Identify Model T frame

I picked up a "Z"ed model T spring the other day and was wondering if there is any way to tell what year it is. I looked it over real good and can't find any numbers. The front spring would be about 1 5/8" wide and the rear about 2". The frame is about 92" overall length.

 

The t frames had a vin on top of the frame about where the firewall is on the passenger side,sometimes there pretty faint.26 & 27 had longer ears on the rear crossmember.they all used the same width springs front & rear,but had
a different number of leaves depending on year & sometimes model. 16 and
down had the tapered end leaves. 1920 & up had pressed steel running board brackets & the earlier ones were cast,yours are proubly long gone if it has been z ed

 

I do not believe the numbers were stamped until 1923 before then they used block ID.

 

NO Model T had any numbers stamped on the frame. they are on the engine block.

Quick and dirty Model T frame ID points:

if the frame has cast ears on the rear cross member: really freakin old 1908 - 1909 (and worth shit loads of cash). You do not have this frame!

if the emergency brake ratchet plate has 4 rivets attaching it to the frame, the frame is a pre-1917 frame

if the frame has a really huge looking rear cross member for the rear spring it is 1926 - 27

everything else will fall in between '17 and '25

i dont think we needed to go into how the rivet holes are located and where here...

how about some pics?

 

Actually 1926 and 1927 models DID have a number on the framerails. It is located near the passenger side door. The frame number is the same as the motor number (if motor hasn't been swapped...obviously). I have 3 26-27 frames and all of them have the numbers, they are definately a bitch to see. I also have quite a few earlier frames and they don't have any numbers. Yes the best way to tell a "improved" T frame from its former is the wider rear crossmember...it also has a "lip" on the front and back similiar to an A crossmember. The earlier ones just look like a curved channel.
Mike

 

Here's another 2 cents... 26 and 27 did have the numer stamped on the frame, but they were not very deep and nine times outa ten yer not gonna see em now. No other years did this. Before 26, the serial numbers (or VIN) was only on the engine block. Very slight differences did take place over the years, most notably what has already been mentioned (i.e. thicker crossmembers on 26 and 27 frames, rivet type and location and thicker gauge steel was used in some years). Check out www.modelt.org and go to the "frame" section of the site. That should help some. However, even then it will probably be rather difficult to ID the frame you have since it's already been modified. Dave

 

I have an extremely nice restored '26 frame that came with a roadster i bought, has number on the rt side top rail in the door area, same number is on the engine block.