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Old 06-18-2013, 08:59 PM   #1
Sundiesel
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Default New guys 1st question

Hello,
About a year ago I started down the track of building a speedster. I had some parts left over from a previous T restoration and that mixed with my long time desire to build a speedster, (closet revhead) I just couldn't resist any longer and got started.

Rather than building one here, I'm toying with the idea of having a modified T engine built in the USofA and having it shipped complete/finished to me here in Australia.
I know of a few specialist T engine builders, but, they're all in eastern states and I was wondering if you good folk had any suggestions of respected, specialist T engine builders in California, where I visit every few years.

For a most enjoyable holiday, I can see myself driving around various T parts suppliers in CA, rounding up all the necessaries and getting it all organised.

Should you choose not to post your reply here, feel free to PM me.

Being new to this forum, I look forward to drawing on the knowledge all you folk possess and you never know, I might be able to contribute something too.

Cheers,
Rob (down-under)
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Old 06-18-2013, 10:16 PM   #2
J Franklin
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

If you have your engine built in the USA and have problems it will be expensive to get resolve. I would come visit and have some fun rounding up parts and seeing some of our great museums, especially the Towe and Blackhawk in Sacramento, and then build your speedster at home.
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Old 06-18-2013, 11:30 PM   #3
redmodelt
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

There are a lot of T guys that post on;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/331880.html
that are from Down-under and NZ.
That's "Model T Ford Club of America". Maybe a post on that forum will get you pointed in the right direction for an engine built there. Don't stop posting here, these guys like to be kept in the loop.
MarkG
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Old 06-19-2013, 01:48 AM   #4
Sundiesel
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

Quote:
Originally Posted by redmodelt View Post
There are a lot of T guys that post on;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/331880.html
that are from Down-under and NZ.
That's "Model T Ford Club of America". Maybe a post on that forum will get you pointed in the right direction for an engine built there. Don't stop posting here, these guys like to be kept in the loop.
MarkG
Thanks Mark G,
I joined the MTFCA and MTFCI forums about 11 years ago, but haven't been active on either for about the last 2. The T I restored wouldn't be half as good as it is if it wasn't for the info I gained from those two forums, but now, for various reasons, I would rather use this facility.

J F,
Thanks for your suggestion. The thought had occurred to me, but as I mentioned, I am just "toying" with the idea.
My problem is that the ONLY T engine specialist I trust, has retired, and I'm told is refusing to do any further work. Which is a real shame because he is a brilliant engineer, machinist, lateral thinker, etc; etc. Having said that, I must say I haven't exhausted all possibilities here.

Cheers,
Rob
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Old 06-19-2013, 05:47 AM   #5
yachtsmanbill
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

RE:mtfca etc... I don't blame you Rob... I only go there myself when things are dead over here. Look in my stats here and see two LONG running posts. I try to contribute, but with a little, OR no following its hard to feel needed LOL...
Was that RA NAVY or US NAVY?? Hang out here for a while and post lotsa pics of that PEWTER BEAUTY! Theres a few Aussies (Ozzies??) that may be able to help you out. Also, don't be afraid to tackle most of it yourself. What would farmer Fred have done in the outback 75 years ago? Let the T sit and resume riding horses? No way! He'd grab a pipe wrench and a hammer and tear into it!
I have a few boating forums that are pretty much social clubs where guys shoot the shit back and forth. Car forums seem pretty DRY, especially the MTFC places; I refer to most of the guys there as dry-balls and they hate me for it... SO WHAT!, especially if you take a thred off topic. ws
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Old 06-19-2013, 04:15 PM   #6
Sundiesel
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I was just reminded of Larry Blair, in his "Tin Shed", Santa Fe Springs.
I'd forgotten about him, but he'll do nicely.
Cheers,
Rob
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Old 06-20-2013, 05:25 PM   #7
CharlieB
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

I agree with Franklin 100%. Stay close to home if at all possible. There has been a number of horror stories about some re-builders here and the last thing you need is shipping a wreck back & forth. Honestly, if you can build a speedster you can probably go over a decent motor/trans yourself. Plenty of literature & help is available. My $0.02
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Old 06-21-2013, 05:56 PM   #8
Sundiesel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yachtsmanbill View Post
Was that RA NAVY or US NAVY?? Hang out here for a while and post lotsa pics of that PEWTER BEAUTY! Theres a few Aussies (Ozzies??) that may be able to help you out. Also, don't be afraid to tackle most of it yourself. What would farmer Fred have done in the outback 75 years ago? Let the T sit and resume riding horses? No way! He'd grab a pipe wrench and a hammer and tear into it
YottyBill,
RAN....but I did serve for a time on the USS Midway on an exchange posting....a few millennia ago.
I am capable of, as you say, tearing into it. I do most of my own rebuilds, restorations, BUT....I don't have any machine shop equipment, (Lathe, milling machine, etc) nor the necessary exacting skills needed.
Thanks for the welcome and I do understand your remarks about the other forum.
Cheers,
Rob
PS; It'd be nice if my funds could extend to one of these little beauties....but sadly no
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Old 06-21-2013, 07:21 PM   #9
yachtsmanbill
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

Those guys sure aren't ashamed of posting the price up front are they? ws
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Old 06-21-2013, 09:37 PM   #10
Derek Kiefer
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

Dave Szumowski is reproducing RAJO's Model B's in aluminum for $3500 complete...
http://www.rajohead.com/
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Old 06-25-2013, 12:22 PM   #11
fordman67
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Default Re: New guys 1st question

Quote:
Originally Posted by yachtsmanbill View Post
RE:mtfca etc... I don't blame you Rob... I only go there myself when things are dead over here. Look in my stats here and see two LONG running posts. I try to contribute, but with a little, OR no following its hard to feel needed LOL...
Was that RA NAVY or US NAVY?? Hang out here for a while and post lotsa pics of that PEWTER BEAUTY! Theres a few Aussies (Ozzies??) that may be able to help you out. Also, don't be afraid to tackle most of it yourself. What would farmer Fred have done in the outback 75 years ago? Let the T sit and resume riding horses? No way! He'd grab a pipe wrench and a hammer and tear into it!
I have a few boating forums that are pretty much social clubs where guys shoot the shit back and forth. Car forums seem pretty DRY, especially the MTFC places; I refer to most of the guys there as dry-balls and they hate me for it... SO WHAT!, especially if you take a thred off topic. ws
Are you or me refered to as "mr. off topic"? I forget....oh that was mike...sorry lol
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