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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2020 5:00 pm
by Dallas Landers
We are having some of the same fun Don. Used up parts and rusted metal. What fun we are having. Thats part of the fun for me bringing back to safe and depenable.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2020 6:23 pm
by RustyFords
Yes we are Dallas.

These are some filthy, greasy repairs, but both cars were a few big jolts away from some serious unpleasantness I'm afraid.

They'll both be much better off and much more solid after all this.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2020 6:37 pm
by RustyFords
I bought John Mays' trailer about a month ago and carved out a patch of forest to build a shed for it.

It's an aluminum car-hauler with a wind-dam....perfect for a Model T. The fenders are removable, it has a winch, plus retractable d-hooks built into the floor and four really nifty heavy-duty tie down straps.

IMG_8070.jpg

I now have everything I need to take the T on tours.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2020 11:56 am
by Barth_Tool_Co
RustyFords wrote:
Sun Jan 05, 2020 6:37 pm
I bought John Mays' trailer about a month ago and carved out a patch of forest to build a shed for it.

It's an aluminum car-hauler with a wind-dam....perfect for a Model T. The fenders are removable, it has a winch, plus retractable d-hooks built into the floor and four really nifty heavy-duty tie down straps.


IMG_8070.jpg


I now have everything I need to take the T on tours.
Nice rig!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:50 pm
by RustyFords
She’s looking a bit forlorn without a front suspension.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:53 pm
by Dallas Landers
Ya, but she still has a great smile!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:57 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Mon Jan 06, 2020 10:53 pm
Ya, but she still has a great smile!
🙂

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 2:53 pm
by RustyFords
A casualty of the current spring/perch/spindle project was these thingamabobs.

IMG_8046.jpg

I assume they were some kind of safety device to hold the radius rods in place in case they broke loose. I tried to remove them without damaging them in case someone wanted to use them, but the fasteners wouldn't budge. So...I cut them off.

I took a close look at them and came to the conclusion that they were homemade and not an aftermarket accessory. They'd obviously been on the car a very long time however and I hate to destroy anything that's survived that long, but they had to go.

It's a good thing they were there however. Check out the lack of a castle nut and cotter pin! Again...YIKES! :o This project was past due.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:46 pm
by Dallas Landers
Steve posted on" what have you done in Janurary," about the same aftermarket thingamabob.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:46 pm
by Dallas Landers
Steve posted on" what have you done in Janurary," about the same aftermarket thingamabob.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 09, 2020 11:12 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:46 pm
Steve posted on" what have you done in Janurary," about the same aftermarket thingamabob.
Neat!

Steve's looked like actual aftermarket items, whereas mine looked homemade.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 1:36 pm
by RustyFords
As expected, these perches are whooping my a**.

All I've managed to do is mangle the two old perches and have only budged them about 1/4 inch. So...I'm throwing in the towel and will have a pro press them out of the axle.

And I found yet another old-time farm fix. This was what they used for a bushing on one of the steering arms.
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2020 1:43 pm
by Scott_Conger
after the perches are out is the time to press, twist, and otherwise slug it out with the axle. You will really want to do this when they're out: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/17 ... 1323767931

You will find out if the car was ever towed by the axle. If it was, then it's bent.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:38 pm
by RustyFords
Thanks for the info Scott....always appreciated.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2020 3:47 pm
by RustyFords
I attacked the perches again over the weekend and they laughed at every attempt to remove them.

That, combined with the fact that the axle will have to be reamed (I don't have the tool to do it) caused me to make the probably prudent decision to take the axle to Ross Lilleker to have him do the above. He's also going to check the axle for straightness and correct it if it needed.

My job keeps me hopping so this was probably for the best. Ross' work is simply second-to-none and I'll have confidence knowing that he did the work on these critical components....especially since they play such a huge roll in how the car handles and steers.

While Ross has the axle, I'll work on the other items on my list: Fuel Line, Accessory Belly Band, Motor Mount Wood Blocks, Door Wood, etc.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:18 pm
by RustyFords
Painting my new front springs with graphite paint.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:51 pm
by Dallas Landers
Right there with you Don! I assembled mine yesterday. I used some antisieze between each leaf. That graphite paint dries but still makes your hands slick handling the springs.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:34 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:51 pm
Right there with you Don! I assembled mine yesterday. I used some antisieze between each leaf. That graphite paint dries but still makes your hands slick handling the springs.
Yeah...that graphite paint has some kind of demonic alien super powered bonding agent that makes it a permanent part of your hand.

And, by the way, if anyone in the Houston area needs some graphite paint, let me know. At this rate, the gallon I have will outlast my grandchildren. Heck, if anyone going to Chickasha wants some, bring a container and I'll give you some.

.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:40 pm
by tdump
Is that yellow object in 1 of the pics a Unibody Ford pickup?

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 9:58 pm
by RustyFords
tdump wrote:
Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:40 pm
Is that yellow object in 1 of the pics a Unibody Ford pickup?
Mack...it’s a 66 F100 Styleside (shortbed). Original paint 79k miles. 300 straight six that I hopped up a little bit.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2020 10:53 pm
by RustyFords
I thought the difference between the new spring clamps (that came with the new springs) and the original clamps, was noteworthy. The new ones looked to be about half the thickness of the old ones. I’ll be using the old ones.

I also chose to keep the old clamp bolts because they had square heads. Not sure if that's original or not, but I like the way they look.
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IMG_8133.jpg
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Then off came a bit of the bolts and they were peened. Then the whole unit was painted flat black and left to dry.
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IMG_8134.jpg

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 12:53 pm
by RustyFords
New front spring is bushed, treated with graphite, oilers installed, painted flat black and installed in the car with a new rubber pad.

Once I get the rebuilt axle back from Ross, I’ll be able to make the car mobile again.

I’m very interested to experience the difference in the car...going from a thoroughly abused, worn out and borderline dangerous front end to a fresh tight version.

If you have a sharp eye, you’ll notice that one of the radius rod ends is pretty worn. My parts chassis has a much better set that I’ll be swapping in.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:03 pm
by Dallas Landers
Lookin good Don! Im with you, cant wait to feel rebuilt springs, steering and all suspension.
Waiting on frame from sandblasting. :(

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:34 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:03 pm
Waiting on frame from sandblasting. :(
Wow...sandblasting...you're not messing around with the RPU refurb!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 5:28 pm
by Dallas Landers
Just the drivetrain is getting the royal treatment. The depressed look will still be there. After a few trips down my gravel road, the underside will be dirty enough to look the part. :D

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2020 6:25 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Thu Jan 23, 2020 5:28 pm
Just the drivetrain is getting the royal treatment. The depressed look will still be there. After a few trips down my gravel road, the underside will be dirty enough to look the part. :D
That's what I figured. Glad to hear it. Your RPU has a beautiful look.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:23 pm
by RustyFords
More little incremental progress while I wait for my axle to come back from Ross’s shop.

I finished the installation of the front spring. The original clamp cleaned up nicely. I like it when the Ford script shows on century old parts.
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69C97D01-24BB-4E37-B493-31AD343D7BCC.jpeg
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Then I tackled something on which I was procrastinating...the engine mount wood blocks. I was sure they were going to be a hassle. They weren’t. It was an easy job...although I did cheat a bit by using nylock nuts instead of cotter pins. The bolts are snugged, not tight...and the nylocks make that a much easier proposition. I’m obsessive about using period correct fasteners where they’ll easily show, but I’m making exceptions on things like this.
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DA79BD8B-1689-4B67-8C0E-1886AC3FCEF9.jpeg
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148F6D39-CA3B-4018-8CE7-7C600AF237C9.jpeg
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:29 pm
by RustyFords
Then I cleaned up this accessory “belly band” engine support that came with my parts chassis. I’ve seen very nice versions but this one looks homemade. It looks like they took a piece of flat bar, bent it to the correct shape, then split it open in the middle. This piece would’ve had to have been made red hot then bent around a jig of some sort. I don’t see how one could’ve done so while under a car. Maybe they had another Model T pan to work with.

At first glance, it appears crude. But the more you look at it, the more you appreciate it.

On a high point restoration, this wouldn’t work. On this car, I think it fits right in.
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B514EED4-ED93-4709-9EE0-0E20BC75437A.jpeg
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521596C5-F7F0-4A4F-93D2-118807AC0AE7.jpeg
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It’s a testament to the fabricator’s skills that it fits so perfectly and installs so easily.
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2B731BA1-D999-4020-B493-DC598A41008D.jpeg

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:32 pm
by RustyFords
I finished off the day by disassembling the fuel bulb, cleaning it and reassembling with some EZ Turn Lubricant. This stuff is brilliant. The petcock was very stiff. Now it turns smoothly.
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BADB1E34-0D41-4FCE-9E97-8573088B8E57.jpeg

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 6:59 pm
by RustyFords
On a side note...

This will be my next project once the T is mostly finished.

I’ve had this nifty little trailer for a while. It was built in 1950 using parts from a ‘37 Ford. I rescued it from a building that was collapsing on my dad’s property.

The plan is to build an aluminum camper insert for it...something Art Deco inspired that’s streamlined. Just a one-man thing for swap meets.

I plan on fabricating aluminum ribs and riveting aluminum sheets to it...like an airplane.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 4:07 pm
by RustyFords
I picked up the rebuilt front axle from Lilleker’s today.

New perches, bushings, steering arms, rebuilt spindles, helicoiled, reamed and straightened. It’s a thing of beauty.

Ross is a gift from God to the Model T hobby.

I asked him not to paint it, so that I can do that myself in flat black. I’ll do that tonight.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 5:17 pm
by Dallas Landers
NEW PAINT????? Don I cant believe it! :lol:

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 5:24 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Fri Jan 31, 2020 5:17 pm
NEW PAINT????? Don I cant believe it! :lol:
I know. I know. :oops:

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 6:05 pm
by Dallas Landers
Thats a good looking axle! Just bustin your chops Don. I bit the bullet to.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 6:11 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Fri Jan 31, 2020 6:05 pm
Thats a good looking axle! Just bustin your chops Don. I bit the bullet to.
😁

Thanks Dallas. I knew you were just messing with me....the same way I ribbed you for your fancy sandblasted and painted frame. 😉

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 9:15 pm
by RustyFords
Most of the components that are rebuilt on this car are painted flat black.

At shows, I’m often asked what has been rebuilt and I answer with , “if it’s painted flat black, it’s been gone through or rebuilt”.

The flat black blends nicely with the old weathered paint but the fact that I can use it as an identifier at gatherings has turned out to be a nice added benefit.

Now it’s all of the suspension, axles and drivetrain.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 11:02 am
by RustyFords
Ready for installation.
D2266E18-BE65-489E-8A07-EB5231569315.jpeg

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:16 pm
by RustyFords
With everything so worn out and loose, the front axle, spring and steering cane apart really easy. Now that everything is new and tight, it’s putting up a fight.

I’m getting all the connections started first, then everything will get tightened and cotter pins installed.
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:25 pm
by Scott_Conger
Don

I see your spindle arm already (still) cotter pinned. Mistake. If you remove the tie rod from first one spindle arm or the other you will invariably find the arm is twisted and the radius rod will not swing over the opposite arm freely. This is overlooked in the vast majority of rebuilds, causes tight steering and rapid wear of tie rod pins and bushings. It is a rare spindle where I do not have to loosen and rotate slightly to get things to line up and swing freely.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:30 pm
by RustyFords
Scott_Conger wrote:
Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:25 pm
Don

I see your spindle arm already (still) cotter pinned. Mistake. If you remove the tie rod from first one spindle arm or the other you will invariably find the arm is twisted and the radius rod will not swing over the opposite arm freely. This is overlooked in the vast majority of rebuilds, causes tight steering and rapid wear of tie rod pins and bushings. It is a rare spindle where I do not have to loosen and rotate slightly to get things to line up and swing freely.
Thanks Scott. That’s the way it came when I picked it up at Lilleker’s. Your logic is sound though. I’ll take them loose so that they can find their natural positions, then finish connecting, tightening and cotter pinning.

Knowledge and advice like this is one of the reasons I love this forum.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:40 pm
by CudaMan
I always wondered if the spindle arms were somehow "indexed" to the spindles, now I know they aren't and have to be allowed to find their correct twist before tightening and cotter pinning the nuts. Thanks! :)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:35 pm
by Scott_Conger
Don

don't loosen until proven to be twisted. Ross may have a jig or has already done this for you. Trying to loosen some of these can take you to your own special hell, so if there's a chance Ross did this, find out first. I somehow thought you had done the work and just wanted to save your new bushings from possible early wear.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:22 pm
by RustyFords
Scott_Conger wrote:
Sat Feb 01, 2020 6:35 pm
Don

don't loosen until proven to be twisted. Ross may have a jig or has already done this for you. Trying to loosen some of these can take you to your own special hell, so if there's a chance Ross did this, find out first. I somehow thought you had done the work and just wanted to save your new bushings from possible early wear.
I loosened the driver’s side arm and it immediately rotated a little bit and corrected itself. The passenger side didn’t do much at all. I then turned the steering lock to lock several times and then retightened the arms.

I’m not sure if Ross meant for me to adjust them or not.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:28 pm
by Scott_Conger
Well, in any event, you just did. You're good to go.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2020 12:41 pm
by RustyFords
Spent the weekend completing several small tasks on the T as I get it put back together and ready for a year of action. I tightened up and rechecked all the connections on the front axle/steering installation then cotter pinned it all and packed the wheel bearings and installed the front wheels.
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IMG_8219.jpg
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I changed the oil and coolant and while the coolant was drained, I removed the top radiator hose and reinstalled it after smearing some RTV on the inside of the hose and water necks. There was a small, persistent leak coming out of that hose that I couldn't stop no matter how tight I adjusted the clamps.

I also finished installing an OEM style fuel line with original fittings and new rubber gaskets. There was a small persistent fuel leak coming out of the connections at both the carburetor and and fuel bulb. The fuel line that came with the car was a modern style flared line and it wasn't sealing properly.
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IMG_8220.jpg
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I know that Model T's leak a little bit, but where possible, I'll chase down leaks and stop them.

Last but not least, I tracked down the issue with one of my coils. The nuts holding the lower points had come loose, causing the lower point contact to move over enough to prevent proper contact. It was a quick fix.
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IMG_8221.jpg

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2020 9:21 pm
by Allan
Don, two points. Original T fittings at the carburetor and the sediment bulb are NOT machined to accept compression fittings. They are as cast. the answer is to resort to standard fitment on the ends. I cut 1/4" pieces of two ply modern fuel hose, remove the outer layer, slide the remaining inner piece over the pipe and allow the original nuts to do their work.
Second, RTV acts like a silicone lubricant. The tighter you make the connection, the more it will squeeze out. If it is needed to fill deep rust pits, allow it to fully cure before tightening the clamps. I prefer to use good ole Permatex no 2 gasket cement.

Hope this helps,
Allan from down under.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2020 9:25 pm
by Allan
Oops! I misread your fuel line leaks. You had already discovered that the modern fittings do not work. My only conclusion is the seals you used are not bulky enough to fill the void when the packnuts are done up.
Sorry, Allan from down under.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 11:48 am
by RustyFords
No worries.

The standard fittings, shown in the photo, are sealing up nicely.

I appreciate your input.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 6:25 pm
by RustyFords
Today’s project was setting the toe-in or “gather” as Ford called it, With all new components on the front axle, the toe-in was way off. Adjusting it only involves taking the drag link and one spindle arm loose and turning the tie-rod yoke in or out.

But, the yoke wasn’t budging, so out came the tie-rod. It was good n’ stuck so I heated it with a torch then dunked it in a 50/50 mixture of ATF and acetone and left it submerged for an hour. That did the trick.
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It then got wire wheeled, painted flat black and reinstalled.

Old Henry makes me grin with his obsessive stamping of his name on everything on these cars...even the dang tie-rod!
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I noticed my parts chassis has one of these little Apco gizmos on the drag link connection. I may clean it up and use it.
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C7AFEFEB-2AD1-4858-9F06-5B1D45F3508F.jpeg

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 6:45 pm
by RustyFords
I’m really close to putting the T back on the road. My play time got cut short by some handyman jobs at my in-law’s. But I’m hoping that tomorrow will bring my first post-front end rebuild ride.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 9:11 pm
by RustyFords
Got the T back on the road today. All the work on the front axle was well worth it. The suspension feels great and the steering is tight. Here’s a link to a short video of the first drive today.

https://youtu.be/j3uAHFg3WNI

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 9:33 pm
by JTT3
Don very nice. Is this the spare engine you freshened up or the one you had rebuilt?

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 9:37 pm
by RustyFords
JTT3 wrote:
Sun Feb 09, 2020 9:33 pm
Don very nice. Is this the spare engine you freshened up or the one you had rebuilt?
Thanks John.

This is the spare engine.

I haven’t had the other rebuilt yet.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 6:36 pm
by Dallas Landers
Why that new paint doesnt even show! :D
Im back from Iowa so I can get back on my project.
Looks like a good day for you!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 9:21 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Mon Feb 10, 2020 6:36 pm
Why that new paint doesnt even show! :D
Im back from Iowa so I can get back on my project.
Looks like a good day for you!
Definitely a good day.

Looking forward to seeing the rpu up and running...maybe this month?

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 9:21 pm
by Duey_C
Yesss! I've been waiting for this Don!
It reminds some of us about steering details that need attention on our own T's. ;)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 4:13 pm
by RustyFords
Drove the T from the outskirts of town on the south side, through the city and to the county fairgrounds (which is on the outskirts of town on the north side) for a swap meet this afternoon, then back home.

25+ miles each way....a new distance record for the T. I know that's an almost comically short drive for a lot of yall, but for me and this T (a car that was a worn out mess not too long ago) it's a milestone.

The T and I are in "training" for the Texas T Party later this year. :D

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 9:02 pm
by Dallas Landers
Its good to learn enough to be comfortable and confident that that old rig will take you there and back. If it dont, you know enough to get her up and going with a few tools and knowledge you have earned. Yes earned. Glad you are really starting to enjoy the T Don!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 11:00 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Fri Feb 14, 2020 9:02 pm
Its good to learn enough to be comfortable and confident that that old rig will take you there and back. If it dont, you know enough to get her up and going with a few tools and knowledge you have earned. Yes earned. Glad you are really starting to enjoy the T Don!
Thanks Dallas!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2020 11:46 pm
by ivaldes1
Congratulations! All the hard work has paid off. So much fun!
RustyFords wrote:
Sun Feb 09, 2020 9:11 pm
Got the T back on the road today. All the work on the front axle was well worth it. The suspension feels great and the steering is tight. Here’s a link to a short video of the first drive today.

https://youtu.be/j3uAHFg3WNI

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 8:03 am
by CudaMan
Looks and sounds great, congratulations! :)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 8:06 am
by RustyFords
Thanks Mark!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2020 12:37 pm
by RustyFords
Been enjoying the heck out of this wonderful little Flivver since the rebuilt front axle was installed and haven't really done much to it since then.

But I'm about to jump back in and tackle some more wood work in the doors and work on getting an interior put in it.

I keep going back and forth in my mind about correcting the "cock-eyed" look it has due to the driver's side headlight stalk being bent. Actually the whole front fender on that side, fender brace, etc is bent as well. All due to hard use on the farm. I'm leaning (pun intended) towards leaving it as is. It's part of the car's story and charm.

Another random note: I was shocked at how much camber it has now that the axle and spindles are rebuilt. It looks like too much compared to a modern car, but according to the manual it is correct.

My goodness I love this car.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 8:51 pm
by RustyFords
My T came with a hole in the dashboard to the left of the steering column. I found an antique horn button on eBay that was exactly the same size as the hole.

I also wanted a Model A style ahooga horn for this car so I figured the hole and button would be for the ahooga horn.

The Summit Racing website had a cheap one that was 12V but I guessed that it would run just fine on 6V...just slower. I painted it flat black and installed it today and am pleased with it.

Here are some photos and a video of it.
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https://youtu.be/nDUNoyazgMQ
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat May 16, 2020 4:00 pm
by RustyFords
Making a rear floorboard

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 11:14 pm
by RustyFords
I harvested the solid old exhaust pipe and muffler from my parts chassis. This chassis used to be a '25 coupe that was last driven in the early 60's...so the exhaust is at least that old.

It's in decent shape and seems to be better quality than the new reproduction stuff currently on my car. The muffler is noticeably different...much heavier metal.

So...I'll be swapping them out in the near future.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun May 17, 2020 11:22 pm
by RustyFords
New rear floorboard in place. I’m happy with it.

Now I need to haul some kids around to scuff it up and it'll look more at home.
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu May 21, 2020 11:35 am
by RustyFords
A noteworthy event earlier this week...

We had our first really nasty hot humid Houston summer day of the year with temps above 95 degrees and I took the T out for a drive, part of which involved sitting at a couple red lights.

The new Berg’s radiator shrugged it off with ease. I figure if it can handle that, it can handle anything.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu May 21, 2020 11:51 am
by Dallas Landers
Makes an uncomfotable drive worry free with a good radiator Don. Im missing my T time with work and a major bathroom remodel in my house. Mow grass twice a week this time of year. I may drive it to work saturday.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 8:43 am
by John Warren
Don, It's been fun following your project, thanks and looking good!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 10:08 am
by RustyFords
John Warren wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 8:43 am
Don, It's been fun following your project, thanks and looking good!
Thanks John!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 10:13 am
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Thu May 21, 2020 11:51 am
Makes an uncomfotable drive worry free with a good radiator Don. Im missing my T time with work and a major bathroom remodel in my house. Mow grass twice a week this time of year. I may drive it to work saturday.
I sure does Dallas. Over the years, with all the old cars I've messed around with that have sat for long periods, I've learned to just go ahead and replace the radiator, fuel lines, rebuild the carb and a few other things. These things almost always end up biting you sooner or later.

I'm right there with you being taxed for time. I hope you get some T-time soon. As we've discussed before, it's pure therapy to close out the world's demands and concentrate on a hundred year old car.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 11:27 am
by dobro1956
Hi Don, been awile since I checked in. The car is looking great. You have got a lot done. But I'm going t o call you out on the new horns wire. It looks like modern plastic to me. Come on now, it needs replaced with cloth covered wire. :) :) . We may try and come to the Texas T Party this year. We have wanted to come for years. All the tours our Arkansas Tin Lizzies club had scheduled for this year have been cancelled. Keep up the good work ...

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 11:52 am
by George Hand
Don, I am thinking you need a finger hole to remove your new floor board, one never knows when you may need to access the battery, Quickly. I was also wondering what are the dimensions for you board, I have not brought home all my '23 kit car yet, would like to compare with the board on my '20. Also I still have some mystery brackets that I need to take photos of that need to be identified.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 12:17 pm
by RustyFords
dobro1956 wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 11:27 am
Hi Don, been awile since I checked in. The car is looking great. You have got a lot done. But I'm going t o call you out on the new horns wire. It looks like modern plastic to me. Come on now, it needs replaced with cloth covered wire. :) :) . We may try and come to the Texas T Party this year. We have wanted to come for years. All the tours our Arkansas Tin Lizzies club had scheduled for this year have been cancelled. Keep up the good work ...
You caught me Donnie! The ground wire is plastic, but that just runs a few inches from the horn body to the frame. The long piece that shows in the engine bay is cloth. Now you've got me all self-conscious about it! ;)

I'm all set for the T Party. I have the hotel booked and my trailer is ready to go. I do still need to send in my registration however, but I think I have 'till August to do that. I want my car to be more finished by then and that means all the remaining wood, a complete interior and a complete top. Lot's to do!

And thank you for the kinds words. I do love this old car. Words can't really describe how therapeutic it is for me to work on it and drive it.

I hope yall make it...looking forward to meeting you in person.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 12:21 pm
by RustyFords
George Hand wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 11:52 am
Don, I am thinking you need a finger hole to remove your new floor board, one never knows when you may need to access the battery, Quickly. I was also wondering what are the dimensions for you board, I have not brought home all my '23 kit car yet, would like to compare with the board on my '20. Also I still have some mystery brackets that I need to take photos of that need to be identified.
VERY roughly...I think it's around 30x20 (inches), but I'll get a more accurate measurement and post it here.

I like the look of the original floorboards that are multiple pieces and wanted to roughly recreate something akin to that instead of going the easy route..which would've been a single piece of plywood. I'm fairly certain that the original units used different joints that my shiplap boards, but I think mine are a nice approximation.

You're right about the finger hole. I was thinking the same thing.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 5:36 pm
by Duey_C
I think they look great. Planer marks and correct looking screws too! :)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri May 22, 2020 10:59 pm
by RustyFords
Duey_C wrote:
Fri May 22, 2020 5:36 pm
I think they look great. Planer marks and correct looking screws too! :)
Thanks Duane!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 4:47 pm
by RustyFords
Another big step forward today. I started in on the interior.

I recently found these free leather couches online and cut away the first section for the front, bottom seat covering. I made a perimeter out of 1/4 inch plywood and wired it to the spring. Then I attached the leather to the wood with a staple gun.
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 6:20 pm
by Dallas Landers
Don, I cant help but think about the leather on the couch. Oh no butcherd again!
Looks good and I bet its soft to. Has a nice worn look to it.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 7:26 pm
by RustyFords
Dallas Landers wrote:
Sun May 24, 2020 6:20 pm
Don, I cant help but think about the leather on the couch. Oh no butcherd again!
Looks good and I bet its soft to. Has a nice worn look to it.
Thanks Dallas. It is a nice, thick soft leather.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2020 11:19 am
by RustyFords
Latest photo of the 24.

The plan for the weekend is to make more progress with the upholstery.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 1:06 pm
by Duey_C
Yeehaw! That's looks really cool!

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 1:39 pm
by RustyFords
Duey_C wrote:
Sat Jun 06, 2020 1:06 pm
Yeehaw! That's looks really cool!
Thanks Duane!

My goal is to have it mostly completed by the Texas T Party.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:51 pm
by CudaMan
If you decide you want vinyl upholstery, you might consider asking Classtique to make a custom kit for you using "distressed" vinyl to go with the patina on the rest of the car. :)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 11:02 pm
by RustyFords
CudaMan wrote:
Sat Jun 06, 2020 5:51 pm
If you decide you want vinyl upholstery, you might consider asking Classtique to make a custom kit for you using "distressed" vinyl to go with the patina on the rest of the car. :)
Mark...they sent me a swatch of the distressed vinyl and it does look good and that may be what I end up going with in the end, but I think I’m gonna go with this old couch leather for the short term.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 12:23 am
by RustyFords
My newly finished rear seat cushion.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 1:34 am
by Duey_C
Yesss!
What the Sam Hill happened to the door?
Don, what's in the box?
Looking fantastic.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:05 am
by RustyFords
Duey_C wrote:
Thu Jun 25, 2020 1:34 am
Yesss!
What the Sam Hill happened to the door?
Don, what's in the box?
Looking fantastic.
The door is getting new wood...soon to return.

The box currently only has oil in it. But I’m looking for an appropriate container for gas that’ll fit in the box. John Mays gave it to me and I love the look of it.

And thanks! I’m having so much fun with this car. I was at a gas station last week and I counted an even dozen people standing around the car as I answered questions about it...all smiling and having a great time.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:34 pm
by RustyFords
Several of you who've followed this thread have commented on this 66 F100 shortbox that's been in the background in several photos.

This rust-free, original paint, Texas truck is for sale. $17,500. It's truly exceptional. I'm not sure you could find another one like this without a lot of effort. These mid-60's shortboxes are redhot right now.

Mildly hopped up (four barrel carb and split exhaust manifolds and a mild cam).
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:36 pm
by Susanne
RustyFords wrote:
Sat Oct 12, 2019 12:51 am
Duey_C wrote:
Fri Oct 11, 2019 8:48 pm
Shoot, I'm just gonna ask. What is HCI used for otherwise? Man that worked nice to de-plate!
Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid is commonly found in batteries and has a variety of other uses. It is excellent at stripping plating and rust but it will also do a number on flesh and it can release chlorine gas compounds, so care is best taken when using it.
(p-s-s-s-t... Lead acid batteries are sulfuric, not hydrochloric... HCL is used to adjust pH in water among other uses.)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:08 am
by RustyFords
Susanne wrote:
Sun Jul 12, 2020 9:36 pm
(p-s-s-s-t... Lead acid batteries are sulfuric, not hydrochloric... HCL is used to adjust pH in water among other uses.)
True. Thanks for the correction. Hydrochloric is used in battery production, but sulfuric is the stuff you find in them.

Gotta be super careful with all concentrated acids. They each have their bugaboos.I always keep a water hose nearby when working with them and will sheepishly admit that I’ve had to use it a couple times to thoroughly rinse my skin.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:15 am
by RustyFords
This week’s main focus will be woodwork. The budget won’t allow me to order wood kits for the two doors that need it so I’ll have to make it myself.

Woodworking is not my strong suit, a fact made worse by my lack of a table saw. The door wood has some interesting curves that having me scratching my head...kind of like the big tack strips did.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:35 am
by Susanne
RustyFords wrote:
Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:08 am
Gotta be super careful with all concentrated acids. They each have their bugaboos.I always keep a water hose nearby when working with them and will sheepishly admit that I’ve had to use it a couple times to thoroughly rinse my skin.
Back in my hazmat days, I used to keep boxes of Arm & Hammer in my work truck as one of my "Bag of tricks tricks" for when I'd respond to truck wrecks - either the batteries would be broken open or spilling on the ground. First time a recovery operator (eg tow truck driver) saw me doing that he said "Gee, why didn't I think of that?" :mrgreen:

Also keep some in my shop for the occasions when I seem to think I need to add "ventillation" to whatever I'm wearing... :lol:

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:43 am
by RustyFords
Susanne wrote:
Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:35 am
RustyFords wrote:
Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:08 am
Gotta be super careful with all concentrated acids. They each have their bugaboos.I always keep a water hose nearby when working with them and will sheepishly admit that I’ve had to use it a couple times to thoroughly rinse my skin.
Back in my hazmat days, I used to keep boxes of Arm & Hammer in my work truck as one of my "Bag of tricks tricks" for when I'd respond to truck wrecks - either the batteries would be broken open or spilling on the ground. First time a recovery operator (eg tow truck driver) saw me doing that he said "Gee, why didn't I think of that?" :mrgreen:

Also keep some in my shop for the occasions when I seem to think I need to add "ventillation" to whatever I'm wearing... :lol:
Oftentimes the simplest solution is the best. :D

Back in my chemistry teaching days, my wife would just shake her head each time she found a new acid hole in the top of my shoes or in my clothes.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2020 1:47 pm
by RustyFords
The driver's side rear fender on the 24 was sitting at a skewed angle...almost certainly a consequence of multiple things and people using it as a shelf or step back in the day.

You can see the degree to which it was out of whack by how the fender mounting rod was sitting in the hole in the rear tub.

I removed the fender then took a long pipe I use as a leverage/cheater bar, slipped it over the fender mounting rod and bent it back to a more reasonable approximation of where it should be.

The end result wasn't perfect, but it is a lot better than these "before" photos show. It was too dark for "after" photos.

I'm working on getting everthing done in the rear tub that will be covered by upholstery so I can install the rest of my weathered old-couch leather. You can see some of the leather on the bottom seat cushion in the photo below. I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out and have had some nice compliments on it lately.

A random person at the local convenience store asked if the leather was original to the car. I told her no, of course. But the fact that she asked is an indication that I might be over the target with the way it looks. The mottled browns of the leather are playing nicely off of the similar colors in the paint.
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Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 2:45 pm
by RustyFords
More upholstery work on the T....using the old leather couch that I scrounged, for the material.

I ripped the factory couch seams in a place that I thought would sort of match the contours of the front seat bucket and then draped it over the area. It's just loosely laying there and there's a lot of adjustment to be made but I'm pleased with how this first attempt at making it fit looks.

The springs/stuffing have yet to be installed. I may have to untack it partially to get that done, but that should be easy to do.

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 2:52 pm
by CudaMan
Neat idea using old couch upholstery! Are you going to install any buttons?

If you have enough material on the sides, you can put in some pleats to more closely match the factory look. The attached picture is my first attempt using a Cartouche kit that came with my 1924 cut-off touring when I bought it. If I had it to do over again, I would add more padding, the kit didn't come with enough to fully fill out the pleats. I rearranged what I had the best I could, but it still came out a little "thin in the skin". :)

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 5:56 pm
by RustyFords
CudaMan wrote:
Mon Jul 27, 2020 2:52 pm
Neat idea using old couch upholstery! Are you going to install any buttons?

If you have enough material on the sides, you can put in some pleats to more closely match the factory look. The attached picture is my first attempt using a Cartouche kit that came with my 1924 cut-off touring when I bought it. If I had it to do over again, I would add more padding, the kit didn't come with enough to fully fill out the pleats. I rearranged what I had the best I could, but it still came out a little "thin in the skin". :)
Thanks Mark

I think some buttons would be a great idea. And I like your thoughts about the sides. There is plenty of baggy material.

The constant challenge that I face with this “Great Depression Tribute” car is the urge to overdo things. The question I ask myself a lot is, “how would my grandparents have repaired this car back in 1935-45 with very limited funds to keep it going while keeping it safe and comfortable?’

Re: 24 Touring Barn Car Revival - Part 3

Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2020 2:17 am
by Duey_C
I shouldn't as it's late but holy crap! I bet it's very comfortable already!
Thanks to people like you and other good-scroungers (one of our Mark's!), I look for leather couches around here...
I'll get you my pretty! Eh hem, leather.