Projects

Ford Model-T Speedster #56

The Project:

Ford Model T Speedster - The idea for this project started in June of 2004, when several Model T Club members brought their cars to the auto shop. Seeing so much interest in the old cars, the club decided to sponsor a high school project.

The Santa Clara Valley Model T Club (SCVMTFC) has stepped up to help the Gunn Auto students build a Model T "Speedster", a racing version of the ever popular car that put America on wheels. Santa Clara Model T Club members Bob and Pat Meneely have taken us under their wings and are helping to gather parts and raise funds to assist in the project. Former shop instructor and T club member Chuck Christensen has also volunteered his time and assistance. "This is a chance for the youngsters to learn from the adults" says Gunn Auto Instructor Mike Camicia. "I'll be learning right along with the students. This will be the oldest car we've ever played with."

Highlights:
 We have competed in five Endurance Runs hosted by SCVMTFC
   
The Build Time Line
Pictorial History
2004-2005 School Year
SCFMTFC visits Gunn Auto Tech
Gather parts (December 2004)
Let's get started:
1) Engine teardown
2) Lots of sandblasting
3) Lots of bead blasting
 
 
 
 
2005-2006 School Year
Fall Semester
SCVMTFC sends many experienced members to provide direction & mentoring.
We finish the year with a rolling chassis, fresh from the paint shop City Collision in Mountain View.
1) Assembling the rear axle [over and over again] until we get it right
2) Assembling the engine - checking bearing clearances
3) Assembling the magneto
4) A rolling chassis by Christmas break
2005-2006 School Year
Spring Semester
1) Planning and building the body. Making a paper pattern of each body panel
2) Installing the seats
3) Getting ready to start it for the first time!
4) Wiring and lots of wood work
5) Working around the clock...even in the rain
6) Mounting the gas tank
7) Glen Wildman shows us how to fut the body panels
8) Bob Beaman, Bob Meneely and Stan Paddock
2006-2007 School Year
Fall Semester
After our first endurance run:
1) Remove the body
2) Re-fabricate the rear boat tail section
3) Remove the engine
4) Remove one leaf from the front and rear transverse leaf spring assemblies
5) Work on the Magneto: re-magnetize it and reassemble
2006-2007 School Year
Spring Semester
Body pieces come back from the paint shop City Collision in Mountain View
 
 
 
2009-2010 School Year
Spring Semester
The shop is back - will we have enough time to get the speedster up and running for the Endurance Run?
1) Pin striping
2) Installed a new Kevlar low band
3) Fabricated a new external exhaust header and pipe
4) Fabricated an exhaust shield