GEN III ANTIQUE AUTO

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We believe that these cars should be driven, not parked in a museum. 

We build motors with this in mind.

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Capabilities:

Our extended family has been involved in the hobby for four generations spanning 60+ years. "Gen I" a.k.a Grandpa started this hobby for us.  "Gen II", "Gen III" and "Gen IV" have all cut our teeth on a Model T steering wheel. (See our about us page if you don't believe me!) We know T's.

Key Benefits:

• We fit our bearings using a compound developed by the U.S. Navy - This process can take 1-2 hours per bearing to get near 100% coverage.  Originally Ford burned them in using a larger motor.  They got the close by scraping, then spun the engine over until they started to smoke.  Ford spec's at the time required 50-60% coverage.  That is simply not good enough for us.  Properly fit bearings last longer between adjustments, and you won't need to tow the car to get it started the first time.

• All moving parts are carefully weighed and then balanced by computer to 0.05 grams at 1" radius.  For comparison, one staple weighs 0.05 grams and a single dime weighs 20 times this amount. 

• Only the best parts are used.  Questionable or damaged parts are never used. 

• We take our time to do it right the first time.  We want you to enjoy your car instead of worrying about it all the time.

Why does it cost so much?

To answer this, understand that these parts are NOT CHEAP!  We use only the best parts available, and to the best of my knowledge, they are all MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Look at our competitions websites or call them.  Ask questions about what will be done to your engine, and what parts and processes are used.  You will undoubtedly find cheaper prices out there, but they might not include everything you want or need done to ensure that you have a reliable long lasting engine, and more importantly - peace of mind. 

They offer "short blocks" and "long blocks".  They may not include new manifolds, new carb, new camshaft (not reground), balancing, lapped in bearings, precision alignment, new starter, new generator, etc.  If you consider these differences and add in the parts and services they don't offer to the price, we charge roughly the same amount for our engines - and you don't have to put all the extras on when you get it home.  We also run them here before sending them home.  This insures that you get the best possible engine with no unpleasant surprises. 

We rebuild your Model T's entire power plant, not just the engine half of the assembly.  Please understand that when we give you a ballpark figure, it usually includes the engine, transmission, and all the add on pieces you will need to make it run - ignition, carb, manifolds, etc. 

Contrary to popular belief, we don't make a ton of money on these engines.  We do feel that our hourly rate is more than fair, as it's about 1/3 what the modern garages in our area charge.

If you live far away, can we still help you? 

YES!!!!  We're only a truck away!

By popular demand - "The Fix" 

 

I'm doing this only because you asked for it.  I would much rather build you a perfect engine with more power than you've ever had before, but....  You asked for it and we listened.  So here it is:

 

Is your car is hard to start, low compression, still runs, but just plain worn out?  Bring that engine in (out of the car) and we will "freshen it up" it as cheaply as possible.  This assumes that everything you bring in is in good condition and re-useable.  Rust piles and boat anchors won't do.  This is for those that want the cheapest possible way to get back on the road.  We'll clean it up, bore out to the next oversize (060 max), install new aluminum pistons and rings, re-work or replace the bearings and bushings as needed, re-use your existing rods and cam, replace the valves, replace the tappets if needed, and get you back on the road for the absolute minimum amount possible. 

 

 

High Performance Model T "Touring Package" 

 

This is the most commonly asked for combination of parts for people that like to drive their T's on tours or around town.  It's a proven and reliable package that gives you a substantial boost in power for hill climbing or keeping up with traffic on back roads.  These engines will start on 1/4 turn pull on the crank most of the time.  This package gives you peace of mind, because it will start and it will get you home again at the end of the day!  Click here for details.

 

 

Stock Model T engine or special requests

        If you want a bone stock engine, a mild modification, or your completely crazy (like me) and want a racing engine, please call and ask.  We'll do our best to help you realize your dream.  

 

Model A and other brands of Antique Automobiles  

 

    If you have an engine you need rebuilt, give us a call.  We're happy to help you any way we can.

What's involved:

To properly rebuild a Model T power plant, it takes roughly 40 hours of tedious hard work performed by someone that knows what they are doing.  This includes rebuilding the motor, transmission, manifolds, carburetor, head, etc.  We sometimes spend 1-2 hours per bearing (there are a total of ten Babbitt bearings in a T) to get a perfect fit. 

How long will it take? 

"Turn around" time for an engine assembly start to finish is running about two to three months right now. 

There is no waiting list for engines out of the car. 

[ Touring Package ] [ Model T by request ] [ Other Antique Engine Work ]

Send mail to

sales@Gen3AntiqueAuto.com for more information about products or services.

webmaster@ModelTengine.com with questions or comments about this web site.

Last modified: 11/18/08