MTFCA Forum

This is my third and final try by Forum. My project is on hold for the need of a drivers side sheet metal pillar between left front door and cowl.

So far I have heard from: Mark Friemiller at Model T Haven - he has the right side but not the left. Still looking; Robert Bergstadt at Bob’s Auto Parts - doesn’t have it but is looking; and Mike Peterson - has it but doesn’t know if it’s worth the trouble of disassbly.

Please, if anyone has or knows someone who has a 1926/27 Fordor that is a candidate for parting out let me know. I believe we can reach an equitable agreement.

This is a great Forum and I know there is a wealth of knowledge, spare parts, and HELP out there.

THANKS

Bill

you may not wish to hear this, but you might have to resort to fabrication of the part. Now that you have a mirror image of what you need, you might find someone with the skill to do it for you, or do as I did and buy a quality MIG machine and teach yourself to do it. Hang in there. You'll get it one way or another.

Bill
So left front pillar for 26-7 foredor?
I have one BUT I live at Calgary Canada
It is -30 outside right now
It is supposed to warm up considerably this week so the temperatures can be dealt with.
If you are interested call me at(403) 931-2628
Regards
Les

Hi, Bill -
'Sorry that the Fordor you bought from me is still giving you trouble in this area. Could you post a couple photos of the area you are talking about, including what pieces are damaged? And if damaged, have you tried a local body shop to make the metal repairs or a metal fabrication shop to form a new piece for you using the opposite side as a pattern?
If I understand correctly, you are looking for the curved metal pillar cover? Is it possible that this piece could be the same or similar enough to modify that fits an earlier body style, such as a '23-25 Coupe or Tudor, or especially a '23-25 Fordor? I believe they had metal wrap around pillar covers over the wooden structural framework, as does yours. If such a piece would fit or could be modified, you'd be expanding your possibilities. There are tons of such bodies sitting around in disassembled condition because the structural wood has disintegrated. That's why photos of the area and damaged piece would be helpful. They might just jog some reader's memory about parts he has lying around.
Marshall

Scott, thanks for the suggestion. I have considered that. The lower end of the part is badly rusted and has several compound curves.

Les, I will call you. THANKS

Marshall, I have been very pleased with the Fordor I bought from you. Work is progressing well. I have rebuilt the rear end, drive shaft, and front end. Sand blasted and repainted all frame, springs and chassis parts. Like new. The engine is being rebuilt and I will rebuild the transmission too. Working on the Body now. When I finish I will have a like new 1926 Fordor.
I don’t think the parts for an earlier Fordor can be made to work on a 1926 “Improved Car.” I will check with Les in Canada to see what he has. THANKS

This the bit of sheet metal your looking for?

If you need one sectioned this is not a problem for me if you need my help. But I do not have the time to completely reconstruct one from scratch. Price is material plus time, sorry no estimates on old car sheetmetal.

All the Best,

Hank in Tin-A-See

Rex, yes that’s the part. Mine is rusted out like yours but worse.

Hank, I’ll let you know.

THANKS!!!

Bill

post a photo of your part and you will find out very quickly which path will lead to success the quickest.

Rex's part is a simple and inexpensive fix. Even if yours is worse, it might be an easier fix than you think.

Bill
So it finally warmed up to-9 today so I went tramping in the snow. I found the cowl and RH pillar just fine. Unfortunately the LH is not attached and is probably buried in the snow. I expect we will have snow for another 6-8 weeks
Sorry I don’t have better news

Isn't the '26-'27 Fordor bodies basically the same as the '25-'25 bodies? If I'm not mistaken I've seen that posted before, they still use the under seat gas tank. That may make your search for body parts a bit more productive. Dave

'24-'25 bodies.

Les thanks for the effort. You are the second one to have the right side part but not the left. I must be out of favor with Henry’s spirit.

David thanks for your recommendation. The 1926/27 Fords were called “improved.” The part I need was apparently one of the improvements and didn’t exist on the earlier sedans.

Looks like I will need to explore my repair options.

Les if the snow melts and the part shows up please let me know.

Thanks all!!!

Bill if the lower edge is all that is required, pretty quick turn-a-round. Does it have a good pattern to go by or can you make a template from the other side?

Let me know, and All the Best,

Hank in Tin-A-See

Bill, I for sure may be all wet here, but as I said, the '26-'27 Fordor bodies are basically the same as the '24-'25 Fordor bodies, improved car or not. I'm sure someone with much more knowledge than I have will chime in here. I'm just sharing what I have read on here, I have no actual experience. JMHO Dave

Henry, the rust out extends about 3 or 4 inches up from the bottom effecting the most compound curves on the entire car.

If I could figure out how to post photos I would attach pictures.

THANKS

Bill send me a PM or email me at hankpattylee@bellsouth(dot)net

Easy fix Buddy.

All the Best,

Hank

I have a lot of money saying Mike Peterson will sell you a complete body.You may have to do this.

Steve, I would be open to that proposal from Mike.

Using the right side for dimensions, make an opposite hand male pattern in oak. Get a piece of 20 gage steel and hammer form your rusted section. Cut the rusted section off the original and weld your new piece in place. A little practice and you will make a part you can use. Get hot rolled or annealed sheet if you can find it.

Check with local sheet metal shop and get enough to play with and make your part. They will have drop offs in the scrap bin to make your part from.

Les, please let me know when the snow melts and if you find the Body Part I need.

THANKS

Bill

The body was the same but the cowl area was redesigned to fit the larger hood. They have different parts numbers then the 25 back fordors and 26/27 tudor and coupe.

Bill, Just because the 1926-27 T Cp and 2 Dr had steel framing and not wood doesn't necessarily mean that the outside steel skin of the that pillar isn't the same contour. Take your rusted pillar to a T friend near you that has a good 1926-27 T Cp or 2 Dr to see how close the compound curves are. If they are the same then you could get a pillar up to the bottom hinge from a parts CP or 2 Dr body and either use the out side sheet metal or use it as a template which ever works out best.

Bill

Hank invited you to contact him. If he has extended you that courtesy, your problem will in all likelyhood be solved. Have you taken him up on his offer?

Is this the one you need near mint metal, Bob 48" long

Bill
FINALLY enough snow melted and I found the left front pillar!!

Les,

Sounds like very good news!!!

Please give me a call at (225) 454-8384.

THANKS

Bill

Thanks to all who responded, especially Les who dug one out of the snow and Bob who scoured and found one. With minor mig welding and straitening the part is in place and the body is ready to prime.

GREAT FORUM!!!