1926 Model TT Restoration: Engine/Trans Rebuild

[Arisaka]

Finally back on the TT. Got the rear axle in, and the radius rods, driveshaft and torque tube bolted up







Next was the rear wheels and the rear disc brakes, starting with the caliper brackets and calipers







When that was done, the truck was back on its rear tires after many months




Now there is a long list on little stuff to install. First up was the exhaust pipe. It attaches to, the exhaust manifold with a large brass nut




There is a special Ford wrench for this job




The rest of the exhaust is held up by standard exhaust hangers




There is a heat shield that goes between the exhaust and floorboards.






Then the foot throttle bracket and linkage goes in






The linkage connects to the carb, and then a transverse linkage rod goes through the engine block and connects to the steering-column mounted throttle








Last item for today is the lean/rich and choke rod. It is turned to adjust the mixture, and pulled up to choke the engine








Next week I will install the distributor, radiator and hood. Then hook up some miscellaneous electrical wires. Going to need a new 6V battery installed. Then all the fluids go into the engine, transmission, brakes, rear axle and radiator. After all the nuts and bolts get checked over., it will be time to start her up

[dennydp]

Fun project to watch. Wish I had the talent and I was 20 years younger.

[NWGunner]

Great progress!


I’m getting the jitters on your behalf for when you turn that key…

[Arisaka]

Great progress!


I’m getting the jitters on your behalf for when you turn that key…

I’m sure there will be some last-minute things that go wrong. But nothing that persistence and swearing can’t overcome.

[usrifle]

It's going to be a great day when she comes back to Life.

[Arisaka]

Electrical and ignition work today

First was hooking up the generator. The silver thing on the generator is called a cut-out. It’s basically an of/off switch to keep the generator from boiling the battery. The originals used a set of points as the switch. Sometimes those points would stick and your battery would get overcharged. I put in a replacement with modern electronics to keep that from happening. From the outside you can’t tell the difference




Next is the starter. It faces backwards compared to modern cars. The bendix points to the rear




Next job was the distributor. First you attach a small gear to the end of the camshaft, which will mesh with and drive the distributor. Use lots of grease




Then the distributor gets cleaned up and greased




Engine is brought up to TDC on cylinder one. Have to be sure you are on the compression stroke. You can look down the spark plug hole and see the piston and valves. When piston is at max rise, and both valves are closed, you are at top dead center on the compresssion stroke. Then rotate the rotor to wherever you want #1 to be, and mount the distributor to the front plate of the engine






A 9/16” bolt and an arm hold the distributor in place




Points are gapped at 0.016” and rotor and cap installed








The plug wires looked worn, so I replaced them with a new set






Next is the radiator, all the zerks, and all the fluids. Then an overall nut-and-bolt check. Then it’s time to try to start it, followed by figuring out why it won’t start.

[shaggy]

Looking good!!

For the non model t guys..... A distributor is an aftermarket thing, model t's dont use them from the factory

[Arisaka]

Very true. Original model T’s had one coil per cylinder. The coils were each little wood boxes filled with copper windings encased in tar. The four box coils were contained in a metal box, mounted on the firewall or the engine. These coils were a bit temperamental, but worked. Most guys who drive their T’s a lot pull the coils and the timer out and replace them with a 6 volt VW coil and Bosch distributor. I still have all the original stuff, but I prefer the distributor setup.

[NWGunner]

Pretty Cool!

Loving the details

[MadPick]

“Then it’s time to try to start it, followed by figuring out why it won’t start.”

LMAO … all the steps planned out, that’s impressive.

Interesting update, thank you.

[Traut]

Always a learning experience tuning into your thread Professor. Thanks for the lessons.

[Arisaka]

Finished up assembly today.

First up was the radiator. It is held down by a bolt on each side of the radiator.






Moved around the other side and connected the upper and lower radiator hoses




The radiator support rod connects the firewall to the radiator.




The ignition coil can go anywhere, but I like it clamped to, the radiator support rod. Attached the wires from the distributor and battery, and also the coil wire.




The hood can go on now




The front fender support strap goes on next. Mine has a 48 star flag, as that was the current flag when this truck was made in 1926






It’s all together now.








Last job for today was all the fluids. Water in the radiator, gear oil in the Warford transmission, 4 qts of 30W in the engine, 140 wt in the differential, and Dot 4 in the master cylinder.

The truck needs to be towed around the block a couple of times to get the engine loose. The new babbitt and rings make turning it over with the starter or hand crank pretty tough. Once it gets towed around in gear, it will move oil through the bearings and cylinders and should loosen it up enough for the starter to turn it over.

[RocketScott]

Awesome work Ray! I know how meticulous you are and appreciate all the pictures of how it's done

Would it be easier to put it on some rollers and rig something up to turn the wheels?

[Arisaka]

Awesome work Ray! I know how meticulous you are and appreciate all the pictures of how it's done

Would it be easier to put it on some rollers and rig something up to turn the wheels?

That would certainly work. I might go that route if Plan A doesn’t work out. Plan A is to strap it to the back of my 1-ton diesel, and get somebody to drive the diesel while I steer the TT.

[NWGunner]

Nice job!

When’s the neighborhood test going to happen?