MTFCA Forum

Last week I heard of a 22 Touring T that was languishing in a shed waiting to be enjoyed again. Within a week it now resides at our farm near a TT that is now being set up for an Electric Light Parade run locally next week. (More on that later)

We had warm weather yesterday so I pulled out the car from its shed, (It has not been started yet, the engine turns with the crank but with effort so we are waiting to figure out what needs to be done to start her up), and brought it home.

We are impressed with how the ugly ducking transformed into a swan after we washed it down and worked on the upholstery. It was warm enough to put up the top and were happy to see that it had no rips, although some of the side liner was in tatters. Also the three 'lights' are yellowed and need to be replaced? Lots of questions as we move along. Will add pics when I get to my office.

It seems the radiator is shot so I'm looking for a 'short' radiator for it. New one's are expensive so if you know of a used one in good shape … I know buy a new one, $900 is pretty steep so if there is one out there just waiting to be used, let me know please.

I have added two pics, one in the shed, flat tires and all, and one of the front seat with rusty buttons. Has anyone encountered this and if so how did you sand/wire brush the tops, then repaint them? I’m thinking of using a spoon, perhaps modified to get under the buttons, dremmel wire brush then paint?

Any other ways? The pleather has surprisingly come back to life after washing with soap and water then lightly rubbing in mineral oil/baby oil. I want to refurbish the buttons before I put any reconditioner on them so the paint sticks.

Sorry for the lengthy post but I must thank Tom Pilz, a member of this group who has patiently worked with me to work up my TT. I joined this group and asked for a mentor and found a friend. Thanks MTFCA and especially thanks to Tom.

Welcome! Nice to see another T being resurrected. You will find personal ingenuity plays a big role in restoring and maintaining a Model T.

A comment on the radiator. Originals are "round tube" and even in good condition, will not cool as well as a modern "flat tube." Will a round tube work for you? Maybe... if you want to permanently deal with cooling problems a flat tube radiator is a good investment.

I chose to install a flat tube Bergs radiator in my 1917 Touring. I removed the existing water pump when I installed it. Driving tours in hilly country, 90°+ temps, with four people aboard, my car never got close to overheating.

My recommendation is to tread softly regarding the upholstery. To replace the plastic windows in the rear curtain with the same methods and materials used by Ford will require removing the top which would be destructive. Leaving it alone is always a good choice. Another method would be to do what owners did 100 years ago and cut out the plastic windows and install an after market metal frame that holds glass. The metal frames are all over ebay and come in shapes and sizes to match the original plastic window(s). Regarding the seat buttons, I would let that sleeping dog lie, as a rusty button is better than a missing button and a missing button is better than a torn seat. Painting over rust is temporary, and cleaning the button to properly paint could be destructive to the upholstery around it or even break the button off.

As mentioned above Ford upholstery buttons are painted, not covered with upholstery material.

If you want some nice upholstery buttons that are correct (ie; painted), contact Mike at Classtique. I replaced all my covered buttons with his painted ones. Really pretty inexpensive and correct looking.

I agree with oldav8tor. Ask yourself why anyone would remove/sell a good model T radiator? Any used radiator that you purchase has been removed for a reason. I'll bet you can figure out what that reason is.

What Tim and John say regarding 'used' radiators is true for other parts as well. There have been many posts over the years regarding 50 cent flea market bargain spark plugs that didn't spark. Model T owners historically were frugal and if they replaced a part chances are good that the part wasn't (and isn't). ymmv, jb

NEVER put anything on upholstery that will get on your clothes.

If you put mineral oil or baby oil on the upholstery it may look nice but, when you sit on the upholstery, it will most likely transfer onto your clothing. Then, it will transfer from your clothing to anything and everything that you sit on, such as the furniture in your house.

I would try a silicon spatula. Cut a grove in it to slide under the button. You need to clean off the mineral oil before you take a Dremel to the button. Recommend you use leather conditioner instead of mineral oil.

I wouldn't use leather conditioner on 1922 Model T open car upholstery.

For one thing, it isn't actually leather.

Any goo, goop, salve or ointment you put on factory leatherette will just seep into the cotton backing.

My opinion is that cleaning the leatherette with a rag and soapy water should suffice.