MTFCA Forum

I have a few different Timer rollers, no timer caps. I was hoping those who know may enjoy helping me ID (or in the instance of the few Ford rollers, date) and those who are like me who don't know might enjoy learning a thing or two about this hidden but very important part. Just trying to figure out what I have. I have a dozen or so different ones, and will post each one in a separate collection of photos on this thread. I hope you enjoy.

I'll start with the first of three variations on a FORD stamped roller. I am assuming this is the standard Ford roller that came with cars originally, but maybe someone out there who is really knowledgeable will be able to date the era of T.... or maybe they were all used during the whole production?

If we all do a good job at this, maybe this will be a good future resource for us all... anyways... Have fun commenting away!

Ford roller numerous two... same material as number 1, but FORD is embossed on the barrel AND the arm.

Ford #3. Different style, made of steel, but has FORD stamped on the flat part of the arm.

No name #1 is fun. Similar to other styles BUT cast out of aluminum.

No name #2 is similar to the FORD ones... but has a thick ridge at the one end of the barrel and no name on it anywhere.

Finally for tonight... No Name #3 is cast similar to the Ford ones, has no thick ridge like #2 and does not have a name cast into it. Just different enough to definately be different!

With my limited knowledge of Ford & accessory commutators, I'll venture to say the brass rollers were used after the early 2 pc. timer evolved - the aluminum & cast iron timers used those - can't tell you what the progressive dates were as far as the script goes. The steel roller most likely was used with the pressed steel timers which there were several changes made to.

The brass roller with the "ridge" I've seen associated with the "Milwaukee" brand timer - I have a NOS in the box. I also have an aluminum roller which I'm assuming might also be an accessory unit.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:22 am

With my limited knowledge of Ford & accessory commutators, I'll venture to say the brass rollers were used after the early 2 pc. timer evolved - the aluminum & cast iron timers used those - can't tell you what the progressive dates were as far as the script goes. The steel roller most likely was used with the pressed steel timers which there were several changes made to.

The brass roller with the "ridge" I've seen associated with the "Milwaukee" brand timer - I have a NOS in the box. I also have an aluminum roller which I'm assuming might also be an accessory unit.

Thank you Steve! I have a few others to post. Will be interesting to see other comments. I'm learning too.

No name #4...

No name #5... very similar to #4 but a little different i. The shape of the steel barrel and lever.

<W> Japan marked... similar to #4&5, but clearly stamped Japan.

No name #6.

No name #7

No name #8. This one has a shoe, but the shoe is worn thru. I always heard an Anderson Timer has a shoe. If this a comutator for an Andersen?

No name #9... has a very faint patent date on it. The day could be 15 or 16 but the year is 1916 for sure.

The last two have clear patent dates but are unlike any others that I have.

Last one! Actually had a name and patent.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:22 am

With my limited knowledge of Ford & accessory commutators, I'll venture to say the brass rollers were used after the early 2 pc. timer evolved - the aluminum & cast iron timers used those - can't tell you what the progressive dates were as far as the script goes. The steel roller most likely was used with the pressed steel timers which there were several changes made to.

The brass roller with the "ridge" I've seen associated with the "Milwaukee" brand timer - I have a NOS in the box. I also have an aluminum roller which I'm assuming might also be an accessory unit.

Steve,

Thanks again for throwing some info into the ring.. it sure is helpful. I got all my photos posted. Fun to see how many variations there are for the same part. Maybe someone else will be able to shed some additional light.

Andy

You are most welcome ! I have a number of NOS accessory timers most in the original boxes - if I ever have the time, I should open them to verify what the roller or contact looks like. You also have some oddballs, for sure !

The made in Japan roller is most likely the repro Tiger Timer - the one you asked about being for an Anderson isn't - I'll attempt to get some photos of my "loose" ones in my display case.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:06 am

You are most welcome ! I have a number of NOS accessory timers most in the original boxes - if I ever have the time, I should open them to verify what the roller or contact looks like. You also have some oddballs, for sure !

The made in Japan roller is most likely the repro Tiger Timer - the one you asked about being for an Anderson isn't - I'll attempt to get some photos of my "loose" ones in my display case.

Thank you Steve. No hurry on my end, but will be nice to know what I got going on here. It's fascinating to me how many unique parts were made.

How about this bad boy?

Dan Hatch wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 25, 2021 11:46 am

How about this bad boy?
BD251F82-B83B-4BD8-B0AC-406A23945D29.jpeg
469A0FA0-888E-4A52-9910-F8E45815628E.jpeg

Very cool Dan! I don't have one of those, but so neat to have the box. Great graphic art on that one.

I'm so surprised there are not comments on this this thread, but maybe the kind of information is obscure the the older knowledge base that once was on here has moved on. Hard to say. Although I do wonder if I changed the thread title to "What is your favorite Tire, tube, oil or commutator?" Maybe then this thread would get more interest. Haha.

In any event once I have some more time, I'll continue to page through my small collection of Western Auto, Ford Times and other catalogs to see of I see any advertisements.

Bump for the rained-in weekend experts. I would even appreciate the direction to go to a book, if any, to do my own research. Cheers and thank you.