Story and photos by Mark Wing

Larry Azevedo (the current MTFCA President) held a Work Day at his garage in Corrales, NM on Saturday, March 14th. There were several projects in progress on this early springtime day.

Larry had recently purchased an I-Timer by Mark Kosser, the same supplier who produces the ECCT (electronically cranked coil tester). This is a direct replacement for a stock timer and provides reliable and consistent coil activation. It is less prone to contact bounce, wiper skip, contact wear, and damage due to contact arcing. Larry was showing it to us, describing how it worked, and trying to decide which of his T’s he was going to install it on.

Frank Lewark was continuing work on his 1924 speedster engine. Frank and Larry were assembling the transmission with a new Dave Nolting ductile iron brake drum. Frank was measuring perpendicularity of the flywheel to the transmission shaft.

Mark Wing brought a December 1914 engine block for initial cleaning for the 1915 Model T Coupelet restoration project. Eventually, the water passages will be chemically cleaned and the block bored, re-sleeved, decked, and new valve seats and guides installed. At this work day, the block was just wire brushed to remove the major areas of rust.

Paul Duncan’s fan hub had seized on his authentic (not pieced together) 1927 Model T pickup truck. Instead of rebuilding as original, Paul opted for one of the modern permanently lubricated replacements.

Mark Dominguez and Larry were doing a dry-run assembly and taking measurements for a rebuilt rear differential for Kirk’s 1925 Model T coupe “Buster”. Kirk and Larry have been focusing on Buster’s replacement 1926/27 engine in preparation of the upcoming Montana 500 endurance race on June 22 – 24th. With the engine done, it was time to rebuild a stock Model T differential and work on the wheels. Larry has a set of wire wheels to use for the race, but needs to find early-style inner and outer ball bearings for the front wheels.

Thanks Larry for another great work day at your garage!