Topic: Project 1915 Model T

[Cincycaddy]

Well I've finally got the itch again to start working on this beast.  I should really save my money, but as spring is just around the corner, I really want to get her up and running for the Spring/Summer car shows. 

Details:
--1915 Model T Touring
--Restored over 40 years ago by my great grandfather.
--all original minus NOS radiator and reproduction front fenders (circa 1960's )
--purchased by my grandparents in late 70's.
--I inherited it in 2001, when my grandfather passed away.

Needs:
--general going over.
--transmission linings replaced.
--paint on hood and a small bit on the front passengers fender.
--new tires all around (going with all white rubber)

Budget:
--I'm budgeting/figuring on $2000. 

Work done so far:
--I've removed the old paint from the hood. Thankfully its aluminum, so don't have to worry about rust.
--Started to clean up the seats, they are vinyl, and so far so good.
--Taken the transmission cover off, to see if I really want to tackle the transmission linings or not.

[burmashave]

She looks to be in great shape for her age, all things considered.  What a cool thing to hand down through the family.  Good luck on the resto. 

One of the reasons why I'm taking on an SOHC is that restoring an entire automobile would give me way too much anxiety -- in the "this will never be finished" category -- so I have lots of respect for auto restorers and hotrodders. 

[Tim.]

Sheeeet - now THAT's a nice garage! 

[grumburg]

T's can be a lot of fun. Simple mechanics, lots of charm. Stay off the freeway!

[bill440cars]

            Allll Righttt!! While I am a MOPAR Fanatic at heart, gotta give the respect that's due, to the old
     heritage. Like burma said, that really IS a great thing to pass down through the family. Since my family had the Indian dealership way back, I've often wished that there would have been an old Chief passed down through the years. You take good care of that baby.

                                                     Later on, Bill

[Cincycaddy]

Heres a better pic of the car as a whole

[gerhed]

That is definitely a beaut !
Lots of parts avail, I think.
Had a T myself a while back--'26 Express Wagon--which is what you build when
you start with nothing but an engine , frame, and fenders and no money.
It's just about the only machine I ever got rid of and I do regret it !

Good luck with the project
Keep us posted.
Attached pic of my Dearly Departed.

[ProTeal55]

Badass car and a even cooler garage !

[bill440cars]

 
           While I agree that the garage is cool That car is a piece of HISTORY and it's very refreshing to see a vehicle like that. I like the old Hot Rods made from the old Model A's T's and B's and so forth. But, It's so cool to see an old car that is still an old car, ya know? May your old Ford be continued to be passed down in the time to come (not that I'm trying to rush your passing, you understand).

                                                        Later on, Bill

[Cincycaddy]

Well here was my progress for this evening.  I got the hogshead off, and the transmission bands off.  Took a bit, as I'm a rookie, but what a feeling of accomplishment once she all came apart.

I also got the coils out, need to test them and get them sent out for rebuild.  Heres some pics of an old shirt my great grandmother made from some old curtains in the 60's, along with a hat I have, that my grand father always wore when he drove the old girl. 

Back hurts, some cuts on the hands, and grease under the nails, but a few hours well spent.

Chris.

[Terry in Australia]

Geez that's nice, here's a pic of me on my cousin's 1944 Indian military Chief in front of his garage, he's got a 1928 Dodge "Fast Four", a 1929 "Erskine" sedan, a 1928 Chev 6 tourer, and a veteran french "Voixsonne" alloy bodied racer, his garage even smells old, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.

[DammitDan]

I had to do a double take...  There's TWO Terries in this world?       

Awesome car Chris!  I'm loving the pics, keep them coming!

Just looking at the innards of that engine gets me almost wanting to take my engine apart again just to see inside (note the almost  )

[bill440cars]

         Man, those are some nice vintage vehicles. Between the old cars, Terry's cousin's Indian and his cars, whoa. I feel priviledged to just have seen them.

         And Phil, I meant to say something about your 26' Express Wagon too. Sorry about that, bet that was fun to build on.

                                                 Later on, Bill

[Jonesy]

You got a Ford T manual (probably a dumb question)..? If you don't I have a complete reprint of the Ford-published T service manual. I bought it from the Henry Ford Museum years ago. If you need any references from it or want me to obtain you a copy, let me know.

[Cincycaddy]

Jonesy,
Thanks for the offer. I do have a few manuals/books I bought a year or so ago. I would be interested to find out what you have, to see if maybe I could add to my resources. 

Chris

[Jonesy]

Here's the cover of the manual I have:



Here's how to do it:











Think you can do the job in 2 hours as Ford predicts? 

[Jonesy]

Betcha wish your T had the new-style quick-change bands!:

[Cincycaddy]

Thanks Jonesy,

Thats the "Black Book" I"ve actually got that one already, purchased it a year or so ago--ironically I have two, found an older version of it under the back seat of the car 3 nights ago, that must have been my great grandfathers.

Chris

[Cincycaddy]

Got a little work done this weekend. Hooked up with the local Model T club, who were already having a gatering, rebuilding ModelT rear ends, and was able to get my transmission bands relined in addition to picking up a ew exhaust manifold (mine was warped) and a few other goodies. My lil' old lady even helped out to I've still got some more parts to pick up but hope to have her up and running in a month or so.

Chris

[Cincycaddy]

UPDATE:

Well the old girl is coming right along, into it for about $750 so far with another $300 or so that I know of that I'm gonna end up spending. (Which doesn't include the new tires I want to get) Painted up some things tonight, got the Anderson Timer installed along with the new crankshaft pulley.  Khuyen my girlfriend helped me prep some of the parts and was a sweetheart and polished up some of the brass.  Radiator is off, and all new hoses and clamps were purchased today.  Made installing the timer and crankshaft puller easier, plus this makes it easier to give the old radiator a good ol' polishing.

Anyway, here's some update pics---still some ways to go as I haven't been brave enough to start putting the hogs head back together. Rebuilt carb and new brass pulley should be in my hands by early next week.

Chris.




New muffler, pipe and exhaust manifold.


Rebuilt coils--1 of my old ones were bad, 2 were mediocre and 1 was good.


Hood stripped and waiting for paint (and $$)


Brass obviously needed to be polished.


Wiped her down with soap and water. Paint cleans up fairly well.



Khuyen Helping out.


Still a ways to go, but quite a difference.


New Anderson Timer installed.


New crankshaft pulley installed..my old one had seen MUCH better days.


Headlight bezels coming along.


Manifold all painted up. Ford Semi-Gloss black engine enamel, not sure if its correct color or not, but she looks purdy.

[number13]

Thanks for this kicka$$ thread!
I doubt many of us will ever get the chance
to see, much less muck about with a brass era car.