What to expect after buying a car
Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2023 11:54 am
First, let me apologize for such a long post.
I only own one Model T but thru our club I have worked on roughly a dozen cars - most bought by people new to Model T's. A few problems have come up over and over again, to the point where I would tell any buyer to expect to have to deal with at least some of them, sometimes at substantial cost.
Frequently Model T's come with little or no documentation as to what has been done to the car. One of the worst (mechanically) cars I've seen was supposedly "completely restored" by the sellers late father but everything mechanical required attention. You name it, this car had it and worse. Mismatched parts, cracked tranny drums and broken shaft, stripped starter ring gear, damaged rear axles and babbitt thrust bearings, two-piece valves, bent front axle, loose steering links, badly worn wishbone ball..... other than that, the car looked great...from 10 feet away it was a nine!
I'm sure that the more experienced among you can add to the list but this is what I would tell people to expect:
1.) Rear axle: If you don't know of the condition of the rear axle and driveshaft, expect to have to disassemble and inspect it at a minimum. Most end up replacing axles, outer hyatts and seals. Some I've seen still had babbitt thrust washers which MUST be replaced. Don't neglect the drive shaft and universal joint along with the drive shaft bushing. When it's apart is a good time to install a modern pinion bearing and perhaps floating hubs if the budget will allow.
2.) Front axle: If you look closely at the front axle you will find that many are bent. In addition, the spindle bushings are frequently worn as are the tie rod bushings and front (and rear) spring bushings. I prefer bronze if you can find them though most vendors sell steel. You want to tighten up all these connections or you may experience the infamous "Death Wobble." Don't forget to check the condition of the front wheel bearings. Replacements can sometimes be hard to find.
3.) Steering: The steering quadrant needs to be packed with grease-check it annually. Also make sure the little screw that holds the cover in place is installed...you don't want the wheel coming off in your hands! If the gears in the quadrant are worn, replacement pins and gears are available. The bottom of the steering shaft rides in a casting containing two bushings. These bushing often become worn and require replacement.
4.) Engine / transmission: Often just worn out. A surprising number still have two-piece valves and cast iron pistons. If the engine is noisy, lacks power, has low compression, etc., there may be no choice but to rebuild ($$). The transmission is difficult to properly inspect but cracks across the drums can be seen if you have someone crank it over slowly while inspecting them. Cracks in the web can only be seen when the tranny is disassembled. I prefer to leave the engine to someone who knows what they're doing. To give you some idea as to how often the engines in these "new" cars need service, our club pulled at least ten in the last year. Typical cost to have a pro go thru it, $5000-7000
5.) Wheels: Are the spokes loose or in bad condition? Plan on having them rebuilt. If you go thru Stutzman you can expect to spend at least $1000 on four wheels when you add in shipping.
There are more items that belong here but these are the highlights. I don't want to discourage people, I just want them to go into a purchase with both eyes open. To me, a lack of information on what has been done to a car affects the price. I would suggest that all car owners keep an accurate record of what what work was done if for no other reason than to help the car's next custodian.
I only own one Model T but thru our club I have worked on roughly a dozen cars - most bought by people new to Model T's. A few problems have come up over and over again, to the point where I would tell any buyer to expect to have to deal with at least some of them, sometimes at substantial cost.
Frequently Model T's come with little or no documentation as to what has been done to the car. One of the worst (mechanically) cars I've seen was supposedly "completely restored" by the sellers late father but everything mechanical required attention. You name it, this car had it and worse. Mismatched parts, cracked tranny drums and broken shaft, stripped starter ring gear, damaged rear axles and babbitt thrust bearings, two-piece valves, bent front axle, loose steering links, badly worn wishbone ball..... other than that, the car looked great...from 10 feet away it was a nine!
I'm sure that the more experienced among you can add to the list but this is what I would tell people to expect:
1.) Rear axle: If you don't know of the condition of the rear axle and driveshaft, expect to have to disassemble and inspect it at a minimum. Most end up replacing axles, outer hyatts and seals. Some I've seen still had babbitt thrust washers which MUST be replaced. Don't neglect the drive shaft and universal joint along with the drive shaft bushing. When it's apart is a good time to install a modern pinion bearing and perhaps floating hubs if the budget will allow.
2.) Front axle: If you look closely at the front axle you will find that many are bent. In addition, the spindle bushings are frequently worn as are the tie rod bushings and front (and rear) spring bushings. I prefer bronze if you can find them though most vendors sell steel. You want to tighten up all these connections or you may experience the infamous "Death Wobble." Don't forget to check the condition of the front wheel bearings. Replacements can sometimes be hard to find.
3.) Steering: The steering quadrant needs to be packed with grease-check it annually. Also make sure the little screw that holds the cover in place is installed...you don't want the wheel coming off in your hands! If the gears in the quadrant are worn, replacement pins and gears are available. The bottom of the steering shaft rides in a casting containing two bushings. These bushing often become worn and require replacement.
4.) Engine / transmission: Often just worn out. A surprising number still have two-piece valves and cast iron pistons. If the engine is noisy, lacks power, has low compression, etc., there may be no choice but to rebuild ($$). The transmission is difficult to properly inspect but cracks across the drums can be seen if you have someone crank it over slowly while inspecting them. Cracks in the web can only be seen when the tranny is disassembled. I prefer to leave the engine to someone who knows what they're doing. To give you some idea as to how often the engines in these "new" cars need service, our club pulled at least ten in the last year. Typical cost to have a pro go thru it, $5000-7000
5.) Wheels: Are the spokes loose or in bad condition? Plan on having them rebuilt. If you go thru Stutzman you can expect to spend at least $1000 on four wheels when you add in shipping.
There are more items that belong here but these are the highlights. I don't want to discourage people, I just want them to go into a purchase with both eyes open. To me, a lack of information on what has been done to a car affects the price. I would suggest that all car owners keep an accurate record of what what work was done if for no other reason than to help the car's next custodian.