MTFCA Forum

Looking to put RM brakes on our family's 1913 T. My dad put a later model engine in it for a starter and generator. the block has no serial number. any idea by looking at the pedals what year the engine/transmission is? i want to order the correct RM pedal. Thanks in advance.
David

According the the Model T encyclopedia that on this website the lettered pedal were discontinued in late 1914. The encyclopedia has a history of the transmission covers from 09-27 and has more information you might want to check out. Hope this helps. It’s not surprising to find different year parts on Model T’s since lots of parts would interchange. Not all but some parts would.
As far as the engine is concerned if your engine has a starter and generator it could be as early as a 1919 engine which had 2 valve chambers ( 2 valve covers). In early 1920 the engines went to the one valve chamber (1 valve cover).

Without seeing a picture of you engine that’s the way you can tell what you have.
Others will comment too.

Early lettered low pedals won't work with electric start so your Dad might have welded repro lettered pedal heads on at least the "C" pedal. The early pedal's slo-speed connection arm is straight whereas the electric start pedal has a right "crook" in it to clear the Bendix can.

RajoRacer wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 10, 2023 10:19 am

Early lettered low pedals won't work with electric start so your Dad might have welded repro lettered pedal heads on at least the "C" pedal. The early pedal's slo-speed connection arm is straight whereas the electric start pedal has a right "crook" in it to clear the Bendix can.

The low pedal arm for which you speak, can be bent a bit to clear the bendix cover.

Maybe - never attempted to manipulate one !

I believe there is a letted brake pedal available that will work with outside brakes.

Snyders offers all types, the early diamond pedal with the “B” or you can get similar with ribbed or Rocky Mtn cast on the pedal face. All brake pedals interchange ‘09-‘25 so will work with later hogshead with starter.

Thanks all, i appreciate the help and information!

-David

You mentioned your T didn’t have an engine number on it. The original location for the engine number is under the water inlet on the side of the block. If your car has a title the ID number should be on the title.

Hi John,

My dad took the 1913 engine out (still have it) 40 years ago and instead of having it rebuilt he bought a rebuilt later model engine with a starter and generator from the late Herman Campbell that Herman had rebuilt. That engine has no serial number on it. The original engine serial number matches the title.
-David

If there would be any issue with your T it probably would be if you or your family members would want to sell it or register it to get it inspected for license plates so you could drive it in public.
This comes up on the forum fairly often about titles for Model T’s.

Some owners have used an ID number tag on the frame or firewall and it’s worked for them when another engine has been installed. Others have stamped the original ID number on the replacement T engine when they’ve removed the old engine number. If you do that don’t tell the DMV it’s not the original engine but a replacement and that’s it. The less they know the better. Don’t try to prove it’s an actual 1915. There are lots of T’s running around that don’t have the actual original engine in the car. After over 100 years different car parts have been replaced!

And sometimes the DMV you go to makes it difficult to even get the title straightened out.
Just letting you know a few things that you can do if you want to sell it which I don’t think you will. Have fun with your car!

I've not seen an original Rocky Mountain brake pedal. To my knowledge they made a clamp to go around the original brake pedal.

Agreed Larry - I believe I do have a complete original R.M clamp somewhere here ! I have a Bennett & a Pikes Peak original brake pedals also.

I believe this to be an original pedal clamp for R.M. brakes - I have another one that is cast steel.