MTFCA Forum

Hey All!
I am taking a 1916 touring car apart to learn about and restore. It has been a lot of fun. I removed the rear upholstery and found three vertical bars
from the seat to the top of the body. This a new project to me and my first Model T. Is this normal construction?
Thanks,
Campbell Tellman II
Beaufort, NC

Tell us about your car. Is it "original, untouched" or has it been "refurbished" possibly a number of times in the intervening 106 years ?

Photos will certainly make it easier to help you with your questions as you proceed, and also allows our community here to share in the fun !

Steve usually says, "Welcome to the affliction !"

Sounds right.

I’m not for sure but I thought the back panel ribs were wood in the earlier cars before 1919. But what I do know Ford didn’t always use the same body builder in the pre 24 era. I’m not saying your car is not correct but the bodies are pretty much alike for each year but not quite in the inside construction. Good luck with your T. The body parts book might tell you if it has metal rear ribs. The parts book might list the part but it doesn’t always list a picture of it.
Fordwood is a body wood company that show the wood body structure for Model T’s.
In their diagrams for the 15-16 Touring bodies it shows rear body panel ribs as wood parts. But again I’m just guessing if that’s what they are in your car.

It's correct and it is what supports the back springs. I'm curious as to what were you expecting to find and why you question this. In any event, some bodymakers did this in wood and some in metal.

Pictures will help determine if the 3 pieces are original or cobbled up replacements.

glad you found a car to your liking and good luck with the project