Every year My Uncle Rick Carnegie @ the stroke of midnight on New years morning, runs out grabs and the handle crank of his T and gives it a spin till she fires. He then runs the car for a couple seconds then shut her down. Also the Spokane Model T club has been having a January 1st Model T tour since 2000. This year will be no different. What is the first thing you do with your T in the new year?
Pull the cover back and put the battery charger on it for a bit. BRRRR.
This year I'll be working on the rear differential of my '26 sedan. I've gone back to being sober again so my head will be clear. I was dry from 1987 to 2011 then tried drinking again. Now I've been dry for 3 months. I'd rather give my '26 a shot of anti-freeze and let it have a good time. I might have to think of a Model T tradition. Maybe I'll be sure to pat it on the radiator at midnight.
Hey Mike,
Congratulations on the dry spell, a lot of men think it is a sign of manhood to be able to handle a lot of drink, it is a bigger sign of manhood to leave it be when tempted.
Best
Gus
Thanks Gus, it's been easier this time. The first time it was stop or lose the family and possibly my life. This time it wasn't necessary because I never had more than 2 beers or 1 shot of Windsor at a time. But I knew if I overdid it one time I'd be back where I was all those years ago.
Sometimes I take all of my Model T's for a spin. Of course, the weather here is usually sunny and above freezing. See picture attached
That picture was New Years day 2009.
Norm
We used to have horses and go on a New Years day trail ride. No more horses, but we do have 2 T's and will take one out for a spin on New Year's day. We were followed home one time and it was a local newspaper photographer. I saw him take our picture when we were driving but didn't think much about it at the time. He had followed us for 15 minutes trying to get my attention. Our picture was on the front page the next day. I have added rear view mirrors since then. I had no idea he was following us.
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Mike G
Hang in there, I quit at age 21 when it became to easy to get it, now lets see that was 57 years ago. But I still smoke and drink two much coffee and I haven't given up women yet.
Best of luck, Model T's are more fun anyway.
Bob
Been a long time since I've been able to have any sort of New Years tradition. I would really like to start that up again.
1. I drive around the neighborhood Christmas eve with candles in the side lamps, flashlights in our hands for 'headlights' and we look at house lights. Beautiful when it is snowing lightly.
2. Put the T on the driveway on Halloween, and I put on my trench and hat and hand out candy as Henry Ford.
3. Drive the T to work on Christmas Eve.
4. Drive the T around the big shopping center parking lot during a big new car sale on Labor day weekend.
5. Put her up on blocks on New year day.
I haven't done this for two years because she was apart for a rebuild. Now if she ever sells!! I can buy my next T and continue with the traditions!
Blessings to all of you and your Family!
Bob
PS: Mike, you are doing good, keep it up. Your family and marriage are worth it. Hang on to the rope of hope and faith. God is holding on to the other end.
Thanks Robert. The wife has left but not because of the drinking. Mostly because of my behavior problems from PTSD. The kids are old enought to be on their own. However My exwife and I are still best friends and I'll always be Dad for the kids and do it sober. God Bless