Don't underestimate the benefits of healthy, well-adjusted coils! A strong, consistent, well-timed spark will promote easier starting, a stronger/smoother running motor, and even more frequent "free" starts ...
Each coil will be evaluated and diagnosed before I begin any work. Complete rebuilds, simple adjustments, and everything in between. This is where I start.
I understand people have different applications - from show cars to speedsters to drivers. I will tell you what services your coils need to function their best, then you tell me how you would like to proceed. Leave your wood unfinished and dirty? You got it. Install new points only? Sure. Try to save your old points? No guarantees, but I'll try. *Note; I cannot offer a warranty with used points.
Coil work is usually straight-forward, but their age & condition do sometimes present surprises. I will contact you with any unexpected issues, and be honest with you from start to finish. My work is guaranteed for one year.
Also, repeat customers (2 or more set rebuilds) may send their coils back periodically for a free check-up. Just pay for shipping!
Contact me for a service estimate. (I usually have complete sets for sale as well.)
- Thank you for the support -
When we encounter a dead coil with bad secondary windings we usually just set it aside and choose a different one to rebuild. There are still plenty of good cores available. However, we sometimes have dead coils that are special in some way. Maybe they came with the car. Maybe they have sentimental value. Maybe they are later coils that were custom made to fit your early coil box. Maybe they're just a nice set of metal tops that you don't want to break up.
Replacing windings can be tricky business, but I will do so upon special request. *Note; I am referring to post-1913 coils only. I will not work on the early boxes. You must provide good donor coils AND the boxes you want saved must be in good condition. The price to "transplant" primary/secondary windings will depend on the time involved. Each transplant will be evaluated individually so we can come up with a fair price we both agree on.
Check your shelves! I will consider buying them from you, depending on their condition. Customers sometimes do this to offset the costs of rebuilding their good sets.
Here's a general idea of what I will pay for old coils (and a brief coil history lesson). The prices are shown as untested / tested and rebuildable; *if there are no points/hardware on the coils, the price will be slightly less. Overall condition is also a determining factor.
1913 - 1915 6-screw brass top coils - $5/$20
1916 - 1917 4-screw brass top coils - $5/$20
1916 - 1918 black fiber-cased coils (I'm not interested in these but wanted to include them in the timeline for the coil history)
1917 - 1919 wood top coils with NO manufacture markings on the boxes - $5/$10
1919 - 1923 wood top coils with the "Ford" script burned in the side of the box - $5/$10
1920 - 1922 "Tractor Unit" coils were made with larger capacitors, heavy duty points, and tar with a higher flash point, can be used on cars too - $5/$10
1923 - 1927 wood top coils with the "Ford" script stamped on the upper edge of the box - $5/$15
*Aftermarket Genuine-stamped KW coils - $5/$15
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Approximate dates of manufacture ...
The Hand Cranked Coil Tester (HCCT) is a wonderful device created during the Model T era. There were many different brands and configurations, but they were all similar in operation. **The HCCT in the picture above is made by the Allen company and is my personal unit that I restored. Click here for pics and info on the restoration.
It uses an actual Ford Model T flywheel and magneto ring. But, instead of an engine spinning it around, you grab the handle and turn it by hand. It was much more precise than the "buzz boxes" of the day, and is in fact still used successfully today. The downside? They are heavy, non-portable, hard to find, and kind of expensive.
Click here to view pictures of My Allen HCCT Restoration Project
Devices like the one above were a definite step up from the simple buzz box, and can be quite fun to play with! This Servwell is another one of my personal treasures. It tests coil current amperage, spark plug function, demonstrates the actual electric current as it arcs between two prongs (don't touch!), and also tests light bulbs - single and double filament.
Is it cool? Absolutely! Is it a good way to tune coils? Not really. It's just not very accurate. But, I admit you could certainly get your coils in the proper current range with it. And, that's exactly what they did. Good enough was good enough. Technology was still in its infancy ...
Fast forward about 100 years and we have the Strobo-Spark! This 21st century creation is a fantastic machine and brings more precision to setting the current draw of the Model T coil. It essentially functions like a HCCT but has the advantage of being portable. It is small, lightweight, and conveniently plugs into your a/c outlet.
It tests for capacitor health and function, displays actual sparks in the window (single, double, triple), and measures current draw amperage. It also operates at a simulated RPM of about 450 to better emulate real driving conditions. Folks have been successfully using these machines for years now. Visit Fun Projects.com for more information on the Strobo-Spark.
"Dwell Time to Fire - The time required for the coil to build up current sufficient to pull open the points causing the spark plug to fire a spark."
This, rather than current draw, is how the ECCT tunes coils. It is a fundamental change from all previous coil testing devices, and is the brilliant creation of Mr. Mike Kossor.
Visit ModelTECCT.com for more information.
From ModelTECCT.com; "Engine performance depends on ignition timing not coil current so ECCT coil adjustment is done by accurately measuring coil dwell time to fire spark, not coil current. Each coil can be precisely adjusted to fire a single hot spark with equal dwell time to fire. This guarantees no double sparking and minimizes coil to coil (cylinder to cylinder) timing variation to achieve optimal engine performance. There simply is no reason to settle for approximate current based adjusting techniques today like the HCCT to adjust Model T coils."
For those that have a strong preference, I will tune your coils with either the ECCT or the Strobo-Spark/HCCT. However, my default device is the ECCT.
This decision was based strictly on first-hand-witness-coils-in-the-car-engine-performance. My set of Strobo-Spark-tuned coils made my T run well. No question. But, after tuning the same set on the ECCT, my T ran significantly better. It's as simple as that. I experienced more power and better acceleration in both low and high gear. The engine ran smoother and yielded a higher top speed. Friends and customers have reported similar experiences.
Because the methodology is different, traditionally current-tuned coils might not "look" good when diagnosed in the ECCT ... likewise, ECCT-tuned coils might not "look" good when diagnosed in the other devices. It's like comparing apples to watermelons. Don't bother with this. The only real test is to try them in your car.
*No matter which device I use, I will stand behind my work. If you are unhappy with their performance, I will re-tune them on the other device at my cost.
I will diagnose your coils, clean the wood, oil the wood, repair the boxes to the extent possible, paint the tops black with non-conductive paint, clean the contacts, clean the posts, dig out the old capacitors, solder in new capacitors, repot the boxes with hot tar, install new brads in the doors, install new KW points, tune the coils, and test them thoroughly on the bench before mailing. **PLEASE NOTE; I WILL NOT WORK ON THE AFTERMARKET BLACK PLASTIC-CASED COILS or THE GENERIC COILS OF THIS TYPE**
So ... complete rebuilds are $43.75 per coil ($175 for 1 set of 4). **The cores you send me must be rebuildable. If you don’t have good cores, I can sell you individual rebuilt coils for $80 - if I have them in stock. Also, if your coils don't have any top hardware that I can reuse, the total price will be $10 more.
Return shipping is $24 for 4-6 coils to the Continental US. (for any other destination or number of coils, ask me for a shipping quote.)
Just pay $24 for return shipping and I'll give you a complete diagnosis, FREE of CHARGE.
*Not all rebuild jobs are the same. I will work with you depending on what you need, and we'll come up with a price that we both agree on.
And, when your finished coils arrive in the mail, take them straight from the box, put them in your car, and enjoy!
Some hit and miss engines run on Model T Ford ignition coils. I am now offering coils for sale individually to the hit and miss community. The price is $80 for one completely rebuilt Model T coil plus + $16 for shipping, $96 total. If you need posts or clips soldered onto the contacts, that will be up to you. These will be completely rebuilt, adjusted, tuned, functional, and ready to run. Like my other coils, I guarantee my work for one year.
*Note; These sales will depend on my inventory at any given time. Also, I will not work on/rebuild any other style or manufacturers’ ignition coil. ONLY Model T Ford/KW coils.
You can order a custom-made complete set at any time and I will build them just for you. Of course this depends on my inventory at the time. Prices usually range from $270 to $330 depending on the style/condition of the boxes (metal tops will be more). Don't forget to add $24 for return shipping.
**Note; if you have good cores to exchange, you will be credited depending on their condition and make/year of manufacture.
I am a retired federal Air Traffic Controller, born in Michigan. I worked for almost 29 years at a major facility in Southern California. It was a great job, but its pervasive stress tends to take a toll on the body and mind. I didn't think so when I was younger. : ) Anyway, it was time to ease the stress, cleanse the soul, and lighten the spirit! Now more than ever I am realizing that life is short, and I intend to make the most of it ... time to focus on things that make me happy. So, I will be devoting even more time to rebuilding coils while continuing to enjoy the Model T hobby.
*On a side note; my maternal grandfather actually worked for Henry Ford. He started around 1938-39 at Ford Farms, then quickly transitioned to the Ford Motor Company and found his home. He became a foreman (not sure what department), and ended up spending his entire career at the FMC. The rest of his life he refused to buy any automobile (or tractor) that was NOT a Ford. He was a cool guy with lots of back-porch-embellished, Ford-related stories. :) I remember him saying, "Lee Iacocca was a real son-of-a-bitch!" I wonder how their paths might have crossed. If only I could go back in time and visit with him again ...
For those of you who have never attempted to rebuild a Model T ignition coil, let me tell you ... it can be tedious and sometimes frustrating work. The going rates for coil services these days seem pretty darned reasonable to me, given the amount of labor required. My advice is this; if you find somebody who knows what they are doing and is willing to rebuild your coils at a reasonable price, jump on it. Even if it's not me. They've got the equipment and the experience. Pay them. It is well worth it. For example; a $6,000 freshly rebuilt motor with all the goodies won't run worth a darn without a good set of coils. Invest in them. Spend another $150 - $300 to either have your set rebuilt or buy a set outright. They are a necessary piece to the puzzle.
Enjoy those Ts,
Erik Larson
If I had to pick my favorite T ... this might be it (although it's a close call with the 23). She's such a good runner and has a wonderfully aged look and feel.
This was my first T, and my "learning" car. Unfortunately, the motor failed shortly after I bought it. Since then, the motor and trans have been completely rebuilt ... I installed a Scat counterweighted crank, along with other internal goodies. I've also had to repair just about every other part of this car. As a result, I owe much of my T knowledge to this car.
I found this locally and just couldn't pass it up. When I bought it the engine was stuck and nothing worked. But, with some hard work, I was able to get it back to driving condition. If you've never seen these old Fordsons, do yourself a favor and check them out. In my opinion, they are sort of the missing link between the Model T and the later Ford tractors. Pretty cool machines! **Note; it also runs on Model T ignition coils.
This is a no-frills TT. She runs and drives like my other cars ... she just goes much, much slower with its worm-gear rear end. It has taller gears installed for driving and has a TT Ruckstell axle for low-gear use.
I use this truck for actual work whenever I can. After all, that's what it was meant to do!
This is a great old tractor. She runs very well. I actually use it on my property to brush hog, scrape, pull, etc. I also found this one locally. I especially like it because it has never been modified. It still wears its natural grey and is still 6 volt. If you need to do any serious work with them, they lack a little in horsepower. However, she works very well for "normal" use. It starts up every time and is a pleasure to drive! Its name is "Lulabelle 2" in memory of my Grandfather.
"Lulabelle"
MTFCA, The Model T Ford Club of America - "The world's largest Model T Ford Club"
If you're an owner or enthusiast you need to frequent this site.
KMW Ford Antique Engine Service - Engine Rebuilding specialist, Ed Katzorke. "Serving the needs of the Model T or Model A owner."
You will be happy you chose Katzorke!
Chaffin's Garage - Model T Ford Parts
Quality parts, fast shipping, and knowledgable customer service.
Lang's Old Car Parts - Model T Ford Parts
Quality parts, fast shipping, an easy-to-navigate online shopping experience, and knowledgable customer service.
Snyder's Antique Auto Parts - Vintage Ford Parts. Model A Ford parts and Model T parts. Welcome Antique Automobile Enthusiasts!
I-Timer - The ideal timer for the Model T.
ECCT - "The new standard for Model T coil testing"
Don't be turned off by new technology. Mike takes coil tuning to the next level.
Mitch Taylor's web site - "For Model T owners & enthusiasts"
Mitch continues to contribute to the hobby, and his web site is full of good information. Thanks Mitch!
Fun Projects - "Antique car parts for Ford Model T, Model A, V8 and Tractors"
Quality parts, some of which you can't get anywhere else.
Orange County Model T Club - is a chapter of the Model T Ford Club of America. Founded in December 1958, Incorporated in California on April 29, 1960. The Club is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Model T Ford.
Long Beach Model T Club - Founded in Long Beach, California in October 1954, the Long Beach Model T Club is dedicated to preserving and maintaining Model T Ford vehicles of ancient age and historical value. The Club also serves as an accurate and technical source of information concerning such vehicles for the benefit of its members and the general public
Western Idaho Model T Club - "Our mission is to preserve and maintain the Model T Ford of ancient age and historical value for current and future generations to enjoy."
SmokeStak.com - Antique engine forums related to old iron collecting, restoring and showing hit and miss engines, vintage Diesel, steam engines, antique tractors, antique cars, antique motorcycles, old generators, pumps, industrial antiques and collectibles.
The Fordson House - WORLD'S LARGEST STOCK OF PARTS FOR FORDSON TRACTORS.
Your ultimate on-line source for Fordson, International, Farmall, McCormick-Deering and IHC antique tractor parts.
*Use the contact form below if you'd like to add your site to this page.
