The Model T
The Ford Model T (also known as the Tin Lizzie and Flivver) is an automobile that was produced by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company from 1908 through 1927. It is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, and the car that "put North America on wheels" and as the "universal car". The Model T paved the way for future cars and is regarded as one of the greatest innovations of the twentieth century.
Specifications of the Model T
Years of Manufacture October 1, 1908 to May 26, 1927
Total Units Manufactured 15,458,781
Serial Number Location
If the chassis is marked the serial number is on the right frame near the firewall, or under the right floor board, matching the original engine number.
Average Price $550
Average Weight 1200 -1500 pounds
Wheelbase and Track 100 inch x 56 inch
Length and Width 134 inch x 66 inch
Engine 4 cylinder, 4 cycle, internal combustion gasoline engine, cast-in-bloc, 3 crank main bearings, "L" head with 2 side valves per cylinder, splash lubricated, water cooled
Engine Displacement 177 cubic inches - 2.9 liter
Engine Horsepower 20-22 BHP @ 1600
Maximum RPM Engine Torque 83 Ft-Lbs @ 900 RPM \
Cylinder Bore and Stroke 3.75 x 4.00 inches
Compression Ratio 4.5 to 1, Cylinder Pressure 50-70 psi
Bolt Torques – ft/lbs 5/16 – 15, 3/8 – 30, 7/16 – 45, 1/2 - 75
Intake Valve Gap .010"-.012" (adjustable tappets, stock cam)
Exhaust Valve Gap .012"-015" (adjustable tappets, stock cam))
Engine Oil Capacity 4 quarts, All Synthetic 10/30W recommended
Cooling System Capacity 14 quarts water or antifreeze 50/50 solution
Ignition System Commutated 4 coil vibrating reed system. Electricity from 6 Volt batteries or flywheel mounted magneto delivering from 4 to nearly 30 VAC
Firing Order 1-2-4-3
Spark Plug Type Champion 25, Motorcraft F-11 Spark Plug Gap .031" - .035"
Magneto Clearance .025" – .030" between magnet keeper faces and coil ring pole bosses
Fuel Capacity 10 Gallons - Range approx 200 mile.
Fuel Consumption Approx. 20-25 MPG @ 35 MPH
Drive Type Planetary transmission, 2 forward speeds, 1 reverse, rear wheel drive via torque tube driveline and bevel cut gear closed differential, final drive ratio 3.64/1
Differential Capacity 2 pints 90W – 120W
Wheels and Tires Wood spoke demountable clincher rim "Artillery" wheels, tires balloon type 30x3" front, 30x3 ½ rear Inflation Pressure 55 - 65 psi Front Axle Alignment Camber 3 ½", Caster 5 ½°, Toe-in 1/8"-1/4"
Top Speed Approx. 45 MPH, normal cruise 35 - 40 MPH Engine RPM@Speed 1400@35 MPH, 1600@40 MPH, 1800@45 MPH
Total Units Manufactured 15,458,781
Serial Number Location
If the chassis is marked the serial number is on the right frame near the firewall, or under the right floor board, matching the original engine number.
Average Price $550
Average Weight 1200 -1500 pounds
Wheelbase and Track 100 inch x 56 inch
Length and Width 134 inch x 66 inch
Engine 4 cylinder, 4 cycle, internal combustion gasoline engine, cast-in-bloc, 3 crank main bearings, "L" head with 2 side valves per cylinder, splash lubricated, water cooled
Engine Displacement 177 cubic inches - 2.9 liter
Engine Horsepower 20-22 BHP @ 1600
Maximum RPM Engine Torque 83 Ft-Lbs @ 900 RPM \
Cylinder Bore and Stroke 3.75 x 4.00 inches
Compression Ratio 4.5 to 1, Cylinder Pressure 50-70 psi
Bolt Torques – ft/lbs 5/16 – 15, 3/8 – 30, 7/16 – 45, 1/2 - 75
Intake Valve Gap .010"-.012" (adjustable tappets, stock cam)
Exhaust Valve Gap .012"-015" (adjustable tappets, stock cam))
Engine Oil Capacity 4 quarts, All Synthetic 10/30W recommended
Cooling System Capacity 14 quarts water or antifreeze 50/50 solution
Ignition System Commutated 4 coil vibrating reed system. Electricity from 6 Volt batteries or flywheel mounted magneto delivering from 4 to nearly 30 VAC
Firing Order 1-2-4-3
Spark Plug Type Champion 25, Motorcraft F-11 Spark Plug Gap .031" - .035"
Magneto Clearance .025" – .030" between magnet keeper faces and coil ring pole bosses
Fuel Capacity 10 Gallons - Range approx 200 mile.
Fuel Consumption Approx. 20-25 MPG @ 35 MPH
Drive Type Planetary transmission, 2 forward speeds, 1 reverse, rear wheel drive via torque tube driveline and bevel cut gear closed differential, final drive ratio 3.64/1
Differential Capacity 2 pints 90W – 120W
Wheels and Tires Wood spoke demountable clincher rim "Artillery" wheels, tires balloon type 30x3" front, 30x3 ½ rear Inflation Pressure 55 - 65 psi Front Axle Alignment Camber 3 ½", Caster 5 ½°, Toe-in 1/8"-1/4"
Top Speed Approx. 45 MPH, normal cruise 35 - 40 MPH Engine RPM@Speed 1400@35 MPH, 1600@40 MPH, 1800@45 MPH
The Failures of The Model T
The Model T was adventure to drive. A crank and tow rope were all standerd equipment. The crank was used to start the car and the tow rope was always there so you could never know when the car could get stuck in the mudd. Driving a Model T in the winter was even more of a adventure. Most drivers did not attempt to drive in the winter, in fear of getting stuck. Most drivers would park there cars for the winter on blocks, because the engines would seize durning the cold winter.