Identification

[James]

I've posted some pictures in the photo section under James, assuming I did it right. Would love someone to take a look and help me identify this thing. Serial number is so rusted I haven't been able to read it. I believe it's a mid 20's T with the truck conversion. But then there's an extra transmission, and I don't know what that even is. Really trying to find out what wheels and tires I need. It has the Ruckstell rear-end with large axles. Ignore the rear wheels as they are off an International pull type sickle mower.
New to all this, so if there is a better way let me know.

[DanTreace]

James

Looked at your Gallery ad of 5 photos, found under title Made It Home.

Your T chassis is a mid-1920s, the engine is a 26-27, has wide pedals, cyl head mount water outlet fan, the rear axle is from a TT truck, worm drive with accessory Ruckstell added.

That ton truck axle is hard mounted to a T frame, so it has that spring solo seat to manage the bumps.

In addition the shortened drive line has added transmission, not sure of mfg. , but likely a Warford.

A set of tractor wheels would allow this set up to really pull in the low gears of that custom drive line. A typical TT truck is fitted with wood spoke hard rubber or pneumatic tires on split rims.

I added these close ups of 2 photos.

[James]

Thanks so much! I was beginning to think this was some weird collection of various parts, so that's good to know. Those steel wheels were just slapped on there so we could get it out of the shed it was in. Any ideas on what kind of wheels I should be on the lookout for? Found someone on Ebay that has a pair of 20-inch rears. Not sure what would match on the front though.

[Steve Jelf]

Confusion comes with the words "the truck conversion". Ford started selling pickup trucks in the 1925 model year. Before that they sold you a chassis (car or truck) and it was up to you to build or buy a body for it. Ford did not sell a conversion kit. There were several companies that made aftermarket TT bodies, but pickups were most often home-made from a car.

I looked through the picture gallery and saw no post from James, so maybe you should put your pictures here in the same post with your question.

Sorting out the years of various parts can be a major research project, and there are some references that can help. Obviously parts books cover some questions, and the encyclopedia has much to offer. https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

[James]

That helps. Not knowing anything about these is not helping my description. I do have the Ford Manual, 1915-1925, the Ruckstell manual, and the service manual reprints. The wheel combinations are what's giving me fits. Since I have no front or rears, I'm not sure what to look for. So far, that's my biggest hangup. Can find plenty on Ebay, but one of this and one of that. Trying to avoid having a bunch of mismatches, since most of those can't be returned.

[DanTreace]

Thanks so much! I was beginning to think this was some weird collection of various parts, so that's good to know. Those steel wheels were just slapped on there so we could get it out of the shed it was in. Any ideas on what kind of wheels I should be on the lookout for? Found someone on Ebay that has a pair of 20-inch rears. Not sure what would match on the front though.

Depends on your plans for that homemade tractor of T and TT parts.

Original TT would have std for the years T car front wheels. Typical today easy to find front wood spoke 23” dia, with demountable rims using 30” x 3 1/2 “ clincher tires. The front wheel T hubs are easy fit to your axle spindles.

So finding pair fronts in good condition rather easy as lots of T’s around.

TT rear are larger axle hub taper, with spoke wheels in 20” or 32” dia. , (correct me if wrong,) but later TT used larger balloon tires, on demountable split rims.

Finding good TT rear wheels in good wood condition is much harder, and rims are rather pricey in nice shape, not to mention larger tires cost more.

[James]

Thanks Dan. My plan is just to ride a few miles around my house. Found someone with a pair of 23" large bore rears. Think I may get them and see where that puts the front height. It may be a little while before my credit card cools off though.
Same person has a pair of rear hubs for the Ruckstell. If I just bought those and the (much cheaper) fronts, any idea if I could just change the hubs? There will never be any more than me, and maybe the wife if I can rig up a seat, on it.

[George House]

James,… the easiest is to acquire a TT frame and rear springs. They’re fairly inexpensive and your ride will be much more enjoyable.You’re in Mississippi - there’s a lot of T and TT people there with parts. Yes, rear wheels, rims and tires are expensive. Your front hubs and rear hubs are different. I have lots of TT hubs, flanges, powder coated felloes and emergency brake drums I’d sell but then you’d need to have them respoked. Correction from above: TT rear felloes are either 20” or 23”.

[James]

Maybe I'll find some of them then!! I have a friend who does a lot of Model A's. He's the one that gave me this project. He does know where a pair of nice front wheels are, but the guy wants to see this running before he'll sell them to me. I've checked on Facebook and didn't see much. I'm in no rush, so I'll keep looking.
Thanks for the wheel correction.

[Dan McEachern]

Trans is definitely not a Warford. Probably adapted from some other car make.