VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Color of frame?

What would be the correct finish for the frame of a 1920 Model T Chevrolet truck? I assume black, but semi-gloss or glossy? What about rear end, springs and steering axle and components?

Its all together and I wouldn't take it much farther apart if I didn't have to.Thanks, Andy.

The frames were dipped in a paint approximately the same quality and finish as generators and starters. The closest modern finish is semi-gloss or matte or ??? The rest of the parts should match. I would guess some parts were not painted or coated prior to or after assembly but have no documentation on what they might be. So coating all with the same finish is probably the safest.

Thats kinda what I thought. I may be taking the rear end out. Pulled the plug and got thin pieces of brass. Maybe from a thrust washer at the back of the worm gear and hopefully its been replaced and these are pieces leftover. What lube in a worm gear rear end?

Probably from the brass drive gear. Think the Chevy used the same gears as the TT truck but have never actually measured them to be sure. They look the same.

Model TT trucks used 600wt in those worm rear ends as well as the old Fordson tractors with worm drive. May not hurt to add a little STP to the gear oil.

Thanks Bob. Seems that I have about .045 end play in the rear bearing of the worm gear, so I am having a shim parted off at the machine shop.This should tighten things up nicely. Almost all of the brass pieces were in the rear bearing cap, and were ribbin thin. I think they were a previous spacer that got spun and ruined. Also am having the front bearing cap machined for a modern seal instead of packing. Big gear looks to be in fine shape and is made of brass. I will take some pics of all the parts before reassembly and post here for further reference.