Who drives YOUR T ?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Who drives YOUR T ?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Holzschuh - Panama City, FL on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 03:19 pm:

I may be wrong but I consider driving a T just different enough from modern cars that it requires a bit of practice to drive safely.

That being said, who do you allow to drive your T?

If a good friend comes over and would like to take it around the block.....do you let him ? (your riding shotgun of course)

schuh


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Claverie on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 03:28 pm:

Bud, I'd say it depends on the friend, and the block.

Some folks can "get it" right away. Some never do.

Some blocks are devoid of traffic, and some dump out onto freeways.

I'd start by taking the friend to a lonely place, showing him the procedures all the way, then let him try it in the lonely place.

Then I'd make a decision whether to take it to the next level ----- or not.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 03:31 pm:

Bud - I let the grandson of the original owner of my T drive in our subdivision - within sight of our home.

He had never driven a T and had only ridden in ours when my dad finished restoring it in the 50's and again a few hours before I let him drive.
I explained the operation of the peddles and put a block in the brake handle slot so it would only go in low gear.
I also told him that he needed to press hard and not slip the bands.

He drove it about 1/2 mile and had the biggest smile you could ever see.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve McClelland on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 03:38 pm:

I started my daughter out in a big empty parking lot, she was asking me all the time let me drive, so we drove to the lot I told her to watch me all the way there which was 12-14 miles one way. Every time I slowed down or stopped, started ect..... I made sure she was watching and understood why I was doing what I was doing. After arriving at the (empty) lot I drove her around in the pattern I wanted her to take, after I was comfortable she could handle it then I let her drive....
Ultimately your responsible for your car so be careful not to lose a good friend or neighbor over him breaking your T .
My opinion Bud your already asking folks here so that should be your indicator for an answer of (maybe this isn't a good idea). Good luck


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 03:46 pm:

Good friend - once around the block - no training.

Probably not. Needs to get a lesson first and then maybe around the block.

Steve has it right. Start in a big parking lot, maybe church size, and then out around the block.

Most important. Have a good time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike conrad on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 03:53 pm:

Bud, good question! many people have learn to drive my T's I have one or two that are rust buckets if they pass the test with the junkers I will let them drive one of the nice T's I find girls that have never driven a stick shift make the best students. the worst is the guys who say "I know" after every thing said. they usually fail. My most humorous and worst driver to date was a 90 year old guy. After telling me some great stories of the good old days I gave him the wheel, only to find he conpletely forgot how to stop or go slow in low gear. I bearly saved the car and I was sitting right next to him! I swear I learned more that day than he did.
Bottom line, use caution-remeber that first time you drove a T and if you can't cover the damage that may happen, don't risk it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:03 pm:

I've offered to teach friends and family how to drive my coupe, but so far I think they've all been a little intimidated by the process.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Derek Kiefer - Mantorville, MN on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:08 pm:

Anyone who wants to! Nobody ever wants to try though.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:11 pm:

Derek, my 94 year old grandfather is coming to visit over the holidays. The first car he ever drove (and wrecked the same day) was his dad's 25 coupe. He was 14 and living on a farm in Wisconsin at the time.

I talked to him on the phone the other day. He says he thinks he'll be able to jump right in and go.

Should be great fun!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:14 pm:

Bill Harris rode with me about 7 miles to his aunt's house a couple of years ago, part way on freeway. I had him drive back, but he avoided the freeway.



That floor jack has become my favorite.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Neil Kaminar on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:24 pm:

When T's were not worth anything and traffic was non existent, it was not a problem. My mom learned to drive in a borrowed T in a big field in LA. The big field is many years gone and so is my mom.

I will let anyone drive my T who wants to. My neighborhood has very little traffic. I just keep the Ruckstell in low and ride as copilot. Wife refuses to drive it.

Neil


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Walt Berdan, Bellevue, WA on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:30 pm:

A few friends have driven my cars but they were folks who owned T's and knew how. My wife drove my speedster once but the seat is too far back for her to use the pedals comfortably. Well that and she is afraid to break them which seems to be the big deal for her in spite of not being an issue for me. I would be willing to give lessons in an empty lot but would need that before letting a newby drive one of my cars.

Walt


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William L Vanderburg on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:34 pm:

My insurance has a provision in it that will not allow anyone with less than 10 years of driving experience, drive my car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Van on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:36 pm:

This brings up an interesting dichotomy for me. When I purchased my first T earlier this year, I asked the seller if I could drive it first. He agreed and when I went over there, he handed me the keys and said take it around the block. When I asked if he was coming with me, he indicated that he would not be accompanying me. This was the first time I had ever driven a model T ford. It was exciting and very scary all at once. I had spent months prior reading, learning, and watching YouTube. I had a great idea of what to do, but had never actually done it. This coupled with the fact that the T I purchased from him had had minimal work done in all of his ownership and the bands slipped like crazy only added to the uniqueness of the experience.
Now that I have the T, I have done lots of work and lots more still ahead this winter. I am planning on replacing the low speed drum and getting the magneto in working order. I have let other old car enthusiast and model T owners drive it to help me get an idea of what I need to work on or repair. My friends and family are another issue; they just don’t express the desire to learn the intricacies of the machine before stepping behind the wheel. So I would be hesitant to let someone drive it right away. Like a teenager with a new car, there would need to be lots of practice in a large parking lot first. Once you know how to start in low, stop and reverse; then and only then would it be time to try out Hi.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donald Conklin on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:43 pm:

I let my grandkids drive around the yard with a derelict chassis. The throttle is locked at an idle with a pair of vice grips and I or one of their parents is right beside them. The smile on their faces is priceless, especially when taking their parents for a ride. The speed is about a fast walk. I like to think its an experience they will never forget.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gavin Harris (Napier, NZ) on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:48 pm:

There is a big difference between being able to drive a T and being safe.

My first drive was in my speedster, it was delivered to a friends small farm where I spent an hour or so learning what pedal did what etc.

I then drove it home (stalled it once on a major intersection) and then turned out to every rally, outing etc and thought I was doing pretty good.

14 months later I took it on a three day tour and it was only on the third day that I realised that the pedals were finally coming naturally to me. I now shudder at the thought of what might have happened if a small child had run out in front of me in those first 14 months.

So,,, although there is a lot of satisfaction in teaching a newbe what pedal does what, for other peoples safety, I don't let any newbe drive it on the road;- paddocks and parking lots only.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Bender Tulsa Oklahoma on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 04:52 pm:

Letting someone drive your T, someone that has a T no problem. I have loaned my cars out to folks that couldn't make a tour because they didn't have a car running. If it breaks, not a problem, more than likely would have happen anyhow, been lucky just one time and that was a blown tire, that's how I see it.

Now for someone that hasn't driven a T Model before, WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY to introduce someone to our hobby and maybe they will get the bug, find a T and come and join the fun. Take them for a ride, explain the workings of the T, find a big parking lot and get them comfortable with operations, next get them out in the country and turn them loose. The smiles and good times are and will be remember for a life time.

How else could you promote this hobby so easily. Just my two cents worth.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 05:19 pm:

My friends and family can drive my Model T's any time they want and sometimes they do.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gilbert V. I. Fitzhugh on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 05:43 pm:

I've taught lots of people how to drive my T - always after some demonstration, always where there's no traffic the first time, and always with me aboard.

Our neighborhood occasionally has a silent auction, in which a resident offers a good or service that people can bid on, with the proceeds from the winning bid going to a charity chosen by the person offering the service. A couple of times I've offered a morning or afternoon of T lessons, and the bidding has become rather spirited.

This past summer, after the HCCA 75th Anniversary tour in Colorado Springs, I trailered the T to a dude ranch where my wife and I were to treat kids, spouses and grandkids to a week of horseback riding. The ranch owner let me use some of his land to teach two grandkids, aged 13 and 10, how to drive the car. I also gave lots of rides, and taught several of the ranch staff (including the owner) to drive. That was on public roads, after a fashion - washboard dirt roads maintained by the forest service, with very little traffic. Once, while teaching my son-in-law to drive it, we were stopped by the Conejos County sheriff - so I taught him to drive it, too!

Assuming you don't have insurance issues, do it! It's a hoot!

Gil Fitzhugh, Morristown, NJ


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Hycner on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 06:11 pm:

Tough call but it can be beneficial to the hobby. A friend of mine let me drive his '24. I was hooked and was in the market for one the next day. It took me two months to find the right one but I'm addicted now.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Aldrich Orting Wa on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 06:52 pm:

A tough question indeed especially if we want to perpetuate the hobby.

Still... Anyone can learn to drive mine across the road on an empty logging road. With me aboard of course! I have a grandson that is more than a little interested.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John P. Steele, Montana on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 06:59 pm:

Mike Bender has the right idea. No better way to get a new guy or gal than let them drive one.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Doug Money - Braidwood, IL on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 07:02 pm:

My wife has driven my T a few times. She says she needs to learn to drive it just in case. I am not sure who "Justin Case" is. :-) My son and youngest daughter and her husband and a guy down the street have driven mine. I taught each one to drive and we don't have much traffic here so the two lane roads are pretty open. Most people want to but are intimidated.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James Baker on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 07:51 pm:

I'm the only one who's driven mine since 1942 when my grandfather put it up on blocks in the wood shed. 69 years later I took it for its maiden voyage, after a lot of work of course.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 08:22 pm:

Not sure. Forgot the buyers name.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 08:34 pm:

We all had to start at some point. I didn't fall for the model T till I was given a ride in one. My first drive was in the one I own. I had read and studied many sources of "how to drive a T" info in print as well as video. An old hand came over with several other guys from our local club and helped me get it fired up for the first time. He drove first then let me take the wheel. He was ready for trouble and turned the key off seconds before I drove into the garage door.

To get fired up about the model T (and we do need more folks to get that way) they have to experience it. A ride at least. If they ask to drive and I don't feel O.K. with it I have told them no by simply saying "not now due to the brakes needing adjusting" or some such. I taught my son because he was interested and he drove well after a parking lot lesson. He stayed in the lot and only used low pedal but he loved it.

Most folks love a ride and ask about what it takes to drive one. "What are all the pedals and levers"? etc.

Use your best judgement and be a good ambassador, but be safe first.

I do need to verify what my insurance policy says about it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 09:23 pm:

A lot of truth to some of the comments here. Years ago, Tom Sharpsteen offered to donate a T railcar to the Feather River Railroad Museum, where I was working/volunteering at the time. He and Jim Tangeman did the conversion, the museum (and I ) supplied the railcar wheels (over-sized Fairmont motorcar wheels and one axle). Well, before the railcar wheels were put on it, Tom invited me to his ranch to "test" it out.
Clever ploy that, as he had me drive it all over his orchard and ranch roads. That's what turned me from a die-hard Model A guy into a T nut. The next year, I was given the privilege to drive his unrestored DB 14 T in the Orland 4th of July parade--including driving it from his home to town and back. I believe this is one of the original cars that started the HCCA, as his Dad was a founding member. Sadly, Tom is no longer with us, although Jim still is, and he still has his TT with an OHV engine, Ruckstell AND Warford trannys (what is that; 16 speeds forward?).
I can't wait to get Barney really road-worthy, as I have gotten really rusty with my T driving abilities! I think it's sorta like when I had my Steamboat--after a few days of running, you get to where you're "in the groove." Trouble with the boat, was that was about when the meet was over and it was time to trailer it home!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 09:34 pm:

I have let 3 of our 4 sons drive mine and also our daughter and one of the grandsons. They were all adult when they drove. We take it on a dead end street with very few houses and very little traffic.

I also participate in "Learn to drive a Lizzy" which is done by our local club about once a year.

It is a good thing to encourage younger and other people than the members or old timers, so that the hobby will continue after we are gone.
Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 09:47 pm:

I'd let anyone who owns a t drive mine. I'd like to teach my sons and daughter and her husband how to drive one. The last year it would have been nice to have both T's in the Rice town parade.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dare - Just a little South West . on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 10:54 pm:

Our 3 T's are only driven by us.
Us l mean my family, my 9 year old son, asks every nice weekend if he can drive the 13 runabout, he'll take it around the grass, reverse, forward, around the trees, my daughters ask often but never actually seem to drive !!! My wife drives when she feels like it, l sadly seem to be having less and less time to drive.... l hate that.... too much work in the garage to get our third completed and clean out the garage......


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric Hylen- Central Minnesota on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - 11:38 pm:

I have the reputation of taking people out for a little ride and finding myself in the passenger seat on the way home. I just find a quiet spot, pull over and say "I got us here, you get us back. Here's how the pedals work." Most people are a bit apprehensive at first, but I tell them "15 million people learned to drive these things, I'm sure you can handle it." I just let them practice starting and stopping until I think they've got it, then we get back on the road.

These cars aren't worth having if we don't share the experience.

Everyone in my family (yes, even the kids) drives our '14. Of course the kids don't get to drive on public roads, but I hope that they will take their license tests in it when they are old enough.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Stanley M. Sipko on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 12:34 am:

I would have to say just ME because everyone that I know is either not interested or too scared to even try. I have a good friend that says he knows how to drive one but every time I give him the chance he comes up with an excuse.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Deichmann, Blistrup, Denmark on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 01:16 am:

I have had some T-buddies drive mine, but I would never have an untrained drive my car.
My nephew drove it home from my parents after some instruction and with me next to him in thefront seat. One of my daughters boyfriend have tried it a little around the block,but more driving education is planned ("retirement plan").


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenny Edmondson, Indianapolis on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 06:20 am:

I let anyone drive mine that wants to learn. We do Retirement Home visits and I let a 93 year old man that used to have a T when he was younger drive it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Ashton Rosenkrans on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 10:07 am:

All of my brother-in-laws are "cockpit qualified" in the T's, and most have their own. My dad who learned to drive in one. Ditto an older neighbor. I'm teaching my 22 yr old daughter to drive on our closed loop street - the 1919 Speedster will be hers. She already knows how to drive the Model A and the early V8. She astounded a couple of her male friends at college with her knowledge of old Fords.

I'll teach anybody else that wants to learn, but I havn't had many takers, including my wife who prefers riding.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 11:03 pm:

Well, not a T, but I still remember decades ago I was driving my A as my everyday car (Dunsmuir's a small town, even now, so that was no big deal). For some reason I had my Dad drive her into town, with me riding. Although he hadn't driven one in decades, I was amazed at how easily he shifted that crash box and tuned the timing--like he'd never stopped driving one. I had prided myself on being pretty proficient with my car, but he was better!
T'
David D.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greg Whaley, Georgetown Ontario Canada on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 - 11:42 pm:

My wife wouldn't drive the Depot Hack because it "wasn't ours" (it was my dads.) She can't use that excuse any more - I will get her out in the '25 come spring time.

As far as letting just anyone drive it, no. Showing someone how it operates and giving them a lesson with them behind the wheel - absolutely!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill in Adelaida Calif on Thursday, November 22, 2012 - 02:08 am:

I have shown my neighbors daughter and two of her friends how to drive my 14. The good news is that I only had to crank it once :-). The same trio of girls have driven my 28 A pickup in a local parade after my knee was tired of the clutch. Of course this brings up another issue. How many 17yo kids can drive a clutch?

Bill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Thursday, November 22, 2012 - 05:07 am:

I'll let anyone whose legs are long enough to reach the pedals drive my TT, with me riding shotgun. I've taught many kids to drive it. Some I never let get into high gear, but most I do. Of course, younger children stay off public roads, but I'm not above letting say a 14 or 15 year old even drive on the dirt road we live on. The TT is so slow, it's hard for anyone to get into trouble with it.

Several years ago, I had plans to meet a fellow forum member in person for the first time at a car show about 50 miles from here. We pulled in with the TT on a trailer. He had his Touring car there. He came to where we were unloading and introduced himself. My 16 year old son backed the TT off the trailer and drove it to our parking spot. We had a good time that day and when the show was over he told my son to go take his Touring for a drive out on the road......alone!. I was shocked, but he said the car was insured, my son had a license. and he had seen the way he handled my TT backing down the ramps of the trailer and said he wasn't worried, he knew he could handle it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Thursday, November 22, 2012 - 09:25 am:

For many years, the annual picnic of the St Louis club was held at Jack Mulligan's place in the country (roughly where St Louis County becomes Franklin County). I have no idea how much property he has there. In this picture, the private road you see at the right runs about a mile out to a county road that doesn't have much traffic.



Before I had a T, but was a member of the club, I was at the picnic one year and Sam Atkinson said to me, "You've never driven a T, have you?" When I said I hadn't, he said, "Come on, I'll teach you." We started out with low and reverse only and drove back and forth a bit on the road. Then I graduated to high and before we had finished the day, I was out on the county road and actually driving the car. After I had my T, we were again at the picnic once with most or all of our family. As I recall, that time Anja, all the kids, plus son-in-law got some time behind the wheel. It was a perfect place for T lessons.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Thursday, November 22, 2012 - 09:27 am:

P.S. And yes, it was learning to drive Sam's car that got me hooked. My first thought when we got back was, "I have to get one of these..."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Ashton Rosenkrans on Thursday, November 22, 2012 - 09:58 am:

...as to the question asked above about how many 17 yr old know how to drive a manual? In my experience, not many. My daughter was in great demand at college in DC the past couple of years because she was the only one that a}knew how to drive a truck, and b)knew how to drive a stick.


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