MTFCA Forum

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:02 pm**

May have the thread moved to a new location if a build location/section is created?
Otherwise, I plan on posting frequently here for any/all things related to this vehicle. Hopefully everyone enjoys the thread.

So here I go... (a more detailed intro)

[Intro]
This the start of a new project for me. It's been 4 decades in the making, just waiting for me to have the opportunity to lay my hands on her. I'm Ben and this is my Model-T. My grandfather loved antique cars with an extreme passion. He had a garage full of them that he tinkered on all the time. He was the president of the Ark-La_Tex Antique Car Association and this vehicle is one he favorites. It was driven in the Holiday in Dixie parades every year with his grandchildren riding on his lap. I was always excited to visit my grandparents growing up just to be able to see the Pie Wagon, but God-forbid any of us climb into the cab without permission

My grandfather passed in his early 90's (the year I returned from from the Marine Corps) and to my surprise, nobody in the family took immediate possession of the pie wagon. It sat in the garage for a number of years longer before being sold to Wray Ford (dealership) -- https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/m ... /24800205/ -- I was unaware of this as I was now living in Colorado. This was about 5-6 years before Covid spun up. Once I found out, I started contacting the dealership every year to ask if I could buy it back... until then, she was on display to the public and safe from anyone putting their hands on her. I finally got my chance! I was moving my parents up to Colorado and decided to stop by the dealership for a "last time" to ask. They told me Covid was not helping with car sales and it was time for a change, so my offer was accepted and I setup a shipping date.

Now the real surprise was about a month later, when I brought my dad outside, he had no clue I bought it back. We watched his facial expressions as an 18-wheeler dropped its loading door down and slowly backed out the pie wagon. That was a great day for us! So now she sits in my barn protected, but needs a little tlc to get her running again. I'm looking forward driving her in parades again.

[Now]
Since I am now the owner, I've gone a couple ways in my head as to what to do.
She has sat in my barn for the past 5 years doing nothing and I've always been curious what it would take to make her run again or how safe would it be to drive on today's roads. I really didn't know where to go or who to reach out to for help as the last person I knew passed from Covid. Given all that, I ended up losing my father late last year to Parkinson's, so I felt like the journey was coming to an end (before it really even started).

So did what I shouldn't have done and posted her for sale. Luckily I had no clue what she was worth and something told me to start really high, so I did. To my surprise I had just 1 scammer (they wanted me to produce a window sticker) and then a week later 2 others reached out to me... but not to buy, just to talk to me about the pie wagon. It was these 2 individuals and their conversations that made me realize there is a great community (an active at that) that could help me. So I unlisted the pie wagon and joined both communities... The Mile High Pedal Pushers and the MTFCA. I believe both of those individuals are members on this forum, so I can't say thank you enough

You've rekindled my aspirations and I think there are 2 people up above guiding me.

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:07 pm**

reserving this for some photos

In the meantime, here is a walk around I took a couple weekends ago. Just washed the dust off her.
https://youtu.be/nywJRSV3TEY

As I am quickly learning, this isn't a "true" 1911 Model-T.
I seem to have a frankenstien Model-T that my grandfather modified over time.

So if ya see something out of place or from another era/year, let me know. I do not have any intentions of changing anything to put her back to original. I am more interested in making her run and let other enjoy the history. So aside from the body being a aftermarket (guessing a commerial delivery body or some type?), the rest is just original from whatever year.

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:09 pm**

here's something I am curious about... in the back of the pie wagon are a few parts (black metal pieces) that I am unsure where they go to.
Looks like maybe they go under the cab or in the engine compartment? Or maybe they dont go anywhere are are for some other vehicle?

anyone know something about these?

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:55 pm**

Appear to be some type of engine compartments pans & a set of '26 - '27 hood shelves. Nice rig, by the way !

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:06 pm**

1912 was basically the only model year in which Ford offered the model T in a Ford factory supplied delivery car. However, literally hundreds of after-market coach builders offered locally built bodies for the model T all across the country and even around the world during all years of the model T.
Modern era reproductions of the delivery car bodies have been offered since the 1950s and are still available today.
Regardless the body's origin, it is a wonderful looking and well styled model T delivery car!
Enjoy it, and drive it often.

Model T Fords handle local driving very well. And many people still enjoy driving them on long trips. To begin with, avoid high speed roads, and make sure the T is well sorted to function properly. Brakes are not great, but with extra care they are adequate. Modern braking "improvements" are available, however some people love those, and others do not like them. (I prefer my cars "era correct".)

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:21 pm**

RajoRacer wrote: ↑
Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:55 pm
Appear to be some type of engine compartments pans & a set of '26 - '27 hood shelves. Nice rig, by the way !

Thanks for that info... I will set these aside for now, this was driving me crazing trying to figure out how/where they mounted.

Wayne Sheldon wrote: ↑
Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:06 pm
1912 was basically the only model year in which Ford offered the model T in a Ford factory supplied delivery car. However, literally hundreds of after-market coach builders offered locally built bodies for the model T all across the country and even around the world during all years of the model T.
Modern era reproductions of the delivery car bodies have been offered since the 1950s and are still available today.
Regardless the body's origin, it is a wonderful looking and well styled model T delivery car!
Enjoy it, and drive it often.

Model T Fords handle local driving very well. And many people still enjoy driving them on long trips. To begin with, avoid high speed roads, and make sure the T is well sorted to function properly. Brakes are not great, but with extra care they are adequate. Modern braking "improvements" are available, however some people love those, and others do not like them. (I prefer my cars "era correct".)

brakes are #1 on my list once I know she will run good. Guessing there might be a few stories and posts about the different types on this forum.
Correct me where wrong on this...

Rocky Mountain Brakes:

concerned with them not stopping to great when wet
the lack of braking in reverse
better appearance and more fitting to the era
cost effection upgrade from stock with minor modification to brake pedal

Sure Stop Brakes:

stops in either direction with most control and in wet conditions
can present a disturbing appearance to some people seeing discs on a wooden spoked wheel vehicle
requires a little more modification and more expensive upgrade than RMB unit

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:27 pm**

Hi Ben, thanks for sharing your great story. Welcome to the 'affliction' as it is known!

Enjoy the journey
Kind regards
Adrian

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 4:31 pm**

Ben, Welcome to the forum! What a great story and a great piece of automotive history you have there! It looks like a real fun ride! Enjoy what you have and fix what's important to make it safe and roadworthy, the smaller stuff "incorrect/modified" things can be replaced one piece at a time or not at all. The most important thing is to enjoy it, most people will probably say it's a Model A and their grandpa had one exactly like it... lol
Keep us updated!

Posted: **Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:21 pm**

Hello Ben. You are blessed with a really nice, interesting car. Being a commercial vehicle makes it all the more interesting.

I would not be in a rush to fit any aftermarket brakes. They work only on the back wheels, and they rely on the same skinny footprint as the standard T foot brake. If you have to, the T brakes will lock the back wheels, like the accessory ones. Accessory brakes can be re-assuring, but if you drive a T in a manner which makes you dependent on them, you are asking too much.

Rather, I would encourage you to learn to drive the car within it's capabilities. Drive at T speeds, leave plenty of room to stop, plan stops ahead as much as you can, use the engine to brake, and drive as though every other driver is a nitwit. An old timer advised me to drive as though you have no brakes. This is a challenge that I often take up around town, and it involves all of the above tips.

Others will have different perspectives.

Allan from down under.

Allan from down under

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2025 5:55 pm**

Made some big progress today.... Ron (our president of the Mile High Pedal Pushers) came out this morning to take a look and work his magic on her. Here's a couple videos of the 1st Day Running in a long time! I'm pretty stoked about this.

I now have a laundry list of things to replace, rebuild, tweak/tune....etc.
So glad this is working out this way!

Here's a couple videos I took today. (Question: Is there a way to post inline videos or just links is what we have available?)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F0fsKMiM2Pk

I didn't realize the workout you get from starting these things...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B41nnYCMK1Y

I'll post a list of things I need to do.....

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2025 6:34 pm**

So glad you got it running but you may want to be careful using your right hand to crank it with. Check past forum posts on using your left hand to prevent a broken arm if it kicks back on you.

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2025 8:31 pm**

Ben, That's so exciting to see her run!
If Ron can't get it done, no one can.

I know most of us are right handed but cranking left handed is much safer!

I hope you can make it up to the Fairmount Cemetery show on Sunday. I would NOT recommend driving you truck that far until you have more drive time locally to expose any problems. You don't want to get stuck / broken down between Castle Rock and Aurora.

CONGRATULATIONS on the first start. Always an exciting event and extremely satisfying.

Terry

1

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2025 9:19 pm**

Sounds sweet Ben. Starting gets much easier as the car is limbered up and the starter becomes more familiar with the process. You will get the hang of it. I'd love a workspace like you have!
Hand cranking can be injurious. The correct timing is essential, and setting the advance/retard lever is critical in this. The correct grip on the handle also helps. Keep the thumb on the same side of the handle as the fingers, whether you use your left or right hand. Always engage the handle so you are bulling up when cranking. A quick tug upwards over one compression will do the trick. Stem winding over multi compressions invites problems, as can pushing down to crank. A backfire in either of these two activities invites serious consequences to hands, arms and shoulders.
Happy motoring.
Allan from down under.

Posted: **Wed Aug 13, 2025 11:29 pm**

Tried it this evening with the left hand/arm... since I"m new to this it should be a quick and easy adjustment for me.
Showed my uncle the video, he turns 96 tomorrow and was very impressed, excited and proud to see her running again.

Gotta start my parts list tomorrow..

Appreciate all the comments!

Posted: **Fri Aug 15, 2025 6:35 pm**

First order for parts placed (ended up using Langs - Steve is awesome)
Here is the list of parts and numbers I went with:

Code: Select all

Item 
Number  Qty     Description
------  ---     ------------------
2910	1	Gas feed pipe pack nut, brass, 2 per car - Year: 1906-1927
2913N	1	Feed pipe gasket, neoprene - Year: 1909-1927
3005	1	Cylinder outlet gasket, upper connection gasket - Year: 1909-1927
3061	1	Exhaust pipe pack nut, brass - Year: 1909-1927
3221ND	1	New Day timer with brush - Year: 1912-1927
3501WA	1	Wood rim (maple) for steering wheel, approx 15"" o.d., Unfinished - Year: 1913-1919
3502BR	1	Steering wheel rim brass screw set. - Year: 1909-1912
3511LC	1	Steering wheel nut, brass, low crown. Accessory - Year: 1909-1914
3846S	1	Oiler set, flip top style, 12 piece set - Year: 1917-1925
		Included Items:
		___4: 2715D Spindle & tie rod bolt oiler, flip top
		___8: 3846 Spring and perch oiler, flip top
4037C	1	Exhaust pipe, steel - Year: 1909-1927
5044	1	Terminal block for cars with wood firewall, 6 contact points - Year: 1919-1923
5201	4	Spark plug, Champion 25, non-original style - Year: 1909-1927
6055RE	1	Fuel shut off valve - Year: 1909-1927
WS2OR	1	Wiring Set, Show Quality, Original style wires - Year: 1919-1925
		Included Items:
		___1: 5029OR Original color and style spark plug wires
		___1: 5031 Commutator wire harness, (7 wire) original style
		___1: 5038 Ammeter to switch wire
		___1: 5041 Lighting harness, original style
		___1: 5042 Switch wire harness, original style
		___1: 5042H Horn wire set, black wire
ONE 
TIME 
ITEM	1	brass steering wheel spider for a 15" wheel

Other items in progress:

Having a rebuilt carburetor
Purchased a 12v battery,
Removing the hot-wire setup my grandfather installed and going back to a floor mounted starter (currently has a solenoid with single aux switch/push button mounted)
#55 key coming soon
Look out of hub caps
Either a Napa 3032 fuel filter or might go with a bulb style sediment filter w/petcock valve
Electric horn
Voltage regulator (12v) module for generator
Kevlar bands for transmission
Brakes (Rocky Mountain or Sure-Stop Discs) - unsure on this for now
Rear taillight (jeweled light w/license plate mount)
Upgrade all lights to leds
Install turn signals that are "fitting" to the Pie Wagon
Rebuild the exhaust dump valve
Increase starter swith to starter cable
Install battery disconnect switch
safety hubs
possibly a vin / id plate for firewall
new spare tire (old one is a dried up wards tire)

Posted: **Fri Aug 15, 2025 7:24 pm**

Installing a fuel filter is the worst thing on your to-do list. Don't do it. It will give you more grief than it's worth. They are too restrictive and will starve your engine unless you have a non-stock fuel pump.

Posted: **Fri Aug 15, 2025 8:30 pm**

A model T horn will not appreciate 12 volts.
There are now LED headlight bulbs with their own built in lens/focus. Anything else is not fit for purpose.
Correct period looking turn signal lamps are contrary to fitting non period, easily seen LED headlight bulbs. I have turn signal lights on all my Ts. They need to be mounted so they are easily noticed by dozey drivers. Make them stick out rather than have them fade into the background. They are safety add ons, and there is no need to hide the fact.
Others will have differing opinions.
That is one lovely looking van. I am glad it has found a new caretaker, who will use it. Nothing keeps a T in good working order like regular use.

Allan from down under.

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:00 am**

Mark Nunn wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 15, 2025 7:24 pm
Installing a fuel filter is the worst thing on your to-do list. Don't do it. It will give you more grief than it's worth. They are too restrictive and will starve your engine unless you have a non-stock fuel pump.

This is the kind of info I like to hear about... everyone's trial by error stories.
I know it is gravity feed, so I can understand how this would have an impact on flow should it be constricted. I think maybe I will start first with removing the current tank and giving it a good flush/rinse. Being that I will most always be filling up at home, I could opt to use a pre-filter from the can to remove any large particles. As a side note and for as true as this might be?... I was amazed at the array of fueld types the "T" can handle.

Allan wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 15, 2025 8:30 pm
A model T horn will not appreciate 12 volts.
There are now LED headlight bulbs with their own built in lens/focus. Anything else is not fit for purpose.
Correct period looking turn signal lamps are contrary to fitting non period, easily seen LED headlight bulbs. I have turn signal lights on all my Ts. They need to be mounted so they are easily noticed by dozey drivers. Make them stick out rather than have them fade into the background. They are safety add ons, and there is no need to hide the fact.
Others will have differing opinions.
That is one lovely looking van. I am glad it has found a new caretaker, who will use it. Nothing keeps a T in good working order like regular use.

Allan from down under.

From talking with Steve (Langs), he breifly mentioned this to me... That there will be trade-offs (pros/cons) to 6v vs 12v. A couple of those being the starter and the horn being stressed out from 12v. It would wear out the starter quicker and make the horn louder, but reduce the life of it. Definitely something to consider. I definitely dont want to "hide" the turn signals from being seen when lit up and being they will be LEDs, I know they will be bright enough to see. I think there might be some inconspicious mount options to make them less noticeable when not in use. I like the idea of a retro fit led brake light in the rear license plate tail lamp

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:03 am**

Allan wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 15, 2025 8:30 pm
…
There are now LED headlight bulbs with their own built in lens/focus. Anything else is not fit for purpose.

…

Allan from down under.

That hasn’t been my experience. I don’t drive a lot at night, but I’ve been extremely pleased with these for over 2 years on my 6-volt 1924 Touring (along with new reflectors). They were recommended elsewhere in this forum. The only drawback is that both “filaments” light up when either contact is energized, so I have “brights” with the switch in either position. Other drivers who have seen them on road say they are bright enough without being overpowering.

Edit: I run them in the daytime as well for recognition. I’ve set the third brush on my generator to charge about 2 amps with the lights on.

https://www.ledlight.com/led-headlight- ... rized.aspx
Product ID: 74475
Product Name: BA15D LED Headlight 5 To 30 Volt Dual Filament Non Polarized
Attributes: Color - White 6000K
Price: $19.59

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:10 am**

Night driving is not something that interests me in colorado.... at least not in a Model T.
I live around an area that has elk, deer, and turkeys crossing the roads. Not interested in pairing up with those animals.... even if it is only 20-30mph.

And as for the fuel filter thought, is running the cast brass sediment bulb a little better or still present the same issue as a fuel filter (napa 3032) ?

Posted: **Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:39 am**

fireheadman wrote: ↑
Sat Aug 16, 2025 12:10 am
…

And as for the fuel filter thought, is running the cast brass sediment bulb a little better or still present the same issue as a fuel filter (napa 3032) ?

There’s lots of room below the screen in the sediment bulb, so trash will not have any effect on fuel flow until it gets up to the screen. Even then the screen is large enough that it would have to be nearly completely blocked to have an effect (I’ve been there). The petcock on the bottom of the sediment bowl drains the tank side of the screen, so it’s an easy task to periodically flush any accumulated debris.

MTFCA Forum

Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]

Re: Ben's Model-T Pie Wagon [1911-1925]