Goin thru bunch of my Dad's old tools today. Found several old Ford wrenchs. Some have #'s (1-10), some say 1917- have some arched box ends. One tool was wraped in rags & labeled "Ford Model T thread chaser-very old". Then I found what I think is valve guide tool. About 6" long w/ U that drops down maybe an inch. Imagine a U w/ 2" extending right and left from top of U. Has beveled end (like breach of rifle). This is marked Ford V8. Made of round stock. Any idea's as to age or way's to ID them. Figure the 1917 & thread chaser are MT and the valve guide tool is late 30's. Didn't know ford made so many different ones.
Ford made a wide variety of tools, as well as virtually every tool manufacturer in the country made tools for the ford. The tool marked '1917', is actually marked 'T 1917". Has nothing to do with the date, just the part number for a Model T band adjusting wrench. Very popular, one was supplied with each car delivered. Ford tools supplied with the Model T are all marked with a T prefix. Ford tools supplied to dealers to work on the T are all marked with a 3Z or 5Z prefix. Some Model A tools were also marked with 5Z. Yes, photos would help a lot.
See page 5 (Valve Tools Continued) of my website. There is one of the "U" shaped devices on the first pic top left. I think that "U" shaped tool you are describing is a valve guide driver. You rotate the cam until the valve is open then slide the "U" down beside the opened valve until it contacts the valve guide. Tap it with a hammer until the guide moves down and then pull the horsehoe clip. Then guide(s) and valve can come out the top. Probably made is the 30's. Jim
I had 2 or 3 FORD tools that I gave to my good buddy a MATCO tool distributor for his old tool collection. Some good information here and historical items, please.... photos if you can.
The Jalopy Journal
