Aaronw

I'm heavily leaning towards a roadster body. A four door would provide more room for stuff, but I think the key to the T is lean and mean. Loading it down with 1000lbs of gear would kind of defeat the point. The dizzying array of aftermarket for the T is the appeal to me. You could buy 4x4, 6x4, 6x6, halftrack, tractor and snow mobile conversions. It wouldn't surprise me if somebody tried to market amphibious and flying T conversions, although I've not seen anything for those. and I found, there was a 1913 Model T in the 2013 race and it didn't do too bad.

I did not know that. The only one I've ever actually seen was 4x4, but it could have been converted. The Jeepster Commando was of course 4x4, but I think that is pretty solidly in early SUV category like the Bronco, or Scout so it wouldn't qualify.

Missing Link does a slightly later, but very similar 1970s Ford F700. http://www.missinglinkrc.com/ford_kits_2012.htm

Wow there is some great info there. The '25 Frontenac catalog in there shows the twin cam 16v version of the Frontenac, and that is definitely what is in the '27 T Police car kit. 500 miles isn't 5000 miles, but those Frontenac engines can't introduce too many reliability issues if they were consistently doing well in races of 100-500 miles. I also see that in 1923 a complete 8v Frontenac racing engine cost 3x as much as a new Model T.

I took the underlined as referring mainly to Jeeps, early Broncos etc which some might argue are passenger vehicles rather than light trucks. While definitely a fringe case I'd think one could probably make a decent argument for a Willys Jeepster. Way more passenger than utility vehicle.

Unfortunately I can't find any kind of serious torture testing, as it was years before the military was interested in a jeep like vehicle and of course who today is going to do that to a vintage vehicle. It appears it was a pretty advanced system and built as tough as the rest of the car. I haven't been able to find anything warning current owners to baby them and there are some videos of them playing pretty hard. There were only a few hundred made, and a fair number are still on the road which is a pretty good sign of their durability. Unusual for an early 4x4 it could be set up as a full time or part time unit. I'd think a part time system would save a lot of wear and tear when not needed. Since it used a modified rear axle on the front, that part should be as tough as the rear. The T is a fairly light vehicle, running skinny tires and I expect only 35-40hp, so stresses are relatively light. Short answer I don't know, but I'm assuming yes.

I've seen some of those pages. Frontenac apparently made an 8v truck version which "only" pushed the engine up to 33 hp, which is a still pretty significant increase. I haven't seen any pictures of that one, but it looks to me like the other heads shared the same, or at least very similar valve cover.

I know the T was pretty amazing, a Model T won the 1909 New York to Seattle race when there really weren't any real roads west of the Mississippi. It was later disqualified when race officials found out the Ford team replaced the motor during the race, but it is still a pretty amazing feat. As far as rule specifics for the community build, they are following the actual race rules. The major restriction is original engine, with period speed equipment allowed. There does seem to be some wiggle room however as some of the real cars are running later developments of the original, for example there is a '39 Chevy running a 292 I-6 instead of what would have been the original 216 I-6. In the real race one could probably get away swapping the I-4 out of a '34 Ford into the T, maybe even going so far as a 2 liter Pinto engine. I'm going to stick with the T engine, but later mods used on the Model A usable on the T shouldn't be an issue. The race is assumed to be 2019, so mild anachronisms are softer since it isn't so much doesn't exist yet as just not bending rules too far. Slapping a turbo out of an SVO would probably cross the line, I don't think sneaking a few parts from a Model A would be an issue. I was originally thinking about using the 3 speed transmission from the Model A, but have instead decided to go with a Warford 3 speed auxiliary transmission. I don't want to push the T so far that it is basically just a Model A under the skin. That said I'm fine with some discussion of Model A & B 4 cylinders as I may eventually go that route with a later model, and I'm sure there is some crossover. In fact I'm kind of hopping for some general discussion of popular mods to the 4 cylinders of this period. I am curious about the distributor vs magneto benefits.

I am not a hotrodder, but I need some help with warming up a Model T engine. Running gear I can understand, brakes, transmission, suspension, but the engine stuff, particularly vintage engine mods I'm far less aware of the hows, whys and downstream effects. I'm participating in the Peking to Paris race community build (down here http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/137143-peking-to-paris-rally-cbp/ ), and my entry is going to be a Model T. Looking to build a moderately boosted engine of 30-50hp using parts available circa 1925-27. Must use the standard 4 cylinder as a base. Made for endurance racing, so mods that maintain reliability are more important than a large power increase. Similar is the ability to run on poor quality gasoline, or similar fuels, allegedly by adjusting the mixture the T would run on kerosene. Crossing the back roads of China and Russia, that would probably be a helpful feature. I've got all of the the recent AMT Model T reissues, Buyers Choice, Chopped T, Tall T, Delivery Van, Fruit Wagon and Police car available to raid for parts. I know there is a Frontenac OHV head in the '27 kit, but there were several and I'm not sure which one is in the kit or if there is even enough external difference to matter in scale. Also have the Revell '29 Ratrod and '31 Woody and understand these also have parts that would have been available on the T including a Riley OHV head. Don't know if it has parts of any use to this, but I've also got the Beverly Hillbillies truck available. While not an engine part I understand there is a 2 speed axle in several of the T kits. Does this represent a Ruckstell or similar vintage part, or is it a later part? Other mods that may require scratchbuilding / kit bashing, water pump, distributor ignition, duel ignition, pressurized oil system, oil filter, oil cooler, fuel pump (electric or mechanical), dual carbs, vaporizer carbs, electric starter etc. Of these the water pump seems to be the most controversial, I've looked at several Model T forums and boy are there some strong opinions on water pumps. Feel free to go full geek on this, I'm hoping to learn enough to make an educated decision about the mods I choose, not just a list of parts to put on the engine, although a list of what is available in the above kits is quite welcome. You can tell me how you would build the engine, but please explain why you would make each change so I can make an informed decision. I'm having more fun planning this than I have in a long time, trying to realistically build the model as if I were an eccentric millionaire actually participating in the race. The modern bucket T with a small block is of no interest to me, but researching this, I'm kind of getting into the vintage thing. Supposedly somebody squeezed 300hp out of a Model T block!!!!? If true that is amazing. Who knows maybe I'll even build a hotrod when I'm done with this one, not building hotrods all these years I've certainly acquired the parts box for it. I know some of you guys take this stuff seriously, some even do it for real so here is your chance to go full car nerd. Thanks

4x4 utility vehicles are specifically not allowed, but there is nothing stated in the rules about 4x4 conversions. I mentioned that possibility in my initial post and it wasn't shot down, although it is possible Rob missed the question. 4x4 conversions have been available for the T since 1917, and they use a modified rear axle for the powered front axle. Not a huge deal if it turns out to be against the rules, I'll just go with a 2 speed rear axle in that case. The T is still quite capable in 2WD, but 4x4 would add some visible flair up front. Oh, and anyone interested in adding to the engine discussion I've made a post here.

I'm building an OOB stock Model T roadster as a warm up to re-familiarize myself with the kit while I plan the official entry. I've been going through my copy of Henry's Wonderful Model T by Floyd Clymer published in the late 1950s which is a great resource for the Model T. Also nosing around Model T forums. Tentative plan is to add a Livingood 4x4 conversion with a 3 speed Warford auxilliary transmission. That gives 6 speeds forward, 3 in reverse. Will add rear wheel drum brakes (a stock T just has a single driveline brake). Contemplating front brakes, but there are apparently some structural issues related to that. I'm still looking at my options for warming up the engine, there seems to be a fair amount of speed equipment in kit form between the Model T and A kits. Most of these parts were first made for the T and continued in use with the later Model A and B 4 cylinders. I found a youtube video of a mildly hotroded T, and simply adding a high compression head (still a flat head, not OHV) and 3 speed aux transmission allows him to cruise long distances at 65mph, so I should have no trouble meeting the 50mph minimum speed. I haven't done any of the Cannonball builds, is there any rule or etiquette against seeking help from the general populace of this site for information? I'm not a hot rod guy, I have some ideas but I know we have a lot of guys on the site who live, eat and breathe hot rod stuff. Unless that is frowned on, I will probably start a post in General to get some help building an appropriate vintage T engine suitable for an endurance racer. Even in 1/32 it should be a respectable size model.

I think the stepside stayed the same into the 1960s, and they have a '57 stepside kit. New cab is a given, but that would allow much of the existing kit to be reused. GMC in those years had their own engines. Would be neat if they tooled up a GMC 305 V-6 to go along with the necessary external changes. Edit, nevermind the V-6 came in 1960. GMC used a Pontiac based V-8 in 1955-59.

I built a beverage body years ago, it really is a very simple project, just a box with stuff glued to the outside. A trailer would be little different, but you just need to find an appropriate trailer chassis to base it on. I based this one on a Hackney body. In the 1990s retired beverage trucks were popular with fire departments who would convert them into hazardous materials response trucks. The last section of doors was often converted into a room for a computer and reference books as I did on this one. The body is just styrene sheet, the drip rails, door hardware and such is just various styrene shapes. The doors themselves are formed from V groove sheet.

That quite a car. Are you basing it on a Yatming diecast?

Thin styrene works, .010" or 0.15" being thin enough that you can add a little flex to them if desired, but thick enough to hold their shape. Should also be fairly easy to add some "battle damage" to them.

Oh, one last thing, is the idea that these are being built for the 2019 race, so modern support equipment, fire extinguishers, radios, 1st aid kits, fuel cans etc would be assumed?

Seems I can only make short posts. One drawback is a stock top speed of only 45 mph, but with era available speed equipment they were capable of exceeding 100 mph. Getting a minimum of an extra 5 mph to qualify shouldn't be difficult. Based on your post from page 3, swapping a Model As 3 speed transmission into the T should be legal. Much easier to scrounge from the parts box than finding photos / diagrams of a period correct aftermarket one to scratchbuild something. This was apparently a fairly common swap for Ts in the 1930s as it improved their drivability, the 2 speed planetary gear box being weird for later drivers to operate.

I've done some looking and I'm going to go with a Ford Model T, the slow but steady choice. It may seem an odd selection, but they were more tractor than car, and were made for driving the terrible roads of the time. More than 5000 aftermarket accessories had been made for it when production ended in 1927. Many useful for this race, luggage racks, spare tire carriers, 4x4 conversions, reinforcing axle trusses, 2 speed rear ends, 3 speed transmissions, engine driven tire pumps, spotlights and a variety of things to make it go faster / improve reliability.

Having trouble posting, keeps giving an error, except of course this post...

I haven't been around for awhile. so just saw this. I've been hoping for years someone would do an endurance race build like this. I'll be entering in the vintageant category, but not 100% sure of the vehicle just yet but definitely 1920s-30s. A Model T with Frontiac 8 or 16 overhead valve conversion is stewing in my brain. I need to do a little research to see how engine reliability was impacted to make sure that is a suitable modification for an endurance racer. Also need to dig through the stash to see if something else strikes my fancy. I'd like to request #54 I do have 3 questions: On the roof racks, it doesn't say factory, just available when the vehicle was in production so aftermarket racks would be acceptable correct? Assume older than vehicle is also ok, just not newer than the vehicle. Limited slip / torque biasing axles are specifically mentioned, but nothing about lower gear ratios, worm drive axles or adding a powered axle (four wheel drive conversion). From my reading of the rules using heavier truck axles / wheels would be ok as long as the same period. I assume it is the cargo area that sets a station wagon / sedan delivery apart from a long body all seats sedan? Ford Model A woody wagon bad, Ford Model A Tudor sedan good.

Amazon pricing came up on a non-model related site awhile ago. A number of theories are out there. The most plausible I saw was it is an algorithm that gets a little wonky when it can't find many of the item available. In this case it was specifically looking at the prices of out of print books. Amazon's bot searches the net, it finds one on ebay going for big bucks, it tacks on a few dollars. Another book sellers bot, finds Amazon's price, tacks on a few dollars. Amazon's bot re-evaluates, finds this competing book sellers price, adjusts and tacks on a few dollars. Ebay seller sees what Amazon is charging, thinks Wow this book is worth a lot of money... rinse, and repeat. One of the more interesting theories is that it is a money laundering scheme. You buy a $30 book for $1500, $1470 is now clean. Maybe on ebay, but Amazon seems kind of high profile for that. Who knows, it wouldn't be the first time a major corporation was doing something on the shady side. One of the big alcohol firms got caught exporting "industrial" alcohol to avoid the higher taxes of drinkable alcohol. In this particular case I wouldn't be surprised if it was a case of an algorithm getting confused and basing the price on that of a 1-1 car.

Did Gerry Anderson help design that? It would look right at home in Capt Scarlet and the Mysterions, Thunderbirds or UFO.

I must be lucky, my regular postman is the old school variety who will stop and exchange friendly chit chat if I'm out in the yard when he delivers the mail. I've rarely had issue with the USPS, but I've lived in smaller communities the last 20 years where I actually have some familiarity with the postmaster and most of the employees at the local PO.

I picked up another Revell '36 Ford convertible when all of this was announced. Just because with the current situation the odds of a re-issue of that kit is now quite some ways out. Revell kit prices will only climb until things shake out but I'm really not too worried about the rest, recent issues will likely restart within the year and I have a few of most Revell kits I will "need" until the company gets back on track.

I still prefer forums like this, but the FB groups are many and can be pretty specific. I had little to do with FB until the past year when I found out about the groups. Since it is so easy to form a group there is a group for just about everything. Totally different format, but kind of like the old yahoo groups, there is almost nothing to niche to find a group about.