MTFCA Forum

Greetings Fellow Model T-er's!!!

I have a question for those out there who like to design dash plaques, club logos, letterheads, etc. About 20 years ago, the company I worked for switched from Lotus to Microsoft. Lotus has a program called Freelance. It was a drawing program which allowed folks to draw things like were aforementioned. The...

I'm pleased to inform everyone that my dedicated website has been given a much needed upgrade, since it was sadly neglected for a number of years... How time gets away from us! :o

One of the most major upgrades is the website's ability to adjust itself to multiple screen sizes, so it should work better on your phone too.

I will continue to make...

I have a question about the body mounting brackets on a 1914 and later roadster body. Do the rear brackets have round or square holes to mount them to the main sills? If square holes them the carriage bolts go from the underside of the body out through the brackets and the rear fender irons with the nuts on the outside. Is this correct? If the...

I just replaced a bad rubber stem on a model A tube with a new metal stem. My question is, do you need to put cement on the stem base ? I aired up the tube partially and did not see any bubbles around the washer. Was not sure how it would be with the proper air pressure.

Did Kelsey ever make a steel wheel that accepted fixed-lug rims? If so, were they a little bit narrower than the Fords and Hayes felloes? By any chance, were such wheels (if they existed) often used on Canadian-built Model T's?

Time to restore this Bridgeport pump..... It's a Bridgeport No. 5 I need to get it apart.. Although it's a double barrel Bridgeport pump, I don't believe Ford used the No. 5. This isn't for a show car, so good enough for what I need. Anyway, how are the brass tubes attached to the base? Threaded, pressed in?

In a group on Facebook about Old Copenhagen this picture showed up:
Knocked down Ford T i kasser i Frihavnen.jpg

It is from 1923 and a pier in the Copenhagen Free Habour. A handy probebly steamdriven crane can be moved around on the rails in the pier.
A lot of boxes has probably just been unloaded from a ship with that crane and the ship has...

I have the privilege to be recommissioning a mercury speeder for a forum member and he has decided to add a ruxtell rear end. my question is where have you fine owners put the shift handle? we have a side shift handle but I cannot figure out how to mount it. being the floor is at the same level as the top of the frame, you cannot install it on the...

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Canadian made Motometer that I thought was neat and wanted to share. Show off your odd-ball radiator gauges and/or Canadian made gizmoes, maybe a thread this specific could turn up some interesting stuff?

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I picked up my rims from the plater recently and was very pleased with the results. I am usually underwhelmed by some of the businesses that will take on a small job like model T parts, do it in a reasonable time and for a reasonable price. Gone are so many of the small businesses like radiator shops that will do a one-off something. When I went...

I have a shortened drive shaft tube that fits a unique set of lowering brackets and I need to have the driveshaft cut down to fit it. I don’t have a stock tube that’s not in a car to measure the overall length, to determine how much shorter this tube is from stock. I am calculating the number from the placement of the spring perches but it would...

Has anything been decided as to whether or not a Model T project will be pursued for Steve Jelf? It sounds as if he is coming out of the fog and it would be nice if there was a functional or restorable Model T waiting for him when he got home. I’m sure he would want the same year and style he had. Is the Model T he was driving salvageable? If so,...

With saddened heart I learned today that Racing legend and engine builder from Columbiana, Dick McKee passed away this morning peacefuly. He was known as the masked marvel in the Antique Auto Racing Association. He was famous for his McKee Rutherford and Riley race cars he restored for years. He was a extraordinary man. My son and I both learned...

Something of interest for you on the AACA What is it? forum:

Is there anyone currently doing these coils since we lost RV Anderson? Seems like I recall someone has picked up that service and mentioned it here. Mike

I bought new rims and a set of blockly tires and tubes and have them all mounted up. The tubes have metal stems and my question is, do I need another nut to lock the stem to rim, or leave it float like a rubber stem?

Hey All,
I lost the contact info for a man who will make a license plate period correct for my 1916 Touring. Can you remind me of his name?
Thanks,
Campbell Tellman
Beaufort< NC

My wheels are out getting new spokes. In the meantime my friend has leant me 3 wooden wheels (fouth is bored for rear, not front so I’m short one front). He also had 2 older Hayes metal spoke and 2 newer Hayes spoke wheels to use with my rim and tire. Issue is when I try to match them up the spacing from the tire valve hole to the mounting bolt is...

I stumbled across this video today, I didn’t see if it had been previously posted. I guess the author goes around to different museums.

Andy

Hello! I’ve noticed my fan belt is rubbing on my timer and has created a small groove. I know that part of the problem may be the belt, which I plan on replacing. But I’ve noticed there’s a slight wobble in the fan and shaft itself. I’d like to rebuild it so that it doesn’t have play and so that I know it’s good to go. Can someone help guide me...

Given a slow revving, low compression engine like a model T, what difference would an extra .005 in the ring gap make. What may be the manifestations of this? In the past I was concerned with too tight clearance but thought little of a bit wider ring gap.

Allan from down under.

I am not certain how to present this question and not feel dumb.

Dwell is defined as - Dwell angle is the amount of time, measured as degrees of rotation, that contact breakers close in a distributor. Unless dwell angle is accurate, ignition timing won't be accurate.

The discussion on the benefits of setting the dwell of an induction coil with...

Saw the new ad for Chickasha with NO Thursday line up. Vendors get in on Friday at 7.

I recently joined the MTFCA and now i get the magazine! :D
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Past posts have lamented the lack of decent reproduction bridge washers, there being a lack of raised ridge around the hole to more securely crush the tube.

I removed these two assemblies from junk tubes from the barn fresh car I am working on. 20231124_181640.jpg

These are the two Schraeder bridge waters from those stems. The one on the left...

Given a slow revving, low compression engine like a model T, what difference would an extra .005 in the ring gap make. What may be the manifestations of this? In the past I was concerned with too tight clearance but thought little of a bit wider ring gap.

Allan from down under.

The suppliers sell radiator hose kits. However, I've heard a lot of people say that the hoses in those kits are barely long enough, at best. I've looked at buying bulk straight hose, 2 and 1.75 diameter. Most options are 36 long, and would cost anywhere from $50 - $80 for the pair. I've noticed in my search however, that there are some molded...

Hi all,
In looking at period photos of T's, so many have a dull paint finish. Few are really shiny. Is this something with the paint chemistry? Or just dust and dirt? Or lack of car wax? Or time to use the wax?
Just curious.
John

Here's the latest from Steve's Facebook page:

Selah Wayseer is with Steve Jelf.

🛞🛞🛞🛞 UPDATE ON Steve Jelf 🛞🛞🛞🛞

Sorry I've been missing in action with this vertigo for 3 weeks, but it's all sorted out now and I'm fine.

Spoke with Steve on the phone just now and his voice sounds very strong. However, he mentioned some things that gave me the...

I am making a new post so more will see it.

Registration is now open. Register before June 1st and save $25 on your registration.

Hope to see you there.

i recently bought a set of 21 inch wire wheels. the tires are in good shape 440-450-21
the outer dia is 28 inches the ones i have now are 31 outer dia. i have 4 of them i guess
they will look ok any thoughts on why the difference. philip

SOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I have this axle that Ive been told is for a Ford performance chassis. The spring perch pads are adjustable by loosening a through bolt and slid them in or out for different width frames. Also the Camber is adjustable as the lower bushing seems to have a off center hole . There is a segmented adjustment washer...

I noticed some squealing last night at the holiday parade. I assumed it was just the 0 degree temps making my 1919 Touring ache and moan a little bit. Today I jacked up the car and ran it. I shifted it to high (my ruckstell was in low) and noticed the ruckstell side was very slow to start moving. The otherside was turning very fast. I just wanted...

I plan to be replacing the existing top on my ‘26 Touring soon and had intended to fill all of the old tack holes with toothpicks dipped in glue. However, the rear seat is still fine and I don’t want to mess with it. That seat-back is tacked into the same wood strip that I was going to use the toothpicks on. How have you guys dealt with this issue...

What is the capacity of the fuel tank on a 1927 coupe?

I'd like to change the color of wire wheels on my '26 from pale yellow to black. Is that something that I can do by cleaning and prepping the wheel and using either spray paint or brush on Rustoleum.....or is it better to have them sandblasted & powder coated?

I am just wondering what number key i have in case i want to get an extra or another key.
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Found in a box of goodies. Fits the steering column. No idea what it was used for.

The 2 posts in the back and patent number, 1970889, would indicate that its an ammeter . Label reads do not charge over 7 amps if only one bulb is charging. Then it has two dials for a left and the other right bulb

Previously I have used sections of a reverse gear bush to rebuild brass truss rod mountings where the spring leaf hanging from worn shackles wears a groove in the mounting bracket.
Today I used another piece of the same bush to repair a broken bottom radiator outlet
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The piece was shaped and silver soldered in place.
I used...

Does anyone know the vender still making the castings of the Steven’s reaming tool. If so, how is the quality?
Trysting to order one.

Thanks
George

I saw this interesting offering of postcards on EBAY, and was reminded that the Model T was often the butt of jokes in its time.

.fit straight edged tyres to clincher rims?
I've been working on the barn fresh tourer from Booboorowie. 20231005_105641.jpg
It was fitted with 4.40 x 23 tyres three of which were straight sided. To get them on the rims they cut the rims!!!! 20231122_103146.jpg
The cuts were made at one of the loose lug mounting slots, so the joint was somewhat...

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So how much do the spindles lower the chassis? Looks to me like about an inch?

Oh, little Ford, come here to me, And let me seat myself in thee. Of all the cars they call the best You're far ahead of all the rest! Thy little wheels run with a will, Thou carest naught about a hill; And as by the side stand the others bu'st You go by crying EXCUST MY DUST! So dear old Ford come here to me And let me ride safe home in thee....

I was working with Larry Sidmore on getting some AC brakes from him. We had great conversations which were about 5 minutes of business and 30 minutes or more of car talk. He was a wealth of knowledge.

He passed before I could order his AC brakes. My condolences to his family. The few conversations I had with him were great. He was definitely...

What type of wire was used to run from the switch to the headlights themselves originally on a 1915? I would like to keep my old car as original as possible's but i’m not sure what type of wire they would have used at the time for this. I’m thinking it might have been individual cotton covered wiring.

Thanks,

Brian

I am building a 1926 Single seater speedster.
I am building a new engine from scratch,
what can a do to increase power on the engine
Thanks

Hi Folks

Has anybody a method to install Rocky Mountain brakes or something similar for my speedster which has small drums and Pasco wire wheels. ?

The small drums were relined but are not good for much except as an E brake. Thanks Andy .

I am thinking of having a batch of Schrader 777 style tire valves made. I have no idea what the price would be yet; naturally the number made would have a lot to do with the per unit cost. What I have in mind would be a valve ready to install on an inner tube with a nut and washer. You supply the outer nut, cap and dust cover. A reply, if you...

Has anyone figured out what the temperature of the oil/crankshaft/mains/rods is inside a Model T when running well (and also when boiling over)?

My '14 T, Hummingbird, had a birthday a couple of days ago.

The block was cast October 14th, 1913; the engine/transmission unit was assembled November 21, 1913.

I have a carburetor that I would like to identify.
Very early Kingston barrel type carburetor.
Thanks Bill 20231121_093631_copy_480x1040.jpg 20231121_093641_copy_480x1040.jpg 20231121_093855_copy_1040x480.jpg

So recently one of my decade-old Champion X plugs finally broke its brass contact post.
I figured, why not splash out on a brand new set of Champion X plugs! ... A bit on the expensive side at AUD$100 EACH, and getting them to Australia but hey that's life!

Here's the video anyway, enjoy! :D

Says in Langs that it will not work with the z head - anyone know why?
What about working with the Prus head (also aluminum)?
Anyone measured the thickness of that vs copper?

Premium silicone head gasket. This head gasket has a solid steel core inside heavy-duty high density gasket material coated with silicone and high temperature silicone...

I bought a car a couple of months ago and it came with a box of spare parts and in this box was a tail lamp that is strange to me the red lens is on the side and the clear sense is on the door and the the mounting bolt is on the other side
does anyone know what this is for ? or has someone modified it? DSCF0228.JPG DSCF0229.JPG

Best way seal a cracked block still good but had water left in it and cracked between rad and s/n
I've used block seal in the past any other ideas
Thanks in advance

What is a roadster body worth that has been rewooded upolsterd painted red that is a 1915 ?

Hello all — a member of the local chapter has this Aero brand Model T carburetor and manifold, and hopes to use it on a late T touring.

I offered to post photos and ask if anyone here has any experience and/or insights about this cool-looking relic...

Aero carb1.jpeg

Aero carb2.jpeg

Aero carb3.jpeg

Aero carb4.jpeg

I have to replace the steering gearbox and I've pulled the gearbox from the steering column, but is there a specific way of removing the rods from the gearbox?

I'm guessing it's just heating it up and prying them open, but just want to make sure before I ruin anything (although I'm not sure the gearbox is usable to anyone else)

For some reason...

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So, I am rebuilding a 1916 speedster and want to do the custom body in the dark blue. My question is I am also doing the chassis in blue and going on the I know in 1914 they made them all black. I am thinking of also doing the frame and wheels in blue as I think it would just look odd black and blue.

But for other parts, like steering column and...

Saw this on eBay, interesting 5 ball spark arrestor. I’ve only seen one other similar or like it in my travels. Not sure of origin. Not mine, I’ve got several 5 balls and don’t need another. I’d like to make one just like it.

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Any advice these days on shipping? I have a piece of stock I need to move from AZ to TN.

No, I don't mean your Halloween pumpkin! I mean your rear axle pumpkin.

I recently drove my 1927 coupe for the first time since the restoration. I drove it 10 miles on two separate occasions. The last was today. After each drive, I touched the pumpkin to see how hot it was. Each time, it was very, very hot. I described this in my September 17...

Hello,
I’m getting ready to put the wood in the back seat of my touring car and I had a few questions if someone can help me with. In some of the pictures of back seats of later 2x cars the back rest support board are large blocks of wood under the support boards between them and the body. Are they for supporting metal body if the car is being...

hi all I am working on a 22 centerdoor with a Ruckstell rear end I had a leak were the shift lever housing bolts on it has two 7/16 fine thread bolts on one side of the housing and one on other side is a 7/16 bolt and a 9/16's head with a lock nut below it and a point on it it to go into something inside any body know what the adjustment should be...

What is the secrete method required to adjust Rocky Mountain Brakes?

My friend's 1924 Model T has them installed and when the brake handle is straight up the brakes are on and the Low pedal cannot go in half-way for a neutral position as the adjust bolt is just going over the edge ramp.

With the brake rods loosened, to move the handle forward...

Steve's Facebook page has this short update as of late yesterday (Thursday):

David Hjortnæs

Apparently he is no longer in the hospital, so that means he should be back at the Rehab Institute. Will have to call them tomorrow.

No further information at this time.

Hi fellow Model T'ers,
Im pleased to inform you all that i have returned to YouTube.
It's been a difficult few years for me, but fortunately it's all worked out good in the end.
To celebrate, I've uploaded a video that's been waiting in the wings for several months... I hope you enjoy it...

There will be more videos to come! Stay tuned!

Hi all. I'm installing my 27 Tudor top. No rain gutters. Should I use the arrow shaped end caps? Where? Any photos from the past? Thanks, John

Wondering about this rather large oval hole in my ‘25 Coupe firewall passenger side. Is it for a speedometer cable? Maybe it lets heat in? It’s not for carb adjusting rod, that fits elsewhere.

In reference to the K-W Ignition Company of Cleveland, OH, I was wondering, what the initials K & W stand for?

Thank in advance for the answer and Happy Thanksgivings.

According to the encyclopedia, today is my runabout’s 110th birthday. It was “reborn” the same year I was born. The previous owner pulled it out of a local barn in 1957.

Andy
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The mounting bracket isn’t squared up to spindle arm. I don’t think the clamp on the mount is movable. I believe it’s welded in place. I haven’t tried moving it for fear of breaking it. Anyone?

Which is of the three spark plug brands offered by T parts suppliers is hotter: the Champion, Motorcraft or Autolite? Is there a spark plug (1/2 tapered thread or 14MM thread w/adapter) that is hotter than any of these?

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Pulled these out of the rear end of my 25, I guess I should be thankful they are still in one piece. whadda ya think a little JB WELD and put them back in for another 98 years? the one on the right was on the passenger side!

Hi all,
Took out the starter and found that the babbit bearing in the snout of the starter is almost gone. Does anybody use babbit material or do people use a bronze bushing? Who can I send it to be restored? Thanks,
John

Reverse seems a little light on my 1927 coupe. How do I tell if it needs adjustment? If it does, how many licks should I start with on the first adjustment?

and heading home for Thanksgiving. IMG_7077.jpeg

Scat was sold to Taglish back in December 2021.

Has anyone seen or have any information on the style of brackets shown in the photos below?

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They mount over the axle and are clamped in place, above (around the yoke) and below the axle. You can see where the original spring perches had been cut down to allow for the installation. They do not appear to be the most secure or...

I was tinning some Ball Caps (AKA 4th mains) to pour up a batch and found some without an oil hole. Don’t think I have ever seen that before.
Was it an early version or late money savings version? Got two many to be an aftermarket cap.
Inquiring minds want to know. Dan

Sorry no pictures at this time.

Would someone please be able to provide me with either a number or dimensions for the T-5020 flat-bottomed Woodruff key for the starter drive and generator pinion gear. I know that I have it written down somewhere, but I can not find it. I know that I can get them from the vendors, but I will not be placing an order anytime soon and I am in need...

We finally have another video of the T and us at Rendezvous in the Ozarks at Mulberry Mountain in Arkansas. The rendezvous is a gathering of Overlanders, and Vendors of camping gear, and offroad equipment. We set up a display of our 27 touring and our vintage camping gear that we use when we do vintage camping with the T. It gives us a chance to...

I am just wondering if anyone knows what the old car Festival dates for 2024 are. I am hoping to attend next year.

does anyone have a drawing for the adapters to put a wire wheels on t wood hubs.
will aluminum work ? philip

I an installing these clutch discs in my 24 transmission small brake drum. The instructions say I might have to add 2 extra discs. Is that for a 26,27 large brake drum only. I want to make sure before putting this together.

A Champion Brand aftermarket radiator for a street rod.., is it adaptable to a stock Model T? $178.00 vs ????? You tell me!

Just need to dimple the bottom for the front engine mount, weld in steam relief tube, reposition upper/lower hoses, filler neck, and mounting wings.This is a 3 row and appears to be pretty good quality.., will see when I...