The Ford Barn

baba · 05-10-2022, 09:27 AM

I want to replace the original grease fittings on my front spindles.
What size should I use, what size drill and tap?
Never done this before. Eventually want to replace all the old fittings.
Right now the car is about 50/50 new and original.

Ruth · 05-10-2022, 10:34 AM

Most Vendors have a kit to replace the zerk fittings. https://www.brattons.com/MODERN-GREA...uctinfo/36830/

But to answer your question, most are 1/8" pipe thread. Beware some are press in.

katy · 05-10-2022, 10:47 AM

Some are 1/4-28

Fullraceflathead · 05-10-2022, 12:30 PM

Here’s a video I made about this.
I used 1/8” Pipe Zirk grease fittings.
I mistakenly said 1” at one point in the video but later said 1/8” pipe thread.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AXhrJDZ1I

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rt23k4eRRlQ

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BlkaH2...JPvFda&index=8

nkaminar · 05-10-2022, 12:43 PM

See https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...htm?pid=977844

If you eventually want to replace all of them get the assortment. That way you can try different ones to see what fits. If you need more you can get them at any automotive parts store.

Some of the press in ones are difficult to get in because of limited room. They are really hammer in. You have to get creative.

If you don't want the set, take the ones that are in there now to the auto parts store to buy there.

TomInCologne · 05-10-2022, 01:00 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Just a thought... i know of at least 3 types of 'pipe thread':

- the former BSP (parallel), now ISO 228, designation 'G'
- the former BSPT (tapered), now ISO 7, designation 'R'
- and NPT

I assume that you all mean NPT, but could you clarify this in future?

nkaminar · 05-10-2022, 03:41 PM

The tapered pipe threads are all NPT (National Pipe Tread). Ford never used anything else.

Synchro909 · 05-10-2022, 07:48 PM

The easiest way to change them over is to get the drive in type. Easy peezy to fit and they stay put.

Fullraceflathead · 05-11-2022, 01:15 AM

NPT Pipe Thread is the most common one used today.

TomInCologne · 05-11-2022, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullraceflathead

NPT Pipe Thread is the most common one used today.

... in the US of A...

Dave in MN · 05-11-2022, 06:02 AM

baba,
As others have said, because the type of fitting needed at each location can vary, it is best to order a replacement set from a Model A vendor. There are typically two types available. Modern: Most grease guns sold today fit these.
Original: These old style fittings require a special adapter for your modern grease gun.

Regardless of which style you order, MAKE YOUR INSTALLATION EASIER, order a Grease Fitting Tool to install the drive/press in style fittings.

I happen to have a Snyders catalog handy. Here are the part numbers:
Grease Fitting Set
A-353000 Modern Style $14.00 set
A-353000-OR Original Style $24.00 set

Grease Fitting Tool
A-353020-M Modern Style $1.95
A-353020 Original Style $2.75

TomInCologne · 05-11-2022, 06:15 AM

also, even with the special tool from the vendors, some places are just problematic. I fail to put in the new fittings on the front shock links as there is not enough space for the tool. So, check before you take the old grease fitting out...

katy · 05-11-2022, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

The tapered pipe threads are all NPT (National Pipe Tread). Ford never used anything else.

NPT = national pipe taper (not thread)
NPS = national pipe straight

baba · 05-11-2022, 10:46 AM

Wow, fantastic responses. So, if I understand correctly, I do not need to drill and tap, I can simply remove the early type of press/hammer in fittings and replace with modern press/hammer fittings?

ModelAArmy · 05-11-2022, 05:51 PM

I am new to a model A and need to replace my zerks because they were painted over. I ordered a modern style replacement kit and easily unscrewed the existing zerks in the front However the new zerks do not screw back in. Although all the zerks have threads, some do not have an octagonal base to screw in but have a circular base. I assume these are press in fittings even though they have threads. Where are these zerks used and how do you press them in. Sorry to ask a basic question but I need help. Thanks for any advice.

Tom in Texas

shew01 · 05-11-2022, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baba

Wow, fantastic responses. So, if I understand correctly, I do not need to drill and tap, I can simply remove the early type of press/hammer in fittings and replace with modern press/hammer fittings?

Theoretically, yes, but pounding them in is harder than I expected.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

J Franklin · 05-11-2022, 07:38 PM

MMA, If replacing grease fittings because of paint, Why not just remove the paint?

Curtis in MA · 05-11-2022, 08:07 PM

Tom, if they have a circular base those are not threads, just ridges to bite better.

nkaminar · 05-11-2022, 08:12 PM

Katy, thanks for correcting me. I learned something today.

Model A Army, Some of the original fittings screwed in and some are pressed in. It is easy to just try and unscrew them to see if there are threads. The press in one will come out if you twist and pull but they do not have threads. In the areas where you cannot use the tool to hammer in replacement press in fittings, you can sometimes use a steel bar laid flat on the fitting and then hammer half way between your hand and the fitting. It helps to have a long bar. Or you can find some way to leverage the fitting in. You have to be creative.

ModelAArmy · 05-11-2022, 10:15 PM

Curtis

Thanks for your info. I kept trying to screw this fittings in and they would never start to go in. It makes since now.

05-10-2022, 09:27 AM	#1
baba Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Essex, Vermont Posts: 82	replace old grease fittings I want to replace the original grease fittings on my front spindles. What size should I use, what size drill and tap? Never done this before. Eventually want to replace all the old fittings. Right now the car is about 50/50 new and original.

05-10-2022, 10:34 AM	#2
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,339	Re: replace old grease fittings Most Vendors have a kit to replace the zerk fittings. https://www.brattons.com/MODERN-GREA...uctinfo/36830/ But to answer your question, most are 1/8" pipe thread. Beware some are press in. __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

05-10-2022, 10:47 AM	#3
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: replace old grease fittings Some are 1/4-28 __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

05-10-2022, 12:30 PM	#4
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,176	Re: replace old grease fittings Here’s a video I made about this. I used 1/8” Pipe Zirk grease fittings. I mistakenly said 1” at one point in the video but later said 1/8” pipe thread. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y-AXhrJDZ1I https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rt23k4eRRlQ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BlkaH2...JPvFda&index=8 __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask Last edited by Fullraceflathead; 05-10-2022 at 12:45 PM.

05-10-2022, 12:43 PM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: replace old grease fittings See https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...htm?pid=977844 If you eventually want to replace all of them get the assortment. That way you can try different ones to see what fits. If you need more you can get them at any automotive parts store. Some of the press in ones are difficult to get in because of limited room. They are really hammer in. You have to get creative. If you don't want the set, take the ones that are in there now to the auto parts store to buy there. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-10-2022, 01:00 PM	#6
TomInCologne Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Germany: Cologne and Witten Posts: 305	Re: replace old grease fittings Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Just a thought... i know of at least 3 types of 'pipe thread': - the former BSP (parallel), now ISO 228, designation 'G' - the former BSPT (tapered), now ISO 7, designation 'R' - and NPT I assume that you all mean NPT, but could you clarify this in future?

05-10-2022, 03:41 PM	#7
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: replace old grease fittings The tapered pipe threads are all NPT (National Pipe Tread). Ford never used anything else. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-10-2022, 07:48 PM	#8
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: replace old grease fittings The easiest way to change them over is to get the drive in type. Easy peezy to fit and they stay put. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

05-11-2022, 01:15 AM	#9
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,176	Re: replace old grease fittings NPT Pipe Thread is the most common one used today. __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

05-11-2022, 06:15 AM	#12
TomInCologne Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Germany: Cologne and Witten Posts: 305	Re: replace old grease fittings also, even with the special tool from the vendors, some places are just problematic. I fail to put in the new fittings on the front shock links as there is not enough space for the tool. So, check before you take the old grease fitting out...

05-11-2022, 10:46 AM	#14
baba Member Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Essex, Vermont Posts: 82	Re: replace old grease fittings Wow, fantastic responses. So, if I understand correctly, I do not need to drill and tap, I can simply remove the early type of press/hammer in fittings and replace with modern press/hammer fittings?

05-11-2022, 05:51 PM	#15
ModelAArmy Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Mansfield Texas Posts: 51	Re: replace old grease fittings I am new to a model A and need to replace my zerks because they were painted over. I ordered a modern style replacement kit and easily unscrewed the existing zerks in the front However the new zerks do not screw back in. Although all the zerks have threads, some do not have an octagonal base to screw in but have a circular base. I assume these are press in fittings even though they have threads. Where are these zerks used and how do you press them in. Sorry to ask a basic question but I need help. Thanks for any advice. Tom in Texas

05-11-2022, 07:38 PM	#17
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: replace old grease fittings MMA, If replacing grease fittings because of paint, Why not just remove the paint?

05-11-2022, 08:07 PM	#18
Curtis in MA Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Leicester, MA Posts: 296	Re: replace old grease fittings Tom, if they have a circular base those are not threads, just ridges to bite better.

05-11-2022, 08:12 PM	#19
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: replace old grease fittings Katy, thanks for correcting me. I learned something today. Model A Army, Some of the original fittings screwed in and some are pressed in. It is easy to just try and unscrew them to see if there are threads. The press in one will come out if you twist and pull but they do not have threads. In the areas where you cannot use the tool to hammer in replacement press in fittings, you can sometimes use a steel bar laid flat on the fitting and then hammer half way between your hand and the fitting. It helps to have a long bar. Or you can find some way to leverage the fitting in. You have to be creative. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-11-2022, 10:15 PM	#20
ModelAArmy Member Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Mansfield Texas Posts: 51	Re: replace old grease fittings Curtis Thanks for your info. I kept trying to screw this fittings in and they would never start to go in. It makes since now.