MTFCA Forum

My 1919 T is 750 miles from me so I need some help with dimensions.
It is 7 ft 2 inches tall.

It is in storage in NH with 8 ft doors and I want to move it to a storage unit in NC.
I can only find places in NC with 7 ft doors so I am wondering if someone can tell me how much I can lower the height of the car by removing the detachable rims and tires.

I realize that 7 ft doors don’t give me a 7 ft opening so I’ll have to measure the real height of the storage unit opening and add a bit for a thin layer of wood to protect the wheels from the concrete floor.

If it will not fit I’ll have to remove the wheels and make a stand to go on the Harbor Freight vehicle casters I already have.

30X3.5. Figure 3" to be safe. The metal fellow has a flange that the rim sets against, making the OD larger than the 23" rim.
You can take some of the height away by pulling the frame down to the axles with 4 ratchet ties.

You dont mention the body style. Couldnt be as easy as folding down the top & windshield.

Thank you..
It is a hack…
I am confident I know the height but will need to confirm the opening of the 7 ft door.

Ratching the springs is a great idea!
If it isn’t enough I can also remove the wheels.

I don't have demountables to measure, but I'm pretty sure the wheel without the rim is less than the theoretical 23" rim size for 30x3-1/2". ? Anyone ?

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:08 pm

30X3.5. Figure 3" to be safe. The metal fellow has a flange that the rim sets against, making the OD larger than the 23" rim.
You can take some of the height away by pulling the frame down to the axles with 4 ratchet ties.

You dont mention the body style. Couldnt be as easy as folding down the top & windshield.

I agree that removing the demountable 30x3.5" rims and tires will probably get you under the 7" height, and I like the idea of compressing the springs with ratchet tie downs to give you extra clearance. Cheaper than replacing the front and rear springs with reverse eye springs, and easier than removing the top.

You say the doors are 7 foot. How big is the framing around the door? For only 2 inches you might be able to have a friend raise the door another 2 inches so you can drive in, or maybe place a couple of 2x4's lomg enuf to raise the door that 2 inches.

The door frame has 6 ft 11 1/2 inches clearance so I need to lower the vehicle a minimum of 3 inches.

Would modifying the garage be an option?

Fred,

I can't find the postings but, in the past, there were a few fellows who made temporary tires of a smaller size out of plywood by cutting them in a circle and moving the car around on them. Perhaps you could do the same while it is in storage. They had photos.

I would think you could make some with two layers of 3/4" plywood and some marginal wood wheel hubs. The diameter 24" should do it