Projects My '26 Roadster / Vintage photo search

I got my copy last week or so and I have to say that your Model T is my favorite feature in the Little Pages! You did a superb job with that and have really opened up my eyes to the world of gow jobs.

As for changing your car.. It's your car. You built this version and absolutely no one was disappointed with it as well as getting featured in R&C. That right there is proof that you know what you're doing and have good taste. So, go on.. Make your car just a tad faster. I saw that post you put in the '58 high school grad thread about the 4-banger that outran just about every motor for the first 2 blocks. Just realize that now you've mentioned that, everyone has higher expectations of you now.

 

Thank you kindly! It really means allot to hear this kind of thing about my first build, or "practice run"

The "Gowjob" era is one of my favorite periods in the "Hot Rodding" legacy...and one that seems to get forgotten too easily. There are very few cars built to represent this period and even fewer built by a young person from my generation. Maybe the ol' T will help spark a come back.

I was actually referring to cosmetic changes as opposed drive train changes and repairs. These are sometimes needed to keep the the old girl running and performing to my standards. Cosmetics can easily go "too far"....everyone seems rather happy with how it looks so "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". It is my car yes, but I still take all of your opinions and comments into consideration...heck, all of you can't be wrong!

..I know that I have dug my self into a hole, but I don't have the deep pockets to this with a T....A's and B's are far stronger for this

 

UPDATE:
Operation: "Engine Airlift"

In the wake of the Rod & Custom feature, I have neglected to post the latest update on the new engine for the T.

Due the m***ive scope of Chris and I's trip to Bonneville is 2012, it goes without saying that the T would need to under go some serious work to be ready...or as ready as it will ever be for the 1,500 + mile trip. Part of this "freshening up" process is an entirely new motor.

The current engine is still running bearings that are perhaps 75 to 80 years old and are getting tired to say the least. The bottom line is, I simply don't trust them for this kind of trip. So I decided to have Tom and Mike from the Antique Auto Ranch in Spokane, WA do the work. They know T's, they are good at what they do and they know my car and what I'm after.

The drive from Portland to Spokane did not interest either of us, so Chris suggested "flying" in his cousin's Cessna 185..."1 hrs 45 min up there and back, we'll be home by lunch" he said....so I packed up my spare '26 engine and got my self ready.

The engine was loaded into the plane and by 7:00 am, it was off the ground heading north. The engine was dropped off with Tom and Mike without a hitch and the plane touched back down in Portland just as Chris had said, before lunch.

There is only one problem with this seemingly perfect story.....I was not with them, I overslept

The day/ night before proved long and exhausting and I was out like a light as soon as I hit the pillow. To make matters WORSE, my alarm chose NOT to alert me that I needed to get my *** up! In stead I awoke at 6:55 am to Chris calling me frantically....to tell me they were already over Mt. St. Helens......Thanks Chris

Chris was still nice enough to go on without me and make sure the new mill got to where it needed to go.

This embarr***ing combination of failures on my part will certainly NOT be repeated on the return trip....That you can set your alarm by

Here are a few pictures that Chris captured in the air....to show me how much awesomeness I missed, enjoy!
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Clayton, You sure picked the wrong day to oversleep. Aerial photos are pretty boss ! Guess you will be there for the trip to pick up the rebuilt motor.

Dave

 

Let's see Mr Sleepy , I called you fifteen times but some how your cell phone got shut off!!!! I did like you said" Call me around five in the morning!!!!" Well that definitely didn't work!! hey little brother at least the motors in the works now!

 

Ha, I am glad I was the one who got to deliver the news to ya Car looks great in there! See you in September!!!

 

..Truly and "Epic Failure" on my part for sure and not soon to be forgotten by you for sure....I'll be hearing about this 'till I'm 90 The motor is in the works and that's all that matters....big bro

 

It certainly was a pleasant Sunday morning surprise that's for sure!

I am planning to have the Roadster on hand for the WA. State Run, but If the new motor is back before then, she may be in pieces getting ready for the engine swap. With what time I have to get ready for Bonneville 2012, I can't waste any.

Chris Becker and I will be there regardless with the "Becker Special" even if my T is not....but I know you have been wanting my Roadster to show up and I don't plan to disappoint

 

I completely understand. I'm a bit younger than you (23) but this is the kind of stuff I love seeing. The earlier the period-correct car is, the better. Yours is about the oldest but most period-correct hot rod I've seen thus far. How different is it to drive a Model T from say.. Your average AV8? Is the gas, retard, and advance set-up on your steering wheel operational and how does that work? Do you literally "tune" your motor from the driver's seat? If so.. Then that's just wild. Driving a Model T is definitely on my bucket list and I would much rather drive your T (or something just as awesome) than a bone stock T.

What are some of the cosmetic changes you have in mind for your T? They can't be as drastic to get threats from across the pond. One feature I love about your T is not just the use of mostly T parts but the mix of other br*** era parts such as the Caddy frame horns and the lights. So in a sense, it looks entirely stock but it's almost a concept hot rod Henry Ford personally designed. I've always been interested in seeing br*** era parts mixed in with others as it seems every br*** era car has to be stock.

Keep doing your thing. This is the kind of stuff that should be much more mainstream.. but not mainstream enough to drive the prices of br*** era stuff through the roof.

 

To put it simply, you are far "busier"in a T then you are in an AV8. The Model T has a 2-speed planetary transmission (2 speeds forward, 1 reverse) that is shifted by the pedals on the floor: mash the "Clutch" pedal down, you now moving in low gear....put the hand lever all the way forward and let the all the way out, now your in high gear. To reverse, Hold the "Clutch" at the half-way point (neutral) and mash down the Reverse pedal (center). Think it like a very early automatic that you shift manually with your feet. The Spark and Gas levers do work in my car (Gas doesn't right now, need to fix the linkages) and you always adjusting while you drive...for the most part. Usually the only time I set the timing retarded is when crank starting it. If you don't, it can break your arm.

Here is a snipit from the old Ford instruction manual showing the controls and hand lever positions.





My car also has a Chicago Auxiliary 3-speed Overdrive unit that gives you Under-drive, Direct and 25% Overdrive for 6 total forward speed combos and 3 in reverse. The bolts directly to the output shaft of the T transmission and requires that the drive line be shortened approx. 12". These were accessories to the T's and are shifted using the throttle....RPM shifting. I usually start in "Under-drive", mash the clutch down to low.....let her out in high, THEN shift the O.D. into direct and then Overdrive. My car will cruise at 55 -60 (with 3.63:1 gears) all day long.



As far as cosmetics, nothing MAJOR. One of my lower rear quarters is completely rotted out and needs to be replaced I also plan to replace the lower sub frame under the turtle deck (which I made from 2x3 steel square tube) as I have found an original. I would also like to give her a "real" paint job. The paint on it now was only a "temp" coat of machinery enamel....It needs a real old style Lacquer job.

The "threats" were merely playful jabs by some of my friends here on the H.A.M.B. when I mentioned the idea about possibly changing the color to a very dark blue or green. needless to say they "convinced" me to keep it black. In truth, I never really indented to change the color...I just wanted to see what would happen

I was really pleased with how the Caddy frame horns turned out too. They ALWAYS throw people off: "Is that a Model A frame or early Chevy? The full “roster” of auto companies who have parts on my T is as follows:

Hudson, Willys, Packard, Nash, Franklin, Oldsmobile, Stutz, Mercer, Locomobile, Lincoln, Dodge, Chrysler, Pierce-Arrow, White, Studebaker, Buick, Willys-Knight, Cadillac, Hupmobile, Ford, Bently and Rolls-Royce.

I’ll tell ya what....if your gonna make it to Bonneville next year (2012) for “Speed Week”, my buddy Chris and I will be there (we’re driving our T’s all the way there and back). I would be more than happy to give you a ride and a driving lesson

 

That's just ******** sweet. I don't know if I'd be able to make Bonneville in 2012 unless I save up enough. And if my Model A as well as college doesn't drain my funds too much.. I will make my way out there one day before I die but I'll definitely try for 2012 for sure.

That list of br*** era cars all involved in your car literally sounds like the list of cars you'll find in a museum. But this one is far from sitting in a museum. It's refreshing to see something like this is still out there. Definitely motivation for me to start my own period correct Model T.

Thanks for providing the pictures. They help a lot. Your description is pretty resourceful too but I kind of have to act it out. Haha.

iPhone - TJJ App

 

Oh, I forgot to ask as well. Do you turn the power on with a key or with a power cutoff switch? Or are you just confident enough that no one will be knowledgable enough to drive this T away?


iPhone - TJJ App

 

congrats!!!

 

I don't worry too much, there is so much to do while driving and there are little tricks for everything...it's really it's own anti theft device.

Just the same, it has an ignition key and a secret dead man switch

Thanks!!!!

 

That t is one of the coolest ive have ever seen its got me thinking about my next project. There may be a t in my future. It looks like a blast

 

..The revolution begins!

Thanks! It is truly a blast to drive and was a lot of fun to build!

 

Update:
Operation: Engine Rebuild

Got a call from Mike @ the Antique Auto Ranch in Spokane, WA with an update on the new motor. The block and crank had just come back from the Magnafluxer's and it was revealed that the crankshaft that I had sent...was cracked





The block however checked out fine. Mike ran the boring bar on the block set at .030 over....didn't even touch the cylinder walls. So they set it at .060.....still won't touch it, so now my block will be set up for .080 over pistons that will be coming from Egge Machine.

More to come, as the build up for Bonneville 2012 continues....so stay tuned!


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Billet, counterweighted, stroker (?) crank...

-Dave

 

Boy, I wish! If I could afford a new **** stroker/rods/main cap setup I WOULD in a heart beat!

But this is a budget build....so the hunt for another '26-7 crank gets underway

 

What’s different about the Improved Car crank? Have you given any thought to retrofitting a Model A crank?

-Dave

 

The "improved Ford car" cranks were a stouter casting then the earlier cranks.

I have thought about a Model A crank (and full pressure oiling) but that's not a cheap option either. For a properly done T block setup with an A crank is about $3,000.

 

Fast, easy, and cheap - you can only ever have two. Hence the speed with which I'm gathering parts!

I love the Improved Cars. I swear they’ve got more differences from the cars that came before than they have similarities.

-Dave

 

Too true!

There are many things that are different, and many things the same between all years. For the most part...you can mix and match all you want without problems

 

Update:
Broken Crankshaft

Mike @ the Antique Auto Ranch found a new '26-7 "EE" series crank, so we're back in business!
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But those guys on MTFCA.com almost had you convinced to go billet, didn't they?

-Dave

 

I convinced myself a long time ago...just don't have the $ for it

 

Clayton, Glad to hear that you found a new crank. Is the cam a new one or a regrind ? Brand new to bangers. Really want a mild built Banger Motor for my Dodge Modified.
Looking forward to updates on the T's new motor.

Dave

 

Dave,

Me too! ..was on pins and needles trying to find another good "EE" series crank. The cam is a re-ground original done by Rick Carnegie of Spokane, WA....he does AWESOME work, super nice to work with and his prices are great!

I will dig up Rick's number for you...I recommend talking to him about the cam for your Dodge Modified.

His brother Tom Carnegie (of the Antique Auto Ranch in Spokane) are the ones doing my new motor for the Roadster.

 

UPDATE:
Goodies

Been awhile since I posted an update. Nothing new on the engine rebuild yet, so in the mean time I have been collecting the needed part for phase two: the swap.

Over the last week or two I have also lucked out on some neat finds, like this...

A complete, low roadster top....most likely Model A. The top is rotted yes...but the correct folding bow ***embly isn't...and it fits my car almost perfectly...





And it had the side curtains...


I also managed to dig up this early tube style bumper...likely from a Peirce Arrow..


Also found a new trans ***embly with a good reverse drum...


..A new E-brake handle...


And a COMPLETE set of 5 VERY nice '26 wire wheels, all the hubs and brand new bearings and seal..


...and a set of early knock-off spinners to with them..


Also have the mag drive now...but no pics yet..


Stay turned for more!
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Wow, good parts! I'm so jealous of you folks in the PNW. I never see stuff like that around here.

-Dave