Lions Club hears about 1905 Model F Ford reconstruction

Dave Dunlavy (left) is thanked by Decorah Lions President Karl Jacobsen (right) for his presentation

 
Dave Dunlavy of Decorah and the Early Ford Registry told the members of the Decorah Lions Club about his project to reconstruct a 1905 Model F Ford.

The automobile was originally sold in June, 1905 to the Sterling Motor Company in Binghampton, New York.  All that was left was the engine, which Dave purchased in 2006.

Working from drawings, photos and castings, Dave with the help of fellow early Ford enthusiasts, rebuilt the engine, built the transmission, manufactured the wood seats, doors and body and constructed wood wheels which were fitted with new tires.  Chassis rails are angle iron and steel tubing was used for the axle housing, the radiator, fuel and coolant tanks and the fenders where fabricated in Ohio and the leather upholstery were designed using photos of the few surviving autos.

Five years after purchasing the engine, Dave can now occasionally be seen proudly driving his 1905 Model F Ford at Early Ford Registry events and through the hills and valleys of northeast Iowa.

An internet website (www.modelf.info) was designed to photographically follow the progress of the venture.