MTFCA Forum

Does anyone have a decent video of removing and installing quick change bands? I’ve never pulled bands without removing the hogs head and my old T was a speedster with a lot of elbow room made the job of changing bands pretty easy. When I rebuilt my ‘23 runabout I installed quick change bands for future band removal and replacement. I want to try some cork inserted linings but don’t want to remove the hogs head.

Mark
I just did my 26 Tudor. Not sure if the trans door is the same size. If it is, here’s what I did.
Took the front seats out so I had lots of room. I videoed all I did, but haven’t edited it yet.
Took me about 2 hr. all together. I used the tool for pulling the bands around and made sure before the new bands went all the way in, I tied a wire on the trailing end so I could move the bands into position easier.
Started with the brake one first.
I soaked my bands in oil for a day before.
I hope this helps a bit. It’s not as hard as some say, but it is a bit of a challenge to say the least.
Good luck, PaulB

Thanks ... I just sent a message to you about this.

Mark, it's been a few years back, but I installed Kevlar bands in our '25 coupe. I just used the "Model T Bible" and did it as it showed. Needless to say, it took a bit longer (by about 3 hours ) than the book said, but I got it done just fine without removing the hogshead. Just take your time and think through what you need to do and use all of the precautions that have been posted on here. Dave

I do have a question. With all the cautions of making sure the bands are concentric to the drums doesn’t wrangling them out and then back in deform them somewhat?

Hi Mark, Yes, it's easy to deform the bands when you're installing them. You just have to be real careful, that's all. Do the best you can and it'll be ok.

Keith

Mark,

I just finished doing this job on my 09 Touring with a 16 engine in it. Someone had put the quick change bands in it and it helped a lot as I don't think it would be possible to do without them. The bands were out of shape from the last guy working on it so when I got the bands out I removed the old cotton and then shaped the metal band around a spare transmission drum I have before putting Kevlar on them. I used the band tool the venders sell with a wood handle to pull the bands back in place and was able to get them in without damage. Just didn't force them back in and took my time. The trick was to remove the brake and low pedals so they are out of the way till all 3 bands are in place. That left room to coil the band down the side of the hogshead and feed it in slow as I pulled on the band tool. The bands did flex and look to bend but did not deform as long as they were not bent backwards more then needed to get through the opening. It was a tight squeeze but it worked and I put in the first band on the first drum next to the flywheel, put the ear back on and then worked that band to the last drum (brake) at the tail end. Then I put in another band on the first drum and again worked it back to the center drum (low pedal) Last band went on the same way and then I hooked them all up. Just remember to put a wire on the end of each band to keep the end from falling down inside the transmission while you pull it in place and keep it on there till the band is in its place and can not get away from you. I had to fish one out when my wire slipped off but it was not to bad with a loop of 12 gauge copper wire. After all 3 were in place I stuffed rags around the sides in case anything wanted to fall inside and tied a thread through the nut and washer and put them back on the pedal shafts after sliding them in place. The rest was easy and a road test is next after adjusting the pedals. I did not keep track of my time and I work slow anyway so it takes me 3 times longer than most slow people on a job like this so don't know if its a 1 day job or 3 day job.

That was a very good explanation on how to perform that procedure Bob

Thanks Bob, Hearing the sequence is very interesting. So you installed the removable ears before sliding them from the first drum position to the brake and low gear. I would have thought they would make it more difficult.

When I put the Kevlar in my 26 sedan several years ago I think I did it the way Steve says he did his but it may have a little more room to work in a 26 compared to the aluminum 16 hogs head. At least this time around I put the ears back on before moving the band because I had more room to work next to the flywheel so it looked easier to get the ear on the band and to keep the end of the band from slipping back down inside the transmission while moving from one drum to the next. I don't trust that flimsy band tool with just one notch to stay where we want it. It might have worked either way but I try to do things the safe way in my mind for what that's worth. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it just makes more work.

So far the new bands are working and I should be able to drive the car again if it ever stops raining and warms up a little. I had a new friend stop by to look at the 26 yesterday with his wife and I could tell this car was not what he was looking for but we loaded him and his wife in the car and took them for a ride anyway because he wants a T and had never rode in one before. We ended up spending the day together and later took them out in the A to get something to eat before ending up back in the pole barn where he showed me how to play my Dad's banjo. I showed him how to adjust the bands and gave him a Lang's catalog and told him to look it over so when he buys his first T he will know what parts are out there and where to find them. We didn't sell the 26 but made some new friends and that is better than anything.

This is a procedure where you learn by doing. I have used the manual, ideas from others and etc.
The first time seemingly takes forever. The second time you’ve learned the correct sequence for doing this and that.
The mechanics back in the day were proficient in doing it because they did it all the time.
So I have learned to take my time and avoid mistakes such as not stuffing rags down inside the pan to avoid dropping the nuts and springs.
A video would be a help for sure but it would have to be edited for time because I don’t think the average T owner can do the job in less than an hour! I know that I sure can’t!

Bob McD

sounds like you had and excellent day.