MTFCA Forum

I am sure this topic has come up many times, but I have recently acquired an incredibly original brass “Rip Van Winkle” 1916 touring and I am wondering how many 1916s had brass radiators and when Ford finally used up all the brass radiators and switched over to the black radiators?

Not sure haw many 16 were made, but the black T's started in August of 1916. I have one of the first 17's made August 7 1916.

Bruces's Big book ref:

"1916"
Model Year- Aug 1, 1915 to July 30, 1916, same as Ford's fiscal year.

Total production 501,462

Touring: 363024
Runabout 98633
Town Car 1972
Sedan 1859
Couplet 3532
Chassis 11742
Ambulance (military orders) 20,700

Thanks for the replys, but the question is out of the 1916 cars made how many had a brass radiator?

Alex: We'd love to see some pics!

For those who have not caught on yet...Alex question just might be a trick question. For the vast majority of states at the time registrations and later titles ran from January 1 to December 31 as a calendar year thing. The real concept of actual hard change model year designations came along in the 20’s and was pushed on state DMV by none other than Chevy, now headed by ‘that’ former Ford guy

Anybody have a ‘15 touring built in 14? How about a Runabout, same thing...and while we are at it how about all of those 14’s sold in fall early winter 14?

Not trying to be snarky....just keeping the legend alive!

Thd 1915 T touring made in 1914 during the 1915 Model Year used 1914 style bodies. The new 1915 style body came out in March-April of 1915.

That also goes for the roadster. Only the closed Model T Fords came with new bodies at first in the 1915 model year.

Sometimes I get tired of the continual debates over semantics. Fifty years ago, it was not widely known what the timeline was for either 1915 OR 1916 model Fords. The same was true for '22/'23/'24 models. MOST people believed that the '15 style open cars came out about September '14 like most new models of most cars of most years. The '15 "style" open cars were however instead delayed by production problems for the new style cowl section of the body. The new style open cars didn't begin to really be produced until January of '15, with full production not until about March '15.
It was also believed by most fifty years ago, that only the earliest 1916s had "brass" radiators. I remember discussions at model T club meetings whether the black shelled radiator came out around April or May or June of 1916. It was later found that "for all practical purposes", ALL 1916 "model" cars were with the "brass" radiator. Only 1916-built '17 models had the black shelled radiators. Fifty years ago, there were more than a few so-called black radiator shelled cars claimed as 1916 models because the car had been dated by the engine number, which in retrospect had been changed at some point. I recall seeing one that had post '20 body, running board brackets, and everything else, that the owner proudly bragged as a '16 because it had a '16 motor.

Of course, I COULD stir the pot a different way by pointing out that ALL model T Fords had radiators made from brass. Only 1916 and earlier didn't cover the brass with a shell and paint.

Remember the four common "years" for any car. The (traditional) "calendar" year, the "model" year, the "style" year, and the "fiscal" year. All of those have slightly different meanings. Any all, two, three, or none could apply under different circumstances for any given car. This is largely true for nearly all makes and models of cars of all "years". Legal and other ramifications can change depending upon the "year" used, and information desired.

Alex Dragone wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 12, 2019 11:46 am

Thanks for the replys, but the question is out of the 1916 cars made how many had a brass radiator?

Well, chalk another one up for not reading thoroughly!! LOL...you sure DID just ask about the radiators!!!
and like I think it was Steve who said, for sure, should be all of them. Last year for the brass "anything".
I get a chuckle out of the occasional ad for a '15 for sale saying "last of the brass"!! NOT!...'cause there
was still just the radiator in '16. Next time maybe I'll read more carefully, but I really doubt it!! LOL