MTFCA Forum

Why is it that some aftermarket accessories like outside brakes, outside oilers, demountable wheels, ride improving springs & dampeners,
bumpers , lights, horns, auxiliary transmissions & heaters are sought-after and distributers & water pumps are despised by so many.
With the belief that if Henry didn't think it was needed then it wasn't. I do admire totally original model Ts & those that strive for perfection
& hold to the strict only as Henry built it but find them in the minority on a tour or common T event.
Side note there is almost nothing correct on my cars.
Craig.

My take:
Early brass cars tend to be stock correct. I understand this approach. They are cute, and are living history.

My 23 touring is mostly correct, but being in So Cal, safety and reliability is essential.

Therefore, I have Buffalo wire wheels, Rocky Mountain brakes, Ruxstell with 3 to 1 gears, a Winfield carb and manifold, a low head, Sure Mike crank, magneto and magnets removed, two outside oilers, and a Bosch front plate. The car starts very easily, runs great, and is meant for touring.

As for water pumps, I have a low hood round tube rad, no pump, and it runs cool. So just something I do not find necessary.

I was friends with Jim Kenealy, who authored the Model T Accessory books - got me started collecting T accessories 30+ years ago ! Still on the "hunt" occasionally !

This will go on the car after paint. Just to add a pop of color.
The dog bone/ motometer is just a must in my book as well.

Also, in California a brake light and a wiper is required by law.

I have a Bosch accessory 6v wiper motor. I doubt I will install it. Not really necessary here.

FYI, a windshield wiper is only required IF you have a windshield. Just pull the windshield frame and remind the DMV that windshields were optional when the cars were new

Great idea, if I didn't need a place to attach the one man top.

So Kevin, I got tired of the silencer cracking the Winfields flange, so we made one out of a brass plumbing pipe.
Light as a feather. Cured the issue, and kinda looks right.

I would think "safety and reliability" were essential anywhere, not just So Cal.

My 1924 Tarrant tourer is also mostly correct. it has newly rebuilt Hickory spoked wood whees, no Rocky Mountain brakes, no Ruckstell, no 3:1 gears to compromise the original brakes, an NH Holley carb and standard intake, a Z head, only one outside oiler, standard crank, still runs on magneto, and has an Anderson flapper timer. The car starts easily, runs well, and is meant for touring, with grandkids in the back seat.

It has accessory splash panel kick plates, a cowl ventilator, nickel plated radiator shell and windscreen, rubber covered wooden running boards and full leather upholstery, all of which are standard on a Tarrant special tourer.

Allan from down under.

Certainly safety is important everywhere.