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 Back
to Year-by-Year 1908-1927 Ford Model T Reference Guide
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERS: 10,994,034
to 12,990,076 calendar year. 10,266,472 to 12,218,728
model year (August 1, 1924 to July 27, 1925, the start
of the 1926 models).
MODEL YEAR DATES: August
1924 to August 1925.
BODY TYPES: Touring,
Runabout, Coupe, Tudor and Fordor Sedans, Chassis and
Trucks.
MAJOR MODEL YEAR FEATURES: Trucks
were supplied with cabs and bodies beginning in 1924.
Roadster-Pickup and Closed-Cab trucks in late 1925
(early calendar year 1925?, before ?1926? models)
production. Passenger cars were similar in style to the
1924 cars but more steel was used to replace the wood
framework in the open car bodies.
COLORS: All
cars were painted black, with black fenders.
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 blue cloth.
FENDERS: Same
as late 1924. In late 1925 models the rear fenders on
the Coupe and Runabout were given larger splash aprons,
reducing the gap between the body and fenders.
SPLASH APRON: Same
as 1924. Near the end of production, aprons were
?square?-shaped on the sedans, somewhat in the style of
the 1926 models. This apron does not appear in the parts
books, however, and it may not have been used on all
production.
RUNNING BOARDS: Same
as 1924.
HOOD: Same
as 1924.
DASHBOARD (Firewall):
Steel, same as 1924.
CHASSIS: Same
as 1924 except that the brake quadrant was now held with
two rivets instead of four. Painted black.
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY: Pressed
steel, black painted, quadrant, Zinc-plated spark and
throttle levers, with flattened metal ends. Gear case
was brass, zinc plated, one piece assembly. Wheel was
16? outside diameter, made of ?Fordite? (synthetic
material), and painted black. The wheel spider was
pressed steel and painted black. With introduction of
balloon tires, the gear ratio was increased to 5:1. The
steering wheel diameter was increased to 17? in January
1925.
FRONT AXLE: Same
as the 1924 cars.
REAR AXLE: Same
as 1924.
DRIVESHAFT HOUSING: Same
as 1924.
REAR RADIUS AND BRAKE RODS: Same
as 1924.
WHEELS: Used
30 by 3 tires in front; 30 by 3-1/2 in the rear on
non-demountable-equipped open cars. Front wheels used
taper-roller (Timken) bearings except in the
non-starter, non-demountable open cars. Hub caps were
unchanged from 1924. Demountable-rim wheels were
standard on closed cars, and optional on the open
models; used 30 by 3-1/2 tires all around. 21? balloon
tires and wheels were available as an option.
SPRINGS: Non-tapered,
front and rear. ?U? shaped shackles.
RADIATOR: Same
as 1924. Nickel-plated shell was offered as an option
late in production, before the 1926 models. A trim
valence over the crank area was used as in the 1924
models.
ENGINE: Same
as 1924. Starter was still optional on the open cars.
ENGINE PAN: ?Four-dip?
pan is standard.
OIL FILLER CAP: Same
as 1924.
ENGINE CRANK: Same
as 1924 one piece type with the rolled-in-place handle
sleeve.
ENGINE FAN: Same
as 1924.
MANIFOLDS: Same
as 1924.
CARBURETORS: Kingston
Model L4, Holley Model NH, or Ford F. The Holley
Vaporizer was used on some later 1925 models (before the
1926 style cars). The choke rod with the integral
carburetor adjustment was introduced late in the model
year (before the 1926 models). These cars then used the
U-joint type carburetor adjustment.
CARBURETOR STOVE ASSEMBLY: Same
as 1924, but not used on Vaporizer-equipped cars.
MUFFLER: Pressed
steel type with no tail pipe.
FUEL TANK: Elliptical,
under the front seat. Mounting brackets clamped to the
tank. Outlet was between the center and the right side,
between the frame rails. The Sedans continued the square
tank under the driver?s seat.
COIL BOX ASSEMBLY: Same
as 1924.
TRANSMISSION: Three-pedal
standard-design. Pedals were of the plain type.
Transmission cover was cast iron. Tapered inspection
door was held with six screws. The door was of pressed
steel with an embossed pattern. ?Quick-change? bands
introduced in calendar 1925.
LAMPS: Magneto
powered electric type on the non-starter cars, and six
volt electric on the starter models. Black steel rims.
Side and tail lamps were similar to 1917 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 redesigned tail light which is
mounted on the license plate bracket. This style of lamp
was used through 1927.
HORN: Magneto
powered electric on non-starter cars, but six volt on
starter models.
WINDSHIELD: Same
as 1924.
TOP: (Open
cars). Same as 1924.
SPEEDOMETER: Not
standard equipment.
TURTLE DECK: Same
as 1924.
NOTES ON
THE ROADSTER-PICKUP
By Trent Boggess
Factory records seem to indicate that
the roadster-pickup was introduced in March of 1925 and
that it was discontinued in April. Yet examples of
seemingly original cars exist which were manufactured in
May and later. The following information found at the
Ford Archives should shed some light on what happened.
Careful reading of the factory
letters leads me to believe that roadster-pickup
production continued after May 1, 1925. One letter to
the branches dated May 9, 1925 states: ?When delivering
roadster with pickup body equipped with demountable
rims, it will be necessary to supply the extra rim. Our
Engineering Dept. is at present designing a spare rim
carrier to take care of this, but until such time as
same is available you will supply extra rim only.?
But the real explanation of why this
body style disappears from the factory rolls is, I
think, found in a general letter dated May 1, 1925, on
Excise Tax on Pick-Up Body.
?We are in receipt of a ruling from
the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, with reference to
runabouts sold with pickup bodies, in which the T
Chassis and runabout body less deck (including in both
cases freight differential, crating, tires, inner tubes,
parts and accessories therefore sold on or in connection
therewith or with the sale thereof) are held to be
subject to an excise tax of 5%, and the pickup body
(including advance or fixed freight, crating, parts and
accessories therefore sold on or in connection therewith
or with the sale thereof) billed as a separate item, is
held to be exempt from tax since the sales price is not
in excess of $200.
?Thereforee, in selling the runabout
with pickup body, you will in the future bill the
pick-up body (including advance or fixed freight,
crating, parts and accessories therefore sold on or in
connection therewith or with the sale thereof) as a
separate item on the sales order on which no tax will be
computed, and compute tax at 5% on the sales price of
the runabout less rear deck body (including advance or
fixed freight, crating, parts and accessories therefore
sold on or in connection therewith or with the sale
thereof).
?The present selling price of the
pick-up body itself, you will understand, is $25.00 less
discount, to which you will add advance or fixed freight
differential, crating, tires, inner tubes, parts and
accessories therefore sold on or in connection therewith
or with the sale thereof, in arriving at the amount
which is exempt from tax in selling a runabout with
pick-up body.
?The Pickup body sold through service
body (including advance or fixed freight, crating, parts
and accessories therefore sold on or in connection
therewith or with the sale thereof) is exempt from tax
since the sales price is not in excess of $200.00.
Though you will hereafter bill the pick-up body as a
separate item on the invoice you will report runabout
with pick-up body as one unit on Form 3560-F.
?This applies to United States
branches only.?
Whew! If you get through that (and
believe it or not I did edit out some of it), the
essence of it is they were going to bill roadster
pickups as two separate items. Roadsters without decks
and pickup bodies. This so as to reduce the tax
liability on the vehicle. This may explain why the
factory production records lists runabouts and it lists
pick-up bodies, but the records do not list Roadster
Pickups. Furthermore, since the cars were being sold as
runabouts (less rear deck) after May 1, 1925 the metal
garnish strips covering the sills below the rear deck
would have been installed at the factory. Roadster
pick-ups built after May 1 would have these garnish
strips, while those built prior to May 1 did not.
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1925 Changes
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JAN 6 |
Acc.
1701, Model T Releases, Ford Archives |
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Specified use of 17" steering wheel on all
chassis instead of those with 21 by 4.40 tires
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FEB 2 |
Acc.
94, "Bolts, Nuts, etc." folder, Ford Archives |
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Letter from W.C. Klann to Martin and Howard:
"On Dec. 2nd, 1924 Mr. Martin and
Mr.. Galamb O.K.'d building motors with no
cotter keys in the bolts but using lock washers
instead in the crankcase, transmission cover and
cylinder block assembly only. Why not put this
on the blue print? Please advise."
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FEB 5 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch |
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We
are rather interested in knowing about what
proportion of prospects would be interested in
Ford Cars, both open and closed, equipped with
balloon tires. Say for instance, if an
additional price of $25.00 for the balloon
equipment, less of course, the regular discount
to the dealer were charged, what proportion of
cars do you suppose you would ask us to ship you
so equipped if the company decided to furnish
balloon tires?
It
would probably depend largely on your answer
whether or not balloon tire equipment would be
used as standard equipment on part of our
production.
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FEB 23 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch |
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The
following are the recommendations for air
pressures to be used in 4.40/21" tires on Ford
cars: Roadster, 25 pounds. Touring and Coupe, 30
pounds. Sedan types, 35 pounds. These pressures
are for both front and rear.
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MAR 4 |
Acc.
235, General Letters, Ford Archives |
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Pickup bed for Runabout announced.
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MAR 6 |
Letter from Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., Ford
Archives |
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The
Ford Motor Company have (sic) approved the
Balloon tire and furnish it as original
equipment. This offers you an opportunity for
increased sales and profit. New car sales ---
changeovers from hundreds of present Ford
owners, who will want to bring their cars up to
date and enjoy the comfort, safety and economy
of Balloon tires.
(The
letter then recommends the tire pressures listed
February 23.)
Firestone Balloons are furnished with
combination Dill Dust Caps and, if properly
tightened, will help to maintain constant
pressure and minimize leakage. (The letter
continues with a description of the tires and a
suggested price of $64.80 for a set of four with
wheels and a spare rim.)
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Ford
Archives |
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Prices: Touring, $290. Runabout, $260. Tudor,
$580. Fordor, $660. Coupe, $520. Chassis, $225.
Runabout with pickup body, $281; with starter
and demountable rims, $366. Starter for Touring
and Runabout, $65. Demountables for touring and
runabout, $20. (Electric equipment and
demountables were standard equipment on the
closed cars.)
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MAR 17 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
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Began
using only one bushing in the transmission brake
drum.
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APR 15 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch, with Detroit
date line) |
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As a
delivery unit to meet requirements for equipment
lighter than that of the ton truck, The Ford
Motor Company has just added a pick-up body to
its commercial car line.
The
new body is designed for use on the Ford
Runabout, taking the place of the rear deck, and
is well adapted to all kinds of light hauling
and quick delivery. The Runabout seat affords
comfortable riding for the driver and there is
ample room for another passenger. Full
protection against inclement weather is provided
by the top and side curtains.
The
new body is of all steel construction and
sturdily built. It is 3 feet, 4-3/4 inches wide
and 4 feet, 8 inches long. Sides are thirteen
inches deep to the flare, so that loading space
is sufficient to meet all demands of light
delivery. The end gate is the same as that on
the express type body of the ton truck and when
partially lowered is securely held in place by
chains.
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APR 9 |
Acc.
235, General Letters, Ford Archives |
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Closed cab for trucks announced.
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APR 17 |
Ford
Factory letter |
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The
250,000th Ford left the final assembly line in
Manchester, England. English Fords are about 90%
British material. "All cylinder blocks are cast
and machined in the plant at Cork, Ireland,
which operates under the name of Henry Ford &
Son, Ltd."
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APR 29 |
Ford
Factory letter |
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A
closed cab is the latest equipment offered by
the Ford Motor Company for the Ford ton truck.
The new cab, which is all-steel, affords
protection for the driver and is adaptable for
use with standard Ford truck bodies, both the
express and the stake types.
Doors
of the cab are exceptionally wide and the plate
glass windows in the doors may be lowered. The
upper portion of the windshield swings either in
or out so as to suit ventilation requirements.
The seat accommodates three persons comfortably
and there are special springs in both the seat
and back cushions. Panels in the back of the cab
may be easily removed to permit access to the
truck body.
A
combined priming and carburetor adjusting rod is
now standard on all Ford closed cars, and is
being furnished without extra cost. Where
formerly the driver primed from the instrument
board and adjusted the carburetor from the dash
beneath, both operations may now be performed
from the same accessory on the instrument board.
Ford
owners who desire to "dress up" their cars with
nickel-plated radiator shells and head lamp
doors may now secure these accessories from Ford
dealers. This equipment is being supplied by the
Ford Motor Company to authorized dealers
throughout the country.
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APR 30 |
Factory Letter |
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Windshield wing assemblies announced at $7.50
pair. Nickel plated radiator shell, apron and
headlamp rims offered. T-3947D shell at $5.00.
T-3977B apron, $.75. T-6575BRX headlamp rim,
less lens, $1.00. All at 40% discount to the
dealer.
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MAY 2 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch |
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Leather inner axle oil seal announced. Part #
T-198AR, it sold for 30 cents a pair.
Instructions were given on its installation, and
the importance of keeping the bearing well
greased is stressed.
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MAY 14 |
Factory Letter |
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Leather "Dope Washers" announced. These were the
leather grease seals that go inside the outer
rear wheel bearings. P/N T-198AR or cars,
TT-198AR for trucks.
NATURAL WOOD WHEELS announced.
T-291-1 front wheel, balloon, with hub and less
rim, at $5.50 each. T-2815G rear wheel, balloon,
with hub and less rim, at $5.50 each. These were
sold as a set to the dealer for $13.20. They
were to be sold to the customer on an exchange
basis (for black balloon wheels) for $15.00.
Ford would allow a credit of $6.00 for the
returned set.
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JUN 1 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch |
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Transmission bands with the detachable ear on
all production was noted. The letter gave
instructions on the removal and installation,
and notes that it was necessary to cut off
approximately 1-1/2" of the clutch pedal shaft,
as well as installing a new transmission band
adjusting screw extension T-1525-R when these
bands were used on earlier (non-detachable
bands) transmissions. (2-1/2" to be cut off is
specified in a letter of July 28.)
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JUL 7 |
Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
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Ford
drawing showing an arrangement with which the
new 11" rear brakes could be operated from a
separate foot pedal. Four pedals!
Never used, of course.
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JUL 8 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch |
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"We
have discontinued marking high-speed trucks with
white paint on the axle housing cap, and are now
marking them by stamping "H.S." with dies on top
of the worm housing."
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JUL 27 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
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Last
old style engine (12,218,728) built at 5:51 P.M.
and new (1926) type engines began on the third
shift.
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JUL 28 |
Letter from Chicago Branch |
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Notes
that they have found it necessary to cut 2-1/2"
off the clutch pedal shaft (T3427) when
installing quick-change bands in earlier cars.
(Was 1-1/2")
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AUG 22 |
Letter from Chicago Branch |
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Announcement of the "improved Ford car," stating
that it would be first advertised to the public
in the afternoon papers August 26, and the
morning papers on August 27, with weekly
publications the following week. The cars were
not to be displayed before the 26th. The letter
stressed that the term "New Ford" should not be
used; rather "Improved Changes in Body and
Chassis," or "Improved Ford Cars."
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AUG 26 |
The
official news release on the "Improved Fords." |
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Changes are Most Pronounced --- Bodies Longer,
Lower and All-Steel.
Goes
to Colors in Closed cars. Many Other Refinements
Made --- Brakes are Larger, More Powerful.
Body
changes and chassis refinements more pronounced
than any made since the adoption of the Model T
chassis were announced here today by the Ford
Motor Company. There will be no advance in
price, it also was stated.
Outstanding features of the improvements in both
open and enclosed types are lower, all-steel
bodies on a lowered chassis, complete new design
in most body types, a change from black in color
in closed cars, larger, lower fenders, newly
designed seats and larger, more powerful brakes.
Longer lines, effected through higher radiator
and redesigned cowl and bodies are apparent in
all the improved Ford cars, but are especially
pronounced in the open types. Wide crown fenders
hung close to the wheels contribute to the
general effect of lowness and smartness.
While
Runabout and Touring Car remain in black, the
closed bodies are finished in harmonic color
schemes, enhanced by nickel radiators. The Coupe
and Tudor bodies are finished in deep channel
green while the Fordor is rich Windsor Maroon.
Greater comfort is provided for driver and
passengers in both open and closed cars by
larger compartments, more deeply cushioned seats
and greater leg room.
Many
new conveniences are also incorporated in the
improved cars. In the Runabout, Touring Car,
Coupe and Tudor, the gasoline tank is under the
cowl and filled through an ingeniously located
filler cap completely hidden from sight by a
cover similar in appearance to a cowl
ventilator. One-piece windshield and narrowed
pillars in the Tudor and Coupe offer the driver
greatly increased visibility and improved
ventilation.
Driving comfort is materially increased by lower
seats, scientifically improved back rests and
lowered steering wheel. Brake and clutch pedals
are wider and more conveniently spaced.
Four
doors are now provided on the Touring Car and
two on the Runabout permitting the driver to
take his place from the left side of the car.
Curtains, held secure by rods, open with the
doors.
Most
important in the mechanical changes are the
improved brakes. The transmission brake drum and
bands have been considerably increased in size
which gives the foot brake softer and more
positive action as well as longer life. The rear
wheel brake drums are larger and the brake is of
self energizing type.
Cord
tires are now standard equipment on all Ford
cars.
At
the main offices of the company it was stated
today that production of the new line is under
way in all assembly plants of the company
throughout the country and the improved cars are
being sent to dealers for showing.
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AUG 30 |
Acc.
235, General letter from Detroit, Ford Archives |
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Edsel
B. Ford, president of the Ford Motor Company, in
a statement issued yesterday following the
announcement of improved Ford bodies and chassis
refinements, said:
"We
do not want the impression to prevail that we
are producing new Ford Cars.
"Bodies for Ford cars have been materially
improved but the Model T chassis remains
unchanged except for a lowering of the frame and
a few other important changes. Bodies, in four
types, have been completely redesigned and built
lower to contribute to better appearance,
driving and riding comfort and roadability of
the cars.
"Body
improvements and chassis refinements at this
time are more pronounced than at any previous
time since the adoption of the Model T chassis.
They are, however, entirely in accordance with
the policy of the Ford Motor Company to give the
public the benefit of every improvement which we
find practical for Ford cars.
"By
preserving the design of the Model T chassis,
the company is safeguarding continued good
service for owners of approximately 9,000,000
Ford cars and trucks now in use throughout the
country as well as for new car purchasers."
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SEP 11 |
News
release from Detroit |
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Beauty is Keynote of Longer, lower Bodies ---
Many New Conveniences.
It is
no exaggeration to say that Ford dealer show
rooms in (name of city) were literally packed
with people during the past week, all eager to
see the new Ford cars which went on display for
the first time (name day).
There
were exclamations of surprise from everyone and
enthusiastic comments of all kinds were heard
everywhere the cars were exhibited whether in
show rooms or on the streets.
The
cars are most attractive. Graceful lines have
been effected through the combination of lower
bodies on a lowered chassis frame. Through
unnumerable (sic) changes there has been blended
into one whole an exceptionally pleasing line of
cars. From the higher radiator, rising into the
body lines, on back to the improved spare tire
carrier at the rear and the tail light and
license bracket on the fender, every car is
distinctive.
Those
desiring a two passenger car will find it hard
to choose between the Coupe and the Runabout.
Both these types have particularly good lines.
The rear deck of each has been considerably
enlarged, and is now full width with increased
luggage carrying capacity.
The
Touring car, most popular of all Ford cars, has
a considerably longer appearance and seats are
wider.
The
Tudor Sedan, likewise has been redesigned not
only in lines, but in interior arrangement and
seating comfort, while the Fordor has many
charms for those who prefer a car of this type.
Examination of the cars reveal many other
conveniences and refinements which provide
improved braking facilities, permit quicker
adjustments and contribute in many ways to
easier driving, all of which can be better
appreciated by personal examination than by any
description.
While
they embody features which give them new beauty,
riding and driving comfort, the improved Fords
are built on the same Model T chassis which is
the foundation of the dependable and economical
performance of more than 9,000,000 Ford cars now
in service all over the world.
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SEP 15 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
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Production of Touring and Roadster top boots and
gypsy curtains begins.
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OCT 7 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
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Production of windshield wings begins.
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OCT 26 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
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Began
using bolts on the valve doors. (A letter of
June 5, 1919, indicated this change was made in
1919. Apparently both bolts and studs had been
used during the early 1920's.)
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NOV 16 |
Engine production records, Ford Archives |
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100%
of production now used the support straps at the
rear of the engine block.
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DEC 12 |
Acc.
94. Walter Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
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"Motor number was first placed on frame side
member R.H. on Dec. 12, 1925. Motor No.
12,861,044. Information obtained from Mr. Burns,
Final Assy., Highland Park."
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DEC 14 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
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Production of snubbers (shock absorbers) begins.
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DEC 31 |
Acc.
94, Fishleigh files, Ford Archives |
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Production of automatic windshield wiper begins.
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DEC 31 |
Letter from the Chicago Branch |
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The
letter is regarding the importance of adjusting
the rear wheel brakes, and gives the following
procedure:
"To
properly adjust the brakes, set the hand brake
lever in the fourth notch (high gear) from the
front of the quadrant. Make sure that brake
drums are contracted. Then adjust the clevis on
end of rod until hole in clevis lines up with
hole in controller shaft. Insert the pin through
the hole. Then turn the rear wheels to ascertain
whether the brakes are dragging on the drum. If
both wheels run free, pull the hand brake lever
back to the sixth notch of quadrant. Then try
wheels again. Brakes should just start holding
at this point. Now the brakes are properly
adjusted. Insert cotter keys in the end of the
clevis pin."
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NOTES:
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The
following information regarding the change to
the 1926 body style was submitted by Trent
Boggess, and comes from the Ford Archives:
William F. Pioch's Reminiscences:
"In this particular model change, it was mostly
in the styling of the car and not in the
engineering of the motor and chassis. That car
was brought out mainly to try and keep the sales
built up an make the Model T look a little more
like our competitor's cars at that time, who
were catching up with us.
"We
called this the Australian job. It was supposed
to throw off the public. This car was tested out
on the highway. We had no test tracks then. For
general public information, I think the people
believed the Australian job was intended for
Australia until the car was shown in the sales
room. Of course, a lot of people around Detroit
knew it was intended for the market here.
"We
worked on this Australian job for about six or
seven months before it went into production. Joe
Galamb designed the body for this. It had the
gas tank in the hood with the filler in the
center of it. That was really the first
streamlined job at that time. It was the last of
the Model T, about 1925 or 1926."
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