I picked up a pile of parts the other day, not sure what years they come from, is there a source for identifing year by simple clues or body dimensions? its a roadster mid teens, turtle deck has rear corners factory spot welded in, windshield frame has provisions for cowl lamps to bolt on, small firewall opening looks like it may have had a wood firewall.. I'll try to get some pictures loaded up..
.. I found a rough T Roadster Body that meets that description and I determined it to be a 1914. Get a body parts catalog that will help; + you could post some photos.
That is also a 17-22 complete windshield laying on the trailer. Pre 17 was round on all 4 corners and post 22 was square on all 4 corners. The Wizzard
Excellent info guys, Sorry I don't have pictures of the turtle deck but appears to be a bit narrower than the reveal on the back panel and the rear corners are spot tacked in, I have the feeling it may be earlier than the body. Enough clues there or do you need pictures or dimensions to accurately date it too?
Here's the index page to the Model T Encyclopedia...it has details on the cars year by year and component by component: http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/index.htm
Technically, the "high cowl" didn't make it into production until mid-1923; very close to the 1924 model year. It's a moot point though, the car in question has straight windshield stanchions with integral mounts for the side lamps; that makes it a 1917-early 1920 (ish) model.
Indeed, but that little half-moon shape in the cowl top gives its identity away as a black radiator car. Ford had to move the support rod a little higher beginning in '17 and the result is that little half-circle.
I do believe it's salvageable. . Been looking at pictures for inspiration.. like I have time for that
That body has weathered incredibly well. New wood is available from Snyder's, Brattons, and others, but is pricey! Mine is all steel reinforced (3/4" square tubing - easy stuff to shape).
Wow learn something every day. I guess mine is a 17 or newer. I just looked at the early photos of the body I bought and it has that notch in the flat part that the firewall connects to.
Turtle decks are almost the same for the low style.1913`s had square corners.14 to around 20 had round handles and round corners.The ones later low decks had flat handles.The deck of the body is wider and longer than the turtle deck.Sure is a nice body and it has the kinda hard to find moulding pieces for the back of the body.Good find.
It came with a full set of wood blue prints, but I will likely use steel too. here is the turtle deck