MTFCA Forum

My own kids learned to drive a T through the fields alone when they were 7-8 and outgrew any interest in Model T's at about the time they received drivers licenses.

The stable was full and eventually I was down to only driving my own personal favorite, and then had it moved to Florida right after my left kneecap exploded into 50 pieces and was...

Over the years with my T when I have to check spark at the plugs, you simply have a screw driver and hold it by the plug and you see spark. Nice snappy spark is good, weak spark jump is bad. Really simple. If you have a starter car and its not working you crank it over until you see spark or have someone hold it to see if your getting spark when...

I believe this tip is in the model T bible . Very nicely polishes crank journals. Light leather strap and 360 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper.

Prominently visible, it engendered more than one model T joke (e. g. If you're so dang smart, here - YOU drive ! ) I'm sure there were a number of variations through production, yet another tiny detail that may indicate year of manufacture ?

The top one is from an original 1914 column and appears to be machined from billet stock.

The bottom one...

I know some on the Forum are hot to trot when it comes to new toys.

Repairing body panels, mig or oxy-acelyne have been popular.

I see a new welder is on the market using a lazer diode. Appears to give nice clean welds, any one using such a tool for current restoration? What are your results?

I have not yet driven my 1927 coupe. I had a slight oil seepage at the drain plug, so I drained the oil to install a new plug gasket. I thought it would be interesting to see how much oil would drain from above the lower spigot. I drained 2 quarts 16 ounces. There was 1 quart 8 ounces below the lower spigot. Therefore, the total drained was 3...

Check this out it is a silent film, does anyone recognize anyone? Bob

I have an original Ruckstell book in front of me, and it says to use Gargoyle Mobiloil C . Does anyone know the modern equivalent of this is? No guesses allowed!

This is Carl Hillberg. Head of C.E. Hillberg c.p.a. Turlock, Ca. He will be 101 in September. He has an office by the front door and always greets you with a robust hello. One of his sons runs the firm, but I have always seen Carl about the office. This picture of Carl is when he was 4 yrs. old in Turlock. IMG_6158.jpeg
Another friend of mine in...

Hello guys,

Picked this up from a friend yesterday. Not labeled, and I've spent hours comparing it to others. Not sure if I'll actually run it but it's interesting to me. No rotor, distributor cap I have with it looks a lot like a early 20s Delco type. Anyone recognize it?

IMG_6090.jpeg IMG_6110.jpeg IMG_6091.jpeg IMG_6109.jpeg

Saw a new one today. Someone worked on this 1913 engine and used the best of everything, including a new brake drum. So far, so good, but they neglected to install the replaceable shoes on the clutch lugs. Clutch bound up and it was nearly impossible to crank the car. I hope I can save the expensive new drum by putting on the shoes.

Can someone explain the order the radiator/apron, shell are assembled on a 24? The apron I have has the side tabs intact that one of the three fender support bolt goes thru. Thanks, Art

I have quite a few steering brackets and most have just the number or number and Ford script, I just found this one has 2 sets of numbers and Ford is in block letters, Gails book does not show this, any ideas what year this might have been used? Bob

Can anyone tell me wherew I can purchase a running board proctectors IMG_2842.JPG tep plate like the one depicted shown in the attached photo?
Ron Patterson

The start of the Mt. Lassen Eruption. Mt.Lassen Eruption June 14, 1914.jpg

Spent some time refurbishing my tire pump. Cylinder all smooth and shiny.

Forgive the modern hose clamps. I cleaned the hose to tube connection. It was clogged tight. It pumps air and does inflate a bicycle tube. There’s no ball bearing in it. And I didn’t remove the valve plunger.

What color should the base be? Right now it’s red oxide.

I picked up this tool today @ the Long Beach swap meet. I think its a drive shaft sleeve puller. Never seen one like it.
Anyone have one like it?
I am sure there is a locking collar missing.
The only marking is TRUTH stamped in the large collet hex. Who made it?
Sleeve puller.jpg
A picture of one complete would be helpful for reproducing the...

My wife and I are planning a trip back to NW Ohio to visit my brother and family this summer. I plan on heading to the HF, Piquette museum and a Highland Park drive by with my brother while there. We will be heading up to Mackinac for a couple of days before heading back to Kansas by way of Chicago, and that conveniently takes us past the Gilmore...

Ran across this on YouTube. Not a T but thought yous guys might like it. Shows how to do it. Dan

1915 eruption of Mt Lassen as seen from Red Bluff, California..jpg

Good afternoon folks. I am preparing to replace the radiator with one that I ordered from Brassworks. We have a '15, which as you know is 1st year of electric lights. I think this would be a good time to replace the wiring to the head lights as the wiring goes through that tube. What gauge/type / style of electrical wire to I get & from whom? It...

Does anyone have any information or literature on this lock.
I just bought a 1923 speedster and this steering wheel and I am unclear how it should be installed and work.
It may be the wheel lock is broken and if someone has seen or used or has any literature I thought that might be a place to start

Thanks,
Keith

Looking for knowledgeable suggestions. The timing gear cover on my '13 (and I presume on all previous Ts) presents a difficulty for the camshaft seal. Rather than having a rebate and using a shield plate like the later cars, the cover has a pocket which is meant to carry a felt donut . I made a seal from felt I had available when I changed the...

I have just finished updating my cabin, shop, and property with a number of 20# ABC fire extinguishers and fire suppression equipment for grass fires, and am finishing up the job with my Ts since 2 of 4 cheapy extinguisher have lost pressure and they all need to be replaced with something

Having seen first hand the damage that traditional...

Guys,
So I have been working on a Delivery Car project. One of the things I'm trying to tackle is the rear door window glass/frames. The frames are to be oval and the drawings from Benson Ford does not give much help to assembly or how they looked, rather just basic dimensions 11x14.
I've decided to settle on getting some pre-made oval frames from...

Just saw this on YouTube. Thought you guys might like to see. How Ford did upholstery in the 20’s. Dan

The question was introduced , when to tune up the ignition tremble coils.

Reviewing the period literature, there appears to be no schedule in testing or adjusting. Yet conventional coil and points automobiles of a later period suggest every 12K to 15 K.

The only time attention is mention for attention to the timer is a few drops of oil every 500...

On second thought, I think I’m just going to drop this topic because the answers would necessarily have to be so subjective. Sorry for the trouble.

Kelly

323687684_820347159033145_3416409508048720701_n.jpg

My 1915 CenterDoor seems to be starving for fuel. How much gasoline does a T consume in ounces per minute?
I want to compare that to the amount that is running into the Carb.

Dave

I've had a Halon extinguisher for years but its gage has now gone into the red. What is a good type to replace it with? Dry chemical types make a terrible mess. Any suggestions?

Packed parking lot for game one of the 1916 World Series in Boston..jpg

My 1923 Touring starts easily and the timer smoothed it out by then the timing lever goes back to the top unless I hold it in place. Any ideas about this?

I’ve only had the car a few days and have a lot to learn.

I just bought a 12 touring today, and unrestored car, and all the brass is painted black, was told back in the day the Menonite community could not have brass showing so dealerships painted it black for the customer? Anyone ever heard of this? Thanks Joe.

My Torpedo came with TrueFire. For the most part I like it, having had it come with my former '20 runabout also. But the last coupla trips out, suddenly the engine just like starts to go PFFFT so to speak..losing power as tho ready to totally shut down. Thinking its some weird transmission slip I push pedal to neutral but 2 days ago it still...

My '27 will start on battery but runs rough. It idles smoothly on battery once started but misses when you rev it up. Adjusting the spark lever makes little or no difference. When I switch to mag it clears up and runs fine. The battery is good and cranks the starter over without any problem. Any suggestions?

Anyone have a source for gaskets? Friend stopped in today hoping I had a set but no...

The Ford Tri-Motor airplane will be at the Youngstown-Warren airport July 13 to July 16

24723500_G.jpeg

Hi all,
I was wondering about the carb heater pipe. I've seen engines with and without. Is it a necessity? I have one but haven't put it on. Am I missing a critical component? How does it affect performance? Thanks for the replies. John

After avoiding another potential scammer who responded to my MTFCA ad I wonder why we even allow a non member access to our forum? From conversations with other members this non member access is an on going problem. Every transaction I have had with members has been exceptional and the site has been immense help in my quest in restoring my Model...

T firetruck.jpg

Thanks to all the help offered in a previous post, I now have a nice cable housing for my Corbin speedo.

First I used a Dremel tool to clean the area either side of the damage. Then I tinned the cleaned up area. The copper wire was included to keep solder fom the inside of the housing and to bridge the gap 20230711_172200.jpg

I cut sleeve from...

Having mislaid my priming rod I need to make a new one and I have a question about the length. Is the length listed in the Parts Price Lists the overall length of the rod and knob or just the rod? If it is the length of the rod, is it the overall length of the rod or the length from the bottom of the threaded section to the end of the rod (bend)?...

They turned out pretty good. Got some final finishing to do but that should not be a problem

This is the first metal work done on the car. I mapped out the repair I wanted and farmed out the replacement of the patches.

I made sure to specify that the curved ends to the front were not to be removed

Auto camping in the city 1920's.jpg

on the top of the choke there is a rare curved tube similar to a hat pipe the books do not show the part number or the name does any one know the correct part number or name
I always called the the hot air pipe for the vaporizer but its not correct, will try to post photo when I find one

I found a few of these in a box, there is a guy on e bay that has almost the same item listed as TT Truck door strikers they are very close to his but just a hair off could they be AA Truck? can not quite make out the number.
Bob
here is a link to what he has

Photo credit says touring in the Twin Falls, Idaho area 1923 . Someone fell off the road, not much visible of this Model T, perhaps a 1913-14 with updated electric headlights ?

Posted by our local (Wayne, MI) historical society this morning. Dated in the 'teens, north side of Michigan Ave.

I don't suppose cast iron pistons in oversizes are an option if some benighted soul wished to use them in a rebuild ? - asking for a friend :lol:

1929 auto show 1.jpg 1929 auto show 2.jpg

Rick Lindner and I are on the VMCCA one and two cylinder tour in Richmond IN. We were just here for the model T Homecoming. The EFR is represented by an 04 model A and a 06 Model F. Having fun. We will be visiting the Model T museum later this week.

Hi guys,
I’m trying to figure out what size and type of bolts are used for the rear upright blocks at the far rear of my 27 touring.
These suit upright on the ends of the spring cross member.
The blocks are drill straight through. My painter last my originals and I’m trying to determine what I need.
The blocks are shown below. IMG_1827.jpeg

Any...

I appreciate the good input I've gotten from the forum in the past. I have what may seem a dumb question, but just can't make it out from old (or new) pictures.
I bought my '17 Touring Car a few years ago without a top. The time has come to put one on. Step one, I'm cleaning up some old oval irons.
The question is; where the front irons attach...

I start my engine with the carb control rod 1 3/4 turns open and then adjust it down until the engine smooths out, which I understand should be about 1/4 turn open. However, the engine runs the best when the control rod no longer turns!

I assume, when the control rod stops turning, the spray needle would be closed and the engine should stop. Am I...

...good idea? you be the judge. Two videos in the series, so far:
WrongWheelsYTThumbnail.png
SloMoWheelsYTThumbnail.png

Several guys told me I needed to help Alex get his T going. His Dad had restored it a few times and now it was his. I have not been successful at diagnosing problems I didn't create myself. I resisted and Alex did get the car down to our car show. It would not stay running when it was time to leave. I wondered over to see if I could help. It would...

Just cleaning and inspecting the front end and was wondering the proper procedure. I have always put the spindle bolt in until it bottoms out, but is not tight. Then I tighten the bottom nut. Is this correct? How should this be done?

Thank you,
Joshua

Thank you for Dan and others rasing the Bolt Chart in Jacob's Hogshead thread post.

Dan has kindly sent me his list of corrections which I have updated in the attached chart revision.

BEFORE I post an update to the Gallery to replace the older version CAN YOU HELP ME?

I would appreciate data to complete or to verify the 'yellow' boxes in the...

Whew, been awhile since I've posted on here...

I Finally found the time, money, and tools to start getting my 24 T put back together after several months of it being torn up in my garage for a restoration . When I left off, I had taken out one of my pistons to inspect clearances but forgot to get plastigauge first, and had to wait to go get some....

Looking for information about where exactly to mount my rear tail lamp bracket on my 1912 roadster. Also wondering whether to use wood screws or machine screws with nuts and washers.
20230617_154029.jpg

Looking for an engine rebuilder in the New England area or east of the Mississippi.. any recommendations?

The Long Beach Vintage and Classic Parts Exchange is less than a month away. Saturday July 15 at Long Beach City College Veteran's Stadium 5000 Lew Davis St. Long Beach, CA. 90808. 7AM until it's over. Admission $5, Free Parking. For 69 years, one of the oldest and best old car and old Ford swap meets in the West. Open to all makes and models,...

38 cars today invading South bass Island Ohio..a.k.a. Put in Bay...first of more pics to come
We're having a great time touring, showing cars, you name it.

What had started out to just be an engine refresh is ending up to be a complete rebuild….. but what the heck I’m having a blast…. And the engine is out of the car. I’m planning to get it up on the bench today and get the transmission separated from the block…
Now that I’ve gone this far, I’m going to have the crankshaft turned …..the engine line...

Picked one up at an antique store today, listed as a tire stretcher. I just got done going through past threads, at $22.50 I think I did pretty good.

It appears to be original paint, and what I read tends to agree. A little oil and I think we are good to go! DSC02603.JPG

Does anyone know the driving mileage for each day of the Michigan Jamboree?

Disc brakes have been installed on my 1927 coupe. The pads are tight against the rotor. I can't get a .003 feeler gage between the pad and the rotor. What clearance should there be? What would cause the tight fit?

Hi all, I'm upgrading my emergency/hand brake shoes to the lined versions. The brake rebuilding kit was delivered today but no instructions included. Where can I find instructions or an online guide or anything really that would help me out?

Hoping I can find someone in West Michigan, Holland to be exact, who can teach me to drive my newly rebuilt 1927 Touring and also help me correctly adjust my bands, brakes and whatever needs adjusting, I've only driven a few blocks and I'm quite terrible at it.

Today I was adjusting my exhaust manifold because it wasn’t aligned with my ring gasket and while I was tightening down the clamps, the bolt felt like it was going no where. I backed it off to find this. B96B4853-6FD1-4D1F-9429-6C21E70A1804.jpeg 27207C5E-18B2-4A31-B38E-30E6AD22BD02.jpeg
I was using a box wrench, no power tools. Would it be...

Yo Forum Chums,

The engine is out of the 27 and the crankshaft has been removed….. it’s ready to be taken over to the machine shop to have the Babbitt removed and the engine block hot dipped…. Does anyone have a rough idea of how many thousands can safely be removed from the top of the block before you run into the danger of pistons slapping the...

I’m probably missing something really easy….. and I appreciate you guys helping out the simple minded….What’s with all the sloppy braising on the pan?…. The inside of the oil pan is pristine, so there were no pin holes….rust or anything like that that needed repair.
Was that done in the factory in addition to the rivets?

Thanks in advance!

Ed

While working on a leaky drain valve on a Holley G, I started wondering - for mid 1915 should the bowl be brass or steel?

Bruce's Black book, the Judging Guidelines, forum posts and the MTFCA Encyclopedia all offer different answers. None of the early factory photos show one clearly, nor does the Price List of Parts for 1915 and 1916.

I have...

I have done many of these with this press, been a while though. This one will not go “home “ at the bottom push. It wants to spring back and not lie flat. I have taken some off the angles and a tiny bit off the crush at the hub.
Has anyone ran into this before? There’s no paint or primer on the mating surfaces. I’ve spent all day on this one...

I have been away in England and just got back home.
I've noticed lots of icons in the classified section; an eyeball flashing yellow to red, a ghost face, and a star.
I assume that the flashing eyeball is a warning about the seller, and a star is a good seller, but what is a ghost face; someone who fails to complete the deal?
Thanks for any info....

1924 Coupe
i wasn't getting any reading on the ammeter so i watched a few videos and set my cut off switch to 6.5 (It was at like 2) and started moving the third brush. (toward the engine) Still nothing shows on the right side of the meter. I do think the meter is working as it shows a negative 1 when i turn on the lights (brights). Is my...

I plan on having a glass co put safety glass in my 26 touring windshield frame. I'm using a reproduction frame. I read that it is held in place with fabric tape and that most glass Companies use black silicone. I'm ok with them using silicone. I've read about issues with the frame flexing when driving and the glass cracking. Should I tell the...

Asking for a friend… I swear!😉

He has a ‘15 touring (pre generator block) that apparently needs a water pump. The desire is to get away from magneto lights, and install a charging system and battery. Does anyone have any examples of an alternator and water pump on an early engine? Did you use 1 belt or 2?

Not showing this on the Cars for Sale section, since I think nobody here would want it. Just presenting this beauty for your general pleasure and conversation. :roll:

(However, if you simply must have it... Sale starts today)

yuck.jpg yuck2.jpg yuck3.jpg

We have had considerable discussion about 6 vs 12 volts and alternators vs generators. I may have a solution. I was watching a Jay Leno's Garage segment on Youtube; the segment was about Jay's '53 Hudson. He showed that he had replaced the old 6 Volt generator with a 6 Volt alternator. It looked like a single-wire GM unit. Jay mentioned that 6V...

The Greater Milwaukee Model T club received an e-mail that we would like to
send to someone near Wausau who owns a Model T or owned a Model T.

Thank you.

Hi all, started hearing a noisy rattling that comes and goes right where the hand crank slides under the radiator. What could this be and how do I fix it?

Last year on the first day of my annual Detroit trip by 1915 runabout the magneto quit working. The car was dead in the road. I restarted on battery and drove on. Trying the mag again I found it working, but not well. The erratic dimming of the charger light showed that power from the mag was fluctuating, sometimes producing a bright light at the...

What size are the mag post, starter, and bendix screws on a 19-25 Hogshead. What about the threads where you bolt it to your pan?

Thanks in advance, Jacob Mangold

Steve, don't beat yourself up! the repair looks great, and certainly better than many of us could do.

Your 'give it a go' approach over the years is inspiring.

Thank you for the encouragement,

Cheers, Adrian

Hi guys,
Does anyone make new 21”split rims?
Looking for a couple for a 26 Tudor.
Thanks Brent

1909.jpeg 1910.jpeg 1911.jpeg 1912.jpeg 1913.jpeg

Good morning Forum and Chums,

I’d like to ask for your help one more time here on my 27 Tudor restoration. Initially I was just going to do an engine refresh as the engine wasn’t overly worn…..was gonna just keep the engine and trans in the car…….had wanted to get rid of two piece valves, install a re-ground or new Stipe, cam, etc.....

Ran across this series of cartoons, rather fun to see the automobile changes as recognized back in 1924!

As there are 23 car toons (pun intended ;) ) have to post in a series of 5 at a time, as that is all this forum allows in picture posting. Enjoy!

1899.jpeg 1900.jpeg 1901.jpeg 1902.jpeg 1903.jpeg