Model T Restoration and Maintenance Tools

[Tom Dove Jr]

Looking for input.

Soon, hopefully, I'll be beginning the teardown and rebuild of my 25 T Touring car. There are lots of tools already in my arsenal as I've been a gearhead since old enough to hold a wrench for my dad. That begs the question, what tools particular to the Model T should I acquire?

I'm not a tool vintage collector but I also know that some specialty tools are necessary for repair and maintenance of any automobile.

Thank you!

Tom
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[jiminbartow]

How is the wood frame of the body? Very often the underlying wood has been exposed to the elements and is rotted to the point of the frame needing to be rebuilt. You can either do this yourself and will need woodworking tools, or you will need to purchase a wood frame kit from one of the suppliers but you will still need to put it together. How is the metal? If dented, you will need body working tools? Of course you will need the standard mechanical tools such as a 1/2” and 3/8” socket sets, screwdrivers, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, stilson wrench, tape measure, 5lb sedge hammer, ball pien hammer, standard carpenter’s claw hammer (with smooth head), rubber hammer, upholstery hammer, nail puller, gear puller, valve lifter, pliers (vice grips, channel locks, electrical w/wire cutter and stripper, needle nose), bench vice, bench grinder, crow bar, pry bar, punches, wood chisels, cold chisels, wood clamps, rechargeable drill (I have a 18 volt “Rigid” which is very powerful), drill bits, palm sander, 4” angle grinder. Maybe: set of easy outs. Maybe: tap and die set. There will be some tools that you cannot envision needing until a challenge arises requiring that tool. Even if you will only use it once, when you need it you need it. You can always sell it on eBay after you are done with it. Good luck. We’re here to help you when you need it. Jim Patrick

Tip: The very first lesson I learned when I started working on my T in 1970 when I was 16 was that the nut under the hub cap securing the right front tire (passenger side) turns clockwise to remove. I was lucky my Dad came out before I broke the spindle off and stopped me. When he came out, I was standing on the wrench. He was born in 1926 and had a Model A as a teenager and used to help his friends work on their cars.

[Tom Dove Jr]

... "standard mechanical tools such as a 1/2” and 3/8” socket sets, screwdrivers, combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, stilson wrench, tape measure, 5lb sedge hammer, ball pien hammer, standard carpenter’s claw hammer (with smooth head), rubber hammer, upholstery hammer, nail puller, gear puller, valve lifter, pliers (vice grips, channel locks, electrical w/wire cutter and stripper, needle nose), bench vice, bench grinder, crow bar, pry bar, punches, wood chisels, cold chisels, wood clamps, rechargeable drill (I have a 18 volt “Rigid” which is very powerful), drill bits, palm sander, 4” angle grinder. Maybe: set of easy outs. Maybe: tap and die set" ...

Jiminbatow,

These tools I have in my "collection" being accumulated over the years for the reasons you mention. I was thinking more of the Model T specific tools for clutch and valve adjustment, greasing bearings, pulling seals, etc.

Thanks!

Tom
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[George House]

Go zirk fittings in grease cups. 1/8” and one 3/8”. Adjustable lifters ? two shaved down 3/8” open end wrenches.

[Bryant]

Model T service books (MTFCA)
Model T service manual
Model T king pin reamer
Stevens reamer fixture
Clutch drum puller
Rear axle sleeve puller
Riveting tools
Bushing drivers
Rear wheel puller
Engine stand adapter
Camshaft nut socket
Crankcase alignment tool
Oil pan straightening jig
Timer alignment tool
Balance mandrel stand
KRW Mag gap tool
Regan wheel press
Various assortment of reamers
Machine lathe/Milling machine/Sunnen hone
Dial indicator/micrometers/caliper/bore gauges
Feeler gauges
Hand held soda blaster
These tools cover a lot of running gear components.
To name a few. Iam sure there is more
Bryant

[speedytinc]

Stock wheel/hub cap wrench. Clutch hub puller & driven gear puller.(normal gear pullers can be modified to work)
25 ton press with assorted iron. Lathe. Long tire irons. Jack & stands. Pipe vise set vertical for rear end work. Big bench vise. Bead blaster. makita angle grinder with a knotted wire cup wheel. Solvent sink. Bench grinder with a knotted wire wheel. 5 Gal carb cleaner. Adapted engine stand. Cherry picker/chain fall. Dial vernier caliper. Magnet charger & height setting tool. Impact driver. Analog test meter. Solder iron, shrink tubing. Battery load tester. Big battery charger. Axle sleeve puller. D/S sleeve puller. Adjustable & fixed reamers. Mill (mostly used as a drill press.) Thread files. U-joint pliers. Wire welder. Air compressor. Crank balancer with transmission mandrels. Electronic scale. Bearing scraper. T1 service manual.

This is the equipment I use on a regular basis. You bout have to be a tool junkie.
I Am sure to have missed a few.

[Dan Hatch]

Yous guys forgot the holy grail. Pan Jig!!

[speedytinc]

Yous guys forgot the holy grail. Pan Jig!!

I WISH!!!! & in my dreams.
I do have a 3/4" plate. Someday i'll drill it for the bolt pattern & build the fixtures.
Surprisingly I rarely need one. Just a little back tweaking when the pan is installed to get the 4th main to fit correctly.

[Bryant]

I had it in my list! I will probably never find one but I did get some blueprint drawings from a thread on here somewhere. I guess I will plan to make one. Maybe another thread on who has one in there collection in what part of the country is at hand?

[Dan Hatch]

Once you use one you will want one.

[Dan Hatch]

How about a TA -14 or 15?

[Allan]

No-one mentioned a most valuable tool! You need a copy of the Model T Service manual, commonly referred to as the Bible for T owners.

Allan from down under.

[speedytinc]

No-one mentioned a most valuable tool! You need a copy of the Model T Service manual, commonly referred to as the Bible for T owners.

Allan from down under.

Almost.
Last item on my list.
I refer to it frequently.

[Allan]

Sorry John. My attention span did not last as long as your list took to read.

Allan from down under.

[Dan Hatch]

Is one of these on the list?

Generator and starter test stand.

[Tom Dove Jr]

Thank you, everyone!!

This input is incredible! I’ll be making a list of projects and the tools needed to do them.

While collecting parts, I’ve also purchased every book, reference, and article recommended and will continue to do so.

Can’t wait to get started.

Tom
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