March 2011 Newsletrter

Ford
TICKIN’ T TIMES
Mot
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Tour
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Official Newsletter of the Tickin T’s of Central Ohio
1st Quarter 2011
Editors - Brent & Nancy Mize
“Spring Fling”
In This Issue
This year brings a small change to the Mother’s
Day Tour. A survey was sent to the membership
and it was determined that a better weekend
011Mother’s Day 2
op
Henry’s Worksh
utomobile
Clara and the A
e
The Quadricycl
would be the weekend after Mother’s Day. The
tour this year will be called the “Spring Tour.
Garrie and Kathy Nolting are our hosts for the
weekend. The tour this year will be largely like it
has been in the past. Everyone will be free to
A different kind
The Restorer
el “T “
1904 Olds Mod
of Model T
roam the area and meet up
in the evening for some
fun and fellowship. To
those worried about
weather, Jerry, the
Weather Channel has
guaranteed that there will indeed be weather for
this tour weekend.
!
!
Jamboree 2011
ts
Upcoming Even
nter yet?
Had enough of wi
1
Website www.coildoctor.com/tickin_ts_of_central_ohio
TICKIN’ T TIME S
SPRING TOUR
PAGE
2
Spring Tour
The Berlin Grande is holding a block of rooms for our club through
April 12th. The rate for the rooms will be $85.00. If you have rooms
currently reserved at Zincks, please remember to cancel due to the fact
that this function is a week later. You may contact the Berlin Grande
at 877-652-4997 or visit their website at berlingrande.com.
Friday:
Travel up in groups and meet for dinner at the Farmstead at 6:00 pm.
Old Movies to be shown at the hotel. Popcorn to be furnished by Garrie
Henry’s Workshop
Henry’s Workshop will be used to
share some interesting articles that
appeared in the Ford Service
Bulletins during the Model T Ford
era. The tip below was in the July,
1919 issue of the service bulletin.
and Kathy.
Saturday:
Free for all to roam Berlin, Kidron, Charm, Walnut Creek, Millersburg,
or wherever you choose.
Dinner Saturday night will be at Yoder’s Kitchen in Mt. Hope at 5:30.
for some fun there will be a vintage clothing contest
with exciting prizes.
Sunday:
Sleep in and then
leisurely drive home
refreshed after a
weekend in the Amish
Country.
!
!
2
Website www.coildoctor.com/tickin_ts_of_central_ohio
FORD COLLECTIBLES SHOW
1-29-2011!
Ford Collectible
“Show and Tell”
January 29th was the day we
all shared our Ford Collectibles
and Memorabilia at the Ford
Garage of Rick Lindner. We
had a great turnout of 68 people
and everyone enjoyed the day
looking over each others
collectibles. Thank you all for
attending.
TICKIN’ T TIMES
PAGE
3
TICKIN’ T TIMES
JAMBOREE 2011
PAGE 4
ALL OHIO ANNUAL MODEL T
JAMBOREE 2011
Union County Ohio Labor Day Weekend 2011
February 26th will be an all day planning session
for the 2011 Jamboree. The Tickin’ T’s are
sponsoring the tour this year. The tour will be in
the Union County area. Please plan to attend this
important planning session and get involved in
making this years Jamboree a huge success. We
need you input and help. There are many areas
of interest in Union County.
The meeting will start at 10:00 at :
! ! Hampton Inn in Marysville
! ! 16610 Square Drive,
! ! Marysville, Oh 43040
TICKIN’ T TIMES
THE BUILDING OF THE 1896 QUADRICYCLE !
FRIENDS FROM BELGUIM BUILD A
1896 QUADRICYCLE
I have always been fascinated by Henry
Ford’s first car, the Quadricycle. While on
the MTFCA forum I read an article by a
man from Belgium who had recreated the
vehicle shown here. He graciously sent me
photos of his car. He was very willing to
share his photos with us. As you can see the
car is very close to what Henry originally
created. The original Quadricylce did not
have a brake feature, but this one has a disc
brake for stopping. Henry just used his foot
against one of the wheels when he wanted
to stop. Thanks to Toon from Belgium for
his wonderful photos and willingness to
share his photos.
Two replicas like the original were created
in the 1960’s by Geroge Deangelis. One
can be seen on a regular basis at the Old
Car Festival at Greenfield Village in the fall.
Henry’s original Quadricycle is preserved in
a glass case at the Henry Ford.
Plans for the Quadricycle are still available
from George Delangelis in the event you
may want to build one of these fascinating
machines. The original article on the
quadricycle was printed in Popular
Mechanics in June of 1963.
TICKIN’ T TIMES
March 2011
PAGE
5
THE COLLECTOR
CLARA’S WORLD
PAGE
6
Cobb Shinn and Witt Ford Comic Postcards
Clara Ford and the Automobile
Clara Ford was Henry’s great
“Believer”. She did not agree
with Henry though, when it
came to cranking
automobiles. The photos here
are from the book “Clara,
Mrs. Henry Ford” by Ford R
Bryan.
The caption just
about says it all on the first
photo. Clara rarely drove a
gasoline powered automobile
and preferred the Detroit
Electric version to the left.
Website www.coildoctor.com/tickin_ts_of_central_ohio
THE RESTORER
1904 MODEL “T” OLDS
PAGE
7
CHRIS FIGGE, MASTER RESTORER WITH HIS LATEST
RESTORATION, A 1904 FRENCH FRONT OLDS.
Chris & Joanne Figge’s
Olds Model “T”
Factory photo of the 1904
Olds Model “T”
The photos shown here are examples of a true craftsman. Chris
is very modest when talking about his restorations. Every piece of
every assembly is massaged into a beautiful pieces of art. Chris
has devised many of the techniques used and has written many
articles regarding the processes. His article, written for the
Horseless Carriage Gazette, is on the following page. Photos
can’t really do the car justice. This 1904 Olds is a beauty!
TICKIN‘ T TIMES
A proud owner of the new
1904 Olds.
WOW, what a family!
March 2011
HCCA ARTICLE
CHRIS FIGGE’S 1904 OLDS!
PAGE
8
HCCA GAZETTE ARTICLE – Hey Mister! Is that a model “T”
An article by: Chris Figge
Edited by: Gary Hoonsbeen
“It was the best of times – It was the worst of times”, and so started Charles Dickens’ book A TALE OF TWO CITIES, and like this story it also was about the
French revolution. And so the times must have felt like that to Ransom Eli Olds during 1903 – the best of times, the worst of times.
The dependable, little seven horse power, one cylinder, tiller steered Curved Dash Olds, selling for $650 (just $1 per pound of car), was the best selling car in
America since reopening the factory in 1901 after a fire that destroyed just about everything except the prototype for that car.
Enjoying that success Ransom Olds did not feel the urgent need that the Board Of Directors, and the owners of the majority of shares of stock in the Olds
Motor Works Company felt about their visions of developments in the budding automobile industry and how the Company should best meet their goals.
Of course Ransom knew about the developments of the European automobile industry, that for the past few years – four cylinder cars – engines under a hood –
steering wheels, and other advancements were becoming popular. And of course he also knew of competing car companies in this Country that were following
suit.
Nevertheless – He had satisfied the American market with reasonably priced car that had just one-cylinder and suited for the generally rugged road conditions
of the Country.
But there it was. Ransom Olds simply did not control the company that proudly bore his name. By January of 1904 his frustration, likely with the
management’s criticism of his slow pace in solving design problems, resulted in his leaving the Olds Motor Works Company. Within the year a few financial
backers had him back in business with the new REO Motor Car Company using the initials of his name (Ransom Eli Olds), capitalizing with his name recognition
and reputation in the automobile industry, but without the ability to use the “Olds” name.
Prior to his leaving the Olds Motor Works there was already activities in the design and manufacturing of three new models, all with one-cylinder engines.
These were the model 6C, which remained with the curved dash body design, and the “French Front” models N and T. All three had their own unique engine, far
different than the Model R introduced in 1901.
The smaller, runabout version, slightly larger than the Curved Dash, would become known as the Model N. And the larger version, with a 5!” bore by 6”
stroke engine, fitted with a rear entrance tonneau would become known at the Model T. These new models featured better steering, braking, engines,
transmissions, more power, and were considerable improvements over the Curved Dash, however at considerably more cost.
Dealers were frantic to get the new French Front models. But because of design problems, testing and manufacturing issues it was not until the middle of 1904
that the new models were ready for shipping. Advertisements can be found as early as July of 1904 which was partly responsible for dealer enthusiasm. The
model 6C, which was a total redesign of the Model R Curved Dash Oldsmobile, appears to have the major priority as it became available to dealers in April of
1904. How much of the delays in getting these vehicles to the market was the direct result of R. E. Olds’ departure will never be known but was likely a factor.
One earliest public exposure to the model T Olds was in July of 1904 when 15 vehicles lined up in New York to make the 1338 mile trek to St. Louis and the
opening of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The Olds was driven by Dwight Huss, an experienced test driver for Oldsmobile.
How or exactly when these two models came to be commonly called “French Front” is unknown. But it is likely a term that reflected the configuration that
French cars had with the engine up front thus requiring a “hood.” Interestingly, Olds included a small casting of the Curved Dash prominently attached at the top
on the front of the radiator – a message that the new car was just as reliable as the Curved Dash was recognized to be.
So the two new models were offered for about two years starting in mid 1904 delivered from the factories in Michigan. The model N, and especially the
model T with a rear entrance tonneau that could carry four or five people, clearly were transition offerings until larger cars could be designed and manufactured.
In 1905 Olds began production of four cylinder cars in the U.S. and two cylinder cars with side entrance bodies in their Canadian plant at Saint Catherines,
Ontario. It is not certain when the last “French Front” cars were offered but there may have been a few available as late as 1906. It is interesting that after the
two French Front models Olds went on to develop another one-cylinder Curved Dash called the model B, which was an upgrade of the model 6C. It appears that
the model B remained in production into 1907 beyond the life of both French Front models.
Probably fewer than a thousand of both models of the French Fronts were manufactured. Clearly they successfully bridged the transition as the Olds Company
dramatically changed its manufacturing focus and image. Today approximately forty-seven of these cars survive around the world.
The flowing lines of the French Front Oldsmobiles are absolutely beautiful and the mechanical design and quality of the cars are state of the art for 1904. For
years I’ve thought that I’d like to own one and about three years ago, after completing restoration of an intimidatingly large Locomobile, I began seriously
searching for a high quality one or two cylinder car that I could lift all the parts of by my self while restoring it.
Years earlier I became acquainted with two French Fronts model T cars that were purchased by a collector in Pennsylvania in the late 1930’s. Each, through the
years, had been sold and resold. Both were quite complete original cars. One was fully restored and the other passed through several collectors but other than a
quick paint job in the 1950’s was never touched. That is the car I began pursuing.
When I last heard it location the car had been residing for a number of years in the back of a barn of a well know collector in Colorado and a long time friend.
When I called asking after the car and if he would sell it to me he laughed good naturedly and said, “Chris – I don’t know how to tell you this, but I sold that car
just two weeks ago.”
He’d sold the car to another friend and well known collector located Olympia, Washington, just about as far from Ohio where I live as you can get in the
continental United States. Disappointed, I fortunately waited a couple of weeks before calling the car’s new owner. Visiting – I said, “Bob, you just bought a
car that I’ve been following for years.” He laughed and replied, “Well Chris – So have I!” Then hesitating, “But – if you really want the car I just purchased
another car two days ago that I like even better. So if you want the Olds it is yours.” And so I made the amazing purchase of an unrestored1904 model T
Oldsmobile.
Purchased sight unseen I was so pleased when it arrived at my home to find it to be very complete and original, missing just hub caps, lamps and upholstery.
It looked so good that I was certain that I’d have it completely restored in about a year. Now, three plus years later we have just finished a careful restoration.
With a185# flywheel, and a muffler sized for a 6-48 Pierce-Arrow the engine it runs amazingly smoothly and is very quiet. The car is a delight to operate. It
usually starts on the first crank after priming, and drives easily. Just the one piston, albeit it a huge one, gives the car surprisingly good acceleration and power to
tour with four people aboard.
The French Front cars are state of the are in design and materials, and have many interesting features for 1904 automobiles including two independent braking
systems and a parking brake (not all cars at this time had parking brakes), an advanced planetary transmission and shifting controls, a counterbalanced crankshaft,
variable valve timing compression release, a tilting steering column, bucket seats, automatic retard on cranking, and four bolt body removal to access the engine
and transmission.
One of the most fun things when driving our car is when we are waiting at a stop light and someone invariably yells, “He mister – is that a model T”. I just
smile and answer, “yes”, knowing that the car is a T. It is our other model T.
TICKIN’ T TIMES
TICKIN’ T TIMES
UPCOMING EVENTS
PAGE
9
21stANNUAI NATIONAL
PRI-WAR
MTTII
SWAP
March
17th& tgth. 2011
Sponsored by Otd Pueblo Touring Association
Gos,
Sfeom,
Electric,
Bicycles,
Air Plones,
Motorcycles,
HorseDrown,
Roilroodltems,
Troctors,Trucks,
SlotionoryEngines,
Bools,Busses,
Eic.
RELAIED
ONLY!
; IRANSPORIATTON
World'sLorgeslEodyMeet.
Pre-Wor
Only: VendorsUnwillingTo
Comply Need NotApply
189st94s
CELEBRATETHE 1ST50YEARSOF THE AUTOMOBILE!
30 milesSW of OKC on I-44 - Exit Highway 62 (Exit 83) Westto the Grady County Fairgrounds.
* Spaces:Michael & SusieErsland(405)224-9090 Visit our websiteat www.pwsm.com
MakeChecks
Payable
to PRE-WAR
SWAPMEET
P.O.Box562Chickasha,
OK 73023
Deadline: Pre-Registration(for same
AII S
NAME
s) Oct.1.2010
Nov.1,2010
ilurBlnff sPAGrs
ntoursfttl
Outside (Approx.
t0'x30')
South Bldg. (Approx.
lo'xlo')
North Bldg. (Approx.
to'xlo')
ADDRESS
cnx srer6,
PHONE
E-MAIL
Here’s a great way to break up the winter
doldrums.
This is a great little swap meet in
Marietta. This is the second year for the meet.
Plan to attend Saturday March 5th, 2011.
Tables (NorttrBldg.only)
If you have been in the hobby for a while, you already
know the reputation this meet has.
If not, its a Must Do, March 17-18
Lancaster Old Car Festival
!
!
$10
lf morethan 1 space,requestlayout:
endto end
sideby side
_
_
June 4-5, Lancaster,
Fairfield County Fair Grounds
Website www.coildoctor.com/tickin_ts_of_central_ohio