, top and mostly original engine) 1911 touring.
I really only got it running, got a complete lamp set and fresh paint. What would be a fair selling price?
Just want to get a feeling for some project ideas.

Its time to get your 2024 Homecoming Swap Meet booth!

Here are the guidelines for this year's event. Please note some things have changed so please read through everything carefully :
All Swap Meet vendor spaces are outdoors.
• Spaces are 10 x 10 ft. Vendors can purchase up to 8 contiguous spaces.
• If selling from a trailer, it MUST fit...

Hello to all my MTFCA friends!

I have a question regarding changing over to LED bulbs in my headlights, and I notice the new LED bulbs are not turned to the correct position. The bulbs I am trying to use came from one of our vendors Logo Lite No. A-3007-LED. I believe when correctly installed, they should be horizontal in appearance with a red...

So the previous owner of my 1922 T decided to spay paint the car black with a rattle can. From far away the car looks pretty decent, but if you get close to it, not so much. It has a lot of cracks in the paint, some areas more than others, and numerous scratches, but these don't really bother me much. I was wondering however, if I could sand/wet...

As not to steal the other post about ring gear screws, I decided to make my own. As I said in the other post my ring gear has been replaced and the new screws did not want to stay completely tight. They were tightened up, and we used the KR Wilson gauge to make sure they were all the same height. When I went back the next weekend to work on the...

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Steve says on his Facebook page that his current plan is to fly home to Kansas this coming Friday, 2/23/2024.

Apparently he spent some time in a hospital in Lomita, California for treatment of a kidney infection, but that has cleared up.

Once he is settled back in in Kansas, he says he plans to do a full writeup on his accident and subsequent...

Does anyone know the part number or which engine the modern rod bolt is for T rods? Thanks Dan

Your split rim is not the same as my split rim...

I've given up on finding a reasonably priced solution to my mismatched headlamp issue and so im asking for thoughts on using period correct (within a couple years) fork mounted electric lights on my 1913 pickup.

Just curious if anyone out there has put a brass radiator on a 1919 Coupe. Is it even possible? I know it is not correct but I think it would look really neat and I have a perfect body to do it with. Let me know your thoughts.

Adam

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Note the new hotel. Different from before.

The 4 day 2024 California Rendezvous Tour in Paso Robles CA will immediately follow the Bakersfield Brass Era/ PreWar Swap Meet.

Pre 1916 Fords are most welcome to join other horseless carriages on these charming back roads deep into this region's historic past.

Sunday afternoon May 3 through...

Just picked up the front legs for the front seats in the Tudor and noticed something interesting/confusing.

The legs are actually 2 different lengths. Not sure if this is to adjust between a tall driver and a short passenger and vice versa or maybe legs from 2 different years?

Any idea which seat gets which length leg?

Thanks for any thoughts,...

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It took a lot of work but its moving. Im not sure if the link will work or not, Let me know.

Hello T-people

I have a small drum axle half with a Ruckstell housing where the axle tube is very badly bent.
Now I plan to remove the Ruckstell housing and use it to convert a large rear drum.
I know that the length and alignment of the outside has to be exactly right in the end. Will I encounter any more difficulties?
Does the diameter of the...

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I have a 1920 engine torn down for some cleaning and a once over. Mag works fine and is in original condition. The flywheel magnets and retainers are all there and in fine shape. Does one change the brass screws for new as a precaution? I have 2 other engines with damaged mags due to a broken screw that let the retainer smack a coil or three.

My previous T would give me a free start, on average, about every 30 or 40 starting attempts. More when it was warmed up and less when it was not. But my current project, while fiddling with carb and stuck valve, etc. has bben started at least 100 times with no such free start. In fact, when I turn the ignition on, I have yet to hear a buzz. Once...

Does anyone know what the items in the photo are? They appear to be cast brass.

Thank you,
Terry

It isn't often we have to pull the hogshead, most owners dread it. One of the difficulties is having pedals flopping all around while you're trying to wrestle the cover into place. I saw this suggestion for a clamp to hold pedals firm against the ramps several years ago. On my current overhaul I've had plenty of time, so I made this one, and was...

I have a question about tire diameter/width. I know how to calculate the 30 tire vs 21 wheel for the standard vs. improved T, but I do not know the general drive tire measurements for the TT.

I own a tire chain building company and have had a snow machine owner reach out about utilizing my chains for tire protection with his tracks. He said he...

Okay got the price from the brush maker...went up as expected...$29.71 each for min of 12, $23.25 if I can somehow get 18 committed. Plus usual shipping and the $2 padded envelope so add around $6 as a guess, depending on quantity ordered. I'll put the order in about March 15 so PM or email me thru this forum with ur address and email address...

Working on a 26/7 sedan for a friend at the Florida Flywheelers Park, it has an accessory brake system installed, the hand brake lever has no lever spring in the handle, or an accessory spring hooking the pawl control rod and hooked over the end of the cross shaft. Is this the way it should be? George

Be interested in pictures or diagrams showing how it was done.

Love to be able to have both on the outside of the body on the left-hand side and would like to see how others who have done it accomplished it.

I have seen one's with the brake lever moved outboard but not also the shifter.

Hi Everyone!

So my Model T website has been up for almost 13 years now, and accumulated a staggering 115,000 unique visitors in that time, for which I cannot express enough how grateful I am!
It's also been quite some time since I last gave the website an update. The home page in particular was getting rather tired and scruffy!
I'd be keen to...