MTFCA Forum

I thought I would share a couple pics of the Ranch Doodlebug build. Engine and Ruckstell are done. A huge shout out to Mr. Hank Lee for rebuilding my Zenith carburetor as I know it has been done right and also for modifying my Winfield intake manifold to ensure a proper fit. Hank is indeed an artist. Thanks Hank!

Looks like it’s coming along nicely since
last months visit. Sounds like you have some more shop space now or will shortly.
Best to you and your family, Charlie

Hi Charlie,

Yes. Moving along at break neck speed as time permits. I was speaking with Hank Lee the other day and mentioned it would be fun making a one off four wheel drive setup to replace the stock front axle. I mentioned a few ideas I had which were simplistic in nature. Boy did I open up a can of worms! Hank was all over it! Like me, Hank loves a challenge and can't sit idle for more than a few minutes. I would not be surprised if Hank didn't already have a few ideas in motion. I've learned I have to be careful what I say or it ends up on my door step! I sure do admire that guy. I can't even come close to his level of talent and we make many parts for beloved Model T. A bromance indeed!

Mark,
Check out the Livingood 4 W. D. setup for Model T Fords. A few years back, I believe that the original manufacturer's grandson was considering reproducing the set-up.

I believe he built one and installed it in a car. The only big modification needed was that the front spring needed to have a special bend at one end to clear the offset differential housing.

Most of the differential parts were stock Ford, or modified T components. There was a video of a car with a Livingood set-up on YouTube. Not sure if it's still there.

Mike Spaziano.

I'm aware of the Livinggood setup. More complicated than it needs to be. Spring setup and all. It also has a few limitations which can be improved upon. In my humble opinion. Thanks for the info though.

Frame shortened 12 inches as well as driveshaft.

What head are you running there Mark? It looks pretty chunky?

The head is a cast iron original TURBO. I've only seen one other in my travels.

Moving right along!

Nice work Mark! I really like the hood you are using.

That will be sweet and fun.

LOOKING GOOD THERE BIG DAWG!

Installing cycle fenders and brackets.

Hey Mark,

That thing is coming along nicely from when I was there a few months ago! I don't know whether to be happy for you that you are making major progress or sad for myself since I can't seem to make any on my stuff. LOL I guess both!

God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/thr ... ed.614419/

Thanks for the pictures mark, looking good.
Did you make the cycle guard mounting brackets? They are very neat and I am curious how they fit and how they are braced.
Would you mind sharing a few more details??
Thanks again
Adrian

Yes. The spindle brackets were made by hand. With two tabs welded on the plate to be mounted using the spindle arm. The spindle arm boss and nut were machined down 1/8" each to allow clearance. The rods are cold role steel threaded 1/2-20 at 4" Length for adjustment. The opposite end was turned down on a lathe to .425 for the fender eyelets. Once the brackets are attached to the spindle, a 1/4-20 short bolt was added front and rear to prevent the bracket from rotating. A few more pictures have been added to illustrate further.

Thank you, that is a clever solution! I will salt that idea away
Cheers
Adrian

Thanks Bill! For those in need of transportation, Bill is a true professional.

Nice! In New England they got a totally different idea of what a T doodlebug is, that would be a complete car here.

I guess it pretty much is a complete car. Just 12" shorter. Since we're located in California, I can safely say, it identifies as a Doodlebug. Pronouns are Putt and Putt.

Your going to beat me to paint Mark.

I'm still fixing errors from years ago, but I will finish this car.

Still another month or so from paint. I did already purchase the John Deere green paint though.

Explains the yeller wheels.

More progress. Almost ready for paint.

Wow, a winch!

That must be a serious ranch!

Progress looks great Mark.

" Nothing runs like a dear Ford."

Mark, That is absolutely fantastic! Really like the fenders and the winch set up. Can't wait to see it in paint. Hats off to you sir!

Fun making something different for a change.

Good morning Mark,

Great project, I would like to see the finished produced.

Do you have photo of way you attached the rear fenders to the rear axle?

Thanks
Andre
Belgium

Andrea. I'll take a few pics and add them on Monday.

Thank You Mark.

Andre
Belgium

Mark. The Blockneys. Are they marked " Made in the UK."?

Made in Vietnam.

Made in Viet Nam, to Blockley's own specifications. They have been supplying a large range of bias ply and vintage racing tyres for many years. They recognised there was a real quality problem with the quality of the tyres produced for our Ts, and set about rectifying this. What it needed was direction from the marketer for those better quality products. That better quality comes at a higher price, but as someone commented on the forum, if it leads to longer, better service, it is far better value over all.

Allan from down under.

My opinion. Far superior to the other offerings. Especially, their tubes.

All done with assembly. Time to taker her apart for paint!

LOOKING GOOD BIG DAWG!

I should just get satin clear coat to keep the rust aspect.

Andre
Belgium

I can't wait to see it in paint done. That is a awesome build!

Mark Chaffin wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 02, 2025 6:27 pm

More progress. Almost ready for paint.

Where did you get the cycle fenders & what are the dimensions? Been looking to get some

I made them. About a 24" radius. Modified early fender brackets front and rear and attached with threaded rivits.