Cotter pins

[John Duden]

What is the correct original finish for cotter pins from the factory? where can new ones be found today to match the originals?
Thanks

[Growley bear]

John, I just submitted a question to the MAFCA technical director on this subject. Should have an answer in 72 hours. That is a very interesting question, maybe there is an answer in the judging standards. I really need to get one of those books.

Chet

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by John Duden

What is the correct original finish for cotter pins from the factory? where can new ones be found today to match the originals?
Thanks

John.....did you try a "search"? Try this...........
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...................................Cotters (nit picking) ( 1 2 3 view all).................

[Growley bear]

John, here is the reply from Jim Cannon. Thanks Jim for the fast response.

Hello, Chet!

That's a good question. In general, all Model A era cotter pins were unfinished steel. There were a few special applications (I know some windshield wiper arms/blades, possibly others) where the pin was made of brass.

The correct head shape for a Model A cotter pin is a full round circle. Modern pins come with the head bent off-center to the wire legs to form a tang out to one side; these are not correct. So you need to get pins with the correct head shape.

Ford specified specific length pins for various applications. You measure the length from under the round head to the tip of the shorter of the two legs. He did not use longer pins and cut them down. You bend the longer leg over the top of the threaded bolt and the shorter leg down along the hex side of the nut.

From the Restoration Guidelines & Judging Standards: "In the interest of preservation ... plain cotter pins may be cadmium plated or stainless steel." - Judging the Model A, pg. 12. Of course, they still must have the correct head shape.

The Model A parts suppliers sell sets of pins with the round head in both plain steel and stainless steel. I find the stainless pins to be a bit harder to bend, but they stay looking nice.

There is also a book called the "Ford Model A Standard Hardware" sold by MAFCA. This 36 page manual is a compilation of standard parts from all 11 chassis parts books Ford used throughout the Model A Era. A source to research the number, size, shape and finish of any subassembly standard parts for his car regardless of the year.

I hope this helps.

--

Jim Cannon
MAFCA 2014 Technical Director

[John Duden]

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Originally Posted by Growley bear

John, here is the reply from Jim Cannon. Thanks Jim for the fast response.

Hello, Chet!

That's a good question. In general, all Model A era cotter pins were unfinished steel. There were a few special applications (I know some windshield wiper arms/blades, possibly others) where the pin was made of brass.

The correct head shape for a Model A cotter pin is a full round circle. Modern pins come with the head bent off-center to the wire legs to form a tang out to one side; these are not correct. So you need to get pins with the correct head shape.

Ford specified specific length pins for various applications. You measure the length from under the round head to the tip of the shorter of the two legs. He did not use longer pins and cut them down. You bend the longer leg over the top of the threaded bolt and the shorter leg down along the hex side of the nut.

From the Restoration Guidelines & Judging Standards: "In the interest of preservation ... plain cotter pins may be cadmium plated or stainless steel." - Judging the Model A, pg. 12. Of course, they still must have the correct head shape.

The Model A parts suppliers sell sets of pins with the round head in both plain steel and stainless steel. I find the stainless pins to be a bit harder to bend, but they stay looking nice.

There is also a book called the "Ford Model A Standard Hardware" sold by MAFCA. This 36 page manual is a compilation of standard parts from all 11 chassis parts books Ford used throughout the Model A Era. A source to research the number, size, shape and finish of any subassembly standard parts for his car regardless of the year.

I hope this helps.

--

Jim Cannon
MAFCA 2014 Technical Director

Thank you! This helps out alot, i will have to get ahold of the book now. I'll also give the ones the suppliers have a try.

In the two cylinder world our version of that guy, His name is Mr. Thinker
John