Driving a T on today's roads.

R

RobK

Junior Member
Hello all,

I don't own a model T or an A, but have developed an interest and visit this forum frequently. Considering the speed limitations of a Model T, I'm curious about how you guys travel long distances in them. I found an older post mentioning a 200 mile tour averaging 30 mph. How do you do that in today's traffic. Are you constantly pulling over to let traffic by? Do you have to plan routes on obscure, seldom used roads? I think driving a nice route at slow speeds is awfully relaxing, but not with a dozen cars lined up behind you. If you wouldn't mind elaborating a bit, how do you travel in a Model T?

Thanks
 
Put a "SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE SCENERY" bumper sticker on the back and remember who is in front. A tractor triangle works also. A good T can cruse above 30MPH anyway.
 
Most parts of the country have secondary or rural roads that are fine for slow driving. There are a few places out west where the interstate is the only choice left, but those places are mighty few. I don't know about the Seattle area, but I suspect a search of Google satellite maps will show you some decent Model T roads even there.

This is one thing I like about living here in Podunk. I can go just about anywhere on country roads.
 

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I've driven 500 to 800 mile tours in a '15 T and 2000 and greater mile tours in larger cars but with model T's in attendance. We follow tour routes selected by the organizers, very seldom high traffic roads and cruise along at 40 or so MPH. We do not parade, we leave plenty of space between cars so traffic can pass us one at a time. If you can see the car ahead of you, you're close enough. It's a wonderful way to tour the country, my wife and I have been doing it for over 20 years. Get a T and come join us.
 
Try to take backroads where i can but when it comes to traveling busy roads i find 2 lanes allows people to pass easily. My T is lightweight and can do 50MPH when the air is cool and the road allows but for most old cars that is as fast as most people are comfortable to drive.
If you do find you have to pull over aftermarket brakes help a lot but in cities where the traffic is already slow and jammed up a model T will keep up just fine. In fact you can sometimes use its offroad ability to take shortcuts nobody else can use (Skaters look at you funny when you drive through the skate park).
 
Great advice from you guys. I live in a relatively rural area and can usually go to ice cream shop or in to town on back roads with no problem. Also the club tours are a great time especially if cars are spaced out or just given a destination and a route map and set off on your own. I have to ad that electric turnsignals and stop lights are a must for me. Also you must pay attention and be a good defensive driver, get plenty of room to stop. Stay off the really busy roads. Spring here!!! :)
 
I plan my routes with Google maps and then checkmark the "Avoid Highways". It helps to get started on the secondary roads. You can adjust from there.
 
On rural highway that have a shoulder I ll drive on it up hill so I don't start a parade. Bumper to bumper traffic is not the funest you got to remember what your limitations are. They're allot like driving a tractor, t's are model a's are modern cars with gears and brakes.
 
Here's my 2 cents.I live in a development where I can drive for about 40 minutes without going over the same road. It's level with almost no traffic. T driving heaven. Outside, even on 2 lane back roads, the posted limit is 45 to 50. Minimum. So their doing 55/60. You're in the way. Not that every bodies an A.H., you're just in the way. Their tough to drive on regular city streets. They don't stop and they don't go. Even with stop lights & turn signals. (done that). They really don't help. You're that Amish guy with a horse and wagon. You have every right to be there but you're in the way.
 
Yes and rights are to be exercised & cherished or lost, (exorcized?) If everybody wants to go over the speed limit, which by the way is the maximum allowed by law, it is their problem not yours, nor the Amish
 
I was driving on a car tour today on Route 66. As I was approaching my upcoming left turn, I had my blinker on. The car behind me appeared to be going to pass as I approached the intersection. As I entered the intersection, the car behind me passed me in the intersection with my left blinker on. I was prepared and waited a sec to let them get by. You have to be careful. I saw a girl on a cell phone play chicked with a truck today also. I don't think she ever "saw" the truck.
 
feelsharps' advice on tours is good. I've been with groups that are so bunched up, that there is no way for modern iron to pass. Space in between is the key, but not every tourist gets that.
 
Not sure where in Seattle you are, but I used to live in Issaquah out to the east of you. I found lots of back roads and development streets for low traffic, slower driving. If you're in Seattle proper, getting there on I90 could be a challenge!! On the otherhand, taking the ferry over to Bainbridge might be a hoot!!:)
 
I can normally drive even congested roads on saturday and sunday morning. Late enough that the drunks are all home, and early enough that the due it yourself or church crowd has not left home. It's a pretty time of day. Don't underestimate urban areas either. Typically the traffic can only go 25 mph and if it's early in the morning there is are not a lot of cars out and all the stop lights are green.

I pretty much drive my A everwhere I drive my modern car. The T I stick to early mornings or rural roads.
 
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