Generations of Black Cars
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Topic author - Posts: 322
- Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2021 12:31 am
- First Name: Ronald
- Last Name: Bakow
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Model T Touring
- Location: Troutman, NC
Generations of Black Cars
Would anyone be able to list the major changes that took place in the Black Cars. I am familiar with the Brass era but beyond that I only know that the improved car (26 and 27) used more steel and look a bit more like a Model A.
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- Posts: 4727
- Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
- First Name: john
- Last Name: karvaly
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
- Location: orange, ca
- Board Member Since: 2020
Re: Generations of Black Cars
Very basic differences.
17- 18 smoother cowl than 15-16. 19-22 without a starter.
19-22 Electric start & 2man top. Low cowl
23 1 man top, low cowl, slanted wind shield
24-5 same, but with high cowl/radiator.
26-7 Improved car.
17- 18 smoother cowl than 15-16. 19-22 without a starter.
19-22 Electric start & 2man top. Low cowl
23 1 man top, low cowl, slanted wind shield
24-5 same, but with high cowl/radiator.
26-7 Improved car.
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Topic author - Posts: 322
- Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2021 12:31 am
- First Name: Ronald
- Last Name: Bakow
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Model T Touring
- Location: Troutman, NC
Re: Generations of Black Cars
The starter and one man top seem apparent but what would be your choice? I have a 15 Touring so I am focused on a closed car with the most driver leg room.
What years were the center door sedan? I think they had lots of space???
What years were the center door sedan? I think they had lots of space???
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- Posts: 1957
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:23 pm
- First Name: Jeff
- Last Name: Humble
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Canadian coupe, 1924 TT C-cab, 1924 runabout
- Location: Charlevoix, Mi
- Board Member Since: 2006
Re: Generations of Black Cars
The MTFCA Encyclopedia is a great reference. Check it out.
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- Posts: 4727
- Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
- First Name: john
- Last Name: karvaly
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
- Location: orange, ca
- Board Member Since: 2020
Re: Generations of Black Cars
I see you are leaning toward a sedan now, but let me add to the 1 man top advantage. The top is securely attached/clamped to the windshield post tops, This makes for a tougher top in more wind. 2 man tops are attached with 2 cloth or leather straps. A weaker method.
My preference for a non enclosed T would be an early 23. FWIW.
Center doors are wood body skinned & heavy. If the wood is bad, its a big job to restore one.
They are roomy & luxurious.
My preference for a non enclosed T would be an early 23. FWIW.
Center doors are wood body skinned & heavy. If the wood is bad, its a big job to restore one.
They are roomy & luxurious.
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- Posts: 457
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:39 pm
- First Name: Val
- Last Name: Soupios
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '10 touring, '12 touring, '13 hack, '14 runabout, '14 touring, '14 speedster, '22 centerdoor, '27 touring
- Location: Jupiter Florida
Re: Generations of Black Cars
Centerdoors may be roomy but if you're the driver or front passenger seat occupant you have to be a contortionist to get there. I love mine but the older I get the harder it is to get behind the wheel!
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- Posts: 4433
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
- First Name: John
- Last Name: Kuehn
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
- Location: Texas
Re: Generations of Black Cars
I have to agree too that the MTFCA encyclopedia is a great resource for information! In fact most of the T changes and history comes from the encyclopedia. Thanks to Bruce and a few others that put it together.
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- Posts: 2814
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:25 pm
- First Name: George
- Last Name: House
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘10 Maxwell AA, ‘11Hupp Model 20, Two 1914 Ford runabouts, 19 centerdoor, 25 C Cab,26 roadster
- Location: Northern Caldwell County TX
- MTFCA Life Member: YES
- Board Member Since: 1999
Re: Generations of Black Cars
Ron, to answer your last question, Ford produced centerdoors from 1915-1922. I greatly enjoy mine and I’m 6’2” with a ‘full figured’ wife. It takes only a minute to remove the passenger seat and then a driver can easily take his seat and a passenger can easily be seated in the back seat. Without the passenger seat you’ll have the best transmission inspection cover access of any Model T enclosed car
Hey, we’re larger people today than these cars were built for 
A Fine is a Tax for Doing Something Wrong….A Tax is a Fine for Doing Something RIGHT 
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- Posts: 2246
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
- Location: Thumb of Michigan
- Board Member Since: 2018
Re: Generations of Black Cars
Another great source of information on year to year changes is the MTFCI judging guidelines, available from the MTFCI online store. It's not cheap but it is a great resource, especially when inspecting a car for yourself or a friend.
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor