The following is a summary of changes made to the Carbide Gas Generator mounted on the running board of early Model T Fords.

The Gas Generator was used to supply acetylene gas to the cars headlights prior to the introduction of magneto powered electric lighting in 1915.

The generator consists of a cannister which contains an upper compartment, filled with water, and a lower wire basket which contained calcium carbide. A valve on the top of the unit (controlled by the driver) released a drip of water from the upper compartment onto the carbide. This created acetylene gas which was then piped to the headlamps.

Many collectors today have converted their gas lights to use electric bulbs for safety, reliability, and to preserve the original brass lights which can discolor and crack from the burning acetylene. Calcium Carbide for original lights can be obtained from vendors of Model T parts listed on the Vendor page on this site.

The Generators were originally produced by the same companies that provided the headlamps.

The data on this page was compiled by the Model T Ford Club International Inc. No pictures are available at this time, but we hope to be able to add these in the future.

(This page is not complete and will be expanded when more data is available).