Doug, it is harder to find parts for a chevrolet but some model T parts do work on the 490 (dont tell some people that they dont like to hear that.) It has electric start as by 1915 it was standard on chevrolets. Yes it has a leather clutch which takes a little to get used to. It has rear mechanical brakes only. Chevrolet started model years around August the date on the head is late August if I remember correctly.