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Back
to Year-by-Year 1908-1927 Ford Model T Reference Guide
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS: 12,990,077
to 14,619,254 calendar year. 12,218,729 to 14,049,029
approx. fiscal and model year (July 27, 1925 to July 31,
1926).
MODEL YEAR DATES: August
1925 to August 1926.
MAJOR MODEL YEAR FEATURES: All
steel construction except for the Fordor Sedan. The
Fordor was steel over wood frame, a modification of the
1925 body. Completely new styling; colors offered on
closed cars although black seemed to continue in some
production. Larger and heavier fenders and running
boards. Touring and Runabout given doors on driver’s
side for the first time in U.S. production.
New chassis frame with longer front and rear cross
members. Larger rear wheel brakes.
Engine/transmission modified with new pedals, a
larger brake drum, different fan mount, coil box mounted
on the engine, etc.
Fuel tank now in the cowl except on the Fordor Sedan
and truck.
The trucks continued in the 1925 style.
COLORS: All
cars were painted black, with black fenders, initially.
Closed cars were then offered in colors: green for the
Tudor and Coupe, and Maroon for the Fordor. Other
options offered later in 1926, perhaps for the “1927”
models.
UPHOLSTERY: Imitation
leather in the open cars. The pattern was a stitched
vertical pleat design on both seat bottoms and backs.
Closed car upholstery was gray cloth with green stripe
on the green cars (Coupe & Tudor), and gray with a red
stripe on the maroon cars (Fordor sedans).
FENDERS: All
new and of much larger design, front and rear. The
trucks continued the previous (1925) type.
SPLASH APRON: All
new, rectangular in cross section, now mated with the
fenders and body to give the appearance of a more
finished product.
RUNNING BOARDS: Pressed
steel with embossed diamond pattern but with much
smaller diamonds the before. The “Ford” now appeared
along the edges instead of in the center. Boards were
much wider than the previous design.
HOOD: All
new to match the new bodies.
DASHBOARD (Firewall):
Steel, now a part of the body cowl (except in the
Fordor).
CHASSIS: Similar
to the 1925 but with new front and rear cross members to
accommodate the new bodies and fenders.
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY: New
design although quite similar to the 1925. The wheel is
17” outside diameter, made of “Fordite” (synthetic
material), and painted black. The wheel spider is
pressed steel and painted black. 5:1 gear ratio. The
plating on the spark and throttle rods was changed from
zinc to nickel during the year. Apparently the gear case
remained polished zinc plated, but may have been nickel
plated.
FRONT AXLE: Same
as the 1925 cars. Front spindles had the axle located
higher on the spindle in order to lower the chassis a
bit.
REAR AXLE: Same
as 1925 but with larger brakes.
DRIVESHAFT HOUSING: Same
as 1925.
REAR RADIUS AND BRAKE RODS: Radius
rods were of seamed construction, requiring a right and
left side (the seam must face down to allow water to
leak out). New design to accommodate the larger rear
brakes. Brake rods were shorter than the previous type
because of the larger brake backing plate and its cam
location.
WHEELS: Open
cars used 30 by 3-1/2 tires all around. Non-electric
open cars used non-demountable rims but all others used
the demountables as standard. Before Calendar 1926,
non-demountables were discontinued. Front wheels used
taper-roller (Timken) bearings on all models. Hub caps
have “Ford” in script letters. 21” demountable wheels
standard on closed cars, and optional on the open
models. Welded wire wheels were offered as an option,
beginning about January 1926. Standard wire wheel color
was black but colors were available. The hub caps for
the wire wheels were entirely different, being crimped
on to the wire wheel hub. The Ford logo and “Made in
USA” was similar to the regular hub cap, however.
SPRINGS: Non-tapered,
front and rear. “U” shaped shackles.
RADIATOR: Same
as 1925. Nickel shell offered as an option; became
standard on the closed cars. Radiator valence had a
nickel trim strip to match the nickel shell.
ENGINE: Similar
to 1925 but modified in many ways. Transmission cover
now bolted to the rear of the cylinder. The water outlet
served also to mount the fan.
ENGINE PAN: “Four
dip” pan is standard.
OIL FILLER CAP: The
mushroom-shaped cap, made of steel, with three flutes.
ENGINE CRANK: Same
as 1923 one piece type with the rolled-in-place handle
sleeve.
ENGINE FAN: Now
mounted on the water outlet and was adjusted by an
eccentric arrangement. It had an aluminum pulley of
different dimensions from the 1925 type.
MANIFOLDS: The
Manifolds for cars equipped with a standard carburetor
were the same as in previous years. The Holley
Vaporizer, however, made both manifolds integral with
the carburetion system, and replaced the older
manifolds.
CARBURETORS: Kingston
Model L4, Holley Model NH or Ford F. The Holley
Vaporizer was used on many 1926 models. Carburetor
adjustment was integral with choke and the adjustment
needle now had a universal joint instead of the “T”
fitting.
CARBURETOR STOVE ASSEMBLY: Same
as 1925. A stove was not used on Vaporizer-equipped
cars.
MUFFLER: Pressed
steel type with no tail pipe.
FUEL TANK: Mounted
in the cowl on all cars except for the Fordor and truck.
The Fordor continued the rectangular tank under the
driver’s seat; the truck used the oval tank under the
seat.
TRANSMISSION: Three-pedal
standard-design. Pedals were of the plain type but the
clutch and brake pedals are much wider. The brake drum
was made wider, allowing more lining area. The cover was
cast iron, but is somewhat wider to allow for the larger
brake drum, and has integral “ears” for the bolts to the
rear of the engine. The tapered inspection door, held
with six screws, was the same as the previous
pressed-steel type. Bands now had removable ears to
allow changing without removing the transmission cover.
COIL BOX ASSEMBLY: Redesigned
and now mounted on the left side of the engine. Used the
same coils as previously.
LAMPS: Magneto
powered electric type headlights on the non-starter
cars, and six volt electric on the starter models.
Nickel-plated rims. The headlamps were mounted on the
fenders in early production, then on a tie bar between
the fenders in later production. The tie bar evolved
through several modifications in 1926. Earlier designs
were just a connecting rod between the fender-mounted
headlamps. After a few modifications of the tie-bar, the
headlamps were finally mounted on the tie-bar itself,
instead of on the fenders. Side and tail lamps were
similar to 1924 on the non-starter cars. The oil tail
lamp was turned sideways with a small red lens on the
side (now the rear) and a large clear lens on the door
to illuminate the license plate. Starter cars had a tail
light which was mounted on the license plate bracket,
the same as introduced in 1924, but mounted on the left
rear fender. Tail lights on the factory-built pickups
were mounted on a bracket below the pickup bed. Electric
equipment became standard during 1926.
HORN: Magneto
powered electric on non-starter cars, but six volt on
starter models. The horn mounting bracket was changed to
allow the horn to be mounted on the water inlet, below
the coil box.
WINDSHIELD: Open
cars similar to 1925 but with new stanchions. Both
sections could be opened. The Coupe and Tudor had
one-piece windshields which could be opened at the
bottom (pushed forward). The Fordor continued the
two-piece type used in 1925.
TOP: (Open
cars). Similar to 1925. Top socket had a slight curve at
the bottom where it fastens to the body iron.
SPEEDOMETER: Not
standard equipment but a Stewart 490 was often seen.
TURTLE DECK: (Runabout)
Much larger than before, blending with the body yet
still removable. It had no handles and used a larger key
than the 1925 style.
ACCESSORIES: Ford
introduced a number of factory accessories for the 1926
(and 1927) models. Production dates were as follows:
Bumpers, 1-28-26. Wire wheels, 1-20-26. Top boots and
gypsy curtains for Tourings and Runabouts, 9-15-25. Stop
light, 2-4-26. Windshield wings, 10-7-25. Automatic
windshield wiper, 12-31-25. Snubbers (shock absorbers),
12-14-25.
1926 Changes
|
JAN 1 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
Engine 13,000,000 built.
|
JAN 7 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo, ND, branch) |
"Ford
wire wheels as shown in colored folder on Ford
National Show Week, retail for $50 per set of
five. Bumpers retail at $15 per pair.
"We
give you this information to answer inquiries
that may arise during Show Week.
"Bumpers and wire wheels will be available THRU
SERVICE STOCK ONLY on or about February 1.
"Automatic windshield wipers for open and closed
cars will be available within the next week or
ten days at the following prices: T-3318R
Automatic windshield wiper (open cars), $5.00.
T-3320R (closed cars), $5.00. Less 40%."
|
JAN 8 |
Letter to dealers from Chicago branch |
"To
all Chicago Branch Dealers:
"We
are mailing you under separate cover a personal
letter signed by Mr. Edsel B. Ford, requesting
you to paint on the roof of your place of
business, the name of the City or Town in which
you are located, and I wish that you would
personally see to it that the letters of the
name are carried out in accordance with Mr.
Ford's letter.
"I
would suggest that in painting these letters,
wherever it is possible for you to make these
larger than 12 inches high that you do so, owing
to the fact that on a dark day it would be a
difficult matter for a Pilot to see letters only
12 inches high.
"I
sincerely hope that you will comply with Mr.
Ford's request, making it possible for the
writer to advise Mr. Ford that our dealers have
responded 100%." Very Truly Yours,
Ford Motor Company
O. L. Arnold
Manager
(Presumably Edsel hoped that pilots would land
to purchase a new Ford, and this marking would
make it easier for them to find the dealer.)
|
JAN 20 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
Production of wire wheels begins.
|
JAN 28 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
Production of bumpers begins.
|
FEB 1 |
Box
169, Ford Archives |
The
front timing gear cover plate without the fan
adjusting screw boss (T690D) was adopted this
date.
|
FEB 4 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
"8-leaf front spring standard on "Improved
Fords."
|
FEB 4 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
Production of accessory stop light begins.
|
FEB 6 |
Box
169, Ford Archives |
A
communication to Mr. Scofield from Mr. Butler,
dated Feb. 6, reports that the production of the
old-style water outlet connection and fan
bracket which used the bolt at the bottom to
both rotate and clamp the eccentric T8719B ended
on January 30, 1926. Production of the new
style, T8917C began on January 29, 1926.
|
FEB 6 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
"The
subject of T-3312 Transmission Brake Drum Lug
Shoe was covered in our General Letter #1362 of
December 1st, also #1366 of December
7th.
"A
checkup of several dealer’s parts stocks shows
that some dealers have some old Lug Shoes in
stock and we must insist that all dealers remove
this old style Lug Shoe from TT-3311B Brake Drum
Assembly and return them to us together with the
Lug Shoes furnished for service requirements.
"The
flange on the new style T-3312 is 13/64" instead
of 3/16" as formerly and the grain of the metal
runs crosswise.
"This
deserves your immediate attention as we do not
want the old parts used in the repairing of Ford
cars."
|
FEB 11 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
Factory prices dropped to: Touring, $310.
Runabout, $290. Fordor, $565. Tudor, $520.
Coupe, $500.
|
FEB 11-13 |
Acc.
94, Box
168, Folder, Ford Archives |
Chassis: The engineering department had been
running some tests. It seems that the bodies on
the Improved Fords were much heavier than those
on the earlier models and they found that the
frames with the standard thickness of steel
tended to sag in the middle. The first plan was
to put in a reinforcing plate in the side
members, similar to that used on the very early
1909 models. By February 28 there was a note to
the Midland Steel Products Parish and Bingham
division to stop shipping frames until the rails
could be made of "Type L" steel with a thickness
of .180 to .200 inches. The Ford engineers
suggested using the same gauge stock as was used
on the ton-truck frames.
|
FEB 15 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"The
following are the suggested labor prices for
installing Ford accessories: Bumpers, $2.00 per
set. Snubbing units, $1.00 per set. Automatic
windshield wiper, .75. Top boot & Gypsy
Curtains, no charge. Windshield wings, no
charge.
"The
cost of installing wire wheels is included in
the exchange price of the wire wheels in
accordance with Supplement No. 1 to General
Letter No. 496."
|
FEB 23 |
Letter #1430 to dealers from Fargo branch |
"The
fan eccentric has been redesigned by adding a
flange on the outside edge toward the radiator
and a lug on the inside edge. The cylinder head
outlet connection has also been redesigned to
correspond.
"To
adjust the fan with this redesigned fan
eccentric and outlet connection, it will be
necessary to loosen the nut on the fanshaft bolt
sufficient so the fan eccentric can be moved
with a wrench on the lug.
"To
tighten the fan belt, turn the lug up and to
loosen the fan belt, turn the lug down.
"After securing the proper adjustment, tighten
the nut on the fan shaft, which will draw up on
the fan eccentric plate and hold the fan
eccentric in place at all times.
"At
the time of adopting the redesigned outlet
connection and fan eccentric for regular
production, it was deemed advisable to hold the
above parts for service on all cars having this
outlet connection assembled, but due to
unsatisfactory results and several complaints,
these parts will be considered obsolete as soon
as sufficient stocks of redesigned parts are
available for regular production. (Ed. note:
this seems a bit confusing. I presume they are
referring to the original "worm drive" eccentric
as the one being unsatisfactory, not the ``new''
design indicated above.) "Please instruct all
concerned to replace broken old-style outlet
connections with the new style connection, fan
eccentric, fan eccentric plate and fan shaft,
returning all broken parts together with your
stock of old style parts, for credit allowance."
|
FEB 28 |
Acc.
94, Box 168, Ford Archives |
Note
about heavier frame side rails. See February
11-13 above.
|
MAR 3 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
"We
have added a new accessory to our line which is
the Combination Stop and Tail Lamp Assembly, and
believe us, "IT’S A DANDY." A sample lamp is
being forwarded for your inspection.
"Careful consideration has been given to the
appearance and durability of this Lamp and the
Bracket included in this assembly is constructed
of a heavier material than the standard bracket
in order to carry the increased weight.
"We
want to draw your attention particularly to the
type of switch used in conjunction with this
Ford stop lamp. It is very simple in
construction and very easily attached by
clamping to the bendix cover and tightening one
screw. A rod inserted in the switch is actuated
by the lateral cam action of the brake pedal,
this obviating the necessity of using clamps,
pull wires, etc., which are a constant source of
annoyance and trouble when used.
"The
price of the assembly is $2.50, subject to the
usual 40% discount."
|
MAR 11 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch) |
"We
have just received our first allotment of a
limited supply of Ford wire wheels and are
pleased to advise you that a set of five wheels
complete was forwarded to you on the 10th.
"Production is very limited . . . .
"Extra charge for 5 wheels and 4 tires, $50. 5
wheels and 5 tires, $75."
|
MAR 15 |
General letter 1457 from Fargo branch |
"We
expect to be in a position to furnish Genuine
Ford Bumpers within the next thirty days.
"You
will be pleased with the appearance, the quality
and price of this new product. These bumpers
have been carefully designed and are made to
attach to the frame — very rigidly and
securely—the frame being drilled so that
installation is a simple matter. Best quality
spring steel is used in construction. The test
employed to determine the steel best adapted to
this use are very interesting, consisting of
actual impact tests against obstacles at
predetermined speeds.
"The
price is $15.00 per pair list, subject to
dealers' usual discount of 40%—this price,
considering the high quality and appearance of
the bumpers, should enable you to obtain a large
volume of this class of business, providing the
proper sales effort is applied by your
organization.....
"Each
bumper is packed individually in a carton and
clearly marked with the name, T number and
models to which bumper can be applied. Following
are the T numbers and the cars fitted:
T-3101R—Front bumper assy. (all model T)
T-3119R—Rear bumper assy, (Fordor, Tudor,
Touring)
T-3120R—Rear bumper assy, (Coupe, Runabout)
"Since bumpers are now classified as Ford
products, we will expect all dealers to sell the
Genuine article and are enclosing an order blank
for your convenience....."
|
MAR 22 |
Letter 1463 from the Fargo branch |
"We
can now furnish khaki or black top boots, khaki
gypsy curtains and windshield wings for the open
models; automatic windshield wipers, open and
closed types; and natural wood wheels in
unlimited quantities and expect to be able to
furnish bumpers, snubbing units and the
combination stop and tail lamp assembly within a
very short time, therefore, we ask that you make
immediate necessary arrangements to line up your
organization to properly merchandise the
complete line of Ford accessories."
|
APR 19 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"The
Police Department has called to our attention
the fact that our license brackets obscure the
license place on all cars equipped with bumpers.
"In
order that we may comply with the law, our
headlamps are being changed so that when
assembled to the car, they are fastened together
with a tie rod which will make the lamps and
fenders more rigid and will change the position
of the license plate so that it will not be
covered by the bumpers.
"This
change will go into effect in the very near
future. We are giving you this information in
advance in order that you may take care of your
stock order accordingly."
|
MAY 7 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"We
are now in a position to supply part 2511B-T221
washer, which should be used in conjunction with
2511-T198A rear axle oil retainer, to increase
the efficiency and life of the retainer. This is
accomplished by the pressure exerted by the lugs
of the retainer washer, which hold the leather
collar firmly against the axle shaft.
"As
all production axles will shortly carry this
improvement it will be necessary that this
washer be included with all grease retainers
supplied through your stock department or
installed in your shop."
(The
letter continues with the prices (25 cents for
the new washer and leather, and 50 cents for the
set of two. The leather retainer is 2511, and
the washer is 2511B. The set is 2511C.
|
MAY 25 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
Began
using bolt instead of studs for manifolds.
|
JUN 1 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"The
Ruckstell Mfg. Company, manufacturers of the
Ruckstell Axle advise that a price reduction of
about 28% on both the truck and passenger axles
has become effective. This reduction is as
follows: Truck axle, from $112.00 to $79.80.
Passenger axle, from $70.00 to $49.80."
|
JUN 19 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
Prices: Chassis with starter, $300. Runabout
with starter and balloon tires, $360. Touring
with starter and balloon tires, $380. Coupe with
balloon tires, $485. Tudor with balloon tires,
$495. Fordor with balloon tires, $545. Truck
with balloon front tires, no starter, $325. With
starter, $375.
|
JUN 28 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
Set
of 5 wire wheels reduced to $40.
|
JUL 9 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
Announced that only balloon wheels could be
taken in exchange for wire wheels since the high
pressure (30x3-1/2) were no longer used in
production. The factory allowed $11.50 for a set
of the wood wheels, and apparently they were
used in new production of cars.
|
JUL 19 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
Holley Vaporizer on all production.
|
JUL 21 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
Engine 14,000,000 built at 4:30 P.M.
|
JUL 24 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
"After extensive tests we have adopted the
Holley Vaporizer for Ford cars and trucks.
"This
Vaporizer can be installed on any new motor
without fear of trouble if the car is driven
carefully for the first few hundred miles the
same as is necessary for any new car. This is
due to the fact that the piston rings in all
engines since May 15, 1926 have been fitted with
wider gaps, which permits better lubrication.
"Some
dealers may have the impression that the
Vaporizer is beneficial only in cold weather. As
a matter of fact, test show that the intake
temperature with the Vaporizer is no higher than
with the standard carburetor."
|
JUL 27 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
Started to paint motors with Pyroxylin. (Drake
Green indicated in one note, but other
documentation indicates "Faunskin.")
|
AUG 21 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch |
The
use of felt packing for the front end of the
crankshaft has been discontinued on cars and
trucks and we are now using a braided asbestos
packing with a rubber core. This packing is much
more durable since the heat of the engine will
not break down or soften it."
|
SEP 8 |
Letter to dealers from Fargo branch) |
"The
Vaporizer now used on the Ford car is so
designed that efficient operation is secured
from the engine even though low grade fuels are
used. Some of these low grade fuels have a
tendency, however, to carbonize the hot plate,
which condition is indicated by a lower warming
up of the engine and the need for a richer
mixture. When this is noticed, the hot plate
should be taken out and the carbon removed.
"The
formation of carbon on the hot plate depends
entirely upon the grade of fuel used and where a
good fuel is burned, it should seldom be
necessary to clean the plate. Some low grade
fuels result in a carbon formation within 2500
to 3000 miles and we suggest that the plate be
cleaned after this period of service providing
there is any indication of carbon.
"To
remove the hot plate it is merely necessary to
run out the four screws in the plate casting and
back off the knurled nut at the top. This
permits the plate casting to be moved back so
that the thin plate can be drawn out.
"After scraping off the carbon, the plate should
be placed in the same position as before
removal, that is, with the raised corrugation
extending inward, since the Vaporizer will not
function properly if the plate is reversed.
"We
also wish to direct your attention to the
necessity for exercising care in adjusting the
needle valve. Our experience has shown that
practically every complaint of excessive gas
consumption has resulted from the needle valve
having been screwed too tightly against the
seat. The groove thus cut in the needle renders
it impossible to secure a good adjustment and
there is no alternative but to install a new
needle valve."
|
SEP 9 |
Letter from the Chicago branch) |
"It
is necessary that our dealers properly instruct
new owners regarding the adjustment of the
Holley Vaporizer, which is standard equipment on
all Ford cars. Perfect satisfaction results from
proper adjustment.
"Turn
vaporizer adjusting rod clockwise to shut off
fuel, and open from 5/8 to 7/8 of a turn for
running. To start, pull out rod to choke
vaporizer. If cold, open 1/2 turn more, but
close down to regular running position within
five minutes."
|
SEP 25 |
United States District Court, Eastern Judicial,
Ford Archives |
District of Missouri.
A judgment against the Ford Motor Company, in
favor of Parks and Bohne, Inc., holders of
original patents of transmission bands with
removable ears, was made on this date. Just how
Ford made restitution is not specified in the
document.
|
OCT 2 |
Acc.
94, Box 169, Ford Archives |
The
one-piece valve chamber cover without the hole
for the throttle rod was adopted on October 2,
1926. Notes in another file discussed the
problem of dirt getting into the engine through
the passageway for the throttle rod. Someone in
the Norfolk, Virginia, plant made up a device
for what was in effect two plates with a tube
connecting them. The tube was for the carburetor
rod and the two plates sealed either side of the
block. Eventually, of course, the opening was
sealed.
|
OCT 27 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"For
your information, we are listing below the new
colors which will be furnished on all types of
cars and trucks, as well as the change in the
standard equipment of the Fordor, all of which
are effective immediately:
OPEN CARS: Phoenix
Brown (M604), or Gun Metal Blue (M601), both
with Orange Stripe (M641).
CLOSED CARS: Highland
Green (M603), or Fawn Gray (M605), both with
Cream Stripe (M643), or Royal Maroon (M606) with
Vermilion Stripe (M646).
RUNABOUT WITH PICK-UP BODY: Commercial
Green (M608) with Cream Stripe (M643).
PICK-UP BODY AND ROADSTER DECK (Sold
through service): Black Pyroxylin, no stripe.
ALL TRUCK BODY EQUIPMENT: Commercial
Green (M608).
COMMERCIAL CHASSIS: Black
enamel hood and shell.
TT CHASSIS: Commercial
green hood, black enamel shell.
FORDORS: Wire
wheels standard equipment."
|
OCT 28 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"FORDORS:
Black wire wheels are now standard equipment at
no extra cost. Should your customer desire
colored wire wheels instead of black, we
recommend an extra charge of $10.00 be made for
the change-over."
|
OCT 29 |
Ford
letter to all dealers |
"For
your information and guidance we are listing
below the standard colors for both open and
closed cars:
OPEN CARS
Gun Metal Blue Pyroxylin (no stripe)
Phoenix Brown (no stripe)
CLOSED CARS
Highland Green Pyroxylin with cream stripe
Fawn Gray Pyroxylin with cream stripe
Royal Maroon Pyroxylin with vermilion stripe
"The
Roadster will come through in Gun Metal Blue and
Phoenix Brown Pyroxylin, however, when pick-up
box is required on the Roadster the entire
outfit will come through in Commercial Green
Pyroxylin just the same as the truck with cab
and body. Pick-up boxes sold through service
will come through in black.
"Effective immediately black wire wheels are
standard equipment on Fordor Sedans with no
additional charge to the customer. However,
should the customer desire colored wire wheels
on the Fordor, we suggest an extra charge of
$10.00 per car. This applies to the Fordor
only."
|
NOV 1 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
A
number of price and part number changes, plus
the following:
"NOTE—All colored hoods will hereafter be
carried under catalog number 4050E, and dealers
should specify Channel Green, Drake Green,
Highland Green, Windsor Maroon, Royal Maroon,
Moleskin, Gunmetal Blue, Phoenix Brown, or Fawn
Gray, when ordering. The list price of any of
these colored hoods is $8.00 each."
|
NOV 12 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
The
following is a list of paints sold through the
Ford factory:
M-109 Emerald Green Pyroxylin striping (New No.
M-642)
M-111 Black touch-up
M-118 Champagne Striping (New No. M-644)
M-123 Drake Green satin finish Pyroxylin New No.
M-637)
M-125 Moleskin satin finish Pyroxylin (New No.
M-630)
M-127 Black satin finish Pyroxylin (New No.
M-632)
M-134 Straw enamel, to be replaced by M-627
M-136 Casino Red enamel, to be replaced with
M-628
M-140 Emerald Green enamel, to be replaced with
M-629
M-145 Pyroxylin thinner, to be replaced with
M-647-S
M-165 Black enamel
M-193 Drake Green Pyroxylin touch-up, to be
replaced with M-637
M-194 Moleskin Pyroxylin touch-up, to be
replaced with M-630
M-210 Tractor gray
M-212 Tractor red
M-213 Tractor black
M-392 Channel green enamel
M-393 Windsor maroon enamel
M-401 Tack rag varnish
M-430 Spar varnish
M-626 Royal maroon Pyroxylin ground
M-627 Straw Pyroxylin for wire wheels
M-628 Casino red Pyroxylin for wire wheels
M-629 Emerald green Pyroxylin for wire wheels
M-630 Moleskin Pyroxylin (Old No. M-125)
M-631 Gunmetal blue Pyroxylin
M-632 Black Pyroxylin (Old No. M-127)
M-633 Highland green Pyroxylin
M-634 Phoenix brown Pyroxylin
M-635 Fawn gray Pyroxylin
M-636 Royal maroon Pyroxylin
M-637 Drake green Pyroxylin (Old No. M-123)
M-638 Pyroxylin Primer (Old No. M-701)
M-639 Pyroxylin Glaze (Old No. M-702)
M-640 Pyroxylin surfacer (Old No. M-703)
M-641 Orange Pyroxylin striping
M-642 Emerald Green Pyroxylin striping (Old No.
M-109)
M-643 Cream Pyroxylin striping
M-644 Champagne Pyroxylin striping
M-646 Vermillion Pyroxylin striping
M-647-S Pyroxylin thinner (Replaces M-145 for
service)
M-701 Pyroxylin Primer (New No. M-638)
M-702 Pyroxylin glaze (New No. M-639)
M-703 Pyroxylin surfacer (New No. M-640)
No other paints (except for use on Lincoln cars)
are to be sold by branches without first
obtaining permission from the Detroit office.
Dealers desiring to obtain a glossy finish on
refinished cars, may desire to purchase M-623,
Clear Pyroxylin. When receiving requests for
M-623, you should advise the dealers that they
may obtain the desired gloss finish by spraying
with a double coat of Pyroxylin finish thinner
which they can make up as follows:
M-647-S Pyroxylin thinner, 80%. Pyroxylin
(desired color M-631, M-632, etc.), 20%.
|
NOV 16 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"For
the past two months all carburetors furnished,
both the NH and Holley vaporizers, have been
constructed with a heavier and more buoyant
float, T-6333-B, in order to compensate for the
pressure exerted by a full tank of fuel in Ford
cars equipped with gasoline tanks under the
cowl. The more buoyant float eliminates the
tendency for the pressure exerted by the fuel
tank, to cause the carburetor to leak when
traveling over rough and heavily graveled roads.
"Leakage under these conditions naturally
increases the gasoline consumption and reflects
unfavorably on our product.
"It
is therefore our intention to furnish, gratis to
dealer, the new type float T-6333-B, as
replacement of previous type float in cases
where owners complain of unsatisfactory mileage.
The old type float should be returned to this
Branch, accompanied by our form 340 parts return
sheet properly filled out, listing the motor
number, etc., and reference should be made to
this letter on same. We will then make return
shipment to you of the new type float.
"It
is understood that there is no necessity for
replacing a float in any old style cars or in
trucks or present type fordors which carry the
gasoline tank under the driver's seat."
|
NOV 16 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"Radiator carcass (3 tube type) T-8736-G and
flat tube type T-8736-F are now obsolete and
will no longer be furnished through production
or service stock.
"The
new type radiator (4 tube type) T-8736-H, is now
being used entirely. This item is carried under
the old service number, namely, 3925-E."
|
NOV 18 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
"Motor numbers ground off and replacement
numbers: 10,000,000 to 14,548,000; 12,000,000 to
14,546,000; and 13,000,000 to 14,549,000."
|
NOV 29 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
32x6
eight-ply tires offered as optional equipment on
the trucks, at an extra charge of $35 per set of
two tires. These tires used the same wheel and
rim as the standard 30x5 tires.
|
DEC 15 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"In
case you or your salesmen feel hesitant about
forcefully denying all rumors of a "new car"
caused by unauthorized and unfounded newspaper,
magazine and trade paper articles as well as
through any kind of propaganda, we call your
attention to the emphatic statement recently
made my Mr. Edsel Ford, as follows:
"There will be no new model and no new Ford car
is going to be introduced. Nor are we planning
on any six or eight cylinder car."
"What
stronger denial can be made? What further
statement is needed? What better answer can you
give the prospect who calls your attention to
such propaganda or rumors?
"Don't let such unfounded information interfere
with your placing the best Ford car ever built
in the hands of prospective buyers in your
community.
"And
we say "best Ford car" because of the
complimentary letters received and appreciative
comments made on all sides by individual owners
as well as commercial users as to the more
efficient and more flexible motor with its
greatly improved operation resulting in more
power, quicker getaway and increased gasoline
mileage. And who are very much impressed with
the improved appearance of our car
generally—durability of the new Pyroxylin finish
in various colors—high quality of
upholstering—and the increased riding comfort of
our all-steel bodies and balloon tires.
"The
Ford Car today stands supreme in offering the
greatest automobile value and its popularity is
ever increasing as indicated by sales totaling
over A MILLION AND A HALF so far this year."
|
DEC 15 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
This
letter noted that there were a number of
complaints about the poor quality of the carbon
brushes supplied for use in the Model T
generator. The letter explained that the
so-called defective brushes which were returned
to the factory were all checked and met the
manufacturer's specifications.
In
this letter they say: "Ford generators were
designed to charge 12 amperes when cold and 9
amperes when hot. Therefore, when this charging
rate is exceeded the bond of the brush is being
dried out and deposited on the commutator
causing the coating or blackened condition."
|
DEC 31 |
Letter from the Chicago branch |
"Effective January 3rd, 1927, the Tudor Sedan
will be equipped with black wire wheels as
standard equipment at no extra cost."
|
PROBLEMS WITH THE "IMPROVED" FORDS
|
Trent
Boggess and Ken Jones spent a good deal of time
going through a number of boxes of the Walter T.
Fishleigh files at the Ford Archives during the
month of June, 1997. Several items regarding the
1926 models came out. Trent had this to say:
"First, there were lots of complaints—from
everybody. Branches complained about the poor
quality of the parts and materials shipped to
them for assembly into cars. Dealers complained
about the flaws in new cars that they had to fix
(one dealer received a new car in which one axle
shaft and differential gear had seized in the
differential case).
"Customer's complained about the flaws in new
cars for which they paid good, hard earned
money. Interesting stuff from the days before
Lemon Laws.
"One
of the most common and significant complaints
regarded the new three tube design radiator used
in 1926. Ford replaced the older five tube and
flat tube designs with the three tube. The tubes
were offset to allow each tube access to cool
air. The Ford engineers claimed that it did a
better job of cooling than the older designs,
but it must also be pointed out that they also
undertook some cost cutting when they created
the new design.
"Anyway, the complaints about this radiator were
legion. Branches, dealers and customers all
complained of overheating and an increase in the
number of accessory water pumps sold. Miles per
gallon began to refer to water rather than gas
consumption The lighter, lower cost design of
the radiator which lacked a crossbar through the
core at the point where the mounting brackets
are, was unable to withstand the stresses put on
the radiator by bad roads, and had a tendency to
pull the tubes out of the headers.
"The
Ford engineers first response to the problem was
to introduce the longer fan hub to bring the fan
closer to the radiator. They also changed the
angle of the fan blades. Finally, they went to a
four tube core." |
|