Model T part specification and machine operation sheets, 1915-1926.
The Ford Motor Company as part of its purchasing system created part specification sheets. The sheets were drawn up by the Engineering Department and provide a detailed listing of the specifications the part was to be made to. A different sheet was created for each individual Model T part. The sheets, along with mechanicl drawings for the part were provided to outside parts vendors. These documents then served as the basis for price quotes to Ford. Information on the part specification sheets includes the material used for the part, finish of the part (if applicable), shipping weight and instructions, and sources of supply. The machine operation sheets identify the specific operations and order of assembly for various Model T parts. The sheets also list the estimated time required to perform each operation and the material or process used to paint or protect the part.The part specification sheets are organized by factory or symbol number. Each Model T part was given a unique symbol number that identifies the part in engineering, production and accounting records. The records, however, are not complete and contain numerous gaps in the symbol number sequence. Machine operation sheets are also organized by the symbol or factory number of the finished parts; they too are not, complete. In addition to Model T parts, the collection includes most of the machine operation sheets for the Fordson tractor (symbol number prefix F) and most of the sheets for the Lincoln automobile (symbol number prefix L) 1923 to 1926.Ford Motor Company Archives donation, 1964. Accession 166.The collection is open for research.Finding aid available in the Benson Ford Research Center reading room and on the Internet.Item, folder, box, Accession 166, Model T Part Specification and Machine Operation Sheets, Benson Ford Research Center, The Henry Ford.See also Accession 372, Seat and Trim Process Sheets.Automobile industry and trade.Automobiles Design and construction.View this collection description in WorldCat.org: