MTFCA Forum

I'm about to change the bands on my 26 touring and I wanted some advice. I also can't find any cotton bands anywhere. Do I make them myself?

Chaffin's Garage shows them in their 2020 catalog, part number 3416D, page 101. You might want to give them a call.

https://www.chaffinsgarage.com/

Do I make them myself?

No, that's something that requires weaving machinery. How many parts dealers have you tried? There are more of them than the the two or three that are usually mentioned. Maybe somebody on this list has your linings in stock.

**Model T Haven, KS (620) 365-6709 modelthaven@nautilus.net

*Lang’s, MA (978) 297-1919 www.modeltford.com

*Bob’s, IL (815) 633-7244 ModelT2001@comcast.net

*Snyder’s, OH (330) 549-5313 don@snydersantiqueauto.com

*Chaffin’s, CA (951) 735-4791 www.chaffinsgarage.com

**Ron Paetz, Lone Pine Enterprises, WI (608) 604-7534 lonepine@mwt.net

**Julius & Marvin Neunhoffer, TX (830) 257-8168 9hoffer@maverickbbs.com

**Dave Huson, 2116 Charro Ave. Longmont, Co. 80504
Phone 313-774-9246
email modelt112@msn.com

**Bob Hagelgantz, KS (785) 731-5285 loah@gbta.net

*Birdhaven Vintage Auto Supply, IA (515) 674-3949

*Antique Auto Ranch 2225 N. Dollar Rd. in Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 535-7789

*Andy Loso
323 W MN ST
St Joseph, MN 56374
(320) 293-1953

*Steve's T Works, LLC
Model T Ford Service, Repair, New & Used Parts.
Longbranch, WA
(253) 884-1925

*Smith & Jones
60 Wisconsin Street
West Columbia
SC 29170
(803) 822-4141

*Adam’s Antique Auto Parts LLC
847 West South Street
Oconomowoc
WI 53066
(262) 567-6027

* New & refurbished parts (Also used parts not advertised; you have to ask.)
** All or mostly used parts

If anyone finds any usuable cotton bands for a 26 or 27 at luray, please tell me.

Jonah: You may know this already, but you do not typically need to replace the actual steel band, you remove them and replace the band lining that contacts the drum surface. The fabric (or bentwood) lining is often referred to as the 'band', which isn't quite a complete a description. As for finding serviceable used cotton 'bands' at swap meets, etc, I would advise not installing those. If you have good bands with worn linings just go to one of the vendors Mr Jelf lists and order the linings. Note that the '26-'27 T transmission had a wider brake band than previous years, so the replacement lining 'kit' for later cars have one wide lining and two narrower linings. I would recommend replacing the linings of all 3 bands while you have the transmission opened up. Have fun, jb

As for finding serviceable used cotton 'bands' at swap meets, etc, I would advise not installing those.

I agree, and it's very unlikely that anybody would be selling used linings.

AND DO NOT DROP AN ADJUSTING NUT OR WASHER DOWN INSIDE.
AND DO NOT DROP AN ADJUSTING NUT OR WASHER DOWN INSIDE.
AND DO NOT DROP AN ADJUSTING NUT OR WASHER DOWN INSIDE.
AND DO NOT DROP AN ADJUSTING NUT OR WASHER DOWN INSIDE.

Stuff rags or paper towel down the side of the casing, below the nuts.
Best to tie the ears of each band together with thin wire before you start.
(Or there is a tool)
Then there is no tension on the nuts.
And when you withdraw each band, having removed its detachable ear, pull a cord or wire round to help pull the new band back.

AND DO NOT DROP AN ADJUSTING NUT OR WASHER DOWN INSIDE.

A handy tool is this puller. It pulls the bands around the drums. You can buy it or make it from a piece of pallet strap.

This is what Chris mentioned to avoid dropping nuts and washers into the transmission (a major PITA). Either use one big piece of cloth like a towel, or count the rags going in and coming out.

Has anyone tried to tie dental floss around nut or washer?

Tim

One thing to be very careful about is when you remove the nut, the band is spring loaded, so as you approach the end of the shaft, the last turn of the nut and the nut and washer will suddenly pop off. That is a very easy time to lose it. so if you tie the ears on the ends of the bands securely together before you remove the nut, it will be less likely to drop.

I don't know whether or not you have the book, "Transmission" published by the club, but it gives very good instructions on how to replace the band linings.

The parts suppliers trim the ends of the bands to the proper length. When you install leave about 1/8 inch overhang on each end and start with the two rivets at the two ends of the band and work the band material toward the center of the band. That way the material is pushed up against the metal strip. This is important because if you start at one end and work to the other end, you could have band lining which is not against the metal and it will cause the band to drag, and wear out early.

After you get the lining attached, be sure to check for the roundness of the band. It should conform to the shape of the drum. It helps to have a spare drum which is not in the transmission to use for this purpose.

Then use the tool either one you buy or make one such as Steve describes to pull the band around the drum. The detachable end goes toward the side where the shaft goes through the hogs head. That would be the left or drivers side on American cars.

Have fun,
Norm

Jonah,
I did my bands for the first time at age 15. I dropped the washer down the oil pan. New cotton band lining will seem to be too long by about 1/4" to 3/8", they are not. Follow the steps in the Ford Service Manual and Ford Service Bulletins. Disconnect the battery, take the key out of the ignition, and stuff rags in the oil pan.

I was 15 when I first changed the band lining on my 1910. I dropped a nut into the pan. I was told to tap the drain plug and the nut would jump up and attach to a magnet. I did that, cranked the engine half a turn and there was the nut. I changed the bands this year on and the 1910 and dropped the ignition key into the pan. I stuffed a rag into the flywheel and turned the engine a half turn. Up came the key.

Jonah, Kevlar bands as far as anyone can tell are forever. It is a fair amount of work to change bands only because of the tight space. The "band changing tool" 3416T looks like a ribbon of steel, and the "band clamp and wrench tool" 3416TCW and a "Transmission Band Adjusting Tool MT-5407" is essential to doing it. Taking the hogshead off makes it easier but you can do it without that. If you like I can let you borrow my tools to you in the mail. Absolutely stuff rags in to keep the nuts from dropping into the nether regions as well as tying a thread to the band adjustment nuts in case they sneak past the rags and fall in any way. Ask me how I know.

Jonah D'Avella wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 07, 2020 9:33 am

I'm about to change the bands on my 26 touring and I wanted some advice. I also can't find any cotton bands anywhere. Do I make them myself?

Does anyone actually remove and reinstall bands through the inspection cover? If not .. is there any advantage to bands with removable ears?

I have.

Mark Osterman wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 8:00 pm

Does anyone actually remove and reinstall bands through the inspection cover? If not .. is there any advantage to bands with removable ears?

Does anyone actually remove and reinstall bands through the inspection cover?

I did it on my 1923. Being my first time, it was a struggle. But now that I've had the experience I would do it again. You may find that it takes longer than the 40 minutes allowed in the Service Manual.

Mark Osterman wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 08, 2020 8:00 pm

Does anyone actually remove and reinstall bands through the inspection cover? If not .. is there any advantage to bands with removable ears?

Yes, it’s a lot easier than removing the hogshead. Others will disagree, but I think it comes down to one’s dexterity.

I did on my '25 coupe, but that was several years ago before my back got worse. It wasn't a hard project, I just took my time and had the Service Manual handy(it is now much greasier than it was before I started. ). I can't hardly bend over that much anymore. Dave

Darel: Wow, good for you. Say, if you aren't playing lottery this week, would you mind sharing your numbers with me (in a private msg)? Drive careful, jb