Looking for my first Model T

Marklambert61

Marklambert61

Member
I have had a Model A RPU for years and love that old truck. Now thinking of getting a Model T for a second project.

Any advice on a good car to get started on my Model T education?

Mark

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I just bought my first model T a month ago - a 1924 Touring car. I love it - lots of room inside, a little lighter than closed cars and its a real crowd pleaser. There are a lot of them around too.
 
Touring's probably the most desireable. What ever you do I highly recommend bringing a T guy along when checking one out. It's definitely not a Model A but is a world unto itself. It doesn't drive or operate like an A and the mechanicals are totally different. Don't jump at the first one you see. There's plenty around. Keep in mind: a "barn find" (read rust bucket) might not be worth restoring price wise.
 
The Model T is a part of automotive history and I am proud to own a 1925 Touring Car. It takes a little time to learn to drive the car well, particularly to make good gear shifts from low to high. It is a fun car to drive if you stay on roads with speed limits 35 mph or less. It is not a good car for slow moving parades as it will overheat. It loves backroads and will go down rough and rutted roads that modern cars can't take. After all, rough and rutted roads were all they had in 1925!
The car is simple to work on and parts are available. Enjoy!
 
Hook up with a local chapter of the Model T Ford Club. Most of the people are very friendly and know where the cars are for sale and may have one themselves for sale.
They can also check out a car for you.
(you need more than one though)
 
I agree that when you go to look at a prospective purchase you should take along somebody who knows T's and will know what to check and will notice what's missing and have some idea whether the missing part is a big deal or not.

I also agree about the T being different from anything you've worked on before. It's simple, but often not put together the way you expect. That's why the first Model T parts every new owner should buy are the Ford T shop manual and the MTFCA books on The Engine, The Transmission, The Electrical System, etc. If you just dive into a repair without any warning of what not to do, it can get expensive. The books can save you a lot of hassle and dough.
 
Just to warn you...don't expect to drive the a much after u own a t....A's just don't do anything for me since I drove my first T....
 
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