ericmac Posted December 16, 2023 Author Share Posted December 16, 2023 It's been a while since I've posted an update on this project. Contrary to popular belief, it is moving forward. The wooden body structure was completely restored by Don Booth and the chassis is painted. I have the complete interior kit, new glass and new tires. The engine and transmission assembly is done as is the rear axle. So now I have sort of a Fordor kit to reassemble. Honestly, it's getting hard to leave it alone. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted December 16, 2023 Share Posted December 16, 2023 (edited) Glad you are back! Edited December 16, 2023 by Jeff Perkins / Mn (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted December 16, 2023 Author Share Posted December 16, 2023 12 hours ago, Jeff Perkins / Mn said: Glad you are back! I never really left, but as I'm sure all of you know there are aspects of a restoration that are always "hurry up and wait" items. I delivered my nickel plating to a shop only to have them tell me they are retiring and taking no more work. I have an alternative shop but they are backed up. Such is life, right? Truth be known, I am very happy with the progress so far. Time wise, the car is right where I want right now. In regard to money, I don't know if I already have the most expensive Ford Model T Fordor the world but I have to be getting there! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike "Hubbie" Stearns Posted December 16, 2023 Share Posted December 16, 2023 It always seams that they go fairly quick at the beginning and then slow down. It’s like a rollercoaster ride. Waiting on parts to come in or items to get attention from someone else are slow. We all will get there at some point in the future. Some just a little quicker that others. Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted December 17, 2023 Author Share Posted December 17, 2023 8 hours ago, Mike "Hubbie" Stearns said: It always seams that they go fairly quick at the beginning and then slow down. It’s like a rollercoaster ride. Waiting on parts to come in or items to get attention from someone else are slow. We all will get there at some point in the future. Some just a little quicker that others. Mike At the rate my painter is going I'll have something that looks like a car in 2 months. 23 hours ago, Jeff Perkins / Mn said: Glad you are back! I never really left, but as I'm sure all of you know there are aspects of a restoration that are always "hurry up and wait" items. I delivered my nickel plating to a shop only to have them tell me they are retiring and taking no more work. I have an alternative shop but they are backed up. Such is life, right? Truth be known, I am very happy with the progress so far. Time wise, the car is right where I want right now. In regard to money, I don't know if I already have the most expensive Ford Model T Fordor the world but I have to be getting there! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted December 18, 2023 Author Share Posted December 18, 2023 The front end assembly is now painted and should be ready for installation this week. It was in excellent shape and only really needed some cleaning. Have a look at the extra clean Ford script on the driver's side! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cudaman Posted December 18, 2023 Share Posted December 18, 2023 Don Booth is "the man" when it comes to Model T Fordors and Centerdoors! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted December 19, 2023 Author Share Posted December 19, 2023 6 hours ago, cudaman said: Don Booth is "the man" when it comes to Model T Fordors and Centerdoors! Yes. The woodwork and metal work were done by Don. The chassis, fenders and body painting is being done by Mark Eyre, probably the best T restorer alive. Once painted, the body will go back to Don, where he and I will put in the glass and interior. Then it will go back to my house for final assembly and show detailing. It's coming along. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lahti35 Posted December 20, 2023 Share Posted December 20, 2023 On 12/18/2023 at 2:48 PM, ericmac said: It was in excellent shape and only really needed some cleaning. Lucky duck! When I did my '26 axle last spring everything needed attention, it was even bent, lol. Luckily we have a local guy Don recommended that has the tools for bushing repair and axle straightening. She's looking good, you'll be on the road before you know it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted December 23, 2023 Author Share Posted December 23, 2023 I go in spurts with this car. The next big thing is paint. As all of you know it is a significant expense but, obviously, really makes the car. I am looking forward to seeing it back in its factory colors. I believe it should be something like this. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted December 23, 2023 Share Posted December 23, 2023 (edited) Nice choice of color! There are so many maroon, black and green Fordors that it is refreshing to see one in Moleskin or is that Phoenix Brown (?). I recall that toward the end of Model T production one could purchase any body style in any available color. Edited December 23, 2023 by Jeff Perkins / Mn (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted December 24, 2023 Author Share Posted December 24, 2023 12 hours ago, Jeff Perkins / Mn said: Nice choice of color! There are so many maroon, black and green Fordors that it is refreshing to see one in Moleskin or is that Phoenix Brown (?). I recall that toward the end of Model T production one could purchase any body style in any available color. Honestly, am not certain but I think the color was called Dawn Gray. It is sort of greenish gray. I am going to have the paint shop match the color to what I have left inside the door jams. Thanks for the compliment. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted December 24, 2023 Share Posted December 24, 2023 15 hours ago, ericmac said: Honestly, am not certain but I think the color was called Dawn Gray. It is sort of greenish gray. I am going to have the paint shop match the color to what I have left inside the door jams. Thanks for the compliment. You are exactly right Eric……Dupont, Ditzler/ PPG code 30575 is the close modern equivalent. A very nice color, excellent choice. I’m sure Mark E. knows all of this. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted January 3 Author Share Posted January 3 On 12/24/2023 at 1:01 PM, Jeff Perkins / Mn said: You are exactly right Eric……Dupont, Ditzler/ PPG code 30575 is the close modern equivalent. A very nice color, excellent choice. I’m sure Mark E. knows all of this. I appreciate the validation on this. While I could have chosen any Ford color I decided to let the history of the car and physical evidence drive my choice. It was very clear when the doors were disassembled and when the striker plates were removed that this was the original color (who removes windows from the doors of a '27 Ford Fordor during a paint job in the 1950s?). I am probably 4 weeks from color. You are correct Jeff, Mark Eyre is painting the car though his son AJ is even better with clear coat so he is going to spray that. I will be applying the pinstripes myself (gulp). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 The last step in the recommission of my 1926 T Touring is the pinstripe. Big gulp! I need to practice. I did get the kit out, it’s been a loooong time…… 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted January 11 Author Share Posted January 11 Progress on the (now) '27 Fordor continues. Last night we move the freshly restored and painted rear axle to prepare for installation. I am also sanding wire wheels to ready them for tires and installation. I am hopeful that I will have a rolling chassis by mid February. 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lahti35 Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 Looking great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 I am so pleased to see this car coming along this nicely! I remember you making comments about it on the MTFCA forums ten to fifteen years ago. I also like the color choice! I looked at a very original 1927 T four-door sedan many years ago. The mostly intact original paint was that light greenish gray color. I really liked the color on that car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted January 23 Author Share Posted January 23 On 1/22/2024 at 1:31 AM, wayne sheldon said: I am so pleased to see this car coming along this nicely! I remember you making comments about it on the MTFCA forums ten to fifteen years ago. I also like the color choice! I looked at a very original 1927 T four-door sedan many years ago. The mostly intact original paint was that light greenish gray color. I really liked the color on that car. Wayne, so glad to hear that you have been keeping up on the work that has been done. Likely by the end of the week the car will be sitting on new wheels and tires. The hope is to have the chassis completed by mid February. The body work is done and will be in paint this spring. My plan is to debut the car in July 2025 though it is actually coming together faster than that. Perhaps....just perhaps Hershey this year. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 Very, very, nice! I do look forward to seeing more progress as well as the "great unveiling"! Be well my friend. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted January 26 Author Share Posted January 26 Here is the progress as of yesterday. The running gear (other than the engine itself) is done. Right now, wheels are being painted and the engine is being cleaned up. While we're at it we're going to go ahead and pull the pan off the engine, take up the rods and reline the bands. We're looking at it so why wouldn't you? 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stude Light Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Looking quite nice, Eric. You are getting close to having a rolling chassis. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted February 4 Author Share Posted February 4 I now have a rolling chassis. Next, the engine needs to go in. The detail shot of the rear axle gives an idea of the work being done. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Looks great Eric…carry on and inspire us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 Looking GREAT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted April 7 Author Share Posted April 7 The engine just was painted. I have the correct Vaporizer carb to put on it soon. The goal is to have the engine installed by the end of next week. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted April 10 Author Share Posted April 10 The engine is going in tomorrow. Can't wait. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted April 11 Author Share Posted April 11 The engine is in the chassis. This was a big step forward. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stude Light Posted April 11 Share Posted April 11 Looks great!!! Hey, I saw them assemble a Model T in 5 minutes at Old Car Festival so what’s the holdup 😁 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted May 14 Author Share Posted May 14 The nickel is back from the plater (well, most of it). Now we begin working on subassemblies. It's coming along. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 Nothing prettier on those era cars than nice nickel plating! That really dresses up an Improved Model T. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Model40Matt Posted June 29 Share Posted June 29 Really enjoying seeing the progress on your T. They are really fun cars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcapra Posted July 17 Share Posted July 17 On 12/23/2023 at 5:45 AM, Jeff Perkins / Mn said: Nice choice of color! There are so many maroon, black and green Fordors that it is refreshing to see one in Moleskin or is that Phoenix Brown (?). I recall that toward the end of Model T production one could purchase any body style in any available color. Yes, you're right. That was when a young Earl Schieb joined the Ford Co. A customer came up to Earl one day and asked if he could have his Fordor in gray. That's when he said his famous line "I'll paint any car, any color for $19.95!" 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted July 20 Author Share Posted July 20 The car could indeed be "any car any color"...sort of...though it was still limited to any color Ford offered. At the end of production that was a pretty limited palate of colors; Windsor Maroon, Chanel Green, Drake Green and Dove Gray for the closed cars and Phoenix Brown, Gunmetal Blue and Drake Green for the open cars. Black was, of course, also an option as well. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericmac Posted July 29 Author Share Posted July 29 The doors are now being block sanded. Just made a final decision on the paint color. The more we looked the more the car looks like it was originally Dove Gray, quite a dark gray with a hint of green in it, so that's what it will be. The car is looking amazing. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne sheldon Posted August 4 Share Posted August 4 Hey there Eric! I am always pleased to see your updates. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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