Come on, people, buy the danged book!

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Come on, people, buy the danged book!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 09:20 pm:

I'm posting this link again here and in several other places because of all the questions I've seen recently by folks who obviously haven't read the instructions. I DO NOT have several decades of Model T experience. I AM NOT an expert on Model T maintenance and repair. So how do I know what to do? I READ ABOUT IT. Of course there will be some things that aren't clear even when you do read the book. That's why we have forums. But you can save yourself a lot of reinventing the wheel with just a little reading.

http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Les Schubert on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 09:49 pm:

Right on Steve


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Johnson on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 09:52 pm:

I have some additional suggestions for the "Jelf Shelf."

1) Ford Manual (the owners manual that originally came with each Model T). Try to get a copy that corresponds to the year of your car. Otherwise, a few years are available free, online on the club website. Clear instructions on how to properly operate a Model T Ford, written for an audience who typically had never previously owned or operated an automobile. Note: the two most widely possessed yet never read books are the Holy Bible and automobile owners manuals.

2) Price List of Parts - if you are a purist, try to obtain one that is the same year as your car. At the very least, obtain the August 15, 1928 edition (yes, 1928). The 1928 edition is a very handy reference and reprints are readily available.

3) Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia - any edition from the late teens through the mid twenties. This book is a "nice to have," not an "absolute must." Dedicated Model T Ford section aside, this book contains a wealth of information and also will give you better insight of automobling during the Model T years.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 10:25 pm:

Speaking of re-inventing the wheel.



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Kerndt on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 10:48 pm:

I have a "Dykes" manual for sale if anyone is interested. Bill Kerndt, kerndtengineering@gmail.com, 563-380-6230. Thank you. Bill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken Kopsky, Lytle TX on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 11:14 pm:

The Dykes encyclopedia is way too deep (theory and engineering) for most hobbyists. The Ford Service Manual is a must though.

But if you must, Dyke's encyclopedia is FREE through Google Books.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Monday, November 11, 2013 - 11:33 pm:

Guess I'll think twice before posting that next dumb question...grin..


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Allan Richard Bennett on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 01:04 am:

Danial, somewhere I read that the only dumb question is the one not yet asked!

Allan from down under.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike_black on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 06:32 am:

We've got to be patient. The books are great, but, a newbie has to find out first that they exist. I found the following excerpt from the link at http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG11.html "..... I see a lot of gray hair. There will come a day when the current volunteers will wear out or croak. If the antique car club, or old tractor club, or amateur orchestra, or any hobby activity is going to continue, there will have to be new, younger people involved to keep it going. When any young person shows curiosity, interest, and even enthusiasm, it is slack-jawed, bonehead, brain-dead stupid to throw cold water on that enthusiasm."

Again, we've got to be patient and answer the same question each and every time it's asked. The answer may be to tell them about the books, but, if they're just getting into T's they probably don't realize there is such a wealth of info available. Folks who get their first T, don't realize that there is massive info avail until they ask, and, we don't need to slap them for asking. Just my 2 cents worth!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 07:47 am:

Some T owners just want a neat set of sheet metal to roll around in. Others live and breath the machine. Early on, either of them may not know of the existence of the books, or which ones of the many are the best ones to have. The first group may never understand the importance of the books and even if they buy them, won't use them. The ones destined for the second group, will embrace the books and the forum, read and learn everything they can and one day become one of the ones who answers all the questions of the first group.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Olsen on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 07:59 am:

I have the book. I still ask questions because books are never as good as having someone to talk to you about it, or better yet show you. The "Model T Ford Factory Service Manual" I bought is worse than most haynes, and the pictures are lousy. Even after reading it I can't tell what goes where. The little books are pretty good, but don't explain where the water pump goes. (obvious joke is obvious)
I'm getting the message "don't bother us unless you know what you're talking about" It is rather unwelcoming.

As an aside, my dad found a nice copy of Dyke's. It is a fun read, and it reminds me why I wanted an old car in the first place.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Dufault on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 08:20 am:

Chris,

"..... "don't bother us unless you know what you're talking about" ......"

Can be applied to ANY group of people I have ever known....70+ years worth. Stuff happens - stuff affects different folks in different ways.

For those who wish to learn and understand the quirks, nuances and workings of the Model T, as well as those who like some friendly (mostly) online chatter, I do not believe that you can find a better group of folks that type their thoughts and ideas on this Forum.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Dufault on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 08:23 am:

And although some of us (me) are intrigued and would like to read about the workings of your profile picture, there are those who would rightly object to a dissertation of it's operation here. I'll use "Google" to find the answers.

Best wishes in all your endeavors!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By john kuehn on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 09:41 am:

I have to also say RIGHT ON STEVE. It is positively amazing what you can learn when you READ THE INSTRUCTIONS.

You must have been reading my mind about some of the questions people ask about T's.
There is so much information available that its really easy to get a basic working knowledge about our old cars.

I guess we have gotten so use to going to our computers and media devices we have forgotten how to read a REAL book.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rick Goelz-Knoxville,TN on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 09:57 am:

I agree the books are a necessity, i also have the encyclopedia that has the service manual as a part, if you don't see as well as when you were younger you can enlarge the pictures to zoom in on a particular item.

Rick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:01 am:

Hell if you oldies didn't have us newbies asking questions and tugging on your shirt sleeves, many of you wouldn't know what to do with yourselves here.

And I say that with genuine awe and affection in the hopes that someday I have enough knowledge that someone feels comfortable enough to ask me a dumb question. I doubt my response will be, "Go read a damn book kid and get off my lawn!" haha


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:04 am:

Steve Jeff is correct. If you are new to Ts you should have The Black Bible if nothing else. There are very few questions that are not answered in the Black Bible (the MODEL T FORD SERVICE MANUAL). It is listed as T1 in the Langs catalog. You should also have the Manuals by the MTFCA.
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Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:04 am:

Everyone's learning curve is different and people comprehend things differently. Some can learn from a book and some need to be taught. Asking questions is one way to learn. No one is forced to answer any questions on this forum nor are they forced to read the forum. I like it when there is a discussion because someone will teach me how to do the task in an easier and faster way. Yes I have all the books and I read all the books but I still ask questions to be sure I understand what I am reading.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Derek Kiefer - Mantorville, MN on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:09 am:

I have a few of the books... the problem I have is that they usually explain really well HOW to do something a certain way, but they don't always explain WHY to do it that way.

The forum members here are good about the WHY part.

We all learn differently. One way or another, it's important that people are trying to learn. Embrace that, the future of the hobby depends on it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:17 am:

Dennis, Speaking of learning curves.....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Richard Gould on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:25 am:

Hey Steve, here are a couple good ones for you to consider. My engine misses. My transmission makes noise. I hear sounds from my rear end. My car runs rough. My car won't pull hills anymore.
Even if all some folks want is shiney metal to look at, if you are going to drive a Model T, you'd best become familiar with the mechanics. Books are a darn good way to start. When I purchased my first T, all I owned was a small tool box. Virtually all I learned was from books. Now, I'll put my engines, transmissions front and rear ends up against anyones.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 10:52 am:

I don't object to new guys asking questions. I've been at this Model T stuff in a serious way for only six years, and you all know I still ask questions. That's one of the reasons I love this forum. You also know I try to answer some of those questions if they're about something I happen to know. What prompted my post was the folks who know the books (and videos and Youtube) are there and don't bother to look. It's no skin off my nose. I'm just sorry to see them miss out on easily available information.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:06 am:

Myself,I wish there were two black bibles as much of one is devoted to stuff the early car's do not have? Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary Schreiber- Santa Isabel Ecuador on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:09 am:

And some folks after the initial purchase don't have the funds to purchase the "required" reading material right off the bat. But, would like to start the process of getting to know what they just acquired.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:16 am:

You know the old adage you can lead a horse to water blah blah blah. Some don't like to read period. There is you tube but that's not as complete as you'd like it (getting better though). Finally there's the ones that just like to hear it from the horse's mouth. That's people folks and their not going to change. I recently had to change the cabin air filter on my '13 modern. The parts guy handed me some thing that looked like a house hot air filter. I went to you tube and got full directions in a 3 minute video. I've used it for T stuff, gas drier repairs and a few other things. It's great. Only problem is you have to go there it won't come to you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Richard Wolf on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:19 am:

When I restored my first Model T, a '26 Coupe, in 1956, I knew nothing about or knew anyone that could help when I ran up against a problem, I had to worked it out on my own. There were no books and no vendors, that I knew of, to order things from. My grandfather gave me his copy of The Model T Ford Car. By Victor Page.
My dad sold new trucks and had a garage and I used his garage and its resources along with my girlfriend, as my mechanic's helper, which eventually became my wife.

I guess I had an advantage over most of the newbes then, but now there is so much help out there and all kinds of vendors and parts.
You newbe's have the best informed people and vendors to work with. Good Luck


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Darel J. Leipold on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:20 am:

There are two versions of the Ford (T) Service manual. The 1925 and earlier and the one for the Improved Ts. The originals have very good pictures. I have both originals. I also have the early Dykes and several and the other contemporary books. I also have most of the T parts books. All the originals are good reading and helpful. If you seek out the originals you will good pictures. The reprints are still helpful.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jon Allen on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - 11:48 am:

The "Book", The Model T Ford Service Manual, is good. It will get you about half way there, maybe all the way, but sometimes there are tricks that are not in the "Book". That's where this Forum comes in handy. For almost 10 years I have been learning from this Forum from keyword searches. Only here can you learn things like tying your transmission bands together with safety wire to make pedal removal and replacement easier.
The form needs to be used in conjunction with the Book.
Only here do you have access to some of the guys who are the best in the business.
I should probably add however, that you do need to separate the wheat from the chaff...


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