First steps?

S

Saxman

Junior Member
Well folks, this is my first post on the Ford Barn forum. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and figured it was time I introduced myself and asked some questions. Now, I'm not new to old cars. I've had a thing for them my whole life (I'm 53) and have owned many, both bone stock and period correct hot rods, but lately I have developed a particular appreciation for the Model T Ford in it's original form. Why you ask? Well, I'm not exactly sure except maybe because of it's unique place in American history, the fact that these are the cars that my Dad would have been most familiar with in his youth and because I just love old machinery. With so much of our culture and history disappearing daily, I don't just want to preserve a piece of it, I want to experience a piece of it. When I hear a Model T run I can't help but think that is a sound that was once familiar to virtually everyone in North America. So, in some respects, for me, a Model T is a time machine.

Now, the oldest car I've ever owned is a '34 Chevy truck and the oldest Ford I've owned is a '41 bus. coupe. I realize that even though only a few years separate these vehicles from a Model T, the T actually belongs to a an era of the automobile that is not as familiar to me, at least in a "hands on" way.


So, my questions are these:
1) I have no doubt there is a Model T in my future but I obviously have a lot to learn about them before I would be ready to look for one to purchase. When I say a lot to learn I don't mean historical stuff necessarily. I'm talking more about mechanics and peculiarities unique to the model. I guess what I'm really asking is, what are the things I need to know? What are the things that I need to look for when buying a Model T? Problem areas, etc. and where do I learn this stuff? Any books that you recommend?

2) I'm curious about the rest of you. Unless, you are over about 90 years old, none of you learned about Model T Fords when they were new so you must have picked up the knowledge some other way. So, what's your story? How did you become "Model T guys?"


Thanks for your time, gents.
 
Welcome SAX... Personally, I would suggest that you get whats least affordable in drivable condition. Begin feeling comfortable by adding oil and lubing the chassis on a daily drive basis. Soon, youll realize that the trans bands need adjusting, and at worst need replacing. Theres many peculiar steps to addressing these issues, and until you can look at a part and know what it is or does, you may as well be looking at a URAL motorcycle... "I recognize a spark plug here; is that a carb over there...?" Next steps to go for a drive and have a flat tire, and then figure out that issue.
Best of all, keep it in perspective. Its a high speed tractor made for pavement use. Think like farmer John in the 1920s when youre working on it and the nearest legitimate mechanic was maybe 100 miles away (back then!!). Best part is to have fun and get that 40 smiles per gallon outa it!
Where ya from???ws
 
Given your experience with old cars, you probably know that anybody who restores a car expecting to come out ahead financially is on a fool's errand. That's why I agree with Bill. It's best to buy a running, drivable car and let the guy who got it that way take the loss.

In addition to Ford Barn, there are two Model T club forums. The MTFCI forum is better for posting pictures due to its more modern software, but the MTFCA forum is much more active. Some of the posters there are very opinionated and tend to get into scraps, but there are also a lot of very experienced Model T guys who really know their stuff.

Here are a couple of links to get you started. Pay particular attention to good information from Bob Coiro.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/359742.html?1367788603

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/369543.html?1372022702

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/173372.html?1291171439

And here are a couple of other bits of information for anyone new to the Model T world.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG79.html
 
HAA! Thanks for your response, Bill. I like your description of it being a high speed tractor made for pavement use. I have worked on a few old tractors but had never thought to make that comparison. Sounds true enough.

Maybe I'm over thinking it. I certainly have the experience, skills and tools (well...except for any Model T specific tools that may be required) I guess I just need to learn more of the specifics, for example, the T's unusual transmission arrangement is certainly different than anything I have ever worked on. But, if I hear you right, it's just like anything else, you learn as you go. That makes sense.

When shopping, what are some things specific to Model Ts that I should be looking for? Any common problem areas I should be aware of?
 
Steve Jelf said:
Given your experience with old cars, you probably know that anybody who restores a car expecting to come out ahead financially is on a fool's errand. That's why I agree with Bill. It's best to buy a running, drivable car and let the guy who got it that way take the loss.

In addition to Ford Barn, there are two Model T club forums. The MTFCI forum is better for posting pictures due to its more modern software, but the MTFCA forum is much more active. Some of the posters there are very opinionated and tend to get into scraps, but there are also a lot of very experienced Model T guys who really know their stuff.

Here are a couple of links to get you started. Pay particular attention to good information from Bob Coiro.

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/359742.html?1367788603

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/331880/369543.html?1372022702

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/173372.html?1291171439

And here are a couple of other bits of information for anyone new to the Model T world.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG79.html
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Hey, thanks Steve. I'll check those links out. Yeah, I completely get the old car thing and realize that you are always better off to save up the extra coin and get a better vehicle to start with. I've already done a couple of basket cases when I was younger so I learned that lesson well.

EDIT - Hey Steve! That is EXACTLY the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks again.
 
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Theres a few other forums that are purely cut and dried, unless youre' one of the good ol' boys (I'm not BTW) and don't fit in. I always refer to those sites as "across the hall, or special ed". I was born in Sept of '55 and had my first ride at a few weeks old. IOW, been at it my whole life. Weve had MANY Ts over the years and Ive followed suit.
In Steves dialogue, listen to what he has to say. He works on them like an old sod farmer would. Makes tools etc. The biggest safety concern is wood wheel condition, and differential Babbitt thrust washers that at 100 years old are now starting to decompose which can leave you with NO BRAKES in a single application when you need them the most! As you move along youll understand steering and ignition systems which are antique at best but really set the pace in the day.
This forum shares a little camaraderie, so step up and enjoy it. Theres some links I posted about seeing the for sale section with two really long running threds Ive written that explain a lot of "how to's". Look over them and just ask questions. The other places have million dollar owners that cant stand dirty hands. Lube up and jump in... the waters fine! ws
 
Sax a runner/driver as the guys said is really your best bet and it's a learning experience in itself. Starting with driving the thing. I can tell you these things: #1. If at all possible I HIGHLY recommend you bring someone that knows T's when you go to check one out. (Join a local club or at least talk to them about having someone accompany you). #2. DO NOT jump at the first one you see especially if you have reservations about the car. (there's plenty of T's out there. you just need to look). #3. Ask questions here and on the other forums. The guys are here to help. And #4 is a personal must: The car has to have a clear title. In my book it's no title no sale. You truly don't know whose car your buying without a title and the motor vehicle department in any state can be enough to make the Pope say Mass in Hebrew.
 
Hey, thanks for the advice and for pointing me in the right direction. I've been having fun doing my research. It's always good to know little things like: "And don't try to remove the starter without removing the Bendix first. :)"
 
Best thing to do is find a local club or someone nearby who has a T and start hanging around and get some hands on experience with people who know about them. T's are peculiar contraptions and can be real headaches at times. That being said, just monkeying around and riding in one will reveal an awful lot in very short order.
 
My first T was a 25 TT truck. It's really cool and fun to putt around in, but really slow. So I was forced to buy a 26 Roadster last spring. Now I can go cruising and take trips. Even more fun! I've learned a great deal on the forums mentioned, great resource. PK
 
Hey Saxman. Welcome to the sickness. I've been driving and working in the grease most of my life. I've been lurking on these forums for many years. I was on the HAMB 7 years ago and on the Early V8 Forum 5. Most of the guys on these forums are pretty good though there's a few that like t run there mouth and don't have any idea what they're talking about. Yachtsmanbill is good and you can't go wrong with guys like Steve Jelf. I've been monitoring them for awhile now. On the MTFCA there's a fellow named Rob Heyen. He's a sorta historian. He's got a couple pre-T cars and enjoys writing about them. He's a good guy. My advice to you first of all is join a club. It's well worth the joining fee and you can always count on a Model T guy.
 
Saxman said:
HAA! Thanks for your response, Bill. I like your description of it being a high speed tractor made for pavement use. I have worked on a few old tractors but had never thought to make that comparison.

Many many yrs ago I proved that one. A drag race Me in a 26 Coupe and my
father in a 47 Ford tractor. Well the tractor blew the doors off me- off the line
but the ole man ate my "T" dust. I still have the tractor.
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With a counter weight on the back, them old 9Ns (was that a 7N?) would pop a pretty good wheelie... for the first 5 feet anyway...
Cute story... my pal had one when we were kids and needed it to pull a motor out of his 66 Impala SS. The bucket was on the ground and the battery was dead. So we pull started it and I told him as soon as it starts to turn over by pulling and turning the pump, raise the bucket. The kid hit the down tilt, it dug into the gravel and flipped it on his side... man was his dad ever pissed! Flipped it back upright and continued the tow and about 20 feet later she lit right off. Damn mechanical marvels! ws
 
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