Some novice T questions

Tom in SW VA

Tom in SW VA

Well-known member
I just bought a 24 T. I have some very elementary questions. Help.

1) How do you get the headlamp open to change the bulb?
2) Is there a cutoff valve for the gas? It is leaking terribly.
3) How do you know where neutral is located in the lever on the left?
4) How do you know where neutral is in the low-high petal?
5) How do you use the reverse petal?

I know these are simple questions, but I need your help.

Tom Thanks :)
 
Neutral by the lever is in the middle (vertical), actually anyplace but full forward. Full back of course is parking brake and naturally neutral. There is always a drag in neutral unless you have 'turbo' or 'jack rabbit' clutches. Stock Ford clutches are in a state of slipping when in neutral. On a cold morning when the oil is thick, if I want to save the battery I'll jack up one back tire to eliminate the drag of the trans on the motor.

Neutral on the slow pedal is again in the middle. If you find there is chatter trying to use the pedal for neutral you may have to adjust the lever.

Reverse is achieved by placing the stick in neutral and tromping on the middle pedal. I use my left foot as the right foot needs to use the brake.

Adjusting for free neutral is done by removing the floorboards. Work the pedal and the stick fore and aft so you can see and understand the action they produce on the clutch control shaft coming out of the trans. The books tells us to first pull the cotter and clevis pins. Pull the pedal rearward and after unlocking the lock nut, shorten the rod to miss the (because you shortened it) lever hole by 1/16". Lock the locking nut then re-install the pins. Now move the lever forward to clear the clutch lever screw unlock the set screw nut, turn the set screw down (clockwise) until the slow pedal moves down 1 + 3/4" when the lever is pulled all the way back.

The next fun you need to learn is adjusting the bands, and really the book says to get them right before doing the above. For this task unless you are a handy andy get help, the first time. I mean I taught myself and many a driver back in the day figured it out alone but it depends on your definition of fun. In any case I can't say it enough. Get the book. Read it!

So you've opened the trans inspection cover, you're ready to stick your fingers in there. Wait the book didn't mention, but to avoid undue pain, disconnect the battery first. The starter button is right there. Lean on it while your fingers are in there and you'll be singing the praises of your Model A.
 
1: The head lamp bulb is accessed by removing the bezel (ring) on the outter edge of the lamp housing. It twists off. CCW I believe and can be a real honey to remove. It locks onto rivets in the housing that fit into slots. Spray liberally with a rust buster. They like to stay where they are. Be careful. The glass comes off with the bezel. Test the replaced bulb before re-installing the bezel.

2: The only gas shut-off on a stock car is on the bulb mounted on the tank. As asked: where is the leak?

3 & 4: Neutral on the hand brake lever is straight up or vertical. Normally that is. Watch the left pedals movement as you work the handle fore & aft. It should stop about 1/2 way up. Adjustments might be necessary. Maybe one of you guys could post the diagram? I don't have it handy.

5: The safest way to use reverse is with the hand brake lever in neutral. Especially if you're new to T's and definitely when pulling into a garage! (don't ask). This way the car won't try to go ahead if you get confused while holding the left pedal in neutral with your foot. As stated by A bones: left foot on the reverse pedal right on the brake ready for surprises.

Ask questions about adjusting the bands. It's not beginner's work because they can be too tight and do more damage that way. Another thing: when operating the hand brake lever grip and hold the spring portion of the handle. Don't ratchet it allowing it to make that pleasing click click click sound. It'll wear the pawl pieces out & won't lock in position. The Black Book (manual) mentioned above is a must but be advised it's both a blessing and a curse. I don't believe it was written to be used as we use it today. That is as a kind of service manual. I think it was written as a time study to beat slow T dealer mechanics over the head for dragging their feet. It can be very clear and very vague at the same time as far as any particular job is concerned because the reader was supposed to know the job being described already not for a first timer. It's all that exists in this vein so that's what's mainly used but it ain't great. Ask before doing ANYTHING you're unsure of.
 
Now you've had the primer... heres the lesson: if you reverse with the brake handle in neutral and your not using any pedals at the moment, it can jump off the ratchet and into high gear and hit moms Caddy; yes you can ask! Not that it matters, but I was taught at about 10 years old to hold neutral with your left foot and reverse with the right. Just an FYI. ws
 
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