MTFCA Forum

Hello, I own a 1926 and a 1915 model T. I'm trying to stay busy this winter on my new hobby but I'm getting frustrated TRYING to find parts. I have the big part suppliers catalogs, Lang's, Mac's (Eckler's) Snyder's and Texas T's. I want to reline my transmission bands and add a high volume oil line. Everyone has the items in the catalog but nobody has items in stock. I hate to back order parts. It seems like I run into this problem with every order. I don't want to order one part here and one part there because of pricey Shipping and handling (jipping and handling) Does anyone know a part supplier that has actual inventory? Thanks, bobt

try texas t parts 800 337 6977

Kevin Prius has the hi vol. oil line kits,he also makes the 8-1 hi comp.heads,330 774 7130

YOu mean transmission band lining is on back order? That is a comon item

1 thing I can say,Synders and Smith and Jones have not jipped me on shipping. And since I am not far from Smith and jones If I call early enough in the morning,the parts are usally here next day!

I waited almost 8 eeeks for band linings.

Are you looking for KEVLAR or Scandinavian Bands? Try Bob’s, IL (815) 633-7244 ModelT2001@comcast.net

The good Kevlar linings have mostly been on backorder from the manufacturer since May, 2019.

Thank's for the list Steve. Like I said. I'm new to the hobby. bobt

The age of readily available Model T parts is soon to be over.

I own and operate an oil refinery supply business and it takes 110% of my time, otherwise I'd be jumping in to take on one or more of these operations that need new stewardship. I may still try to do so anyway.

Ideally, one of the Model T guys in his 20's or 30's would jump in....someone who's looking for a way out of the corporate meat grinder. They could take on more than one of these operations, consolidate them and make a long-term business out of it.

You have to have good credit to borrow the amount of money that it would take to get the tooling and such from Chaffins for example to restart that bussiness.It would take a couple million at least to get a factory built,move the equipment,renew license and so forth.
The loss of parts hurts us Model T folks,but most of us can't afford to take on that much debt or whatever.
I was planning to order parts in march ,bands is on the list,and then I find out they are on BACK Order for nearly a YEAR? Wow.

The story I was told about bands is as follows. The machine the makes bands broke and will not be fixed. Another company made some but not as tight a weave. The bands are in testing now to see if they will work. Dan

In other words,in a couple years most of our T's will be stuck in the shed because we can't get basic parts like bands? Who has the band machine and I can't believe there was only 1??? To supply all?

I'm 99% sure this is band (narrow) material, appears to b correct width and thickness. Got it with a bunch of T parts. Would appreciate some confirmation. Thinking of cutting it up in strips- how long and what's best tool to cut it with?

The above material maybe too lose of weave but might work in a pinch.
My posting has been edited after reading the post below and re-reading the post above.

A four letter word: WOOD.
Unfortunately that won't solve the other parts problems that seem to be overwhelming right now.

I have been following this thread with great interest. It is not true that the machine that weaves the Kevlar belting broke. The man who was weaving the belting died and his children sold it to someone in China. There is a supplier in Europe that has a very loose weave which was not to our liking at Red Hook Restorations. Red Hook Restorations has sourced a Kevlar belt here in the US which is the same, if not better than the original. As far as it being on backorder, All three major retailers (Macs, Lang's, and Snyder's) have our bands in stock. We also sell NEV-R-WEAR retail. Just call us and we will send it out promptly. The price may a little higher due to our costs increasing, but the produce is still the same quality if not better than before.
Respectfully submitted, John and Frank Iaccino

There is INDEED a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks John.

John,
It's guys like you who make our hobby possible....thanks! Do you have a website? Where can we get more info on your product(s)?

Robert,
I've had the same experience as you.... the big names often get their products from the same sources so sometimes the trick is to figure out who the source is and contact them directly. Birdhaven is one as is Chaffin's (for the time being.) I know it is frustrating but consider the fact that it is still possible to get new parts and accessories for a 100 year car.... I think that's remarkable and a big reason why owning a Model T is not only possible but practical. A big THANK YOU to all those who continue to produce and sell the parts we need.

Another thing, don't hesitate to post a WTB in the classified. Some fellows have incredible parts stashes and are sometimes willing to part with them. I've found the guys on this forum to be real helpful in that regard.

Tim, the best way to find out about are produce is to call us. I can be reached at 845-876-7309. Frank can be reached at 518-755-0986. NEV-R-WEAR
has been in production for over 25 years. Our ad can be found in the Vintage Ford magazine. We are trying to keep our costs down so we can pass the savings on to our customers, one of the reasons we no longer have a website. Thanks, John

Suggestion on high volume oil feed. Why not get one of the reproduction "Ford Faithful" that fit on in place of the inspection plate on the transmissions? No holes to cut in the hogs head that way.
https://www.modeltford.com/item/3081FFK.aspx
Shipping is what it is many will work with you. Call them.

I visited Chafin's and was amazed at the huge quantity of parts he has in stock. He is looking to retire and wants a million dollars for his business. I doubt that includes the building it is housed in. At my age buying a business is a silly idea. Not to mention the lack of having a million dollars.

Not to be be a "Debby Downer" but reality does set in like anything else. My dear ole Dad and I reproduced parts here and there refurbished, rebuilds, etc and gave a more than generous warranty, but everyone was too cheap to purchase. Now with the facts of modern times, with the kids too busy with sports, homework, not his or hers thing but have their hands out in the pie of profit or trying to keep up with the Jones's. As another ole saying goes, "As the titty goes dry, so does the death of a cash cow". The handwriting as been on the wall for years about the lack of craftsman, trades, and good old hard work paying off. I was raised in a time I would never trade for anything as I was able to pay everything off early in life and retire at 46. Did with out, invested in my future, did not believe in snake oil salesman, did my own homework on subjects from raw data. Some people say I am lucky..., BS, hard work and no good luck pixies/fairy's here. I am blessed as I have more than I deserve.

If we do not support each other in a positive light, we divide and fail. We do not see stamp collectors, coin collectors, horse drawn carriages, stage coaches and other unique bygone era objects so to say. GET YOUR GRANDCHILDREN INVOLVED! They will appreciate it another day! Put the damn phone down and get engage. Model T's will go by the way side as other things have real quick if you(we) do not work quickly. DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES, THIS IS OUR HOBBY AND THERAPY!

Love Me or Hate Me, just stating what needs to be said!

Humble Hank in Tin-A-See

Henry K. Lee wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 11, 2020 5:00 pm

“... Some people say I am lucky..., BS, hard work and no good luck pixies/fairy's here. I am blessed as I have more than I deserve... “

Humble Hank in Tin-A-See

Ben Franklin said “Diligence is the mother of good luck”. The stories here support that ideal, over and over again.

Keep crankin’
Eric

I am 60 yrs old and still in the hoarding stage. I need parts for my next 20 projects on the list, 19 of which in my afterlife. I have my own business and am busy 24/7 like most folks. Some of the craftsmen that creates these parts work full time also. We get a little edgy when we cant get our parts right away. But they always come through. I would rather spend a few more bucks for better parts as I don't have the time to restore every nut and bolt. In the short time I have been in the A and T hobby I have found more parts available at pretty reasonable prices. You just need to dig a little, search the internet, ask local club members, they are a wealth of knowledge and extra parts.
I would hate to try and restore a Chevy, Buick, Cadddy, or Dodge of the same years as the Fords we are working on. Talk about hard to find and $$$$$.

I appreciate all here who have helped me so far and keep adding items to the classifieds!!

"You get what you pay for" is a true statement. I have no objection to paying a bit more for quality and to make it possible for the small manufacturers to survive and make a profit. All the previous posters have made good points and as Hank says, the future of the hobby doesn't depend on our generation but on those who follow who we share our knowledge and enthusiasm with. As a retired teacher, I know that sometimes a small event can have long-lasting effects. Take a kid for a ride...show him/her some respect and tell them what's great about Model T's and who knows where it will lead.

Maybe we ought to put together a Model T Summer Camp for kids.....

I must admit,I chose a Model T as my first antique vehical because I found the old chain Drive Macks to be hard to find ,exspensive and parts to be ,well all but impossiable to find.

Alot of things can be dealt with the hard way,repairing old worn parts and so on.But this band thing, without bands, our T's don't move.