Brass model “T”s

[corvette8n]

When did Ford stop production of the brass styling on the T, was it all at once or did they phase it out?. A few years back we rode in a brass T at Greenfield Village it’s the only old car my wife likes.

[cas3]

16 was the end

[mhsprecher]

"it’s the only old car my wife likes." You better get one, then. ;-)

[Lanny]

Here's a "T" I had about 30 years ago. The "FatMan" steering wheel (in the up position).
Had a 2.3 Ford in it and an ALL Chrome "Jag" rear under it, disc brakes all around.
It was an absolute Blast to drive,,, went to California.

Click on pix to Enlarge.
.

[redmodelt]

Good chance it was one of the several 1914s built for the centennial.

[29spcoupe]

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Originally Posted by corvette8n

When did Ford stop production of the brass styling on the T, was it all at once or did they phase it out?.

The brass, like all Model T phases of production, was phased out as the parts were used up.

[rotorwrench]

World War I was having affects on the availability of materials and Ford wanted to mass manufacture the cars which whittled away the brass use in that time frame. The 1917 cars were different in a lot of ways besides the lower use of brass. Sheet metal processes were improving and shapes were more rounded and flowing than the earlier brass era cars. Polishing the brass was a chore and a lot of folks were tiring of visible brass on automobiles.

The Horseless Carriage Club of America cut the date of brass era to January 1, 1916 but they later allowed a Nickel registry to include the cars with more nickel plating than brass. Nickel plating didn't need as much care as bare brass so some companies went that route even in the brass era.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Lanny

Here's a "T" I had about 30 years ago. The "FatMan" steering wheel (in the up position).
Had a 2.3 Ford in it and an ALL Chrome "Jag" rear under it, disc brakes all around.
It was an absolute Blast to drive,,, went to California.

Click on pix to Enlarge.
.

[Lanny]

Please post some pix of your Brass "T"s in this forum





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[J Franklin]

Here is one I owned for a while. It once did a cold free start the first time I re-awakened it from a winter rest. What a surprise!

[Lanny]

Thank you Mr. Franklin for posting a picture of that very nice looking T,
(Tin Lizzy) is what they were referred to back in the day, I believe...

Also, you mention the "free start" your T did at one time. I have heard very
little about the so called "free start" that was possible with the T.
Could you, or other members please explain more about how that happens.

It would be really interesting to learn about that anomaly ? Thanks



.

[29spcoupe]

I have 2 brass T's. one is a 1911 Mother-In-Law Roadster and the other is an open runabout with an aftermarket body. John

[redmodelt]

Piston just over top dead center with charge of fuel. Roller in timer closing circuit. Turn key to battery on switch, coil fires, boom the engine starts. Free start is generally anytime the engine starts without cranking it over beforehand or can be when engine is primed by cranking over a couple of times with key off, then without more cranking, turn the key on and it starts.

[Lanny]

Originally Posted by 29spcoupe

I have 2 brass T's. one is a 1911 Mother-In-Law Roadster and the other is an open runabout with an aftermarket body. John

Thanks John, they are a couple of Great looking Brass T's.


Also, thanks redmodelt for explaining the "Free Start"
That's interesting to know...




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[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Here is one I owned for a while. It once did a cold free start the first time I re-awakened it from a winter rest. What a surprise!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 29spcoupe

I have 2 brass T's. one is a 1911 Mother-In-Law Roadster and the other is an open runabout with an aftermarket body. John

[1940 Convert]

I have a brass car but it's not a T. It's a Maxwell but nobody really makes anything for them so I have the T books to order things. The car cover I ordered for a T fits very well.

[Lanny]

1940 convert, I think a lot of folks here would enjoy seeing some pix of your
Brass Maxwell. I, for one, would like to see and compare to the "T" s.




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[1940 Convert]

1912 Mascotte not my pic but it's my car in Springfield IL. I can't get it to show up so I'll post the link.



https://www.flickr.com/photos/myoldp...n/photostream/

[1940 Convert]

Looks like I'll have to update a photo host to post them.