Cannonball Head
 

We just picked up a model T cannonball head. Are they rare?

Re: Cannonball Head
 

I have been in the model T hobby for a lot of years, I have never heard of a cannonball head. Posting some pictures might help??

Re: Cannonball Head
 

heres photos iwas told the were part of the line of parts made by "cannon ball" baker
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...10302-2056.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...10302-2056.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...10302-2056.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...10302-2056.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...10302-2057.jpg

Re: Cannonball Head
 

Can't tell by the photos, but looks like you would have to use different pistons. The stock and most other pistons for model T came up above the deck by about 3/8 of and inch. The very early T's had pistons that were even with the deck but I would guess that a head with his name would have come out later then that. Neat looking head. Neat looking T head. If the recess for the top of the pistons is deeper then it looks, cool!

Re: Cannonball Head
 

the lower flat section is 3/8" deep and the valve pockets are 1-3/8" deep

Re: Cannonball Head
 

WOW

That is a cool and rather rare Model T high compression Head.

Cannon Ball Baker was an early racer and made lots of records , with all types of motors, cycles, and autos.

Made a record run in a Model T sealed in high gear across the country New York to Los Angeles...

that head isn't mentioned in the list of improvements to the Ford for his endurance run.....was likely mfg after his famous run....in 1926 or 1927 would be the time of that head design....very similar to the famous Ricardo head for Fords.......similar chamber,,,,,, cool thing to have!

Re: Cannonball Head
 

Thanks for the pictures, it definitely looks like it fits a T. I guess I have to put one more in the memory bank.

Re: Cannonball Head
 

jreeder41

And, if you arn't gonna use it.....that thing is so rare I bet Speedy Bill Smith would want it for his collection........

http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/default.dlp

He loves T's and flatheads.......

Re: Cannonball Head
 

I think we will be using it on my Mifflinburg Body Works truck!

Re: Cannonball Head
 

If I had that head on my T that would be a good name for the T. In fact I would have a license plate on the front with that name on it.:D

Re: Cannonball Head
 

tmodelman .......................
WOW ! That is really impressive. That would be a tough journey, even today, with the interestates and modern cars. Just think, he did that on dirt roads, gravel roads, bad tires, bad gas etc., etc.
Thanks,
MIKE :)

Re: Cannonball Head
 

As I understand it, the Waukesha Ricardo head does not raise the compression but works really well due to a much more efficient combustion chamber design. The result is added performance without added stress on the bottom end. (I want one!!) I wonder if the Cannonball head is the same. A measurement of the volume of liquid that a chamber will hold compared to a standard head would likely tell.

Re: Cannonball Head
 

guess thiis things rarer than i thought not bad for $40

Re: Cannonball Head
 

Guys any idea of value on this?

Re: Cannonball Head
 

I would call Speedy Bill Smith at the museum listed in my prior post, he displays all these special heads, and that one isn't in the museum.

To use it, would cost magnaflux and surfacing expense of $100, and it may give about 3-5 hp boost.....rather heavy iron, the new 6:1 compression 'Z' head is a better deal IMHO.

Tests of heads on this site:
http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=MTFCTulsa

Re: Cannonball Head
 

thanks im very anti speedway i refuse to sell anything to speedy bill....id rather scrap it then see him get it

Re: Cannonball Head
 

Now Kevin, you have his stickers on your car.:D

Re: Cannonball Head
 

haha not by choice someone snuck them on there