Funny Comments/Questions People Say About Your Model T

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Funny Comments/Questions People Say About Your Model T
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Kelsey on Monday, July 14, 2014 - 11:58 pm:

Piggy-backing on Dan's thread, I thought I would start one about funny comments or questions that people ask when driving your car around town. Here are a couple memorable ones that I have had about my 1927 Tudor:

"Does it have a heater?"
"I like your truck"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:04 am:

Your right rear tail light is out.
Yes, It runs on gasoline.
My grandfather had one just like it but is was a chevy.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Warren Webb on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:05 am:

Is the thing on the front how you wind it up?
You mean it really runs and you actually drove it here?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Gregush Portland Oregon on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:23 am:

You mean it really runs and you actually drove it here? NO, I PUSHED IT HERE!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:48 am:

I generally attend a car show held in Kirkwood about a mile (at the most) from my house. When people ask if I drove it there, I generally say, "I had to. It's too heavy to push."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Shawn on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:50 am:

Are you going to do that up?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert G. Hester Jr., Riverview, FL on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 01:00 am:

Where's the gas tank?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 01:18 am:

Is that a two cycle motor?

My Hack has a bag of charcoal on the running board. Several brain damaged, and history deprived, folks have asked me if it runs on charcoal!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Erik Barrett on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 01:25 am:

Years ago I was taking my TT dump truck to the dump. It's a rusty broke down looking old rat but it will smoke any other TT out there. I had a wicked load of trash tied down well over the sides. On the way there I stopped as the gas station to fuel up. While I was there this guy in overalls came up and asked what I was doing. I said, "going to the dump". He look the truck up and down and asked, "How are you getting home?" There was no recovery from this, I was had. One of my favorite stories about ol' dumpy.
Erik


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Sumerall - Athens, AL on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 05:47 am:

"Are you the original owner?" I've been asked this twice both times by ladies who knew the car was a 1923.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 06:35 am:

"Man! How much is that worth? I bet it's a ton."

And then they listen politely but think I'm some smug rich jerk who's trying to downplay my crazy expensive ride while I'm trying to explain that I don't think I could get even $15K for it.

LOL Erik that story is great. Nothin' you can do but laugh and say "touche".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Miller, Mostly in Dearborn on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 07:28 am:

I volunteer at a local museum where we operate Model Ts daily. A guest asked if the cars had modern engines because they don't smoke and backfire like they do in the movies.

I was also asked if the speedometer drive on my '16 was front wheel drive.

"How much is this car worth?" is another one. I rephrase their question and ask if they're wondering how much it costs to get started in the hobby.

A visitor from the mid-east asked me if the car would operate in desert conditions and I mentioned Constantine's journey. He questioned me further and mentioned he would like to have something like this at home.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison_Rice Minnesota on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 07:35 am:

I had a Mom stop beside me when I was in town and her little boy called from the back seat "does that car run with steam?" When I told him it ran on gas he gave me a strange look and mentioned something about "Chitty Chitty, Bang, Bang". Then they drove away.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 07:52 am:

Erik has the best story so far.

I get a lot of these same questions. People seem to think that it should get great gas mileage. I don't know why. Because it has a four cylinder, I guess. I get the opposite of "Are you going to do that up?". I get "Did you fix it up yourself?" Funny thing is, neither the Touring or the TT are restored. They've both been repainted sometime in their life, but neither in the last 40 years. Both have some shine to the paint in some places, but both have visible rust in others. It seems a rather strange question. While I am overweight, and pretty much grey, I am only 50 years old, and I get the "Did you buy it new?" Do I really look over 100 years old? Jeez!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G.R.Cheshire on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 08:20 am:

Are you sure it only makes 20 H.P. that motor seems awfully big to put out only 20 H.P.

When I show them my spare coil I get one of the following:
That is constructed better than the dresser that I just bought or, Wood? how do you get the spark to the plug?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 08:27 am:

"It must be worth a million dollars". I always reply, "Are you wealthy and do you want it"? Unfortunately for me, it's never the wealthy people who make that comment.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kevin Whelihan on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 08:32 am:

When women see the car: "Oh! That's cute!" (Cool, yes...cute, NO!)

When guys see the car: "Is that Model A?" (bite your tongue!)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Garrison_Rice Minnesota on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 08:34 am:

Coils are interesting, the older guys ask "have you ever been bit by one of those?" And I always get asked if there's a car show in the area. And there's always a lot of questions about the wooden spokes and where can I find tires for that old thing. And then there's always the old guy with the infamous line Henry Ford Said; you "you can have any color you want as long as it's black".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob on Texas Gulf Coast on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 08:58 am:

I get ask a lot where I find parts. I tell them they are easy to find....they are in my wallet.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:03 am:

After many questions I usually put a sign on the windshield at car shows with the following:

Yes it has a seat belt
Yes it has an air bag
Yes it has cruise control.

I attach a small inflated brown to the dash with "air bag" written on it to the dash, and place an old belt around the front seat.
Most people at least smile and I usually get asked about where the cruise control is.

My reply is, "I control the cruise speed!"
(I am actually thinking about getting a shirt with "Cruise Control" on the breast! :-) )
This usually ends up in a discussion about the speed capability and my pointing out the sign on the rear.



I sometimes mention that my lawn tractor has more power than the T and that gets a knowing nod.

There are also the questions about gasoline-
"Does it use normal gas?"
"Does it require high test gas?"

Sometimes people ask about how much it is worth.
answer - I will sell it for $1.00 more than the highest offer.
But I am thinking it would help the hobby if I just told people that some T's sell for up to $50,000 but a good driver can be purchased for around $7-8,000 dollars.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By G.R.Cheshire on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:04 am:

Mike just reminded me "are there steel rods going through the middle of those spokes?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Wicker on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:12 am:

Come on Ya'll are missing the Biggest Question!!!
Whats those 3 pedals for?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:25 am:

Do you do weddings with your car, (my car is a runabout)? Yes, I either stuff the bride and groom in the trunk or simply run off with the bride.:-).

It is also sad how many people look at my trunk and think it's a rumble seat. Does it really look like somewhere you could sit?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Coiro on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:28 am:

The very first time I took my newly-acquired Model T out, somebody walked up and asked me, point blank, "How much did you pay for it?"
That took me by surprise and I don't remember what I replied, but I do remember the question made me uncomfortable. Where I come from, it's not polite to ask that kind of thing.

More often, I'm asked the somewhat less offensive question, "What's it worth?" And like Tom Miller, I rephrase the question a little and say something like, "They're not at all expensive—at least not as far as cars go. In fact, you can get into the Model T hobby for as little as $5,000." And then I go into the schpeil about how they're not rare and how there are four right here in the neighborhood and Ford built over 15-million of 'em and about 250,000 survive worldwide, 60,000 in the United States, yadda, yadda, yadda...

Still, every now and then, some hat-backwards yahoo will ask what I paid for it, but now I'm ready and my pat answer is, "If I didn't tell my wife, I'm certainly not gonna tell you!"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Schultz_Sheboygan,WI on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:36 am:

Is that one of those kit cars?

Are those Model A bumpers?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:59 am:

Was it supposed to do that? Are you hurt? You're holding your arm like you're hurt..... Hello 911?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:08 am:

I have a can set on all my Ts, the women always ask what they are for. The men always ask what the gear on the wheel is for, some even think its front wheel drive. When I stop on the top of some mountain pass I am often asked how did you get it up here. One time another person standing by said he brought it up by helicopter. I am asked a lot if I bought it new. Where do you get gas for it or will it run on regular gas. Kids always ask HOW FAST DOES IT GO. Will you trade cars? Do you have a new car at home or is this your only car? I am always, always asked what year is it and I just point to the YUM plate and they sheepishly say I should have looked. One question I am often asked, which I get tired of is "ARE YOU GOING TO A SHOW OR WHERE IS THE CAR SHOW" I am asked over and over "can I take a picture of it". When I am at an overlook up on some mountain pass they ALWAYS stop taking pictures of the scenery and start taking pictures of the T. In fact I have never seen them take another shot of the scenery.

scenery


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:35 am:

Old cars are tools to damage the minds of youth. Exposure often leads to bent minds and lifetimes wasted chasing old rusty things. The perpetrators see no issues in spreading their disease to the unsuspecting.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By R.V. Anderson on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:54 am:

Paul M wrote "Your tail light is out."

In my '27 Tudor with the white glass teacup lens and the original 3 CP bulb, I was once pulled over by the cops for this offense (no ticket), but it wasn't out. It was just DROWNED out by the cops' bright headlights. I put a 15 CP bulb in my '23 roadster's tail light. If that bulb had been half a micron bigger I couldn't have gotten it in, but I did and have never since had trouble from the gendarmerie.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:05 am:

Hey Paul Mikeska, I sent you a PM.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Barker - Dayton, OH on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:23 am:

Just last week at a cruise-in, a wiseguy jokingly asked "Where's the computer?" To which I replied "Between my ears" while pointing at my head.

I am often asked "What is it?" I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since my speedster doesn't look much like a T that most people unfamiliar with them would recognize.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Robison on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:30 am:

"Wow, are those the original wood batteries?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Kelsey on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:35 am:

These are all great stories. Erik's is hilarious! I have experienced Warren's question of "You drove it here?" by the head computer tech in my school district. My reply was "How else do you think I got here?"

I am a music teacher and since I am on summer break I have driven my car almost everyday that I have been home. Monday must have been the day for questions. I took my daughter to the pet store in the T to get a new fish and just in that trip alone I was asked 1) What year is it?, 2) Are you going to a show? and 3) Can I take a picture of my son next to your car?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Henry Petrino in Modesto, CA on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:54 am:

Are you going to restore it?

We had one exactly like that, it was a Model A.

My favorite was once in the Home Depot parking lot, while my son and I were loading some lumber an absolutely gorgeous young woman about my son's age walked by. As she passed him, she smiled at him and said, "I LOVE your truck!"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:01 pm:

When people ask to take a pic, I take their camera and tell them to sit in the car, while I take their pix. When they get out, I thank them for the camera...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 12:11 pm:

A guy about 25 or 30 asked me if my '26 touring is an old Army truck. Huh? It is green with lighter green wheels.
I am going to paint it black.
A touring car mistaken for a truck?

"How are you gonna get home", is a good one, best ever.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bruce Balough on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 01:33 pm:

I like to tell people “It’s from the days when cars were dangerous and sex was safe!”


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 01:54 pm:

Erik's story made me think of Ole. One time Ole met a Texas rancher at the state fair. They were talking about farming and ranching, and the Texan said "Ah kin git in my pickup in the mornin' and drive all day, and just be gittin' to my front gate about sundown."

Ole replied, "Ja, I had a truck like that once.
:-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 01:58 pm:

Spectator at a recent tractor show asked me what the third pedal on my '25 Shaw conversion was for (tractor was running). I told him it activated the ejection seat in case I ever had to bail out. His eyes widened and he said "Really??!!"

My '30 AA doodlebug has a phony nitrous switch mounted in the cowl - inside joke between my son and me. I catch more people at pulls and shows searching for where the bottles are mounted.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 02:17 pm:

What do you feed the hamster?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Strange on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 02:19 pm:

Ron, I never get tired of looking at pictures of your Shaw tractor conversion, you did a great job on it. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 02:47 pm:

Mark - thank you!!! She looks a lot different now than what I dragged home two years ago. Working on two others right now - a straight T doodlebug that spent her life in a sawmill in SE Massachusetts and a T that was combined with an International Harvester Mowing Machine (the doodlebug is a '21/'27 mix and the mower is a '27). They'll both be "preservations" as opposed to "restorations" - keep them in their work clothes with the patina in tact. The Shaw was too far gone for me to do anything other than a nut & bolt.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 02:52 pm:

Here's another pic of the Shaw:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 03:00 pm:

What I started with:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Justin Heim on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 03:14 pm:

What my 3 year old son asks before going to bed every night: "Dad, are you going out to work on the Moldy T?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Barker, Somerset, England on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 03:24 pm:

I got 'Does it have a Pinto engine?'

It's a '26 Coupe.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Cascisa - Poulsbo, Washington on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 09:43 pm:

Why do you have a rain gauge on your car?

Be_Zero_Be


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Warren Webb on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:27 pm:

Where do get tires for it? Tell them Montgomery Wards and then they say was there just last week.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Alex Dragone on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:34 pm:

"I love the gold on the front"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Bamford, Edmonton AB on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:55 pm:

Question from a young mother pushing a baby stroller thru the supermarket parking lot...

"Excuse me, can I ask a question? Why do you have a baby gate on the side of your car?"



If only I had thought at the time to reply that it was because the car has no child seat...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 10:58 pm:

Dave Wells,
I have had people ask me if my '48 Nash 4 door sedan has a rumble seat.
One asked the question and then said, "Oh, I guess all these old cars did".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:08 pm:

Hey Chris, that green thing you drive, that's an old Army truck isn't it?

Maybe if I just put some black wire wheels on mine it won't look like an old Army truck.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:15 pm:

R.V. Anderson,

Actually I said my RIGHT rear tail light was out. One night I drove the 26 Coupe for a late dinner and it was way after dark when I drove back home. A couple of very drunk guy's pulled up next to me and shouted to inform me that my right rear tail light was out. I thanked them and ordered one from Lang's the next day.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Bamford, Edmonton AB on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:21 pm:

Aaron, just the other day someone at the gas station asked what year is my Jeep.
_ _ _ _ _ _

Another question, not particularly funny but unexpected, was a couple years ago at a car show.

Mid-20s fellow came up and spent about five minutes looking intently at the car, peering inside, underneath and at the engine. Came up to me (I had been talking with others) and asked "Six volts?". When I replied yes he nodded and wandered off. It just struck me as a very odd only question.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John P Noonan on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:24 pm:

I had people stumped about the three pedals as usual, but they definitely recognized the low/high beam light switch extending from the floor.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eric Hylen- Central Minnesota on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 - 11:24 pm:

That's cool! I'm into antique cars too. I've got a '69 Charger.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JohnH on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 12:11 am:

"Can you still get tyres for this?"
"What do you do about unleaded petrol?"
"Where's the gear stick?"
"Did you know your car is the wrong colour?"
As they look at the modern number plates: "Can you still get it registered?"
"This will look good when it's restored."
At a car show: "How did they get it here?"
Parent pointing to coil and explaining to kid:"Look at the old battery."
And then the disappointed look when the horn doesn't give the ahooga sound.

All amusing stuff, but most people are actually quite interested and very surprised how well supported the Model T is, and how inexpensive the parts are.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Woods, Richmond, Texas on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 12:21 am:

I, too, get asked frequently, "does your 27 coupe have a rumble seat"? The other thing that I get is, "with an engine that small, you must get 30 to 40 MPG". I wish.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Henrichs on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 12:36 am:

I had a young boy (9 or 10) looking over the T. After a bit he said "Wow, you need three feet to drive it?" I replied: "yeah, it's really hard with two." He looked at me and busted out laughing: "that was a stupid question wasn't it?" Great kid. He asked a lot of really smart questions. I often wondered if I made a convert a few years ago.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Johnson on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 12:52 am:

I am a newbie with a 25 Coupe. I registered it Monday. Both the insurance company and the Dmv asked the following question:
What color is the car?
To which I replied, you know the color, take a guess!
Any color as long as it is......... And the answer: BLACK ?


Regards to y'all
Dick Johnson
Austell, GA


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Danial - Veneta OR US Earth Solar System on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 01:25 am:

Carol and I drove the coupe to a small mom and pop store last summer and this 10-12 year old boy walks up to me as I was walking toward it and asks, "Your car?", with a big smile I replied, "Yep!". He followed it up with, "Well it could sure use a bigger motor."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 01:42 am:

Last year I drove up Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park in my 1914 Touring with Dave Huson and 3 other brain damaged guys. At one of the pull outs that we stopped at a guy looked over the 5 T's and asked why none of us was driving a Chevy. I told him that a brand new Chevy in the day would not have been able to pull off this the trip, much less a 100 year old one. He did not think that was funny. Some people have no since of humor! By the way I highly recommend this experience to all T guys. I have been on a lot of tours but Trail Ridge is at the top of my list!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 02:44 am:

The other day I saw Erik's TT loaded up for a dump run---in that guy's defense, I must say it was hard to tell where the dump load stopped and the truck began!!
:-)
Sorry Erik, but someone had to mention this!! :-)
Heh Heh Heh!!!
Oh, a wise guy, eh?? Poke Poke!
DD.

Erik wrote;
"Years ago I was taking my TT dump truck to the dump. It's a rusty broke down looking old rat but it will smoke any other TT out there. I had a wicked load of trash tied down well over the sides. On the way there I stopped as the gas station to fuel up. While I was there this guy in overalls came up and asked what I was doing. I said, "going to the dump". He look the truck up and down and asked, "How are you getting home?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Peter Kable on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 04:36 am:

I think I have had most of those questions above posed to me over the years ( except Erik's) but the ones I really like are the questions by someone who knows more about the car than me.

One morning In Ohio at a Motel parking lot I was asked " was my Model T a Paddy Wagon"

"No" I replied it is a Kampkar.

Off he went to his car
A few minutes later two of his buddies emerged and when they got to him one said "neat car".

To which the first guy replies
" The owner says its a Kampkar but its really a Paddy Wagon"

The other one I like happened about 20 years ago on a tour.
I had my Town Car which has a fat man Steering wheel on it.
I had stopped in an angle park and the wheel was turned partly to the left. (RHD) This left the Fat Man wheel over to the left of the column.

A guy and his wife come up she comments on the funny place the wheel is at His reply
" That's so the passenger can steer"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 07:30 am:

My car has YOM plates and last week at a car show, a lady said, "you didn't drive it here, I see you have old licence plates.

I sometimes also get people who look at the plates and say to themselves "1919", then they ask me what year the car is.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gilbert V. I. Fitzhugh on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 09:02 am:

I've had all those questions and comments, except Erik's. When someone asks whether I drove it in, I say: "Oh, heck no! Weren't you here when the big army helicopter lowered it into this spot?"

But the two best questions happened 5 years ago when I was with, not my T, but a 1911 Stanley steamer. I'd managed to get a pretty good excess fuel fire going in the parking lot, and I had all the fuel shut off and was waiting for it to burn itself out. Two young women came up, and one asked: "Is it supposed to do that?" I said it wasn't but that it would stop in a little while. Then she asked: "Is that an OLD car?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Justin in South Africa on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 09:45 am:

Over here we have quite a few beggars about. I was in a line of cars waiting to cross an intersection, and this guys asks me for some change.

I said, "If I had any change I wouldn't be driving this old car..." he then burst out laughing and a chat ensued.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 10:33 am:

Whenever a merchant comments on my T, I say, "It's about as new I can afford, shopping here."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 10:34 am:

Haha Justin it's sort of the other way around though isn't it? I'm driving this old car and that's WHY I don't have any change!

Gilbert, that's hysterical. You should have kept a totally blank look "No it's actually a medieval car, that's why it breathes fire. Like a dragon. Actually, this car conquered France almost single-handidly in 1372."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 10:36 am:

I'm still giggling about the fire. "I mean, cars have been around for thousands of years. Didn't you watch the Flintstones?" LOL


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 01:05 pm:

It's amazing how many people ask me what the red, white and blue cans on the running board are for. You'd think they could figure it out, but I usually tell them,........"scotch, bourbon and gin"!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By brass car guy on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 07:50 pm:

The best question for me is about my barn fresh 1912 touring. They always seem to ask if I'm going to restore it.

With a straight face I look them in the eye and tell them I just finished the restoration !!!!!!!.

They usually kinda give me a funny look and walk away.

just sayin'

brasscarguy


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gilbert V. I. Fitzhugh on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 10:03 pm:

Seth, when that gal asked me whether the Stanley was an old car, I was so flabbergasted I couldn't imagine a reply. I've since thought I should have said: "Oh, no. I work for Toyota. The Prius is the most modern idea out there, but we're working on what will come next. As you can see, we don't have it perfected yet. But you'll probably be able to buy one of these in about four years, and you'll really love it!"

But I like the fire-breathing dragon conquering France much better!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - 11:19 pm:

Ricks-Surf City:

I think you have the funniest retort about not being able to afford a newer car because you shop there


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 06:50 am:

This whole thing cracks me up. Gilbert I think sometimes when we encounter really old (and therefore really different) stuff like Model T's or Stanley Steamers it just messes with your brain and the silly question just comes out, even though you yourself know better. Like Dennis Henrich's little boy asking about the pedals. He just was young enough to actually admit "That was a stupid question wasn't it?" and laugh at himself about it. For whatever reason we as grown-ups are too self-concious to usually admit to things like that.

I've asked some of those kind of stupid questions (What year is it? While I'm looking at the plate with the year on it) that I've finally gotten to where I try to look a lot before asking anything and really think about what I'm asking before-hand. Following the proverb that "It is better to be silent and thought of as wise than to open one's mouth and be known a fool."


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 07:43 am:

Close Seth. This is my favorite quote precisely as Abe Lincoln said it: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt". :-) Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 09:38 am:

You are correct Jim, I was mixing Abe's quote with Proverbs 17:28.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 09:40 am:

That explains it. While a student of history, I'll admit I should read the bible more. It sure can't hurt. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 09:41 am:

I like the guy at a car show (Pebble Beach?) telling his kids the cars shouldn't be painted all those colors, because they were all black and grey in the old photos...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 11:10 am:

Most folks who are semi-educated on the Model T are proud to quote you Henry Ford's questionable quote that, "You can have it any any color you want as long as it's black" and attribute that to ALL Model T's of every year, not taking into consideration that the 1909,'10,'11,'12 & 1913 and the 1926-27 models were offered in colors other than black. It wasn't until 1914 (according to Bruce McCalley) that Model T's came in only black. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 11:23 am:

Did Lincoln (or Twain) really say it?

http://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/05/17/remain-silent/


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 12:23 pm:

I have found guys that were old enough to know better that argued that even the model A also only came in black. Very few model A cars and a few trucks maybe came out of the factory wearing black.
Actually, in the last months of the T black was only available by special order.
It was for owners of fleets that already had a fleet of black cars.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 12:33 pm:

What I don't understand is all the black cars here in south America where it only makes the car an oven. I wonder how much extra gas it takes to cool them?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 12:34 pm:

I believe my '29 Town Sedan was originally black. I've only found one Model A color list that listed black as an option for my year and body style. Most do not list it. The car had been repainted black with a brush when I got it, but I never found any other colors underneath. What is the real clue to me is that when I tore out the original upholstery panels, the inside of the sheet metal had been painted black. I'm pretty sure they would have painted the inside and the outside the same color.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Henry Petrino in Modesto, CA on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 12:35 pm:

Ralph,

In the mid 90's we purchased an Acura that we loved. It was a great car. It was black. We live in the California Central Valley. It was a HUGE mistake. Never again!!!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A. Gustaf Bryngelson on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 01:38 pm:

I can not understand why people would be stumped by three pedals, unless you tell them what they are for, most would assume that they are clutch, brake and gas like on modern cars.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Gregush Portland Oregon on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 05:00 pm:

I enjoy explaining to people that ask about the peddles about the sameness and differences between a Model T ignition/transmission and more modern cars with an automatic and a coil per cylinder using my brain vs an on board computer chip to run the T.
I tell them the spark lever is a manual crank shaft position censer to set the spark for best running. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Stewart -Calif. on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 06:05 pm:

One young man in his early 20's ask me, "Is that from the Cow Boy days?" Why yes I replied, Billy the Kid drove it when he Robbed Trains." I think the young man believed me. So I let it lay.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Killecut on Thursday, July 17, 2014 - 07:54 pm:

One of the funniest I've had asked was when I took my niece camping with "My Grapes of Wrath". We took the car down a logging trail, that goes 45 miles. It is so remote you have to sign in and sign out. While I was signing out, another guy was signing in, now my 10 year old niece is sitting in it, with all our stuff in the back seat, this guy asked me if it ran. I was tempted to tell him no, that I hooked a rope to the front axle put it over my shoulder and dragged it 45 miles, but I didn't.

At Hershey, I brought the car to drive around. People kept asking me how much I wanted for it. I told them it wasn't for sale. Finally I put a sign on it 18,000 FIRM then I drew a line through it and marked it SOLD.

Another year my wife put this sign on it. Not thinking anyone would be interested in that price, a guy was seriously interested in it. She had to tell him I wouldn't sell it (even though if it was up to her she would sell this one) LOL




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 12:07 pm:

The next time someone asks if you bought it new, tell them in those days there was a law against selling cars to anyone not born yet.
Yesterday I was working on the brakes of a '13 Cadillac in Oakland on a busy street.
I had to nose the car out onto the sidewalk about a foot to make room behind the car.
That's when a guy came along and wanted to know what kind of car it really was, because he knew they didn't make Cadillacs back in those days.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Rigdon on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 03:46 pm:

Long time no post but this has been a great thread. Before health issues interfered, I liked to take my '25 Fordor to our local Ajo, AZ museum on weekends and serve as the outside docent giving folks a spiel about early Arizona motoring and talking about the '25 T. The Fordor has an aluminum body from the belt line up. More than once I heard the comment "I didn't know there was aluminum back then". It was surprising the number of old car buffs and even Model T people that were unaware of the aluminum bodied Fordors. Until just recently I still had my Idaho "Old Timer" license plate on and I was asked a couple of times if I drove the Model T down from N. Idaho to S. Arizona. I told them (with a straight face) that I did but I found it necessary to stay over one night on the trip down. Always fun to chat with folk's about Model T's (and it's great to be back on the forum).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 04:08 pm:

Welcome back, Bill. It's been awhile.



Wifey's late mother is the little girl, with her family, departing Tucson for Rockford, Ill, after spending the winter of 1924-5 there. We still have the trunk, nothing else. Yes, it was a Chevy.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Warren W. Mortensen on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 04:43 pm:

When I attend a car show I place a 2 x 4 in the front seat labelled "Full Lumber Support"; the steering wheel gets a tag saying, "Wreck & Pinion Steering"; I wear a tag that says "Driver-side Air Bag."

Stopped at a local print shop one time to order some business cards and the shop owner (older fellow) came out, took one look at my unrestored '17 touring, laughed and said, "My GOD, was anyone hurt in that wreck?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Friday, July 18, 2014 - 08:31 pm:

Ok guys this I has gone too far.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kenneth W DeLong on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 09:09 am:

How did you make it start like that? Bud.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jared Buckert on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 12:06 pm:

In an attempt to bring this thread back to the original topic:

When I was still in college (McPherson College '14) I was driving my T around town. One of my classmates noticed my brake light didn't work.

"The only way we could tell you were braking was the fact that the car slowed down. I think your brake light is burnt out."

To which I replied, "I have a brake light? When did that happen?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 02:04 pm:

"What year it it?" Answer, 1922. The questioner then says, "That's the same year I was born!" Answer, You don't look 92!"

Next question. How much does one like that cost? Answer between $6,000 and $10,000. I'm surprised! I thought it would be much more. Answer, It costs more to fix it than to buy it.
Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert E. (Bob) Blackbourn, Gautier Ms. on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 02:22 pm:

Is the engine a slant six?
No, it's a straight four.
Never heard of it.

Is it automatic or standard shift?
Well, it's not automatic and it doesn't have a gear lever but it does have three pedals.
Whaaat?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By tim moore on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 07:09 pm:

Got stopped by a young pissed off cop once, he asked me "Mr. Moore, is this your only means of transportation?" I said "no, I also have a horse".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Poane on Saturday, July 19, 2014 - 07:16 pm:

When the kids were little they knew I loved the Model T. They perceived it to look different from contemporary cars. One day they yelled out, "daddy, there is a model T." It was a 69 Volkswagen beetle convertable.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Eckensviller on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 09:37 am:

/quote{Is it automatic or standard shift?}
"Nope."

That'll keep 'em guessing.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Killecut on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 07:51 pm:

We were at a gas station with our 14, a guy came up to us and said "Is this for real" He was totally amazed that it ran and we were driving it, and even more amazed when he realized it was 100 years old.
We put 130 plus miles on it today


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Strange on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 08:04 pm:

I had one of those gas station episodes today, a guy came up while I was adding gas and was just amazed with the car, he asked if the hand crank really worked, so I started the car with the crank to show him it did. He asked how much gas the tank held, what kind of mileage I got, and what the pedals did.

Then, he pointed to a small black case on the seat and asked what it was, I told him it was my cellphone in case I need to call AAA!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dale Kemmerer on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 10:03 pm:

I've been asked most of the above questions when driving a T. But once when I was out with the 12 Cadillac the question was "is that a model T?" The Cadillac has the name on the hub caps as well as "Cadillac radiator script.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 10:23 pm:

I have found that a lot of folks do not understand the Model T was a certain model Ford.
They mostly think it was a type of car that everybody probably made in the days.
It was a car with running boards and that style of fender and they don't really know what all that made them a T type.
I have been asked about my '29 Nash and after they found out it is a '29 Nash they will ask if it is a model T.
I just tell them, "No, it is a Standard 6, model t was a model of Ford from the '09 model to the '27 model". Then I add that Chevrolet also had one model that was designated Model T about that time too.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 11:01 pm:

I once had an Eclectus parrot that was red and purple with a black beak and feet. It drew lots of attention and at some point I got tired of answering the same old questions and began crafting ever more absurd answers just to see how far I could take it. I discovered there was no limit.

One questioner asked something and I explained that it was a Gooneybird, the only bird that flies backwards, shedding it's legs and beak each year to fly to South Pacific to mate and raise a brood, only to return each year. The response was a simple "Wow !".

I would have paid good money to be a fly on the wall as these people passed the stories on to family around the dinner table !


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:23 am:

Each occasion to educate someone about the amazing Model T should be viewed as an opportunity to convert someone's interest into active participation. We need all the new Model t owners we can get to ensure the continuation of Model T preservation into the future. Answering an interested individual's questions patiently, honestly and thoroughly, may cause him to want a Model T of his own.

If you are impatient, sarcastic, dismissive or derisive, it may turn off the questioner and cause him to conclude that, even if he does like the car, the people that own them are not very friendly, nor people he would want to associate with.

I have been to car shows and have asked questions of owners of beautiful cars about their car and only received a short, curt, answer, as if he was too busy, while sitting there drinking his coke and surveying the passing crowd. I immediately lost interest in the owner and his car and walked away. You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Don't blow it. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:28 am:

Jim Patrick: Well said, plus I enjoy talking to people about my Ts.

picture


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:35 am:

Dave, That is the impression I get from you and most of the helpful, knowledgeable people who participate on this forum. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 08:36 am:

I second what Jim says. It's really hard, cause sometimes you just want to get on with driving or going about whatever you had planned. I think celebrities deal with this sort of thing on a larger scale and I can see why they end up acting like jerks.

However! Let those goobers with Model A's be the stuck up ones. I try really hard to be nice and answer questions and let folks take pictures and whatever. Lol, I do pick on the folks with A's at shows though and come up and ask "Hey cool! Is this a Model T?!?" drives them nuts.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jared Buckert on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 11:23 pm:

I understand wanting to not drive people away from the hobby, but sometimes the jokes help draw people in. As long as you make it clear that you're just having some fun before actually explaining the correct answer to their question, it can actually draw people in. It's nice to see that Model T people don't take themselves too seriously. That's what helps make the community enjoyable.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dan Killecut on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 07:35 am:

We put 165 miles on the 14 yesterday. When a guy heard it was 100 years old, he made comment we haven't heard before he was complaining that the way his Subaru was going it wouldn't make 10 years


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Huson, Berthoud, Co. on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 07:40 am:

Dan Killecut:

I had to laugh at that one.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 10:21 am:

"I understand wanting to not drive people away from the hobby, but sometimes the jokes help draw people in. As long as you make it clear that you're just having some fun before actually explaining the correct answer to their question, it can actually draw people in. It's nice to see that Model T people don't take themselves too seriously. That's what helps make the community enjoyable."

======================================

There is a lot to this. I am finding this T crew to be largely self-effacing and easy going. A welcome contrast to the plethora of douchebags that seem to populate the 50's car scene. If they aren't busy trying to represent their cars as something they are not, they're busy bragging about how awesome they are. The 20hp engine seems to nip that bloated, look-at-me crap in the bud.

Easy going, welcoming, non-pretensious is the way to go.

I always liked Shirley Jones too.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mikeska, Denver CO on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 07:40 pm:

One day at a gas station a guy asked me what year my car was. I told him that it was a 1926 Model T Coupe. He told me that his grand father had a 26 Model A. I told him that the Model A did not come out until 28 and he got mad at me and told me if I was going to drive old cars I should learn about them!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 09:19 pm:

If you are going to make statements about old cars you should learn about them.
One guy guessed my '26 touring to be a '51.
Another guessed my '48 Nash to be a 1904, or 06, I forgot just what year.
It bugs me that so many people think running boards were installed to shoot guns from. How awkward that would be.
Worse is the rear doors....WOW this one has SUICIDE DOORS!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 - 10:39 pm:

Actually, those back doors lead to a nice ledge called a running board. They're only for contemplating suicide. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hal Davis-SE Georgia on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 07:51 am:

I am usually pretty careful to not dispute the comments that spectators make. Of course, if they are asking a question or seem like they may not be sure, then I will correct them, but if they think their grandfather had a '26 A, then it's not worth it for me to tell them otherwise.

I once had a guy at a car show ask why my T didn't have a distributor. I told him that T's didn't come with distributors. He said "That one over there has one." I told him it was aftermarket. He said the owner told him it was original. I didn't know the owner, so I don't know if he really thought that or was too ashamed to admit his car was modified. Either way, the spectator was confused and quite frankly, I think he tended to believe the other guy rather than me. Oh well..........


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Herb Iffrig on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 08:21 am:

I pulled into the local gas station once with my 1911 roadster. There is always someone who will show some interest while I'm filling up. Once a guy came over and asked a few questions. One he asked was "What year is it?" "Is it a 32?" "No." I explained that it was a 1911. He didn't think that was possible.
Well to me there is quite a difference between the two cars. I hope I didn't give him too goofy of a look. We did have a nice visit though.
I think sometime people want to start up a conversation and just get ahead of themselves.
If they are showing an interest that is a good thing. Be nice you might make a new friend.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Will Copeland - Trenton, New Jersey on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 08:21 am:

I think the best comment I ever got was when I was asked if my 19 was a kit car!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 10:40 am:

Asking a Model T owner if his car is a 32, is like asking Korean people at a resort on an elevator if they are Japanese. If you don't know, it would be better to ask where they are visiting from. Likewise, better to ask what kind of car it is and what year. That way they won't look stupid, and you can give the correct answer without insulting anyone.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Coiro on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 04:10 pm:

I prefer not to contradict spectators directly, particularly in front of their spouses. Instead, it's more fun to overwhelm them with welcome, put the funny hats and mustaches on 'em for photos and while that's going on, hit 'em with "The Schpiel."

What's the schpiel? Glad you asked. It's just a concise, fast-talking lecture on the history of the Model T, including how many were built and how many survive, how getting into the hobby costs no more than golf or skiing, and then it concludes by debunking the "any color you like as long as it's black" myth.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Henry Petrino in Modesto, CA on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 04:51 pm:

Gosh Norm, your approach would mean folks would need to think first then speak..... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Barry Fowler - Eagle River, Alaska on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 05:18 pm:

Recently, after a short drive in my 15 runabout, I stopped at a local Senior Center for some shade (it was a hot day for up here). A very petite and frail looking lady came over and asked me if the car was a '3 pedal' car. I, of course, said yes it was. She told me that almost no one today knows what she is talking about when she asks that question. We had a very pleasant 20 - 30 minute conversation during which she stated that the first car she ever drove was a '3 pedal' car.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 06:00 pm:

Just saw on Bloomberg TV that 419,000 people gave up golf last year. That's a lot of potential T buyers.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 06:46 pm:

Barry, whenever I go to a show at a seniors center, there's always people who know about the three pedals and some remember exactly how they work. Don't leave your key in the ignition at the seniors center.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steven Thum on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 09:15 pm:

The best question I was asked about my car "Is it real?" Answer "No it's a figment of your imagination". Then I told her it was a real Model T, not a kit car.

As a side line, and this is very true, when I was teaching scuba we were at a quarry coming out of the water when a young lady asked me "do the fish pee in the water?" I pointed at the porta Potties and told her "no they go in there at night".

Steven


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 09:23 pm:

I also have had a people ask if my T and our '29 Nash was a '32.
It seems to me that some people think 32 was a type or style of car, not the year '32.

Once in Oakland we had a bunch of old cars together during the filming of a movie when I guy I actually knew came walking through and asked if we knew what that lever was on the left side of the steering wheel.
I told him, "Of course, I've been driving cars like this fifty years, it's the spark advance".
He said, "No, it's the spark arrestor."
We had some conversation about it but he wouldn't back down. I waited all day to see if that lever ever arrested the spark. It didn't even have a badge.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff Hood on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 09:50 pm:

People usually want to appear as though they have some knowledge about old cars. Unfortunately that means "any color as long as it's black," special crates made custom made to be floorboards, etc. Also all Model T's are T-buckets, and all coupes are Doctors coupes, and they were designed to run on corn alcohol, and they were the first car ever made.

Did I leave anything out?

People just can't understand that the Model A came after the Model T either. I always take time to explain the A, B, AC, H, K, N, R, S, and any others before T, but even people who have known me as long as I have had T's still ask me about my Model A's whenever I see them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Craig Anderson, central Wisconsin on Thursday, July 24, 2014 - 12:02 am:

I've read Erik Barrett's TT story three times already and it gets more funny every time I read it!....... LOL


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jay - In Northern California on Thursday, July 24, 2014 - 12:13 am:

Good one Ralph! Take my Wife, Please!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dick Lodge - St Louis MO on Thursday, July 24, 2014 - 12:36 am:

Not T but worth adding to this thread, I think. When I lived in Holland, I had a 1936 Austin Ten and belonged to the Austin Ten Drivers Club (which also included larger Austins). A friend of mind had a 1932 Austin Heavy Twelve.



We were on a tour one day when a fellow walked up and asked Jody, "Is that a Model A Ford?" Jody explained that it was not a Model A, but rather an Austin, and explained the year and model. The guy looked at the car for a few seconds and then asked, "But didn't it used to be a Model A Ford?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aaron Griffey, Hayward Ca. on Thursday, July 24, 2014 - 01:02 am:

I have seen people get the shock of their life when they find out the T only had 4 cylinders.
I ask them if they expected a V-12. Even Dodges, Chevies and Buicks and even Cadillacs were four cylinder.
They usually can't figure out how it could make it down the road until I remind them that maybe 1/3 of the cars today are 4 cylinder (maybe more) and they probably came here in one today.
Monday when I was working on the brakes of a '13 Cadillac a visitor thought it would be wrong to have front brakes on a car that is so heavy in front. Never did figure that one out.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert E. (Bob) Blackbourn, Gautier Ms. on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 08:54 am:

I built a wooden pickup bed for my roadster a few months ago.
Last night at a cruise-in someone told my I was lucky to find such a rare truck because most of them had rotted out by now.
I just smiled :-)
PUbed


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 10:37 am:

Bob -- You certainly are lucky. It still looks like new! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Frank Canino on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 04:11 pm:

Paul Mikeska,
I've also noticed your right tail light is out.... been meaning to tell you about it.
:-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 08:02 pm:

While driving through Africa I was asked quite a number of times: "Is it a car, or is it a motorcycle?" (they were confused by narrow tyres).

In Armenia a guy asked me: "Did you make it yourself?"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Wells on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 09:01 pm:

Today I was at a car show and a lady visiting from Mexico told me her grandfather had a Model T in Mexico back in the day. Nobody in his area had heard of or even seen cars yet. He saw a man searching under the car and asked him what he was doing. He said he was looking for the animal's legs!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 09:22 pm:

Outskirts of Mexico City, 1961:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cameron Whitaker on Monday, July 28, 2014 - 10:25 am:

I get people telling me that my headlights are still on. They always look it but in fact are not.

If I crank start my T, I sometimes get people running over to stop me, telling me that it's dangerous and I'm going to break my wrist. Then I have to give them the usual speech about the right and wrong way to do it. For a year I was without a working starter and always had to hand crank it. Had one kickback and no broken wrists!

I've had more "Is that a Model A?" type questions than I can count.

Someone once asked me what the filler on top of the radiator was for.

Sometimes I get real snotty people asking me about my car, and if they ask how it works, I just tell them that it's magic. Sorcery if it's in the transmission.

A few times, I get people asking me where my spare tire is. My car doesn't not have demountables, so I tell them "under the back seat" and I show them my spare inner tubes.

I'm sure I'll think of some more after I post this :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve McClelland on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 - 02:27 am:

I drive it into the show or cruse in, folks follow you to the space you park it in.....right.
Now what is it? That's a fair question.
What year is it? Another fair question.
How fast will it go? Good question...
Are those real wood wheels? Yep.
Here's the one that takes the cake every time for me, again keep in mind they have followed me to my parking place..
Who's Is It.....? At that point you just gotta laugh...!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 - 09:31 am:

Back in '01, as I pulled into the Home Debt parking lot the morning of Fall Back, a guy yelled, "You were only supposed to set your clock back an hour!"

I reported that here, to which Aaron Griffey came up with this:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Spaziano, Bellflower, CA. on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 - 10:35 am:

I drove my '26 Touring to a local burger joint cruse night back in 2001 or so.

I did the customary cruse through and as I was about to exit the driveway onto the street, some guy pops-off with "Hey man, Knott's Berry Farm is that way." I gotta' admit, even I chuckled at that one.

So, not to be out-done, I replied "Better stand back, dude. I'm gonna' light 'em up"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Williamson on Sunday, August 03, 2014 - 04:32 pm:

"Somebody's stolen your air-conditioning."
To which I replied, "Yeah, they also took the water pump and the power steering but at least they left the cruise control."


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