The Ford Barn

Geokop · 05-20-2026, 11:28 AM

Hi Everyone,
I've found a highly original 1913 Touring car that the owner will sell to me if I want it, which is a 99% "yes". The engine and transmission have no more than 100 miles on them after a major Kevin Prus rebuild. It has a new Berg, square tube radiator, a new gas tank and shut-off valve, and the Holly Model S carb has been gone through and serviced where needed. It's been converted to electric start but has no generator; I'd be OK with periodically connecting a charger to the added (six volt) battery. (The original hogs head and non-ring geared flywheel would be included with the purchase.) This car even has an exhaust whistle. Cool! The body wood is very solid, and the chassis / underside is very clean. No signs of rust or rot anywhere. The seats and inner door liners really look like they're 113 years old, though. The top was down when I looked at the car in the owner's shop but was told it's in good shape.
The only big question mark is whether or not the rear thrust washer is bronze or Babbit. I've read and have been told that up to a point, Ford used bronze washers and later switched to Babbit due to it being cheaper. Would a '13 still have the preferred, bronze thrust washer? I'd hope not to have to tear into the differential to find out, but I wouldn't want to be driving along and find out the hard way after a total failure.
Thanks very much for any / all replies.

05-20-2026, 11:28 AM	#1
Geokop Member Join Date: Sep 2023 Posts: 44	A Possible T Purchase and a Rear End Question Hi Everyone, I've found a highly original 1913 Touring car that the owner will sell to me if I want it, which is a 99% "yes". The engine and transmission have no more than 100 miles on them after a major Kevin Prus rebuild. It has a new Berg, square tube radiator, a new gas tank and shut-off valve, and the Holly Model S carb has been gone through and serviced where needed. It's been converted to electric start but has no generator; I'd be OK with periodically connecting a charger to the added (six volt) battery. (The original hogs head and non-ring geared flywheel would be included with the purchase.) This car even has an exhaust whistle. Cool! The body wood is very solid, and the chassis / underside is very clean. No signs of rust or rot anywhere. The seats and inner door liners really look like they're 113 years old, though. The top was down when I looked at the car in the owner's shop but was told it's in good shape. The only big question mark is whether or not the rear thrust washer is bronze or Babbit. I've read and have been told that up to a point, Ford used bronze washers and later switched to Babbit due to it being cheaper. Would a '13 still have the preferred, bronze thrust washer? I'd hope not to have to tear into the differential to find out, but I wouldn't want to be driving along and find out the hard way after a total failure. Thanks very much for any / all replies.