Surviving an Independence Day Parade

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Surviving an Independence Day Parade
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Saturday, July 06, 2013 - 07:45 pm:

Today, I put our '23 Touring in the annual Independence Day parade in our little town of New Freedom, PA. Being that it IS July, it is always hot on parade day....and today was no exception. The high was 92F with a heat index of 105F.

Each group gets about 30 seconds to perform in front of the judges stand. Sitting at idle in that kind of heat, while everyone takes their turn, is a true test. I had a bit of water spit out of the overflow tube (I added some water before setting out), but the car made it through and it ran exceptionally well. For those that are wondering, the engine is bone stock.

The kids love the horn and there's no mistaking the look you get from the old timers who clearly "remember when...".

Lots of fun.



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Saturday, July 06, 2013 - 09:33 pm:

Maybe you should have stopped the car. Turned it off. Do a chinese fire drill. Have each person attempt to start the car, but forget something silly. Then you get out and start it like putting a spoon to your mouth.

Make some fun out of the review and the heat.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Thode Chehalis Washington on Saturday, July 06, 2013 - 09:51 pm:

Looks like a fun day. The heat index temperature does not effect the car but it puts more stress on the people that are in it.

Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill dugger on Saturday, July 06, 2013 - 10:07 pm:

Here in Sunny California it was 116 and the heat index unknown to me but it was HHHHOOOOTTTT. Now it has cooled down but still WARM, and will get better for a few day then hot, 104 or 6 next week.

Bill d


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 12:02 am:

Nice original looking car. Good to see you are willing to do parades with the stock system. I do the same. I find there is no problem as long as you ensure the rad is topped up, the spark properly advanced and run a decently high idle to keep the fan turning and the oil churning. Retarding your spark and revving your engine to please the crowd is fun but, not worth the risk.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Horlick in Penn Valley, CA on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 03:05 pm:

I ran my '13 in our little parade... 3 kids and a librarian were aboard (promoting the local library summer reading program). The librarian busied herself cranking the siren. The parade was in over 100 degree F weather and uphill for a couple of miles. Unfortunately it has 3 steep uphills in corners and you have to creep behind the walkers.

I adjusted the low band (wood thank goodness) right before the parade... it now dearly needs a low band adjustment! The car always runs hot so I kept the idle up... and ran up alongside the walkers on the steepest sections.

Here you see the level section in the middle of town (Grass Valley).

I don't remember librarians looking like this when I was a kid... maybe she's an imposter!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Hoshield on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 03:09 pm:

I had to look 3 times before I saw you behind the wheel (and ladder)!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 03:42 pm:

Things went well for the Rupert 4th parade, several Ts in the parade, with mine at the front representing the WWI service men and women.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gene Carrothers Huntington Beach on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 03:57 pm:

We had the Torpedo in the 100th birthday of Yellowstone park on the 4th of July parade in West Yellowstone. I think we threw out 20 lbs of candy to the kids and people along the route.

What a fun day to celebrate with the old yellow tour bus following behind us.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 04:02 pm:

We used to throw candy at the parade, but the cops stopped us, but then we were doing it differently, as we were sitting on the side lines and throwing candy at the floats.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Horlick in Penn Valley, CA on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 05:38 pm:

Dennis, my cars look much better than I, so I seldom post a photo of myself. In this one we have completed the first hill... look at how much low pedal is left!

I do agree with you about photos with passengers or nearby admirers taking two or three looks before you see the car or driver! ... The little girl in the chef's hat is VERY distracting!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan B on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 08:22 pm:

Thanks Dave. I agree, keeping that fan spinning and allowing the oil to cool the drums is key.

I have some adjustments to make on mine too Terry. I have a large drum Ruckstell which is great for parades. I use the lined shoes as a brake to keep wear and tear off of the brake band. I noticed that the handbrake lever is traveling much further before the shoes engage, so I'll be removing the wheels soon.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Horlick in Penn Valley, CA on Sunday, July 07, 2013 - 09:40 pm:

Dan, you may be just wearing in (seating) the lined parking brake band. If so all that is needed is a little adjustment on the rods. Can't hurt to take a look, however.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erich Bruckner, Vancouver, WA on Monday, July 08, 2013 - 10:58 am:

Here is a link to shots of our 4th parade. The car decorations were the best yet, plus, we had a guest ride along who had a blast.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruckzone/sets/72157634481870767/

Car and everyone did very well. great day.


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