1921 Ford Model T

This 1921 Model T Ford Roadster is one I purchased from a gentleman who had been given the car by his father 10 years before and he estimated he had put, maybe, 300 miles on it in that time.  It was not in a good state of repair.  My thinking was to fix what was necessary on the car and sell it to someone new to the hobby who would appreciate a “trouble-free” Model T.  Most of the “repair” was straightforward – bad coils, battery in backwards, timer shot, plugs and wires needed to be replaced etc.  I went through everything on the car, making some additions which are described below, and have ended up with an excellent vehicle. 

 Unlike many Model T’s, this car has virtually no rattles.  It has “pancake style” Hassler shocks which make a surprising difference in the ride.  The car is a 12-volt system which means bright lights and strong starting. Speaking of starting, the starter on the car was basically shot so I installed a modern version, 12-volt gear reduced starter with a built-in solenoid ($500 purchase, Snyder’s part #T-5099-12).  Of course, this eliminates the concerns with12-volt systems and eliminates the Model T Bendix issues. 

 An interesting feature of this car is the 5-lug demountable JAXON wheels (30X3.5 tires).  One can find out about the JAXON company on the internet – they built aftermarket wheels in “the day”.  I do not have a fix on when these wheels were put on the car, but I have an idea when it happened.  On the radiator is a badge relating to the Ocean-to-Ocean run done in 1959.  I know this was an event sponsored by the Ford Motor Company to celebrate its 50^thanniversary.  A group of Model T’s were driven from NYC to Seattle, following approximately the route taken on the first trans-continental race in 1909 which was won by a 1909 Ford Torpedo.  The fact that this car runs so well might be explained by how well it would have been conditioned to complete the run in1959.  I know a little about this preparation work since I did the same O2O run in 2009 and 2019 (4400 miles each time) with my 1914 Touring car.  The brakes on this car are typical Model T and it would benefit from installation of Rocky Mountain or disc brakes.  To do this would mean the rear Hassler shocks would have to come off. 

For safety reasons I have added a turn signal system made by Electro-Tech of Blaine, MN.  This remarkable system doesn’t care if the power is 6 or 12-volt, + or – ground, takes any kind of light bulb without resisters in line and is programmed to turn itself off after 15, 30, 45 or 60 seconds. It also has a safety flasher programmed in.  There is a period-correct operational spotlight, and it is equipped with a straight pipe exhaust system (see photo).  I can switch it to a muffler system if desired. 

 As far as general condition, it is a “20-footer”, and the interior and top are good.  The wood wheels could use a coat of varnish sometime. The car starts and runs well and should be good for years of trouble-free riving.  A bonus, the car comes with a silver-plate bowl and two silver-plate platters won at the Illinois State Fare in 1961, 62 and 66.  They need polish!  I have the Florida title.  I can provide transportation up to 500 miles from Dade City, FL for a fee.