Advice on buying a "T"

Y-Blockhead

Y-Blockhead

Well-known member
Hi, guys. I know this is a very vague question but here goes.

An older neighbor (older than me, I’m 64) has quite a few projects going on and while talking to him the other day he mentioned that he is thinking about selling a few “completed” cars to make room and finance his projects.

He has a really nice running and looking 1926 T that he is concidering selling. I told him I would be interested in it but let me check with the boss first. :eek:

I’ve been on “The Barn” for quite a few years but usually hang out on the late V-8 forum. Y-Blocks are my thing (hence the name). I know next to nothing about T’s.

So, question is, what should I look for that could be a problem or concern? I’m sure he wouldn’t try to screw me but I would like to know what problem areas to ask him about.

He did mention that he recently installed a three speed transmission in place of the stock two speed??? :confused:

I did notice a couple of non-stock item on the car, for example a Bosch distributor. Is this a common modification?

Thanks for any and all comments and advice.
 
Here's the simple short answer: Take some one along with you that knows T's. Sorry but that's it. Others may chime in with lists as long as your arm to check but the fact is that the T isn't a car like any you've played with before so if you don't know them you'll miss the important stuff. The distributor isn't a problem. There are plenty of T's with them. The 3 speed is another matter as in "major modifications". They can help and hurt too. Not always a good thing.
 
Thanks, Charlie. Good advice. Unfortunately I don't know anyone familiar with T's. Ha, besides the guy that's selling this one. I've know him for quite awhile but who knows...
 
Is the 3 speed is a warford on the back of the standard gearbox with all the old gearbox internals left in place you should be fine.
 
You're in luck. Southern California is crawling with Model T guys. Contact the nearest clubs and there should be somebody willing to help you check it out.

http://www.mtfca.com/clubpages/chapters.htm#ca

Charlie is exactly right. The T is relatively simple, but different from any car you've ever had. You want somebody there who will know some things to check.

You also want to consider whether you lean toward original or a car with modern "upgrades" which usually aren't. In some cases it's easy and cheap to get rid of an alteration and go back to stock. Other modifications cost more to correct.
 
First of all: Which body style is it ? Wire wheels?
As you mentioned, you have followed the V8 forum. The T's don't command the money a V8 car will. There is little to compare. Resale values are more difficult than the V8 cars, simply because there are fewer people interested in model T's.
You might do a "reverse" apraisal on the car.
Meaning:
How much is the paint job worth ?
How much is the uphostry cost ?
Wheels, Tires, running gear, body, etc.
Generally, the cost of a good paint job, uphostry, glass, engine overhaul, will be about the value of the car. In other words, the car is free. Just pay for the restoration. No labor !!
Another factor: Do you "Want it, or Do you need it? ".
Great hobby
enjoy
bh
 
Hi Bluardun. Sorry I thought I mentioned it, but not so. It's a Fordor Sedan and has wooden spokes. Wouldn't even try to compare with my '55 Ranchwagon. The Ranch is a recreation of my car I had ~45 years ago. :eek::eek: and is an on going project. You don't have to tell me about $$$ spent, ha!

4916723043_ff387c37c0_z.jpg


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I don't need another project car. That's why I'm interested in this T. It appears to be in good working order and in pretty good shape. Has a newer top and upholstery.

I think Me and Mama and my grandson will have a lot of fun with it.
 
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OK, found out it does have the Warford trans. Got a better look at it and it will need paint also. Not sure I want to get into that, I was looking for something that wouldn't be another project.

Got some thinkin' to do... :confused::confused:
 
I'm with you Y. You just can't drop a lot of $ into a T. They usually aren't worth a complete restoration $ wise. It's just that some guys want the project with no view as to value or a possible sale in the future. Don't beat yourself up on this one because there's plenty of them out there. Look around if you're that interested and you'll see for yourself.
 
There is a guy down in Southern Cal. I don't remember his name, but his shop
I think is called "The Tin Shed"
I am a T guy and was selling a T for a friend of mine that couldn't drive it any more.
The fellow from the Tin Shed came and looked at it for a customer and was a real nice
guy and very savvy on Model T's
You might contact him and ask him to look at the car or see if he knows of any for sale.
Larry Blair, that was his name, in Santa Fe Springs
 
Be prepared to learn that a Model T is a Horseless Carriage not an antique car.
As someone said in the MTFCA forum - a Model T is always being restored!
 
If this T is up and running ask for a 20-30 minute ride in it. You may get hooked, or be glad you went for the ride that told you it isn't the car for you. T's are a lot of fun, but they are slow moving compaired to what you have been driving. Bob
 
There was a column in The Vintage Ford called "Life in the Slow Lane" for a very good reason. I love cruising down a country road in a T at 30 MPH, but it's not for everyone. If you are interested in a T, do as Roadster 62 says and go for a ride in one. Maybe even have the owner show you how to drive it a bit. If you are bitten by the Model T bug, shop for one patiently. As Charlie says, there are plenty of them. That's why they generally cost less than other old cars. Study up on them and decide on what you want. Brass era, or black? Roadster, touring, sedan, coupe, truck? Take your time and watch the ads: eBay, Craig's List, MTFCA classifieds, OCW, HMN, etc. Hemmings has ads for at least a dozen T's for sale every month. Lots of folks have these cars and love them. They see the limitations of a hundred year old car as part of its charm. Others want to go fast. They should have something modern, like a Model A.
 
Steve Jelf said:
Others want to go fast. They should have something modern, like a Model A.
Click to expand...

Don't really want to go fast... ha,ha. The guy I'm talking with actually has a 31 Model A that I'm now leaning toward, but I'm in no hurry so I will take my time.

He even admitted that he installed the WarFord trans to make the T easier to drive.

Any of you know of a good book to recommend that explains the maintenance and nuances of The Model T (or A)?
 
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