I just dropped a micro chip into my Model T....a rant

[Been Here Before]

Following some of these comments about 6 and 12 volts. Wire size. Use of and testing coils in various ways I have to ask, are the new owners and those who are somewhat familiar with the mechanics and design of the model t really enjoying their car, as the designers wanted?.

It makes me wonder is the new owners want to experience - a relic from motoring history past or do they want the comfort of a trouble free modern vehicle?

There is nothing wrong with the design and parts of the car. Some improvements can be made. Over all for the life of the Model T from 1908 to 1927 there has been a tremendous amount of literature produced to keep the simple insect alive and well. Please read.

So please do as the owners of the Model T past. Enjoy the simple beast for what it was.

Now I must get back to the microchip I dropped in my model t...so far no difference.

[Erik Johnson]

"Mozart wouldn't do this today."

"Do what?"

"This bowing business. He'd just plug his keyboard into an amp and he've had string quartets coming out of his fingers - and, and symphonies."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeezYOmHd-Q

[ModelTWoods]

Following some of these comments about 6 and 12 volts. Wire size. Use of and testing coils in various ways I have to ask, are the new owners and those who are somewhat familiar with the mechanics and design of the model t really enjoying their car, as the designers wanted?.

It makes me wonder is the new owners want to experience - a relic from motoring history past or do they want the comfort of a trouble free modern vehicle?

There is nothing wrong with the design and parts of the car. Some improvements can be made. Over all for the life of the Model T from 1908 to 1927 there has been a tremendous amount of literature produced to keep the simple insect alive and well. Please read.

So please do as the owners of the Model T past. Enjoy the simple beast for what it was.

Now I must get back to the microchip I dropped in my model t...so far no difference.

Hey, They microchip Dogs and Cats so they can be found if they are lost ! Don't sweat over that microchip ! leave it in the car. That way if someone steals it. It can be returned to you !

[Oldav8tor]

My car might be fine as it was designed, however...this old man is maybe not in as good of shape as the car. There is also the fact that I carry the people most important to me in the world and want them to be as safe as possible. I chose to add a modern 12 volt starter, LED headlights, a brake light, safety hubs and disc brakes. I enjoy my car immensely and when the car is running down the road my experience is no different than it was for my family and their 1917 Touring. That's my 10 year old dad in the front passenger's seat, taken where the family farm once existed, about 30 miles from where I now live.

[TXGOAT2]

I have a Garmin device in my car. The Polar Bears are furious!

[Petrah Phyre]

"Henry didn't design it that way". Well I guess it's time to disassemble my 'speedster'...

Anyone need parts?

[Rich P. Bingham]

George, you'll wind up branded as a "purist" if you ain't careful ! I do sympathize with your point of view !

Sean, why does it have to be "all or nothing" ? Speedsters have been with us from the beginning. A good compromise is period correct accessories and modifications, the only rule is "enjoy your model T". Some of us feel the purpose as well as the unique experience a T provides goes somewhat awry when the technology gets too far advanced. That point of view often ruffles the feathers of the guys grafting a jet assisted take-off unit onto their Lizzies, but I assure you there's no need to take umbrage.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

I'm pretty sure the original designers of the Model T didn't instruct original owners in how they were supposed to enjoy them. There sure are lot of folks today who seem to however.

As to the original experience, yes, I would love to have flat tires every 30 miles or so. I would enjoy using paraffin based oils that caked cylinders with heavy carbon. I would long for cracked blocks due to the non-existence of anti-freeze. Don't get me started on the joys of plate glass Ahhh, the good old days.

I think I'll enjoy my T's in my own way... just as original owners might have.

[tdump]

I must say I want to drive a Model T so put things as reasonably close as they were when the cars were built new. But where i deviate off into the back 40 ,I don't get all torn up if a Phillips head screw head happens to be visible or if I didn't have Ford bolts holding the running boards on. That to me is things a person getting their cars judged need to be concerned with.
I went 12 volt because I don't own anything else that would use 6 volt. therefore a jump start is a issue,

[TRDxB2]

"Henry didn't design it that way". Well I guess it's time to disassemble my 'speedster'...

Anyone need parts?

Henry didn't design the it that way because Henry wasn't the sole designer of the Model T. It was mainly designed by an American (Childe Harold Wills) and two Hungarian engineers (Joseph A. Galamb, Eugene Farkas).
Then to: Henry's disdain for cosmetic vanity as applied to automobiles led him to leave the Model A's styling to a team led by his son Edsel, even though he would take credit for it despite his son doing more of the work.

[MKossor]

Now I must get back to the microchip I dropped in my model t...so far no difference.

The only ignition related microchip that can be dropped into a Model T that I am aware of is the E-Timer. If you are experiencing no difference in engine performance after installing an E-Timer the root causes are improper initial timing and/or insufficient timing advance. The instruction manual has the procedure that must be followed carefully to the letter. Addressing installation oversights has corrected all initial performance issues reported to date without exception. I'm also happy to help troubleshoot if needed.

Use of an E-Timer is definitely a departure from Henry's original design that many choose rather than letting their car sit unused or sell outright due to the inability to keep it running satisfactorily. In those cases, I consider the E-Timer a wonderful option to have and proud to make that option available so those folks keep enjoying driving their cars.

Use of and testing coils in various ways I have to ask, are the new owners and those who are somewhat familiar with the mechanics and design of the model t really enjoying their car, as the designers wanted?

A modern effective method of testing and tuning Model T coils, in no way, changes the mechanics or design of the Model T. It's just a tool that helps the operator apply their skills more effectively and enjoy the fruits of their labor in the way their engine performs. I believe that is consistent with what the designers wanted.

[sweet23]

Next thing you know, you guys will be painting your cars anything but black !

[John Codman]

My '27 is (gasp) Green and I have modified it to the extent that I have a modern, sealed ball bearing fan pulley that doesn't sling grease everywhere under the hood. If a future owner wishes to recreate the mess, I'll give him the old pulley. I wouldn't be surprised that if the technology existed when the car was built, Henry might well have built it with the sealed bearings. It's still 6V and it's going to stay that way as long as I own it.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Next thing you know, you guys will be painting your cars anything but black !

Mine has been metallic blue since 1950. The shame....

[Les Schubert]

I have seriously considered adding the “microchip” along with port EFI to my T engine. I did it to the original engine in my 67 Mercury pickup and put 14,000 miles on it last summer. 18 mpg at 70 mph

[Craig Leach]

Hi George,
Do what you can to retrive the micro chip it could get stuck in the oil funnel and stop the oil flow to the front of the engine! If the check engine
light comes on give me a call I have a scan tool
Craig.

[Been Here Before]

To be fair (or not) to those that developed the Model T. It was a simple, cheaply made innovative automobile. From its inception, improvement was offered from cooling, carburetor, power train, and electrical including ignition. And with a majority of the original parts in place, a new owner with basic understanding of electricity and mechanics can easily restore and start the car.

As time has passed, those finding a Model T, most over 100 years old, with improvements that are probably 25 tears old can still be made to start. Provided they do not involve modern plastics that degrade, and electronics that do not always stand the test of time.

Those that have up graded their Model T with modern materials and electronics...let's say in the next or another 50 or 100 years will they still make the car operate?

What will the new owner in the future do to start a model t with modern electronics that experiences electromigration? Now with a bit of sand paper for the coil points, and fine file There is a chance for an electrical contact.

As for "Do what you can to retrive the micro chip it could get stuck in the oil funnel and stop the oil flow to the front of the engine! If the check engine light comes on give me a call I have a scan tool>" I have an air hose and flexible wire to poke through the the tube. As for a scan tool I understand that if the microchip creates a short, I can use a test lamp to locate the problem.

Besides we all need to lighten-up, some one is working on a Tesla conversion.

[Craig Leach]

Sorry George,
I was trying to be light haerted. Sorry if it didn't come off that way. I try to at least keep my T's accessories period correct. Having worked on
digetal data link control systems for almost 4 decades, that some engineers life long goal was to make them control everything he could think
of. Without reguard to what the side effects could be if something failed. I want my T's to at least be EMP proof.
Craig.

[TXGOAT2]

When I get rich, I'm going to put a 60 HP Ford V8 in a Model T. Good accelleration, good economy, and 55-60 to MPH top speed. If I'm still rich after that, I'll commission a custom flywheel/generator that will interface with an LI battery to make a hybrid gas-elecric T. Plenty of torque, enhanced regenerative braking, improved mileage, and higher top speed on shorter trips.

[MichaelPawelek]

I’ve been trying to find pre-1928 air to fill my Model T tires but Ebay and Amazon are a bust. What to do, what to do…….

[Been Here Before]

This is fun...

"I’ve been trying to find pre-1928 air to fill my Model T tires but Ebay and Amazon are a bust. What to do, what to do……."

I understand that NASA and the British Antarctic Survey has been drilling and testing ice cores, examining air samples. Certainly they can supply those that want to fill their tyres with old air, they may be able to help.

To keep that old car running and original, you have to think out side the box, and away from ebay and amazon.

Folks you point has been made and noted.

[DHort]

There is a school in MA that used a micro chip and their lights are still on 1 and 1/2 years later.

In 30 years will there even be any gas left or kerosene, and at what price?

6 Volts works great for me. Might like to have a starter. And heaven forbid, my car is Chevy Red.

[Craig Leach]

News from 2049,
Ozone caused by electric cars now killing millions in Mexifornia, the world's seventh largest country.
Global cooling caused by the increase in the ozone layer blamed for citris crop failure for the third year in a row in Mexifornia
Advancing glaciers forcing millions to move to Texico the fifth most over populated country in the world.
Craig.

[Duey_C]

Rant taken.
A newbie owner either has a big surprise or a grand surprise coming when buying and driving.
Big surprise: What did I just do?
Grand surprise: What did I just do,..oh my, this is really neat.
Hehehe, a micro-chip. That was too funny especially the responses. I got it.

[Bryant]

I would think in the next half a century if model Ts are still legal to own and operate the future generation will know the microchip better than any of us. if they had to repair dated modern electronics at that time, would it be any different than repairing early 20th century electronics during the current restoration era? if they take an interest in the car's origins, they will probably be able to figure out what was OEM. that is if the microchips controlling the MTFCA forums data base have not crashed and all information lost. hopefully books will still exist. I have all ways been attracted to the look of the T. if I can keep that alive, I would modernize, keeping it at least period in looks. if I had enough time and funds, I would still like to refurbish another T to its original state. who knows what the future holds, after all aren't we the pioneers of the century old automobile?
Bryant

[Been Here Before]

Ah the future: So what does OpenAI have to say when ask "Explain the Model T Ford ignition system".

The Model T Ford ignition system is a simple and reliable system used in the Model T Ford vehicles. It consists of several components that work together to produce a spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. Here are the main components of the Model T Ford ignition system:

1. Magneto: The magneto is a generator that produces electrical power for the ignition system. It is driven by the engine's crankshaft and generates electricity through the use of a rotating magnet and a stationary coil.

2. Timer: The timer is a mechanical switch that controls the timing of the spark in each cylinder. It is mounted on the engine block and connected to the magneto through a set of wires.

3. Spark plugs: The spark plugs are the components that actually produce the spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. They are screwed into the engine block and connected to the ignition system through a set of wires.

4. Coil box: The coil box is a component that contains a set of coils and condensers that amplify and store the electrical energy produced by the magneto. The coil box is also connected to the timer and spark plugs through a set of wires.

The Model T Ford ignition system operates as follows:

1. When the engine is turned on, the magneto begins to generate electrical power.

2. The timer, which is mounted on the engine block, rotates and opens and closes a set of electrical contacts, which controls the timing of the spark in each cylinder.

3. The magneto's electrical power is sent to the coil box, where it is amplified and stored.

4. When the timer opens the electrical contacts, the stored electrical energy is sent to the spark plugs, which produce a spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.

5. This process repeats for each cylinder in the engine, allowing the engine to run smoothly.

Overall, the Model T Ford ignition system is a simple and effective system that has been used for decades in various vehicles. It relies on mechanical and electrical components working together to produce a spark that ignites the fuel mixture, enabling the engine to run smoothly.

[TXGOAT2]

As Global Warming overtakes the entire planet, Humans will be deported to Mars on orders of the Global All Animal Council (GAAC) and nude, heavily-tattooed Polar Bears will rule the Earth.

A small contingent of acclimatized Humans will be retained on Earth to manufacture RayBans and Coca Cola for benefit of the ursine ruling class.

The indentured Humans will be fed soya grits and will be locked in their dormitory cubicles at night to prevent them from causing trouble, such as re-inventing the Wheel.

On Mars, Humans will make war all day and watch MTV or The Jennifer Hudson Show all night, with frequent breaks to order yet more meds via their devices.

[MKossor]

Oh Well, so much for Open AI on this task....

4. When the timer opens the electrical contacts, the stored electrical energy is sent to the spark plugs, which produce a spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders.

Nope, sorry but that's completely wrong. It's the coil points electrical contacts that open that send the stored electrical energy to the spark plugs, which produce a spark that ignites the fuel air mixture in the engine's cylinder.

Apparently, Open AI is not familiar with the low tension SI system on the Model T that utilizes buzz coils to generate spark.