Help identify model t

ldj1002

Senior Member
Going to look a a Model t that is supposed to be about a 23. Photo shows it has the lid on cowl that covers gas cap. I thought these were only on 26 and 27. I also thought 26 and 27 has all steel body. Photo of this shows on door post next to windshield what looks to be wood. Looks like a hole drilled with a bolt and nut in the hole. If I am looking correct this hole was drilled after painted. Any help appreciated.
 
Here is photo
 

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Looks like a 1923 Coupe to me! Cowl opening is a ventilator. Body on this car would be steel skin over a wood framework. Good looking car even with the "extra stuff" attached.
 
In 24 I believe that the closed cars went with the ventillator on the cowl and the doors were all steel with no wood framing. The 24 Coupe had an oval gas tank located under the seat. Earlier models(coupe) had the tank in the trunk area. Does the engine serial number coincide with any particular year? Four dip engine pan started in 24 also. 26/27 still used wood around the quarter and rear windows. Great looking auto, good luck
 
Re: Help identify model t--- More info.

I am just worried about the wood. I guess if the doors doesn't sag and can tug up and down and it is solid I can assume the wood is OK. What would be good ways to check out the wood structure.The Speedster is nice looking but I am not sure about being no protection from rain, sun, wind. Either one is for sale same price, my choice which one..
 

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If I had to choose between the two, it would be the coupe. It would not take much to make it 100% original. Speedsters are fun, but they are typically put together with parts from various years and misc. speed equipment. The condition of the wood will be tough to determine with a full interior in place. Years ago if I could not replace a damaged wood piece we would remove what we could and repair with wood epoxy. I have gotten into the 26/27 coupes for that reason (more steel than wood). Wood repair can drive you nuts if you have never done it before. Good luck with whatever you choose.
 
You can see the sills from under the car - look at the corners where the wood joins together. The header above the windshield is a common place for rot to set in. Look for moving cracks in the paint at the joints which might indicate trouble. Loose screws or nails are also an indicator of trouble.

A long hat pin can tell a lot without disturbing the interior or panels.

I would agree that the coupe is definitely of more value than the speedster.
 
Thanks, By moving cracks I assume you mean if where paint is cracked you can see the crack move when pressure is put in that area. I'll try to find a hat pin. I haven't heard of one in years. It would be nice to have a diagram where the structure wood is to try to stick the pin in. Where might I put pressure to see if any rotten wood gives?
 
You don't have to look far to find wood in a 24 coupe - see diagram.

You have the idea on cracks - anything that looks like it moves when you stress the structure of the body.

Any signs of water leaking in on the upholstry is a suspect area.

A straightened safety pin will work, I think you will find hat pin like pins at any florist or the back seat of many cars parked outside the Prom - (corsage pins)
 

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