What is it???

[frank55a]

This is from the "What is it Department".

Here on the barn every day or two someone is asking what some odd bolt or part is used for on their Model A, most I think were something added by a shade tree mechanic at some time in the past for who knows what reason. This item is different.

Let me first give a little background. I have been involved with Model As since the early 60s.Since that time I have worked on many Model As, my own and others, regularly attended many swap meets (including Hershey for over 30 years), been to many MARC/MAFCA national meets, been in many garages/shops, and seen many collections of Model A stuff. Over this period I have only seen one (1) of these items, I acquired it 35-40 years ago. Not to say it is rare but I have taken it to Hershey, several MARC meets, and club meets and shown it to many Model Aers, few have guessed what it is and none have seen one before. However, perhaps some other Barners have one in their collection of stuff.

I am curious how many Barners know what this is, have seen one before, have used one, or even have one. If you do not know what it is take a guess, you might be correct!
I know what this item is and have used it. By the way, it works very well.

I will give you 2 clues: 1) it is for a Model A; 2) Those purists that believe every aspect of the Model A should be original would find this item almost a necessity.

I will post more pictures and a copy of the manufactures instructions in a week or two, if no Barner posts pictures and/or manufactures instructions regarding its use before then. Note: Until that time I will not confirm or deny any guesses.

Good luck, have at it!!!

[Bruce Lancaster]

The stand on this goes UP and sits on the valve seat. The part at top in pic adjusts the micrometer to measure seat-to-lifter distance, allowing fit of valve clearance to be made before assembly with the stock non-adjustable lifter. The factory would have used select fit, the rebuilder will select and grind.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Need a good side view with a ruler next to it to see the size, but it appears to be a depth gauge.

[jax55]

I'm with Bruce on this one.

[Will Ziegler in LI NY]

I agree with Bruce...its to determine overall valve length.

[SeaSlugs]

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its either that or the gutinary valve actuation tool....

[Dollar Bill]

Bruce nailed it!

More photos:

Frank, thanks for the brain teasers - Mine needs all the exercise it can get.

What else ya got?

[frank55a]

I am surprised that while 590 viewed this post only 6 offered any comment, either to agree with Bruce or offer their guess. Since Dollar Bill posted some pictures and Bruce explained it, I will post some more pictures and the manufactures instructions.

The original style lifters used in the Model A were solid (i.e., non-adjustable) and the valves were as shown in picture 5. After a valve job and seats ground the gap from the lifter to the valve was reduced, therefore the valve length had to be shortened. That is where this tool became very useful. With the lifter at its low point the mandrel (left in pic #5) is inserted into the valve chamber with the thumb screw on the top portion loosened this part is slide down the shaft to mate with the valve seat, and the screw tightened. The mandrel is then placed in the mic (pic #6) and the mic (#7) screwed in either direction until the mandrel seats, doing this will give the exact distance from the top of the lifter to the valve seat. At this point what ever the gap is to be set at for example 0.013" the mic is screwed in 0.013 the valve inserted into the mic (#8) and the mushroom end of the valve was then ground so the valve seats in the mic.


Thanks Bruce and Dollar.

[Mike V. Florida]

Only a few commented because the answer was given 14 minutes after you posted the picture. No need to comment further.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

Only a few commented because the answer was given 14 minutes after you posted the picture. No need to comment further.

Times two

[C26Pinelake]

Bruce nailed it very early so no need to comment. Question was far too simple for this group! Wayne

[30ccpickup]

To cool to fun. Thanks, this was great!! If I ever see one, I will definitely not pass it up. This is a good way to show unusual stuff.... Who is next, with an unique item???

[Cockshutt Kid]

What a great post, and a fantastic learning exercise. I think that I have a similar version in my valve grinding set, and didn't know what it was. Thanks all.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I also have the Model A valve setting mic set, but by a different maker. I found it a year ago at the used tool store near me.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lancaster

The stand on this goes UP and sits on the valve seat. The part at top in pic adjusts the micrometer to measure seat-to-lifter distance, allowing fit of valve clearance to be made before assembly with the stock non-adjustable lifter. The factory would have used select fit, the rebuilder will select and grind.

'Bruce nails it'...ha, Bruce ALWAYS nails it ! Thanks for doing it again !

[Joe K]

I particularly like the KRWilson setup where the valve measure tool is used in the grinder to "set" the grinding depth.

Joe K

[KR500]

I believe the first micrometer was made by L.O. Beard and was later licensed or bought by Snap-On. Most of the valve grinder manufacturers by 1932 offered the right side butt grinding attachments on their grinders with micrometer settings for accurately sizing the stems for proper clearance with the help of the mentioned micrometer. Are we spoiled by adjustable lifters?