MTFCA Forum

Should the bend in the hand crank be more or less square? I purchased this one to install in my ‘25 touring that came without one. On test fitting, the handle end drags on the radiator apron when the ratchet is engaged.

That is the wrong crank for a 1925. The correct crank would have 2 bends with a steel sleeve as the handle. The bends are 90 degrees.

It appears to be bent. Try straightening it to a right angle.
Norm

I don’t believe Miles asked if the crank handle is correct for his Model T or not. So, yeah, bend it slightly like Norm said. And you’d be fortunate indeed if the handle isn’t rusted to the crank and turns freely.

Actually I misspoke; I bought it for a ‘24, if that makes any difference. I asked for one for a ‘24 and this is what I got. What year(s) is this one for? It is covered with rust, but the handle is free.

The style crank you have with riveted large dia. handle is for up to 1921.

The later crank uses the smaller dia. sleeve type handle.

Would have to measure but think the later crank has longer shaft to the hole for the crank pin ratchet.

The later crank shown appeared in 1922 according to the encyclopedia that can be accessed from the home page. Go to resources to find it.
Your crank was used until 1921.
It should work and it just needs to be straightened just a bit to a 90 degree bend. If it seems to droop a little when you install it the bushing in the pan that it goes through is worn to let it droop. That is pretty common after nearly 90 years!

Yes the bends should be at right angles. You may need some heat to bend it as needed.

Ya and I retro fit the riveted style when I can no matter the year. Got tired of pinching the web between thumb and finger in the rusty gap!

Been my experience most crank handles are worn where they rub against the pan sleeve. I've welded on a new straight piece of 3/4 stock to cure the problem. Also discovered the repro replacement sleeves create too loose a fit even on a new shaft. I make my own anymore.

I’m swapping the crank in my original post for one more correct for a ‘24. Which one of these is more correct for a ‘24 touring?

Both handle sleeves are correct. The longer one looks extended. Or the shorter one has been shortened & redrilled. There is only 1 length crank.Check the short one for fit/clearances.

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:47 pm

Both handle sleeves are correct. The longer one looks extended. Or the shorter one has been shortened & redrilled. There is only 1 length crank.Check the short one for fit/clearances.

Thanks John. I thought the long one looked a bit odd, but being so new to T’s I wasn’t sure. As mentioned earlier, the one in the original post had a slight interference with the radiator apron but I think that had more to do with being overbent than being too short. The short one in this photo appears to be about the same length at one in the first post, so it appears to the correct one.

The long crank might be used on a car sporting a Livingston V radiator.

The bends in the longer one also look to be less sharp than the red one. My guess is it was hand made for a specific fitment. If the sleeve is rusted tight on the handle, it can be freed up. Use heat to get it cherry red, allow to cool, Lay it on a vice and gently beat on it with a hammer to break up the rust and check progress. Repeat if needed and once just a little bit free, add lubricant and persevere. It will turn eventually.

Allan from down under.

I have a long crank similar to the one pictured. It was used with a Livingston V radiator that I own. A stock length handle would hit the V of the radiator when pulled up.

To follow up, I received the correct crank today, and it fits just like it’s supposed to. The picture is with the ratchet and pin installed, and the ratchet engaged. A little cleanup and paint, and I’ll check this item off the list.