newbie questions...

[53RYDER]

Hello-
My name is Glenn and I'm new to T's and A's. Did own a 1941 Fordor once.

Trying to learn about T's, which were well before my time! Couple of questions to start off with:

1. I'm gathering that T's didn't come with brakes at the wheels, as most folks would know them, rather a slowing down of the car by slowing down the transmission, correct? So did T's ever have 'mechanical brakes' before the advent of the Model A? If so in which year could you have them on your T?

2. I think that the T did not come with a speedometer originally. If so, then in what year did speedometers make their appearance? Where they an option or part of the base package?


I did some searching here at Ford Barn but didn't get any real clear answers to my questions. I would appreciate any info you could give me! Please forgive me if I've asked the same question for the millionth time! Am considering buying a T or an A this spring. Would love to join you all as a owner!


Sincerely-

Glenn Ryder
Brier, WA

[Jack Innes]

Hello Glenn,

The service brake on all Ts was in the transmission. There is a separate drum & band used as the brake. The 26 & 27 models had a wider drum to give a little more breaking area.
All Ts had brakes on the rear axle intended mainly as an emergency brake. The early cars had cast iron shoes in steel drums & mainly would hold the car when parked - sort of. The 26 & 27 cars had larger steel drums with lined one piece shoes just like you would find on my 2004 Dodge Dakota rear e-brakes. This would have some effect in stopping the car if need be.

On Speedometers & many other things, check; http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/index.htm

[redmodelt]

Many people do add outside brakes to the rear wheels to help stop the car. These would be AC and Rocky Mtn brakes which are currently made. If you google "mtfca; AC brakes" or "mtfca; Rocky Mountain brakes" you will get lot of info on them.
With out the information in front of me I think it was about 1914 or 1915 Ford dropped the speedometer as regular equipment it may have been a little later. After that the speedometer was customer or dealer installed not regular equipment.

[53RYDER]

Thanks Jack and 'red'! Appreciate the links! A blessed new years to you both!

Glenn

[53RYDER]

So where was the fuel tank typically located? How about the battery?


Glenn

[15max]

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The fuel tank was typically under the drivers seat on many models. In the trunk in some Coupes. Under the rear seat in some Center Doors. And built into the cowl in '26 and '27 except for Fordors. The battery was located in a box and framework mounted in the chassis frame a couple feet in front of the rear axle from 1919 to 1927. Previous to that they were an option and mounted where ever. Some used wet cells and some used dry cells.

[53RYDER]

I've seen a few T's with a battery box over the engine. Must be a recent thing then?

Glenn

[Dodge]

You might be seeing the 1926/1927 coil box over the engine, not a battery box. What year
is your car? The Rocky mountain brakes are the most expensive but they are also the best.
I have them on two cars and they stop very well.
Almost a must with a Model T. If anything breaks in the driveline you have no brakes.
Keep asking questions you'll learn a lot here.

[53RYDER]

Originally Posted by Dodge

You might be seeing the 1926/1927 coil box over the engine, not a battery box. What year
is your car? The Rocky mountain brakes are the most expensive but they are also the best.
I have them on two cars and they stop very well.
Almost a must with a Model T. If anything breaks in the driveline you have no brakes.
Keep asking questions you'll learn a lot here.

Don't have a car....yet! Been doing a lot of looking though!

Glenn

[redmodelt]

While you are doing your looking I suggest getting some of the books about the Model T. There are many out there.
A copy of the Model T Service Manual would be a good choice to learn about how the T goes together.
https://www.modeltford.com/model-t-parts/books/

[Dodge]

Well, join a local club and start riding with some of the members to get used to the cars.
They will be a great resource and also help you find a car or go look at one with you.
We are always happy to have some one new join the group.

[53RYDER]

There's a '25 Fordor for sale south of me on Craigslist. I was wondering if all of the 4 windows, in the 4-doors, would roll up and down, on a stock '25 T?


Glenn

[15max]

Yes. I believe the rear quarter windows slide up and down too.

[Steve Jelf]

Here are some links that may help:

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG98.html

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG99.html

And just for entertainment: http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG74.html

I agree that it's a good idea to take along an experienced T hand who knows some things to check when you go shopping.

As mentioned above, Ford dropped the speedometer in 1915 because he was turning out cars too fast for the suppliers to keep up with him. You can add an original aftermarket speedometer for a few hundred dollars or a new bike speedometer for about $25.

There are pluses and minuses for the aftermarket exterior rear brakes. The Rockies have a reputation for being excellent going forward and near useless if the car rolls backward. The AC's work in either direction.

The stock brakes are well described above. Some folks use the rear hand brake as part of their regular stopping procedure to keep wear on the foot brake to a minimum because rear brake linings are easier to replace than transmission band linings.

[53RYDER]

What's the thinking on a Ruckstell 2 speed rear end?


Glenn

[Steve Jelf]

It's a good thing to have, especially in hilly country. The only aftermarket Model T accessory Henry Ford ever approved.

[PatHanning]

We are also new to the Model T world. We purchased our "project" last September. Boy, there is a lot to learn. One thing we did discover, if we had to do it over... We would've paid more money and bought a project with more Trim pieces. The missing trim parts can nickel and dime you to death . Someone must have made a pretty penny selling all the interior trim out of our car.

I like finding odd aftermarket items. They are fascinating. Has anyone ever seen the cooking grill for the T??!! Had a good laugh reading about that one

[redmodelt]

Have not seen a grill but you can still buy the manifold cooker;
https://www.modeltford.com/item/T-COOK-SS.aspx

[15max]

One of the Model T Club chapters published a Model T manifold cook book. It is offered by at least one of the Parts suppliers.

https://www.modeltford.com/i/c/474316l.jpg