oldford

I think you nailed it with Whippet. The cowl vent is the clue. The car spotter's guide does not show a cowl vent on the late 20's Olds. Good digging... Frank

The 1927 Oldsmobile had similar 4 hinge doors and also had the the hood louvers wrapped in a 'frame' as the car in the photo has. The olds had beaded fenders, though. I'm not sure of the cowl vent.... Could the smooth fenders in the photo just look that way due to the glare?? Frank

I took the Rayfield off the car, just too much carburetor. I installed a Stromberg MB-1 in its place and never looked back. More than enough power and never a hint of a problem. Frank

Scout, the hand pump is most likely used to pressurize the gas tank. The normal tanks just feed by gravity. This is a common modification on speedsters that adds a nice touch. I can only guess at the reason for two holes in the block in front of the carburetor. It could be a repair or it could have been a spot for an external oil pump (non-Ford issue), but I'm speculating. The hand stamped serial number is most likely an attempt by a previous owner to make the car more of a 1911 than is actually is. As far as the second petcock on the tank, the photos don't show where the lines go from the oil side. You should be aware that this tank is not Ford issue, but an aftermarket tank. For a speedster, it adds a nice touch, but Ford never put a two chamber tank on any body style. The oil side typically went to the crankcase to supply extra oil to the engine. The muffler is a set of cans that is wrapped with an asbestos like material and is typical of original style mufflers of the period. As far as the distributor, Ford never used a distributor system on Model T's, but rather, a set of 4 coils and a timer on the end of the cam shaft. I've had Model T's for over 30 years and I prefer the distributor for reliability. (Here comes the jabs from the purists) You have a Volkswagon distributor that is supplied by the aftermarket parts suppliers and is very reliable. It is in the correct location. Bottom line, your car is a very nice speedster with some very desirable accessories and I would not change a thing. Enjoy it.... Frank

This book by Richard Langworth is in excellent condition, except for a small tear in the papar jacket. Can bring to Hershey. $65.00. Frank Iaccino 518-755-0986 Booth CM18.

My best guess is a late teens Buick Six. Frank

I dont know exactly the diameter of your drums, but check with John McLaren in the Red Field. He makes new steel drums for Model T Fords. Perhaps the drum from a 26-27 may be right. Frank

When I was a kid, my oldest brother had a 1951 Cadillac 9 passenger limo with a custom body by Derham. It had a divider window and closed rear quarters. We used it for family vacations and I always loved that car. He sold it for $600 around 1970 and I've kicked myself in the butt ever since for not buying it. The last time I saw that car, it was in a large parking lot off of I87 in Clifton Park, NY. It was pouring rain and all the windows were down. Often wonder what happened to that car.... Frank

I still have these transmissions. Can deliver to Hershey. Frank

I have 4 nice 20" wood wheels for a Chevy (late 1920's) with 5 rims for straight side tires. Can bring to Hershey. $150 for the set. 518-755-0983, Hershey space CM18. Frank

I have your Ultramatic transmission. Complete, but missing torque converter, and has the bell housing. Send me a private message.... Frank

In NY, the child restraint system must be approved by Federal laws. Any car built before 1965 is exempt from safety restraint systems. The last thing you would want to do is try to invent a new system to hold your child safety seat and the have that new system cause injury. If you are that concerned about the safety of your occupants, get a newer car with Federally approved restraints. Frank

Since it has a straight windshield it's pre '23. No sidelights means it has an electric starter, so after 1919. Frank

My first guess would be Overland late teens, but that is a fairly common shape, with no dimensions to go by. Frank

Model T Ford open car with electric starter and generator. The non-electric cars would have had a mount for side lights. Frank

You may have to have the unit re-wound. For now, you could simply replace the unit with a modern coil and wire it into the circuit. At least you could keep the car running until you either get the coil fixed or replaced. Frank

The carburetor looks like a side draft Rayfield. (just like the one I have for sale...) Frank

Try again

I found this in the Truck Spotters Guide....

As near as I can tell, late 20's GMC, possibly 28 - 29. Frank

Mine was negative ground... Frank

My rayfield carb also has this hole and the mica window is there. I think it was used as a sight gauge to set the float level... Frank

Model T

One of the funniest things that happened to me really happened to my brother while I was with him. He had a Morgan +4 and I had a Triumph TR3 and we were on a small tour. While we were stopped for breakfast, an MG pulled up along side of us and we talked with the driver for a short time. A couple of college kids came up to the cars and one of them said to the other, "What does MG stand for on that little car?" The other replied, "Morgan Garages!" We still laugh about that one... Frank

Not sure, but I think the simple answer is that the cones wore enough to remove the hardened surface and when I put the new hard balls into the soft cone, you see the result. I can remember when I was quite a bit younger, a mechanic told me never to replace a new roller bearing without replacing the race, since the race will wear at the same rate as the rollers. I guess this proves the point... Frank