MTFCA Forum

What was the final year for the domed head clevis pin? Both my 1913's have them, and Russ says his 1915's do too. So, how much longer did they use them? Langs catalog incorrectly says they were used until 1911.

Oh man ! Now I have to go check my clevis pins !!
Frankly I'm beholden to you Larry, I really like finding out about all the minute details. Thank you !

How "domed" is "domed"? I have only seen a few clevis pins, mostly on the hogshead clutch linkage, that I would be somewhat sure were brass era. Most clevis pins I see have been what I would call "low-domed". Certainly, they are domed, somewhat. But not very high.
I have seen and/or had a few clevis pins, mostly other early non-Ford uses, that clevis pins were nearly a half round head, and fairly large round. About as large round as the low-domed heads were round.

Newer, almost anything less than fifty years old, clevis pins I see don't look anything like model T era clevis pins. The head is too flat, and not large enough around.
So, when I need a few? I buy some grade five hex head bolts with shanks long enough (about 3/4 inch or slightly longer?). Chuck the bolt in my drill press and spin it. Using a grinding stone in a hand-held electric drill, I carefully shape the "hex" head into a medium dome. Then I cut off the threaded portion and however much shank to get the proper length. Drill a hole near the end for the cotter pin and it is good to go!
An alternate plan is to chuck the bolt in the hand drill and hold it against the bench grinder. However, I find that way has more "bounce" and doesn't make the head as nicely round.

What was the question?

Larry,
Could you post some photos of what you’re talking about?
I’m interested.
Brent

I don't know if I have any spares to take a photo of now. Think of a hub bolt, with it's high domed head. The clevis pin is the same thing on a smaller scale. The same goes for the crank handle rivet. The early ones are domed, and the late ones are not. I don't think they have ever been reproduced correctly.

Could they be easily made from solid round head rivets?

Here is a parts list art of the 2564 hub(brake rod) clevis pin (qty. used per car 4), from the Sept 1912 Parts list. Hard to tell if the head is high dome, but Lang's catalog shows a rather high dome and regular lower dome like originals, on page 30. (2564E part #).


Early cast end brake clevis pic shows a likely high dome head clevis pin.
Very nice original 1915 at Luray swap 2022, clevis pin seems to have higher dome height head.

Haven't restored an early T, so never seen a 'high dome pin' in person. Here are typical 2564 clevis pins and a repro.


As for date of use, likely varied as parts supplies changed. The part #2564 and Factory Number T-65 never changed so the high dome or low interchange anyway.


Interesting is the early 1909, with two-lever and just after the 3 pedal used a 'flat thin head' clevis pin for the Speed lever control. Here is view of two-lever, the part #3433, Factory Number T-898 (qty. used per car 1). Later parts books don't list the #3433.

Also, the Clutch Lever clevis pin, part #3411, Factory Number T- 857 (qty. used per car 1), was in the 1920 and 1924 and later Parts Books, notes to just order #2564, the brake clevis pins.

The Luray photo is it! However, my question still hasn't been answered! Maybe someone needs to check the record of changes for that number?

My original touring was built in the beginning of the second week of June 1913 and it has them.

Hello Larry,

We used to sale a round head clevis pin like in this photo but the gentleman making them passed away. It was not really even domed at all.

The clevis pin you are looking for is an intermediate height head between that one and the later style.

Thank You Steve

Steve: The photo you posted is it. Your catalog incorrectly states they were only used until 1911, which is not correct. I still see no information as to how late they used this domed head style!

I was looking at the Luray post of the clutch clevis, and it appears to me that clevis was used on a brake rod. Note the angle of it.

Larry, you need the record of change, that was a high wear item and replaced on many cars. I have some of the ones Otis made long ago, they look like the one Steve Lang posted.

The Lang clevis appears to be a modified solid dome top rivet. Very easily doable.
However, The Luray picture shows a larger diameter head. Modifying a solid rivet wont be quite right.
Looks like modifying a bolt head would get closer to correct. Doable, but much more work.

a lathe, a form tool, and desire is all it'd take to crank those out by the dozen

I have the lathe, and the form tool, but no desire

The round head pins we used to sale were from Otis.

They do have a taller head than a Pin out of a Early 1912 touring car we got. Its a nice unrestored car show in the photo.

I'm sorry I don't know if there were even more styles than these and I also don't know dates of changes.

In the photo is the Repro Otis pin, early 1912 Pin, Later pin, Reproduction pin. The measurements are the height of the heads.

I guess the next great crucifixion will be the correct design of cotter pins! Some need to get a grip on life and live with enjoyment.

Hank

I’ve never had much use for nit-pickers, but I would like to have a proper selection of un-plated cotter pins…

Soak plated cotter pins in old battery acid, muric acid, or even white distilled vinegar for a few days and the plating comes off. Rinse with water.

Hank

Some have a firm grip on life and still enjoy getting things as correct as possible.