MTFCA Forum

I was hit by a distracted driver a few weeks ago and thought I'd write a few words on the progress in getting this car back on the road. The insurance co totalled the car as the repair estimate I provided exceeded the $10,000 agreed coverage. They gave me a non-negotiable salvage buyback of $2800 which I accepted knowing I could do the chassis work myself and come out ok.
The bulk of the chassis damage was to the front end. I replaced the axle, the perches, the shackles, one spindle arm, the wishbone and the bottom spring leaf and clips. With careful heating and bending I was able to save the tie rod. The rest was fine. Here's a photo of the front end after repairs. I'll want to test drive the car after I reinstall the radiator just to be sure it tracks the way it should. I called Rootlieb and it looks like the fender and running board are still six weeks out. I forgot how much work was involved in rebuilding a front end. I figured I'd have it done in a week!

So glad you are OK and that you and your car will be back on the road soon.

Thanks for the update....I was wondering how you were getting along.

Looks like the T is in good hands and on its way to recovery.

Outstanding Richard!

Thanks for the update! A lot of people are interested in this story, and have been following it.

Pleased to hear that you are fixing this one! Our antique cars that have lasted this long should be allowed to continue further, and I know you feel the same way. They should also be driven, enjoyed, and seen.
Thank you for the update.

Good update and excellent work saving your T. “There are many like it but this one is mine.”

Darin

Thanks to all for the encouraging words!
I contacted the painter and he recommended painting all the fenders. I said I'd leave it to his judgment. He comes highly recommended and I've seen his excellent work on a twenties/thirties Buick and a Model A pickup. I'm in the cue for new Rootlieb fenders but it looks like it will be late August or September before they arrive.
With the down time, I'll make new floorboards.
I'll keep you posted.

Did you straighten the frame? Or find another?
Sorry about the bum steer on thinking where one was.

No problem Wayne. I am living with the frame. Everything is straight or appears straight. The doors open and close as before. The radiator fits as it should and the rod is straight. When I installed the front axle assembly, the ball of the wishbone slipped perfectly into the pan sockret without coaxing. That said, the back side of the front cross member is flared where the bottom leaf of the spring bent due to the hit on the drivers side. Ine spite of the damage, the front end is square and the car tracks as it should when driven.
I decided to leave well-nigh alone re the frame and ceoss member.

Thanks and glad to hear that Richard! When I looked at the original pictures of the damage I thought maybe just maybe the hit was outside the frame enough that it might have been okay. I have seen quite a few decent looking model Ts found to have bad frames over the years. If it all lines up okay, measures okay, then runs and drives like it should? You should be okay. If it were me? I would probably fix that fender.
Take care and be well my friend.