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How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 6:43 pm
by Sarikatime
My friend swears that his 21 model T has the original paint from the factory. He is in Europe and I am in Arizona but how can we settle the dispute. I did see the car and drove it last summer. I told him no model T that is 100 years old has such a good paint job left even from a well taken care of heated garaged kept car. He bought it from a gentleman in California about 12 years ago. What can I tell him without deflating his pride of ownership and or having a fit?
Frank
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:00 pm
by Henry K. Lee
Brush strokes where they did over the heavy spots is a give away, and no primer under the top coat where the paint is worn off. Flaking paint will be very shiny on the back side. Look closely around trim areas for paint build up, if there is some, it has been repainted. I have seen two in my life that looked to be dead originals.
Hope this Helps,
Hank
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:06 pm
by Humblej
Why burst his bubble. You tried to set him straight, he wouldnt listen, let him enjoy his "original" paint.
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:31 pm
by John kuehn
Well you could tell him that it’s the right color. Black.
As far as being the original black paint it still may have the original paint on the firewall if it has the metal firewall. That’s a transition T and there were some changes that were confusing to try to accurately date the car.
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 7:42 pm
by DanTreace
Like Hank posted.
Careful inspection is needed, the original paint of a very well preserved T will have a lot of sheen left from the extremely glossy factory finish. But there have to be areas that will show flaking and bare metal under. Any paint over the upholstery or any touch up of worn spots and welting trim would mean a re-paint. And chassis areas will show little wear , like spring shackles.
Very original , real low mileage 1926 touring showing off its original finish in drag racer Don Garlits collection in Ocala FL.
Click on images to enlarge.
Click on images to enlarge.
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2021 8:08 pm
by Henry K. Lee
Perfect example Dan, Thanks for posting.
Hank
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 7:24 pm
by Jerry VanOoteghem
I learned, (I hope...), long ago, to let people believe what they want to about their cars. Unless they ask... Or, unless it involves a matter of safety.
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2021 10:02 pm
by Dropacent
The paint on a 1921 model is far different than the improved DUCO paint models.
Re: How can I tell if the paint on my T is original factory.
Posted: Sun Dec 05, 2021 2:08 pm
by KimDobbins
Original paint on 1910 touring.