1910 Steering issue question

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 12:37 pm

I have a question for all the early T owners out there: was it a common problem for very early model T’s (1909,10,11) to have a small turning arc on right hand turns? My 1910 has an original front axle and I’m assuming correct original one piece spindles. Making left hand turns is no issue; in fact the left wheel goes pretty far left. But when making right turns, the one piece spindle arm makes contact with the axle, causing a restriction on how far the right wheel turns, resulting in a shallow turn. This has apparently been an issue for a long time, as both axle and spindle arm have matching wear spots. Was/is this a common problem for the early T’s with one piece spindles? Any input would be helpful!

Thanks,
Bill

User avatar

John iaccino
Posts: 746
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:25 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Iaccino
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Roadster, Open Runnabout
Location: Rhinebeck, NY
MTFCA Number: 17802

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by John iaccino » Tue Jun 28, 2022 1:04 pm

Is it possible you have the wrong drag link?


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 2:08 pm

I thought about that, but even if I disconnect the drag link the spindle will only travel as far as the axle will allow. I’ll try and post some pics if I can.


Russ T Fender
Posts: 404
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:39 pm
First Name: Val
Last Name: Soupios
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '10 touring, '12 touring, '13 hack, '14 runabout, '14 touring, '14 speedster, '22 centerdoor, '27 touring
Location: Jupiter Florida

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Russ T Fender » Tue Jun 28, 2022 2:44 pm

I have never noticed that there was a difference in the right or left turning radius on my '10. The turning radius is poor in either direction. That doesn't mean there isn't a difference but It doesn't seem to be big enough to be noticeable to me. That said, there is no way the spindle arm hits the axle going in either direction on my car. My car is in Florida now so I can't check the pitman arm and tie rod dimensions but I think your issue probably relates to one or both of those components.


kmatt2
Posts: 558
Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2020 1:41 pm
First Name: Kevin
Last Name: Matthiesen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 T Coupe, 16 T Open Express, 21 TT Flatbed. 15 T Roadster, 13 & 25 T Speedster , 51 Mercury 4 door sport sedan, 67 Mercury Cougar
Location: Madera CA 93636
MTFCA Number: 11598

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by kmatt2 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 3:34 pm

Frist check that your front wheel steering toe in setting is correct. Note that the early type tie rod with fixed ball on the right side and the adjustment on the left side uses a different lenght drag link. As I remember the correct drag lenght is about one inch longer than the 1919 to 1925 drag lenght. Also there are differences in the early to later steering pitman arm lengths and offsets. Mis-matched parts can cause the steering to go over center, locking the steering, so your large left turn travel may be a bad thing. Check that the steering is centered in its travel and that both left and right turns have about the same arc.


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 3:38 pm

Here are some pictures I took with my old digital camera; the first is an overhead shot of the troublesome spindle hitting the axle and the other two are self-explanatory. Hopefully,
T1.JPG
this helps.
T1.JPG
T1.JPG
Attachments
T3.JPG
T2.JPG


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 3:54 pm

I’m starting to think my toe in is off: what should it be?


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Tue Jun 28, 2022 3:56 pm

My wheel turned all the way, arm does not make contact with axel. Your arm may be bent, or you might have 1921 one piece spindles on there not 1910 spindles
82DBC741-8794-409C-AB25-04EA47C519AF.jpeg
Attachments
5A5C2367-590F-4A8E-952B-0BD32BF532A2.jpeg

User avatar

TRDxB2
Posts: 5410
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:56 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Brandi
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Speedster (1919 w 1926)
Location: Moline IL
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by TRDxB2 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:12 pm

I can see where the drag link could cause a difference in movement of the spindles. Also if the adjustment of the tie rod was not made with the pit arm in the proper position or a combination of all these. Pictures help
PARTS.png
PARTS.png (46.93 KiB) Viewed 2511 times
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger


kmatt2
Posts: 558
Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2020 1:41 pm
First Name: Kevin
Last Name: Matthiesen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 T Coupe, 16 T Open Express, 21 TT Flatbed. 15 T Roadster, 13 & 25 T Speedster , 51 Mercury 4 door sport sedan, 67 Mercury Cougar
Location: Madera CA 93636
MTFCA Number: 11598

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by kmatt2 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:14 pm

I think I see your problem. You have the correct fine threaded drag link. I don’t know the correct lenght but your link may need adjustment. Adjust at both ends to leave about same amount of threads showing. This should place your steering pitman arm in the correct position if you have the correct pitman arm.
The 1921 one piece spindles were used with the later 1919-27 under axel wishbone. The 1921 steering arms would have the offset up to clear 1919-27 wishbone.
To get close first set for correct toe in with the drag link disconnected. Next place steering wheel so that the pitman arm is strength down. Adjust drag link to the measured distance between pitman arm and tie rod ball, having about equal adjustment treads showing at both ends of drag link. You should now have a centered steering and about the same turning radius both left and right, and have no binding or over center of steering.
Last edited by kmatt2 on Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:44 pm, edited 4 times in total.


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:34 pm

So how can you tell if the one piece spindles are early or 1921?


ModelT46
Posts: 1459
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:35 pm
First Name: Darel
Last Name: Leipold
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1910 touring
Location: Excelsior MN
MTFCA Number: 823
MTFCI Number: 953
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ModelT46 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:46 pm

The 1909-1910 spindles are "fat" The replacement spindels and the 1921 spindles are "thin"


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Tue Jun 28, 2022 5:14 pm

1921 one piece spindles were often modified to fit the 09-10 axles. Check for the measurements, welding evidence and shape of arm and body of spindle. Is your arm curved up or straight? Does it have this offset to allow the wheel to turn wide without hitting axle?

https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/2 ... 23188.html?

Posted above link 1910 spindle
C168F4CA-493D-475E-8C6A-E98A41495A7B.jpeg


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Tue Jun 28, 2022 5:46 pm

I can turn this wide either way with correct spindles not hitting axle.
D0E4068C-BADB-45E5-A8FF-10D7ADF785DF.jpeg


Jerry VanOoteghem
Posts: 2952
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:06 pm
First Name: Jerry
Last Name: Van
Location: S.E. Michigan
MTFCA Number: 24868

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Tue Jun 28, 2022 6:29 pm

I think you have the wrong spindles Bill.


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:17 pm

Here are a few more pictures of the spindles - they seem to be correct but I'm not certain. What does a "fat" spindle look like?
T4.JPG
T4.JPG
T4.JPG
sorry, I don't know why it keeps repeating the first pic!
Attachments
T7.JPG
T7.JPG (76.71 KiB) Viewed 2432 times
T6.JPG
T5.JPG


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:38 pm

Looking at these photos, I really don't think I have enough toe-in. I've also included a picture of the pitman arm, which I believe is correct. Again, any advice is always appreciated! I'll measure for toe-in
DSC06467.JPG
tomorrow and let you know.
DSC06467.JPG
DSC06467.JPG
Attachments
DSC06464.JPG
DSC06466.JPG


Bryant
Posts: 1036
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2021 3:11 pm
First Name: bryant
Last Name: shafer
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 tudor
Location: myersville maryland
MTFCA Number: 51736
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Bryant » Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:57 pm

Iam not sure but is the spindle arm bent?
6FD98A20-2299-4D0A-8A00-FEE71BBEAAB4.jpeg
“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t-you’re right.”


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:09 pm

Wow, I never noticed that! Sure looks bent; I’ll do some investigating tomorrow when it’s light: good catch!

User avatar

JTT3
Posts: 1350
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:57 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Tannehill
Location: Hot Coffee, MS
MTFCA Number: 49460

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by JTT3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:37 pm

Bill attached are the 1921 one piece spindles.
Attachments
0DA713FD-C801-4E92-96DA-72E6F064AEFE.jpeg
32136A49-17C8-461B-A3CA-8E952BBC2DD8.jpeg
CCFFA507-80CB-47E8-BD5D-36D00CE22747.jpeg


Jerry VanOoteghem
Posts: 2952
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:06 pm
First Name: Jerry
Last Name: Van
Location: S.E. Michigan
MTFCA Number: 24868

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:44 pm

Your left spindle looks correct. The right one looks like a made over '21 spindle. To my eyes anyway... :shock:


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:52 pm

Right being the passenger side?


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 8:54 pm

And thanks for the pictures John! I checked both spindle arms and can’t find any Ford or other markings.

User avatar

JTT3
Posts: 1350
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:57 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Tannehill
Location: Hot Coffee, MS
MTFCA Number: 49460

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by JTT3 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 9:07 pm

Generally speaking one on the left will have numbers on the bottom, one on the right on top. For some reason the right one will have the numbers that are not as proud, they may be there just covered in paint. Your pitman arm looks long. I’ll try and take pictures of the difference.
Attachments
0A7731C7-0CA2-4403-A2BC-6AE4CF70E23C.jpeg
22ACD3DB-FC22-4C76-8717-5A5CAD718946.jpeg
9A39FCB7-5AD2-4F64-ADD1-48BED2D73C03.jpeg


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Tue Jun 28, 2022 9:24 pm

I’m willing to say the passenger is bent or the wrong spindle. An original spindle and arm allows total movement and will not hit the axle when attached correctly. Look at how the arm comes off the spindle, it has a set back that allows total movement. The 21 do not.
E5ADF847-19B3-4CE2-A8E4-F14F2C596140.jpeg
7BEEE2D7-1318-4FB0-B1BB-6A90D12C222A.jpeg


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Tue Jun 28, 2022 9:31 pm

Top has setback where arm comes out of spindle. The 21 shown on bottom has little to no set back, and the arm will hit axle before full turn is achieved.

5A87C635-F6B1-49F8-AD98-BDCADA0C06C4.jpeg
5A87C635-F6B1-49F8-AD98-BDCADA0C06C4.jpeg (76.65 KiB) Viewed 2360 times
B42E94F8-A9B9-4F52-B77B-0B8C7E81CE6C.jpeg
B42E94F8-A9B9-4F52-B77B-0B8C7E81CE6C.jpeg (18.7 KiB) Viewed 2360 times


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Tue Jun 28, 2022 9:39 pm

5F0ACC33-9BBE-422A-BF3D-173ED181E70C.jpeg
5F0ACC33-9BBE-422A-BF3D-173ED181E70C.jpeg (29.16 KiB) Viewed 2356 times


RGould1910
Posts: 975
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2019 8:16 am
First Name: Richard
Last Name: Gould
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1910 touring, 1912 roadster , 1927 roadster
Location: Folsom, CA

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by RGould1910 » Tue Jun 28, 2022 11:11 pm

I think TPTD nailed it!


Stephen_heatherly
Posts: 364
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:03 pm
First Name: Stephen
Last Name: Heatherly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 coupe and 23 Runabout
Location: St. Louis MO

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Stephen_heatherly » Wed Jun 29, 2022 9:36 am

Whatever the cause of your issue turns out to be, make absolutely certain your pitman arm cannot go past center once you're finished assembling the front end. If any of the associated parts are not correct, it is possible for the pitman to swing too far in one direction or the other. At the least it can cause your steering angle to reduce once you turn the wheel past a certain point. At the most it can cause the steering to jam up and cause an accident.

Stephen


Professor Fate
Posts: 689
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:39 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: S
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '23 and '26
Location: Taxachusetts
Board Member Since: 2015

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Professor Fate » Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:13 am

This may be helpful.
Attachments
Spindl123es.jpg
Spindl123es.jpg (45.24 KiB) Viewed 2229 times
________________
**FATE**
---------------------------
PM me if you have any Indian Motocycle parts!


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

Thank you for all the helpful information and tips - you guys are always there for needed guidance! I checked toe-in, and I'm at a 1/4" difference so I think that's sufficient. After removing both wheels it's apparent that the passenger spindle is indeed a '21 one-piece. The good news is I believe the driver's side is correct! So now what do I do??? I'm fairly certain that those early one-piece spindles are as rare as hen's teeth, so how do I make this work? Any suggestions?
Attachments
DSC06472.JPG
DSC06471.JPG

User avatar

JTT3
Posts: 1350
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:57 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Tannehill
Location: Hot Coffee, MS
MTFCA Number: 49460

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by JTT3 » Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:47 am

Bill you can contact the early car guy sources to see whom might have an extra passenger side if you want it correct. I have seen the 1921 style straighten and then bent to make them work but that was on a pair and I believe a little grinding was needed also.


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Wed Jun 29, 2022 11:48 am

You can bend the arm to a workable angle similar to the original spindle. Then you grind out the appropriate amount of indentation to allow a full turning of the wheel. You add some weld buildup to the backside of where you grind out the material for the indentation for added strength. I’ve seen some that had the whole arm removed and relocated to make a more appropriate angle that works. You just need a creative welder that can put some deep structural welds on the modifications to be sure they hold and are safe. Welds can be cleaned up and dressed with flap wheel on a handheld disc grinder. Then you can put your feelers out for a correct spindle and still enjoy the car.

Option 1 Relocate and reweld arm
34945842-4456-4BDC-95FD-088071C5C83B.jpeg
34945842-4456-4BDC-95FD-088071C5C83B.jpeg (58.69 KiB) Viewed 2186 times
Option 2 Bend to appropriate angle, grind indentation out, add weld on backside for support
58E32A58-99C7-4389-9964-209006AB97E9.jpeg
58E32A58-99C7-4389-9964-209006AB97E9.jpeg (59.39 KiB) Viewed 2186 times


Jerry VanOoteghem
Posts: 2952
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:06 pm
First Name: Jerry
Last Name: Van
Location: S.E. Michigan
MTFCA Number: 24868

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Wed Jun 29, 2022 12:07 pm

I think the first/best option would be to source a proper spindle... if possible. Place an ad, who knows???


Pat Branigan Wisc
Posts: 92
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2019 4:54 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: Branigan
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1909 two1910, two1911, 1913 Tourings
Location: River Falls and Oconto Falls Wi
MTFCA Number: 52262

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Pat Branigan Wisc » Wed Jun 29, 2022 1:50 pm

Bill did you have the front axle down to bare steel? People have modified later axles with new ends and have been proven unsafe. Pat


ThreePedalTapDancer
Posts: 1419
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 2:29 pm
First Name: Ed
Last Name: Martin
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1909 Touring
Location: Idaho

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ThreePedalTapDancer » Wed Jun 29, 2022 2:10 pm

The issue Pat raises is the practice of welding a reproduction 1909-1910 axel end onto a later axel. It can be done properly by a certified welder, but it would have to be tested to see the quality of penetration and depth. Backyard welding often was the culprit for failures in the past. There is a difference in structural welds verses backyard butt welds. Dissimilar metals are an issue too.

Common location for welded axle area hidden under primer.
424FE3BC-9DE9-4D50-8E33-67A7E358CF05.jpeg
E80E16EB-11DA-43B9-9BCF-B3F56A1A60F1.jpeg
E80E16EB-11DA-43B9-9BCF-B3F56A1A60F1.jpeg (122.12 KiB) Viewed 2151 times
952C7294-F30B-4B81-B301-794695FD783E.jpeg
Attachments
8E7980A9-D531-4644-9ADD-42A6866956D0.jpeg
8E7980A9-D531-4644-9ADD-42A6866956D0.jpeg (113.9 KiB) Viewed 2151 times


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Wed Jun 29, 2022 2:41 pm

Yes, it was sandblasted and painted so it’s the real deal.


ModelT46
Posts: 1459
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:35 pm
First Name: Darel
Last Name: Leipold
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1910 touring
Location: Excelsior MN
MTFCA Number: 823
MTFCI Number: 953
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by ModelT46 » Wed Jun 29, 2022 3:23 pm

The 4th picture down of Bill's posting is a fat one. The other of the replacement ones have a taper from the center out. I have an spare 1910 pr I am keeping. I will post a photo. My 1910 T has the correct early ones also.


Topic author
Belliott3
Posts: 333
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2019 7:44 pm
First Name: Bill
Last Name: Elliott
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Model T Touring
Location: Michigan
MTFCA Number: 52438
MTFCI Number: 22121
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Belliott3 » Wed Jun 29, 2022 9:25 pm

I believe I’ve found an original one-piece RH spindle from a forum member, so I’ll post a finished project when it’s wrapped up. Thanks again for all the help fellas; much appreciated and much learned! BTW, are ‘21 one-piece spindles worth anything? Mine is in great shape with good threads and bearing surface!


Wayne Sheldon
Posts: 3638
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:13 pm
First Name: Wayne
Last Name: Sheldon
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Runabout 1913 Speedster
Location: Grass Valley California, USA
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by Wayne Sheldon » Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:00 pm

The odd 1921 front end with one-piece spindles is mostly a curiosity. People with a 1921 car equipped with them like to brag about them (I don't blame them, I would if I had one!). They are fairly rare, even in 1921, very few Fords left the factory that way.
The only reason that they are somewhat valuable is that a lot of people on a budget wanting to piece together an early T (people like me?) drive the price of them up. For an early T, they can be made to work with only a little effort. A bit more effort, and they can work fairly well and most people won't know the difference. As you found out, making them work really well is a bit more of a problem.
The "real" early ones are a bit expensive, and for good reasons. Check the one you are getting for cracks! I won't ask what you are paying, or where you got it (unless you or the seller really wants to). But I have seen the 1921 one-piece spindles sell for as much as a couple hundred for a single (don't recall which side?). And, no, I am not buying! I have too many projects already, and do not need to start another pile. If I can get four other projects finished first, the late 1912 project pile I already have will be the earliest one I will consider doing.

User avatar

JTT3
Posts: 1350
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:57 am
First Name: John
Last Name: Tannehill
Location: Hot Coffee, MS
MTFCA Number: 49460

Re: 1910 Steering issue question

Post by JTT3 » Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:10 pm

Congrats Bill on finding the correct spindle. The last 1921 pair I know of sold for north of $350.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic