Story and photos by Mark Wing

The primary focus at this work party was the removal of the engine/transmission from Tony and Patti Schroeder’s 1925 Tudor.  Other projects included Kirk Peterson doing some repairs on his 1925 Model T coupe, and Mark Wing working on top irons for his 1925 touring car and checking a set of coils.  Larry also showed us the latest addition to his extensive Model T collection!

The Schroeder’s live in Portales, NM and their 1925 Model T Tudor was formerly owned by late Tin Lizzies club member, Clarence Schritter.  The transmission had recently seized and a triple gear pin had sheared off.  The engine/transmission needed to be removed and an assessment made of the damage so Tony could order the parts necessary for the repairs.  After removal and disassembly, it turned out that two of the triple gear pins had sheared off and the triple gears had moved around the transmission causing some damage.  Surprisingly, the damage wasn’t as severe as expected.  The only parts needed for the repair are a new set of triple gear pins and bushings and some new gaskets.  Larry has of triple gears in his inventory in case one or two need replacement.  With so many club members working on the project, the transmission was disassembled very quickly!

Kirk was busy grinding off a worn brake quadrant on his 1925 Model T coupe – “Buster”.  He also needed to install a good spare tire, as the one on the car was flat and it was a lot of trouble to repair the last time it was attempted.  This time, Kirk borrowed a spare tire from Larry in preparation for a car show next week.

Mark Wing brought some top irons for his 1925 touring car for media blasting.  The top irons had already been wire brushed and some cracks welded.  The media blaster was ideal for cleaning out the areas where the mechanical methods couldn’t reach.  A set of four rebuilt coils (purchased on Ebay) were also brought to the work party.  They were tested on Larry’s manual coil tester and on his ECCT tester.  The timing was a little early on a couple of the coils, so Larry adjusted them to be consistent and fire at the correct time.

Larry also showed everyone the latest addition to his stable of Model T’s – a 1925 Fordor that he purchased from a friend in California.  This Model T is in amazingly original condition and still possesses its factory paint job and interior!  This car was sold to the Corda family on April 11, 1925 by Tiffany Motor Co. for $640. The car was assembled at the San Francisco plant where the Giants Ball Park is now located.  Larry and Lorna had been looking for a sedan to round out their collection for some time.  They are very close to having at least one of every model that Ford produced during the Model T era!

Thanks Larry for a productive and enjoyable work party!