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SteveWlf

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I have and opportunity to get into a Model T project, that most might delare a piece of junk or at best a collection of parts for ebay sale.

Or maybe this is what many have started with when on a Social Security budget.

Let me back up, a fellow came by my Western WA home shop and ask about my two old International trucks ('36 1 ton, '36 2 ton). I had lost interest in them for a number of years so wanted to sell or trade the 1 ton.

This fellow told me he had a Model T that was a project but was complete from the radiator back to the fire wall/dash board. Plus open frame and full running gear. Wooden wheel spokes rotted away but several other wheels among the spare parts. I went and took a look at it today would have been disappointed except that the engine and drive train are completely intact. Mag coils are stored in a dry house. Radiator is in cood condition. Starter is installed. Couldn't see much more because of the weather cover over the hood. I didn't try to turn it over, although the crank was there. Amongst the other parts was a complete extra front axle with spindles, spring and wishbone. Pair of running boards but the only sheet metal was the aprons attached to them. There is a two piece windshield stored securely in a sturdy box with some mounting hardware.

I suppose what I want to know for now, is how do I identify the year and model/type this is. Since there is no body, it is hard to visualize what it was or could be.

I haven't made a deal for it yet, but tempted.

Any help or comments would be welcome.

Steve
 
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I just got back from looking at some period pictures on another forum and believe it is about 1917 or maybe a couple years newer. I say this from the shape of the radiator being rounded upper corners rather than angled as in the earlier years.
Also I remember that the front lower trim piece is fairly narrow and I'm seeing some what wider on some year models. Not sure yet which has this narrower piece. Maybe only about 1" wide along the bottom, then narrowers as it turns up to meet the upper side pieces. The radiator plug/cap was nothing fancy, kinda like a lemon juicer style. No Ford logo across the front of the radiator, but "Ford" embosses in the tip trim in about 1 1/2" letters.
Maybe that will help ID this "T".

Thanks,
Steve
 
Rather than retype all my comments from last week, here's a link to a discussion on a similar bent. http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/349952.html?1364255375

As for identifying your prospective purchase, post good clear pictures from several angles on the forum linked above and you'll soon know what it is. The serial number (above the water inlet on the side of the engine) will tell the date the engine was assembled. That may or may not belong with the rest of the chassis, as engine swaps are pretty common.
 
Yes, It was on the mtfca forum that I was looking at the pictures.
From the link you provided, I read down and determined that this finded has the plain sheet metal shroud around the radiator and has a starter. It appears to be OEM, not a add-on.
I can't get any pictures til the weather clears up so we can peel away about 4 layers of collapsed weather covers. Then I can lift the hood and see if all the engine is actually there.

Steve
 
OK, the radiator shell says 1917-1925, and the starter makes it 1919 or later, so it sounds like 1919-1925. When you have more details and some pictures we can pin it down closer than that.
 
I would say 1917-1922. If it is you got a good start for my winter project.You have the
windshield and the running gear. You can build this on a SS budget. I know I'am on one.
T's are the most fun you can have at 45MPH. Welcome aboard.
 
Just FYI, it sounds as though you are short quite a few parts for this restoration, and most if not all of the sheet metal. You probably need another parts car that you need to pick up on the cheap to complete yours.

Your SS budget may be stretched, I just completed the restoration of a 1919 Touring which was a bit more complete than yours, did all the work on it, and I just passed 5 figures in costs recently. New upholstery from Classtique, new top irons and top, and new tires and tubes alone are approx $4 grand all together. Again, just FYI.
 
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