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The Montana 500 Newsletter

Volume 57, Number5                                         November 2017

Shelby Selected for 2018 Race

Headquarters: Gateway to Glacier Comfort Inn, Shelby, Montana.

Reservation Number: 406-434-2212.

Ask for rooms reserved under the “Montana 500” Room Block.

Montana 500 Room Block Rate: $99 + Tax = ~ $106/room-night.

Late Registration Date: May 15, 2018, then likely $140/room-night.

Address of Gateway to Glacier Motel is 455 McKinley Ave, Shelby, MT.

RV Park on site: RV Park Reservations call 406-434-2212.

Meeting-Banquet Room included in Montana 500 Room Block Rate.

The President’s Message

Bill Mullins President 2017-2018 m00nmullins@yahoo.com

I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and spirits.

• Matt Hansen and I have been working on his chassis and motor.
• Russell Hanna has a new 1926 Roadster and intends to transfer the drive train from his 1925 to the 1926.
• Rick Bonebright is working on his Race Roadster.
• Mike Stormo is refreshing his motor following the broken head &piston that occurred last day of the 2017 race.
• Tom Carnegie is building a new engine for Al Whiteside. We hope Al enjoys his return next year.
• Team McLoud. Likely working on a few items to further their cars.
• Dennis Powers is ready to assemble another motor.
• Dan Brown is logging many hours of work, but Dennis plans to help him out.
• Garrett Green is still on vacation from the T’s.
• Sonny Bishop is working on the Orange car bands, a new cam for Rattle Can, and hopefully will have another motor ready for Dwayne’s ’27 Roadster.
• Sergio Hernandez will pull his motor and give it an inspection. He will also change a head gasket in Lee Ore’s car, as Lee may make it in 2018.
• Brandon & Doug will see about side curtains, a rear end rebuild, etc.
• Tony has about finished rebuilding a green ’27 motor and needs to rebuild the green car’s rear end. The black car motor needs re-sleeving. The purple ’26 car should be good to go with a tune up and further steering work. The red Ebbert car needs an engine inspection, tune up, and a top.
• The fall meeting was fairly smooth this year and the speeding penalty will be a good thing for the Association. Take a look at the updated rules for 2018 and be ready to do some endurance testing and T driving.

Please let me know if you plan on coming to the 2018 Endurance Run so I can have a head count for planning purposes. If you have any questions on building up your “T” for use in the Montana 500, send an email to me at: m00nmullins@yahoo.com or contact one of the current directors. Check through your photos and send along those that you would like to have published in the next newsletter.

Bill Mullins, President 2017-2018 m00nmullins@yahoo.com

Proposed Race Route and Schedule.

Sunday, June 17^th:

• Vehicle Inspection. To participate, have your car meet the items on the inspection form included in this newsletter.
• Attend Meeting of the Members.

Monday, June 18^th:

• First leg: Leave Shelby drive East to Havre on US 2. Gas and Lunch.
• Second leg: Leave Havre drive to Shelby on US 2.
• Attend Meeting of the Members.

Tuesday, June 19^th.

• Third leg: Leave Shelby, drive to Power, Fairfield, to Choteau.
• Fourth Leg: Leave Choteau, drive to Valier, Cut Bank, to Shelby.
• Attend Meeting of the Members.

Wednesday, June 20^th:

• Fifth leg: Leave Shelby Drive North on I-15 to Sweet Grass and back to Shelby.
• Attend Banquet.
• Attend Meeting.
• Evening, cruise the drag until dusk.

Thursday, June 21^th:

• Maybe a morning tour.

Montana 500 Cross Country T Association

Fall Meeting Minutes – October 15^th, 2017

St. Regis Community Center, St. Regis, Montana

Recorded by Jillian Robison

Edited by Tony Cerovski, Corresponding Secretary

Meeting called to order at 11:30am by President Bill Mullins.

In attendance: Bill Mullins, Tom Carnegie, Susie Carnegie, Doug Langel, Nan Robison, Mark Hutchinson, Janice Hutchinson, Janet Cerovski, Tony Cerovski, Rick Carnegie, Russell Hanna, Mike Robison, Jillian Robison, Brooke Robison, Lachlan Robison, and Matt Hansen.

Minutes: Mike R made a motion to accept the minutes as presented at the meeting and as printed in the newsletter. It was seconded and passed.

Treasurer’s report: From January to June, we had $2,160 deposits and expenses of $2,101 for 2017. The ending cash account was $4,589.90. Tom C made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report as presented in the meeting. It was seconded and passed.

Tom C read the bylaws for the director terms and positions. In summary, we should elect directors according to their start year and not be concerned with the term end date. This date may change as directors are elected to officer positions. It was determined that we have one slot to fill for Mike Cuffe’s director position. Tony C nominated Mike Cuffe; he was seconded. Rick C nominated Mike Stormo; he was seconded. Rick C. moved that nominations cease and that motion was seconded. Mike Stormo was elected to director at the 2017 meeting (for a start date of 2018). The directors and their beginning years were read out of the newsletter.

Dennis Powers proposed Miles City. He has routes planned. Megan proposed several cities – Shelby, Columbus, Harlowton, Red Lodge, Malta, Roundup. Tom C proposed Deer Lodge. Tom C mentioned Glendive. Tony C mentioned that Garrett Green wanted to throw in Dillon and Helena. Rick C moved that nominations for locations close. It was seconded. The run will be held out of Shelby.

Tom C nominated the inspection day to be June 17^th, 2018 and the run to start on Monday, as usual. It was seconded and passed.

Rule Changes:

A9. Driver’s must drive at or below posted speed limits. Bill is proposing that we add a penalty of one minute per mile per hour over posted speed limits to this rule. Tom C proposed that we add the penalty as imposed by the club on the club equipment.

Tony C recommended that we test the GPS equipment with the radar gun on the Montana 500 cars on Sundays at the race location, so that driver’s will know if their GPS is low or high.

Tom C made a motion to add to A9: Driver’s will be assessed a one minute penalty for each mile per hour over the posted speed limit as determined by the association. The rule addition was seconded. The rule addition was passed.

Old Business:

Janet C made a suggestion to pay the race fees and annual dues for the winner and maybe dues or fees for the second and third place drivers. It was discussed a bit and decided that this isn’t a good idea at this time.

Tony C mentioned that maybe we should raise the dues to help cover the printing and mailing of the newsletter for members that want a paper copy. This was discussed and it was decided that Tony C should submit expense reports for his expenses related to the newsletter and request to be reimbursed. Dues should remain unchanged.

Tony C brought up the use of Stipe’s adjustable timing gears in the 2017 run. It was discussed. It was decided that using Stipe’s adjustable timing gear is acceptable and no rule changes were needed at this time. Drums were discussed. We also discussed the materials that items are made of. It was decided that it is acceptable to use steel transmission drums and no rule changes were needed at this time.

Bill M brought up the pre-race checklist for driver’s to check the car and bring it to the race signed, so that the liability burden is on the driver.

New Business:

Tony C brought up a decal to be made to show that the car is a Montana 500 car. Matt H brought up a GT 500 sticker, to be changed to say MT 500. Bill M asked Tony C to come up with a decal design for Bill’s approval.

Tony C brought up an issue for flaggers and time keepers. He mentioned making the numbers bigger so it would be easier for flaggers and time keepers to see.

Matt H brought up making a requirement to have obscure turns marked. It was discussed that having cones and such are tough, but we will make an effort to have people when we can at tricky corners.

Nan R reported on her trophy committee. She thought it would be a good idea to add a base either below or above the current base. The cast iron division was removed from the trophy so that we have more room for a while.

Mike R made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 12:48pm.

MONTANA 500 RULES VERSION 2017.10.15

Updated OCTOBER 15, 2017

Note: All cars that tour along must meet the rules flagged with a *.

Note: 2017 Newly adopted or changed rules in italics.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

A1. * These rules dated October 15^th, 2017 supersede all others. They are intended to outline current acceptable practices. Deviation beyond these practices may result in disqualification or time penalty. Directors are responsible for interpretation of all the rules pertaining to the Association and assessment of time penalties. Decision of the Directors is final.

A2. * All cars must comply with Montana license and insurance requirements.

A3. * No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in competing cars. Substantiated violation is cause for disqualification.

A4. * Drivers performing in an unsafe or unsportsmanlike-like manner will receive 1 warning. Second infraction may result in disqualification upon review and affirmative vote of 2/3 of the remaining drivers.

A5. Not more than two people are allowed per endurance car while under time.

A6. * All drivers and relief drivers must be a paid-up member of the MCCTA.

A7. * Tailgating of any kind is not authorized or condoned by the MCCTA. Drivers must maintain a safe following distance. No tailgating of support or tour vehicles or any non-participating vehicles.

A8. *All participating cars must have attached or placed directly on both sides a sign with name of sponsor or owner and hometown. Use three (3) inch letters preferred.

A9. *Drivers must drive at or below posted speed limits. Driver’s will be assessed a one minute penalty for each mile per hour over the posted speed limit as determined by the association.

A10. Drivers are responsible for following the prescribed route. Failure to travel the entire prescribed route will result in an assessment of slow time for that leg plus a penalty of fifteen minutes. Flaggers or signs may be posted as deemed necessary or advisable.

A11. Routes will be planned to avoid running through stoplights under time.

A12. * All Ts will be available for subsequent inspections at any time. Any member may initiate an inspection at any time, subject to approval by a majority vote of the directors present. 

A13. * All drivers and relief drivers must sign an Endurance Run Waiver and Inspection Form.

A14. Every year new lead inspection seals will be placed on each competing car.

A15. Placement position results for cars that do not complete the entire endurance run will be based on actual mileage completed.

B. GENERAL RULES

B1. Body must be painted. Body parts must be stock for year of car, sawed off tourings allowed. Cars must have four fenders, splash aprons, running-boards, and if so equipped: front splash apron, dash, and radiator shell, and all replacement body parts must be made of metal. Chassis parts may be assembled from any year T parts. Gas tank must be stock for that year of car and mounted in stock position. No fuel additives are allowed. Cars must use straight automotive pump gas as fuel during the race time, starting with inspection and continuing until the end of the race.

B2. All T’s must be assembled from stock parts and/or reproduction parts equal to stock specifications, with the following exceptions:

B2a. * All competing cars must be equipped with two headlights and one or more rear stop and tail light in working order. The stop and tail light does not have to be a single unit. 

B2b. * Horn of any type in working order required.

B2c. * Rear view mirror of any type required.

B2d. Windshields must be stock for year of car. No altering. Must have safety sheet or safety plate glass top and bottom. Windshields to be completely closed and sealed by an inspector. 

B2e. * Padded seat and back rest of any type required.

B2f. Original turtle deck may be replaced by some type of substantially built box or turtle deck. Minimal length and width equal to size for stock turtle deck on that year of car, with floor, sideboards and end-gate. Sides and end no less than six (6) inches high from the floor and made of no smaller than 3/4″ wood.

B2g. Fuel line not to exceed 3/8″ I.D.

B2h. * At least 36 inches of 1 1/2″ exhaust pipe required, properly attached to and extending from the exhaust manifold.

B2i. Only stock cast iron or stock aluminum or new manufactured intake manifolds with ports not to exceed 1 1/8″ diameter are allowed. No grinding or performance enhancing alterations of the intake or exhaust ports allowed. Chaffin’s manifolds under current production are allowed as long as the gland ring is 1 1/8” or less.

B2j. Only stock Ford roller type, New Day, Anderson flapper type timers, Crystal or TW timers allowed. Quick couplers NOT ALLOWED in timer wires. 

B2k. Holes must be drilled through the heads of the following bolts for braided seal wire: two center head bolts, middle two small pan bolts, and a hole must be drilled through the threaded end of both bolts that fastens the carburetor to the intake manifold. Please paint the heads of the drilled bolts a contrasting color.

B2l. Only NH swayback or Ford “F” swayback carburetors allowed. Carburetor must be complete, including choke butterfly. The Association’s 0.710″ gauge MUST NOT go through the carburetor from either side. The club’s W gauge shall not pass from the choke side of the carburetor. Carburetor must conform to the diagram as printed. No material can be added to the interior of the carburetor. The spray needle diameter must be 1/8” +/- .015”.

B2n. Only Model T type wire wheels, Model T type wooden spoke wheels, Model T type disk wheels, Model T type aluminum spoke wheels, Model A 21″ wire wheels, or 30 by 3 1/2″ wire wheels are allowed. 

B2o. Only stock Model T or Ruckstell rear-ends and axles with 3.64 : 1 Ratio:

– standard eleven tooth pinion

– forty tooth ring gear

– stock roller bearings

– Ruckstell rear-ends must be locked in high.

B2p. Cast iron or aluminum pistons of stock Model T type required. Cast iron pistons must have a full set of .250″ width rings in place. Aluminum pistons must have two (2) .125″ width compression rings and one (1) 0.1875″ width oil ring in place. Pistons must conform to the attached diagrams. Refer to Illustration for Piston Dimensions

B2q. There must be one stock piston, rod and cap assembly in the engine. Exceptions: Cap may be drilled for dipper, and grooved for oil. The other three (3) assemblies can be balanced to this one. Piston is not to exceed a height of .400” above the head gasket.

B2r. Rods must be Model T Ford script. Maximum center to center distance of 7.030″ measured from center of rod journal to center of wrist-pin.

B2s. Any cast iron original Ford script head is allowed, but the combustion chamber is limited to 270cc minimum. The head will be measured without the head gasket, without spark plugs, and the spark plugs holes will be plugged with clay to be flush.

One stock combustion chamber is required, the other chambers to mimic the stock chamber. No material can be added to the combustion chamber to equalize.

B2t. The crankshaft must be Model T Ford Script with a stock stroke of four (4) inches + / – .030. Chroming, hardening or grinding of journals allowed, not to exceed 1.250″ maximum or 1.208″ minimum diameter.

B2u. For all valves use a minimum stem diameter of 5/16″, a maximum head diameter of 1.500″ and seating face of 45 degrees. Use either pins or two-piece keepers. Radiused, 45 degree or three angle seat grinds allowable.

B2v. Any cam that doesn’t require modification of the block may be used. Bearing bores must be standard size, no relieving of the bearing bores. 

B2w. Adjustable flat tappet lifters (push rods) of stock dimensions, stem oversize to 1/32″ allowed.

B2x. Only stock Model T Ford and Model A Ford valve springs are allowed.

C. NON-OPTIONAL ITEMS

C1. * Emergency brakes must be in good working order.

C2. * All transmission bands must be in good working order.

C3. * Complete set of floorboards required.

C4. Rebuilt or new radiators allowed. Must be built to stock dimensions including tanks and side brackets.

C5. No modifications of the inside oiling system allowed. 

C6. Non-Model T style and size tops not allowed.

C7. Throat of carburetor may be smoothed as long as the Association’s .710″ gauge does not pass. No altering of the basic design of the carburetor allowed. Carburetor must be complete including all butterflies, adjusting needle, and stock spray needle. Choke and throttle rods must pass a visual inspection for stock uniform shaft dimensions with no obvious modifications. Butterflies must be original size.

C8. Bolts on wishbone at rear of pan must be safety wired. Front wishbone accessory braces on pre-1920 cars allowed. Use standard wishbone sizes.

C9. Use stock configuration spring sets with a minimum of seven leaves per spring set.

C10. External auxiliary accessory type brakes are not allowed.

C11. Belly bands are allowed and if the motor mount breaks the car takes the standard penalty. The belly bands cannot be used for support at any time.

C12. Accessory pan arms are not allowed except for as an emergency repair while under time.

C13. Steering dampeners are not allowed.

C14. Ignition battery must be 6 volt type.

C15. Accessory battery charging devices must be disconnected.

C16. Battery disconnect switches and fuses are allowed in the primary circuit, excluding the ignition system.

C17. Original type ignition switch required.

C18. Cylinder bore not to exceed 3.825″ maximum or 3.750″ minimum

C19. Counter-balanced crankshaft not allowed.

C20. E-timer is not allowed.

D. ITEMS WITH OPTIONS

D1. Optional equipment must serve the original purpose and no other purpose. 

D2. Optional equipment includes:

–Anderson flapper type timer

-Balancing of rotating parts 

-Band material type

-Body color

-Bronze or roller thrust washers and neoprene seals on Model T or Ruckstell rear ends and axles

-Camshaft bearings and seal 

-Camshaft gear may be drilled

-Camshaft timing gear material type

-Coil box material type

–Crystal timer

-Engine splash pans

-Fan use and type

-Fourth main type

-Gas strainers allowed

-Gauges

-Grooving and drilling of the rod bearings and main bearings 

-Hardened valve seats

-Hood use

-Hot air stove, original type

-Internal timer material type

-Knurling of piston

-Maximum of one outside oil line allowed

-Muffler use and type

-Multi-piece piston rings

-Neoprene seals use

–New Day timer

-Rod bolts and nuts choice

-Shock absorber use and type

-Spare tires and type of carriers

-Stainless steel and swirl polished valves

-Timer ball or needle bearing rollers

-Tops of open cars use

Transmission oil screen allowed

-Turn signals 

–TW timer

-Use and type of high speed clutches, such as Watts and Turbo 400

-Use of offset key between crankshaft timing keyway and the crankshaft timing gear keyway

-“V” type belt and pulleys

-Water pump design and use

-Windshield wiper of any type

-Zerk fittings in place of oil and grease cups

E. TIMING AND TEARDOWN RULES

E1. Timing will begin as designated for each car whether or not the car is on the starting line. Starting times can be adjusted at the timer’s discretion. If the timers recognize a beneficial savings in time, a lagging car may be sent out ahead of its designated time. Usually this will be discussed with the Directors ahead of time. Time will start for this car when it leaves the starting line.

E2. * Each car will come to a complete stop before starting at the timer’s direction.

E3. Removal of head or pan while at stop (not under time) or on tour day, if tour day occurs during the endurance run, will impose a time penalty of 1 hour. Report this infraction to the inspectors immediately. Removal of head or pan under time must be reported to the inspectors at the first opportunity for replacement of seal.

E4. Changing the carburetor imposes a time penalty of 15 minutes. Report the infraction to an inspector immediately. Replacement carburetor must meet the requirements stated in the Inspection Rules.

E5. Disabled cars will receive slow time for each leg not completed. In addition, cars trailered in on the last day are not eligible for prize money or trophies.

E6. Replacement of complete engine is cause for disqualification.

E7. The top 3 cars will be torn down immediately following the last flag. Additional teardowns will be put to a vote of the Endurance drivers. Endurance drivers will vote to accept or reject items of question.

E8. The first, second and third place cars will be torn down by a panel of five inspectors. The driver in the top position at tear down cannot be an inspector, but the next five place

drivers are required to be inspectors for tear down. If a the first place car is disqualified, the next place lower will be inspected, until three have a car has been found qualified, as per rule #76. All inspectors must vote. Any driver has the right to consult with an inspector on any issues concerning the cars. The five teardown inspectors have final say in what is brought to the vote of the drivers.

E9. The teardown team must ask the drivers present if there are any other items that should be reviewed, before the completion of the teardown. Items brought up will be voted on by the drivers present. If a majority of drivers vote yes, the teardown team will take a look at the item brought up.

E10. The Tear-Down Manual is a supplement to printed Rules. If there is conflict then the printed Rules will take precedence.

Montana Cross Country “T” Association

2018 Endurance Run Waiver & Self Inspection Agreement

Owner Name _______________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________
Phone number ______-_____-_________ Email: ___________________________________________
To participant in the Montana Cross Country Endurance Run, you must inspect your car prior to participating in the event at registration. Please check each of the categories with a “Y” for yes, “N” for no. The responsibility for the car’s safety and mechanical condition rests with the owner/participant/operator. Return waiver form at registration signed.
Steering
Steering wheel should have less than 2” to no play
Acceptable wear and minimal to no play
* Radius rod (wish bone) to crankcase
* Ball arm (pitman arm) to steering gear connecting rod (drag link)
* Steering gear connecting rod (tie rod) to yoke ball
*Spindle bolts (king pin)
*Spindle connecting rod (tie rod) bolts

Cotter keys (or lock washers, if holes not drilled) installed in the following:
*Radius rod (wish bone) to front axle (2 required)
*Steering gear bracket to frame ( 3 required )
* Ball arm ( pitman arm ) to steering post ( 1 required )
* Steering gear connecting rod (tie rod ) to yoke ball ( 2 required
* Steering gear connecting rod (tie rod ) to steering gear ball ( 2 required )
* Spindle connecting rod to spindles (2) (1 per spindle)
* Spindle bolts ( kingpins) 2 ( 1 spindle)
* Spindle arm 2 (1 per spindle)
* Front spring hangers (shackles) 4 (2 per side)
* Front spring to frame (2 or 4 required) depending on year
* Yoke ball (1 required)
* Safety wire crankcase studs holding radius rod ball cap
* Grease in steering gear case & steering gear bracket (also check gear post & pinion gears for wear)
* Check for play in steering gear case to steering column (check rivets/taper pins)

Brakes
Brake pedal (and, reverse pedal) bottom out before reaching floor boards
Both rear wheels lock up under hard braking

Emergency Brakes
Hand brake sets securely before limit of its travel (check pawl & spring) & both wheels lock
Note: The hand brake must be able to hold the car with engine running & should be able to hold the car on a moderate slope.
Cotter keys (or lock washers, if holes are drilled installed on:
* Control shaft assembly to frame (4 required)
* Brake shoe bolt 2 (1 per side)
* brake rods 4 (1 per end)

Wheels
Spokes (& felloes on earlier) cars are tight
Front wheel bearings-no play, good condition & greased
All wheels tight & axle/spindle nuts cotter keyed
Lug nuts tight on demountable rims
Checked tires for wear, weather cracks, rim cuts, ect.

Rear Axle
Rear axle nuts tight & secured with cotter pins (use long wrench)
Cotter keys (or lock washers, if holes are not drilled) installed:
*Rear spring to frame (4 required)
* Rear spring hangers (shackles) 4 (2 per side)
* Rear spring perches to wheel flanges (backing plates) 1 (per side)
Other
Lights functional
Brake light
Safety glass
Rear view mirrors
Fire extinguisher /first aid kit (optional but recommended) Registration & Insurance papers

Vehicle Data
year____ body style______ identification #____________ license plate___________
Insurance Information
Company _____________________ Date of expiration__________ Policy #_____________

Waiver/Certification
In consideration of my being permitted to enter my vehicle on the subject tour and all of the related activities sponsored by the Montana Cross Country T Association I hereby certify that:
*I inspected my vehicle as noted and believe it to be roadworthy.
* I understand the inspection items/listings contained on this form are compiled from sources believed to be reliable but are not completely inclusive of all areas and items that should be checked or that could cause safety concerns. No warranty, guarantee or representation is made by the Montana Cross Country Association as to the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any representation contained in this listing and the Montana Cross Country T Association assumes no responsibility in connection therewith, nor can it be assumed that all acceptable safety measures are contained in this listing or that inspection of other areas of the vehicle or additional accessories may be required under particular exceptional condition or circumstances for safe operation.
* I certify that I have insurance coverage on the vehicle that covers my liability and physical damage as required in my state of residence.
I release and hold harmless the subject tour host officers, directors and members and the Montana Cross Country T Association from any liability of any kind whatsoever as a result of any personal injury or property damage sustained by the under signed.

Owner/entrant_______________________________________Date________________