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.

[rotorwrench]

They can be posted from your computer but you may need a few more posts before it will work. The FB site required 15 posts before you can use the private message system and that may affect photo posting but I don't know for certain.

[1940 Convert]

Okay thanks I wasn't aware of how it worked.

[Gary loves Fords]

I usually get plenty of free starts with my 1909 Model T, but always when the engine is warm after a run and then starting it shortly after. I never heard of a free start after the car was sleeping all Winter, unless you cranked it with the ignition switch off to prime the cylinders and then turned the ignition switch on.

[1940 Convert]

I've had mine hit and spin over a few times but never actually start.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Gary loves Fords

I never heard of a free start after the car was sleeping all Winter, unless you cranked it with the ignition switch off to prime the cylinders and then turned the ignition switch on.

Yes I did prime and turned the key and it started.

[cas3]

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Some folks get really good at getting free starts by experimenting with how to set it up. Pull the choke just before the last revolution when you shut it off to charge the cylinder, and play with different throttle and spark positions to see which works best. I've only had a few in my T's but it is quite exciting when it happens !

[art ebeling]

My 11 Touring car. Art

[1940 Convert]

That's a nice car.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by art ebeling

My 11 Touring car. Art

[ModelA29]

My grandmother around 1911-13 - Brass car?

[G Baese]

That '11 Touring is sure a dandy car!

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

My grandmother around 1911-13 - Brass car?

[Lanny]

Thanks Pete, for taking the time to ENLARGE these pictures, making
them easier to see the detail in the photos,,,you'r a good man





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[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Lanny

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

I own a '14 Runabout that is presently being converted into a Sears, Roebuck Agents car, a '15 Touring, and a '15 Speedster. Pix below...

Remember; 'Brass has Class!!'

Originally Posted by 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.

I also own a 1909 Maxwell. Its a two-cylinder car like yours but the LD model. I am about finished collecting parts on enough to begin the full restoration on it.

.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I own a '14 Runabout that is presently being converted into a Sears, Roebuck Agents car, a '15 Touring, and a '15 Speedster. Pix below...


Remember; 'Brass has Class!!'

I also own a 1909 Maxwell. Its a two-cylinder car like yours but the LD model. I am about finished collecting parts on enough to begin the full restoration on it.

[1940 Convert]

petehoovie


How many cars of that era do you have?

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 1940 Convert

petehoovie


How many cars of that era do you have?

Zero...

[1940 Convert]

Sorry I quoted the wrong post. I meant to ask BRENT in 10-uh-C.

[Lanny]

Thanks Brent for submitting your great Brass T pix...
And again, thanks to petehoovie for taking the time to Enlarge them





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[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 1940 Convert

Sorry I quoted the wrong post. I meant to ask BRENT in 10-uh-C.

Roughly 6 brass-era counting the ones that are inoperable at the moment. I did not show pix of a faux 1910 Tourabout that I am gathering pieces for, the LD Maxwell that is about to receive its first restoration, and an unidentified friction drive, chain drive vehicle that I 'inherited'.

Then, there are the non brass-era cars such as a few more Ts and a couple of As. Finally, add in a mix of 'family cars' such as '29 Model-A Phaeton that my great, great Aunt & Uncle purchased new on their honeymoon, a '49 Chrysler Windsor that my late FiL 'courted' my MiL in, a '54 Hudson Hornet that my grandpa purchased new, a 1979 Chevrolet M/C that was the last car my grandmother had, ...and as you can see I have too many old cars.

[Model A Ron]

1916 was the last year but I have a 1915 and love it. Just put on a new set of Universal Whites over the winter and they really make a brass T Pop. I also have a 24 Coupe that I removed the package shelf on and the legroom is amazing.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Model A Ron

1916 was the last year but I have a 1915 and love it. Just put on a new set of Universal Whites over the winter and they really make a brass T Pop. I also have a 24 Coupe that I removed the package shelf on and the legroom is amazing.

[1940 Convert]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Roughly 6 brass-era counting the ones that are inoperable at the moment. I did not show pix of a faux 1910 Tourabout that I am gathering pieces for, the LD Maxwell that is about to receive its first restoration, and an unidentified friction drive, chain drive vehicle that I 'inherited'.

Then, there are the non brass-era cars such as a few more Ts and a couple of As. Finally, add in a mix of 'family cars' such as '29 Model-A Phaeton that my great, great Aunt & Uncle purchased new on their honeymoon, a '49 Chrysler Windsor that my late FiL 'courted' my MiL in, a '54 Hudson Hornet that my grandpa purchased new, a 1979 Chevrolet M/C that was the last car my grandmother had, ...and as you can see I have too many old cars.

That is a bunch. I grew up around a large collection of 30's and later. My Maxwell was our only one older than 1928. It was just overwhelming to try to keep up. It's now down to just three which at times still seems to be a bit much to care for.

[1940 Convert]

Originally Posted by Model A Ron

1916 was the last year but I have a 1915 and love it. Just put on a new set of Universal Whites over the winter and they really make a brass T Pop. I also have a 24 Coupe that I removed the package shelf on and the legroom is amazing.

I like the looks of the white tires but they seem like they would be hard to keep white. On another board they have talked about sometimes they turn a little brownish with age.

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1940 Convert

I like the looks of the white tires but they seem like they would be hard to keep white. On another board they have talked about sometimes they turn a little brownish with age.

You do need to clean the tires like white walls but its worth the extra 15 minutes when washing the car when needed. As for turning brown that was a real thing 5 or so years back but not today.

[1940 Convert]

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Originally Posted by Model A Ron

You do need to clean the tires like white walls but its worth the extra 15 minutes when washing the car when needed. As for turning brown that was a real thing 5 or so years back but not today.

Was that a specific brand that turns brown?

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1940 Convert

Was that a specific brand that turns brown?

It was all white tires as they all come from the same plant in Vietnam regardless of brand. If I recall it was a release agent they were using on the molds. I got a set of Universal Whites from Coker at Christmas with free shipping and 10% off.....I think they were just under 200 each. They do not last as long as the black tires but I think most of us have tires age out before we run the threads off. Its a personnel choice however to me the white tires make the car look so much better that its worth it.

[rotorwrench]

The added carbon black was what made the natural rubber more durable. The white walls were a band of natural rubber added in during the wrapping process. On an all white tire, the whole carcass is made from natural rubber but it usually has some carbon black mixed in. It was enough to make the a sort of grayish white. When these tires were first made, automobile and aircraft tires were a relatively new invention. The wheel rims to take them were too. In less than a century, tires went from natural rubber and reinforcing materials to the more modern steel belted radials tires that have a lot more syntheyic rubber mixed in.

A lot of different materials are used now but natural latex rubber is still a part of the mix along with nylon and rayon synthetic fibers for reinforcement and more steel wire for the rim beads. Sulfur and zinc oxide are still used in the vulcanizing process. The reproduction tires are a lot stronger for the modern synthetics mixed in there for strength of the carcass and durability completed tire. The old originals didn't last nearly as well and that's why most folks carried their own patch kits and Ford included tire pumps & spoons as part of the tool set. Folks only carried a spare for the times a patch kit would no longer repair a tire or when they didn't want to get as dirty.

[art ebeling]

I have had the 11 out and driven ten miles two days in a row. Art

[1940 Convert]

That looks like a nice area to take a drive. I pretty much stopped driving mine without an escort a few years ago. Not really because of fear of it breaking. I've had several people cut me off and I guess they assume it has good brakes. The last few times I drove it on the street was in Springfield IL for the Secretary of State Show last fall. Then in Champaign IL for a car show but I had an escort.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by art ebeling

I have had the 11 out and driven ten miles two days in a row. Art

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1940 Convert

That looks like a nice area to take a drive. I pretty much stopped driving mine without an escort a few years ago. Not really because of fear of it breaking. I've had several people cut me off and I guess they assume it has good brakes. The last few times I drove it on the street was in Springfield IL for the Secretary of State Show last fall. Then in Champaign IL for a car show but I had an escort.

Have you considered adding brakes to it? My 15 Touring came to me with disk brakes and they stop amazing. Most people would never know but they do not look period correct. For my 24 Coupe I got a set of Rocky Mountain drum brakes that do look very period correct. People say they do not wok as good in rain and reverse but to me they are fine.

[1940 Convert]

I never really considered it. It has a pretty faithful to stock restoration. It also doesn't have brake lights or turn signals.

[Model A Ron]

Originally Posted by 1940 Convert

I never really considered it. It has a pretty faithful to stock restoration. It also doesn't have brake lights or turn signals.

You may want to look at some photos of the Rocky Mountain brakes. They are bolt on and look period correct. Trust me brakes on a T are a game changer. To me the stopping is almost as good as on a Model A.

[1940 Convert]

I've heard of them but never seen a T up close with them on it. I'll have to look into them further.

[29spcoupe]

Originally Posted by Model A Ron

You may want to look at some photos of the Rocky Mountain brakes. They are bolt on and look period correct. Trust me brakes on a T are a game changer. To me the stopping is almost as good as on a Model A.

Rocky Mountains are a must on a Model T. If anything between the engine and the rear wheels breaks, you will have no brakes at all!!!

[1940 Convert]

My Maxwell is set up more like a modern system with expanding drum brakes. Then it also has outside clamping on the same drum. All on rear and nothing on front.

[Model A Ron]

My 1915 Touring has rear disk brakes and they are better but look to modern. If you plan on doing a lot of driving disks are the best you can get. I have no complaints on the stopping ability.

[1940 Convert]

I looked at a set of Rocky Mountain brakes and they look very similar to my factory brakes. I've been thinking of trying to clean the brake lining to see if that helps. It's important to me to keep it looking stock. I don't think I'll ever drive it a lot. Usually I park the enclosed trailer within a block or two of where it will be displayed. I've done a couple of weddings and I think 10 miles in the same day is about the farthest I've ever driven it.

[Model A Ron]

I think I put on about 1500 miles last year and I thought that was very little.....I guess if you never drive it who needs brakes lol

[Lanny]

Curious if there are other members with Brass "T"s that
would like to post a picture, or even a few pictures of it. thx




.

[1940 Convert]

I'd like to see them also. It's not often I see brass cars anymore.