Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model T (1909-1927)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-27-2019, 07:32 AM   #1
Toysx2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2
Default Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

I recently came across an old automobile frame and several other parts at an abandoned mine site in central Arizona. With limited knowledge and experience as far as vintage cars go, I would appreciate any input as to what I saw. I think that the frame and the majority of the parts are Ford Model T, but I am not 100% certain. I would appreciate thoughts as to the relative age of the frame and the parts. The mine was in operation from the 1920s through the 1930s. I am curious about the box near the front of the frame that seems to have a switch or valve control. I have not been able to locate any info on what that was about. Is it possible to infer whether the frame was once a car or was it a truck? The pair of axles are confusing. Their parts do not seem to belong together, is that correct? Thanks for any assistance!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 0.jpg (112.2 KB, 213 views)
File Type: jpg 3.jpg (122.6 KB, 214 views)
File Type: jpg 4.jpg (105.5 KB, 208 views)
File Type: jpg 4b.jpg (59.2 KB, 199 views)
File Type: jpg 5.JPG (217.7 KB, 220 views)
File Type: jpg 6.jpg (129.2 KB, 214 views)
Toysx2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2019, 08:28 AM   #2
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,436
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

Some of them certainly appear to be. Model Ts were sometimes used as what a lot of folks refer to as donkey engines or a form of rotating power for moving mining ore or for logging as winches. I'm not sure about the solid wheel parts though. They may be Dodge Brothers. Most model T & TT vehicles had wood spokes till 1926 or 27. They may have been adapted but I don't know for any certainty.Maybe someone else will have more recognition.

The switch box was for ignition and one ammeter gauge.

Last edited by rotorwrench; 05-27-2019 at 08:35 AM.
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 05-27-2019, 10:12 AM   #3
stevests
Senior Member
 
stevests's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Longbranch, Washington
Posts: 513
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

Yes, Model T parts & the chassis is the remains of a TT truck - the front axle is Model T with non-Ford disc wheels.
stevests is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2019, 10:33 AM   #4
redmodelt
Senior Member
 
redmodelt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 6,341
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

yes to most of the car/truck parts except the disk wheels which look to be Chevrolet.
__________________
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
redmodelt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2019, 12:52 AM   #5
Randy in ca
Senior Member
 
Randy in ca's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,646
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

Hard to tell for sure, but after blowing the pictures up I don't think that the axles are from a Model T -- maybe came from the same vehicle as the wheels did. Also interesting is that the front axles shown have rear Model T springs mounted on them!!
Randy in ca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2019, 08:03 AM   #6
Toysx2
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy in ca View Post
Hard to tell for sure, but after blowing the pictures up I don't think that the axles are from a Model T -- maybe came from the same vehicle as the wheels did. Also interesting is that the front axles shown have rear Model T springs mounted on them!!
That the axles, wheels and springs might have been a clever hack was what I had wondered.......It appears that the springs were welded onto other spring eyes to fit the spacing needed.
Toysx2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2019, 09:52 AM   #7
redmodelt
Senior Member
 
redmodelt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 6,341
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

You are right about the two front axles not being Ford.
__________________
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!
redmodelt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2019, 02:41 PM   #8
dumb person
Senior Member
 
dumb person's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: South pacific island
Posts: 1,724
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

Model T ton truck with random oil pans and some axles made into a trailer.

And i've built running cars from worse parts than that.
__________________
<Link> This is how we roll<Link>

"I'm Convinced that no one really reads posts anymore; they just fabricate what they think the post says then ramble on about red herrings."--Bob
Outcasts rules of old cars
#1 Fun is imperative, mainstream is overrated
#2 If they think it is impossible, prove them wrong
#3 If the science says it impossible you are not being creative enough.
#4 No shame in recreating something you never had
#5 If it were not for the law & physics you would be unstoppable
dumb person is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2019, 02:04 PM   #9
Ed in Maine
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cty., ME or Flagler Cty., FL
Posts: 1,106
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

I think those solid disc wheels were used on a rail system, maybe carrying ore out of the mine??? The rims look like they have a stepped edge to fit a rail. The top of the steering column is Model T from the 1920s. The smaller sheet metal next to the engine pans is from the lower radiator shell. The front axle is up side down and I think I can make out the oiler for the kingpin on the right side of the picture. These pictures are great to look at. Somebody worked their tail off using this equipment. Ed
Ed in Maine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-21-2019, 09:02 PM   #10
t42
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MN.
Posts: 253
Default Re: Parts found at an old mine, are they Model T?

The box you are asking about is the keyed ignition switch and the opening next to it was where the large ammeter was installed. This box was used on T trucks back in the day.
Nice photos by the way
t42 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:14 AM.