1912 Model T Brass Question

[Bill Crosby]

I am restoring a 1912 brass windshield hinge for a member and would like to know If anyone can tell me the type of brass that It's made from ?

Thank you
Bill

[Henry K. Lee]

Hi Bill,

I believe they are the same as cartridge brass.

Hope this Helps!

Hank

[Bill Crosby]

Hank, I will look It up and see If that helps define It.

Thank you

Bill

[Wayne Sheldon]

Although Ford was quite specific about many of the parts and materials used in manufacturing his cars, I suspect something like a windshield hinge varied quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even batch run to batch run. Windshields that early were supplied by a few companies.

[Allan]

It would be interesting to know the story behind the necessary repair to the hinge. I have twice repaired reproduction hinges on my 1912 Haigh's chocolate van. The problem is in the manufacture flat of these. The reliefs in which the studs/nuts sit is machined flat, but that machined land is done with a plunge cutter and there is a perfectly sharp edge to the machining. This creates a wonderful stress riser, from which two of my hinges have cracked. All that is required to fix this is for the makers to use a cutter with a radius so there is no stress riser. I won't hold my breath!!

Allan from down under.

[Erik Johnson]

Original Rands brass hinges can also crack. It can be hard to find a set in good condition.