Well, these are some pictures of my project 26 Tudor Sedan. I knew when I bought it the engine was stuck but to what extent I wasn't sure. The T looked good inside and out so I thought why not! A total new experience for me from hot rodding. At least my wife likes it..That's a plus...Big Thanks to Mr. Lynn Cook because I didn't know where to begin, I tore the engine down and was amazed, or maybe in shock. No inserts, or anything. I was used to rebuilding 350 chevys. My wife said "thought you said you could do it". I had to eat those words I have taken over 200 pictures while Mr. Cook try's to teach me the wonders of a model T. We have done, correction, Mr. Cook has done many upgrades to the engine such as the oiling system, aluminum pistons and Z head, stainless valves, 280 cam, hardened valve seats, 12v alternater, 12v Distributor, 12v chevy starter and the list goes on. These were things I wanted to do because my wife and I plan to drive alot. I plan to retire next year and we want to ride as much as we can without breakdowns...if at all possible. We are signed up for the Utah Canyonland trip next year and hope to meet a lot of model T friends. Enjoy the Ford Forum
Welcome to our sickness.
George n L.A.
Welcome. What kind of T are you buying next? Don't kid yourself. George called it a "sickness". They are like Lays potato chips. Can't have just one...
Chester, look forward to talking with you in Kanab Utah next year on the C4 tour.
Welcome and glad your wife likes the T. You will find most folks are sorta in love with these cars and always love to see one. Get used to being in your own parade.
Best regards, Erich Bruckner
There really is no way to own only one Model T. I tried really hard but went down two months after my first purchase to buy another one. And now I'm thinking it would be fun to have a third.
Welcome aboard.
Chester,
Welcome to the hobby.
Lynn is a fine gentleman and will be a great mentor for you. He surely knows how to build up a great and reliable touring T.
Walt
All, Thanks for all the great response... I am learning so much from all of your post. Such detail in the responses. I was telling Mr. Cook today about all the different topics and discussions you all have on here. He just listened and smiled, like you stated Walt, he is a true gentleman and an honor to know. We finished up some small details today like putting some 350 chevy rod bolts with aircraft nuts that he likes to use. I always tell him that whatever he suggest I will do....I have so much to learn and it's so interesting. It's funny when John asked what T are you buying next. I have already located me another 26 engine just so I can test myself and see if I can remember the tricks Mr. Cook has tried to teach me. I really look forward to meet you all and learn even more. Yes the bug has bitten...Chester
T's are like Rabbits and Potato Chips YOU can't have ONE
Welcome to the affliction! And touring without any breakdowns? Forget it. Ts do break down in ways you would never expect. But that is part of the fun. Being able to overcome the breakdown and finish the drive!
Hopefully he is having you be sure about the rear end thrust washers. THAT is a breakdown you do not want.
Drive carefully, and enjoy the holidays! W2
Chester, Welcome also! This great forum reaches all around the world and we are all constantly learning from each other. You are not the first hot rodder to join the forum and appreciate the joys and fun of owning and driviny a standard Model T! I will travel from Australia with my wife and two boys to the tour in Kenab next year. I will watch for you at the Tour!
Regards, Warwick.
Welcome Chester --
The information on this site is worth more than a barrel of monkeys and more fun.
Seriously - this site is full of great information and if you can't find it just ask.
Pay attention to the warnings! They can make life with a T safer and less stress full.
You will especially enjoy the discussions about water pumps, oil, distributors, and politics
- as long as you keep an open mind and can laugh.
Since your coming from the hot rod world you need to remember that a Model T is not an antique automobile -
it is a horseless carriage in a modern automotive world -
Sorta reminds me of the Bellamy Brs song Old Hippie
Welcome Chester. Great looking Tudor. Would love to see more pics of it
Welcome to the hobby. A few things I have found out about Model T's
1. Replace the babbit washers in the rear axle with bronze. If you don't know whether that has been done, check by disassembly and replace.
2. I know that Tennessee has mountains. So be sure to have auxiliary brakes. Rocky Mountain or other brakes mounted on the rear wheels.
3. whatever non-stock parts you might wish to install, be sure that replacements are easily obtained and that you take some with you on tours. On most Model T tours you will find someone with an extra coil, spark plug, timer etc. But if you have a distributor, you are on your own. If it has points readily available such as VW, the nearest local auto parts store might have them. Be sure to know what non-stock parts you have and where to obtain them if you get stuck somewhere.
4. Be sure to have a good radiator. You don't need a water pump if the radiator is in good condition and most water pumps tend to leak. You never know just when that leak might happen.
5. Be sure to carry extra oil and coolant and know how full the gas tank is and where the next gas station is. Always start the day with a full tank and fill up before it runs out. If you are going long distances without many gas stations, carry some extra gas along.
5. Have a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
6. Don't park your car in a closed garage with a gas water heater. T's are known to leak gas, and sometimes they leak when least expected. If the garage is attached to the house, you could lose both house and garage if it leaks and the water heater should come on. Same applies to gas heated garages.
I could go on, but these are quite important.
I have found that 3 Model T's is optimal. One to drive while you work on the second one, and a third for spare parts. Only problem- - - I now have all 3 running and no more room for a 4th.
Norm
y can't you have only 1 doz
Norm,
I have three running and am building a 4th.
My Bride wants a Model A and I tell her just what you said... "No more room at the Inn"!
I have only ever had one Model T, but I remember one year that Ken Meek and Kent Gilbane went on a four-day tour down on the Gulf Coast. They took Ken's Roadster and Kent's Coupe. The decision about whether to take the open or closed car was made every day on the basis of the weather. Seemed like an ideal setup to me at the time...
Norm, thank's a million. I was really planning on parking the T when finished in the garage attached to the house. There is a gas hot water heater in the corner where it would have been parked. I guess I need to pay more attention the ALL the advise I read on here. I'll definitely keep it in the other garage with my 48 Studebaker truck. I'll check all the bearings in the wheels and rearend. I copied a check list I found on here a few weeks ago but I don't remember the hot water heater advise. Thanks again! Here are a few more pic's of the engine Chester
Where was that checklist? I saw it on here a few months ago, but can't re-locate it now?
Nevermind; I just found it!
Hey now. If you're going to start in on "Old Hippies" you better pay attention to who's listening. There's a chance there are some antagonistic "Old Hippies" on here that might not understand. All that dope in the 60's and 70's turned their lovefest into a life of confrontation and broken dreams.
Peace, Out.
Welcome to the T world....
Welcome aboard, Chester!
And good evening to you, Mr. Mike.
Hey Danial. How's it going. My brain is working overtime at the present and dumping some of the most ridiculous stuff onto this forum I think it's ever dealt. But now it's time for me to take my meds and slide into bed. I've been put on some new medicine that really makes me sleepy headed. I think it's a plot to dry up my vital juices. Take care.
We have been nice to Chester long enough!
Why would anyone want to heat hot water?
Don't we heat cold water to make it hot?
(Sorry I couldn't help myself)
Chester you have now been baptized and are officially a part of this strange group.
It's been almost 50 years but seems like only a few days ago I was sitting in my newly resurrected 27 Ford with the old man that helped and made it possible. Learning to drive, I heard over and over again ( Don't Slip the bands, get her moving a little and push that peddle to the floor.) GODs speed and enjoy.
I had 3 T's running, and thought I had enough. Then I realized I didn't have much to do, so I bought another one. Having a great time getting it ready for the road again. I love this hobby. I certainly don't call it a sickness or anything else. It's just a lot of fun, and I've met some of the finest people on earth through it.
I can see this is going to be more fun than I could imagine.....You all are hilarious..... Fred, I love the Bellamy Brother's....and never thought about the cold water heater....you got me....Love this stuff....the wife is already starting to complain about being on the computer more than fixing the T....Chester