New T owner

J

jeep44

Senior Member
I am getting a '25 Tudor Model T tomorrow (in trade for a Model A I have).It's a non-running barn find. I know absolutely nothing about them, other than always wanting one. I've been fooling around with old cars and motorcycles for many, many years, so I'm not totally clueless, but what are the best books and manuals I need to get up to speed on Ts?
 
These are a start...

then join MTFCI or MTFCA and get nice bi-monthly mags, and MTFCA has many booklets for sale on how to's for the restoration. Each club has a web
 

Attachments

  • Books for Model T.jpg
    Books for Model T.jpg
    42.8 KB · Views: 17
Also get on the MTFCA site and look up a local chapter, they will be a valuable resource.
 
tmodelman said:
These are a start...

then join MTFCI or MTFCA and get nice bi-monthly mags, and MTFCA has many booklets for sale on how to's for the restoration. Each club has a web
Click to expand...

Good info there, in particular the Service Manual. I have an endearment to ''The Model T FordOwner" by Murray Fahnestock.

He was a man of the era. In fact grew up with the growth of the T. One treasure, need to share now. When the day comes that you are ready to drive it, consider that the bands are not clutches. As you are ready to launch be ready with a quick firm stomp on the slow gear pedal, simultaneous to the RPM drop give a full hand to the gas valve. Load the calories to get it rolling, then cut off the gas, release the slow pedal, feel high gear engage, then gas back on. He references this from the acquaintance of a mailman who got many years on the same bands.

If the bands are allowed to slip like a clutch, they will overheat and burn. Many today resort to kevlar bands for this reason.

You are in for a world of fun, and dirty hands. Oh yeah, same realm look into a trans screen. Will help a lot if you choose to not run that kevlar.
 
Thanks for the suggestions! The books and manuals have been ordered. I wish my Dad were still around-his first car was a T-I'm sure he could have told me all I needed to know.
 
I think many of us wish our Dad's were still around. My Dad learned to drive a T in 1923 at the age of 6 in Illinois taking his grandfather to town to sell eggs for 10 cents a dozen.
 
Here is my Dad with his first car. I seem to remember him saying he paid something like $10 for it
 

Attachments

  • PICT0004.jpg
    PICT0004.jpg
    53.6 KB · Views: 52
A Model T is wonderful in so many ways. Be patient with it and it will keep growing on you. It won't be as fast as your Model A was. Don't expect it to be more than it is. Just have lots of fun with it.
 
I've been watching them every year at Greenfield Village, and wanted one. I do know a couple of the Model T drivers at GFV, so I know a bit of what to expect.
 
My new T-I think it's a '25. It's a barn find-the sheet metal is all solid, and the body wood is also solid and unrotted. The engine turns over with the crank. All the extra stuff is piled in the inside.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1600.jpg
    IMG_1600.jpg
    72.1 KB · Views: 52
  • IMG_1599.jpg
    IMG_1599.jpg
    67.2 KB · Views: 55
lot's of luck to you !
as mentioned , I would suggest joining the MTFCA or MTFCI or both ! driving a model T is just so much fun ! any way good luck and keep us updated .
have you ordered a Lang's catalog ? Mac's is also wonderful .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top