As we all know the 2014 Forum will soon come to a close and will be put to bed. The 2015 Forum will open another exciting year of comments, questions, and information but before it does I just wanted to ask what was your favorite thread of 2014?
I like all the wisdom from Steve Jelf.
All the bickering over E-timers!!
I liked the extensive thread on the doodle bugs, and do not own one. I do know a 2 legged doodlebug
whose father was a mopdel T owner.
Do you mean my favorite 6 volt thread or my favorite 12 volt thread?
I really liked the "Becky's yellow T and the blue pickup". I know there was a lot on those that wasn't stock but the workmanship was top shelf. Most of the comments were positive.
The worlds longest infomercial.
Ron the Coilman
All the great info that Rob has dug up on the K and others. What a wealth of info we now have. Thank you Rob, Scott
Marvel Mystery Oil. Isn't it still THE favourite thread?
Scott
You are correct. Not withstanding my joke above, In my view Rob Heyen's Model K research wins 2014 + 11/12 hands down.
Ron the Coilman
I also vote for Rob's research on the Model K. I don't own one, likely never will, but enjoyed his research and share his love of this vehicle. However, can we vote that a Model K thread wins the "favorite thread" if this is a Model T forum?
It makes me choke to say it.#2 Water Pumps Comments.
#1 Robs in-dept posts on Early Fords.
I agree - Rob's research on the Model K is the best thread for 2014.
Thank you, Rob.
Keith
I thought this was a model T forum, not a model K forum.
Not sure what threads I like more than others but I'd rather see more T tricks kind of stuff as opposed to articles that are here to be "entertaining".
We all have different tastes so there will never be a forum that makes all of is happy.
Rob's threads all say OT (off topic).
Everyone is free to pass them up.
I vote for Rob's work.
He even taught me some good ways to do research on other topics.
Way to go Rob!
Hi John...we typed at the same time!
I will vote with Rob's Model K posts. I had some very limited experience with an early K Touring many years ago and knew that they did not deserve their reputation as a bad car. Thanks to Rob for filling in some real and actual details! WELL DONE ROB. The hobby is much better off for your informed research.
I liked the ones that got deleted by the moderator(s).
Chuck,
I am shocked. Who had posts were deleted?
The recent thread about steam bending from Richard Eagle get my vote. Inspired me to build a box and try it.
Rob's post take my vote followed by the doodle bug posts.
P.S. I have to thank Rob for allowing Me the opportunity few have. Viewing his K and now the 6-40 Gentleman's roadster to the most minute detail. I even get to gap the plugs.
Dean, You are a very lucky man!
It seems that I am not the only one enjoying the model K research threads. As a group, I would agree that they certainly have been among my favorites. And, one of my favorite stand alone threads was the show us the doodle bug thread. Other threads I truly enjoy have been progress reports from the many friends on this site and updates on how they themselves are doing. Steve Jelf and Bob Coiro are always favorites (not wanting to exclude anyone, but can't figure out another way to put it). A recent series that I am really enjoying, are Donnie's sorting out the changes in the '26/'27 Ts. This is somewhat surprising because I have never had an improved era T, and do not expect to.
All in all, this is my favorite website. Period.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
The Forum itself is such a wonderful way of learning about what is happening around the world, not only specifically regarding T's but so many of the O.T. subjects are interesting too. One gets to understand some interesting philosophies, such as Steve Jelf's admirable way of adopting a largely D.I.Y. lifestyle, also I learn of people who are fortunate enough to be able to use their cars on an almost daily basis. Virtually all threads are interesting, but I feel that Rob Heyen's research into pre-T's, especially the K, has been the most fascinating of all.
I'm not going to single out anything but the history lessons learned here. I enjoy the debates of modern parts over originals and what is considered by some as acceptable or not. I think that is what keeps the hobby alive and well. Thanks to all that contribute their 2 cents and keep the forum available for the good of the hobby.
For me, the Doodlebug thread---it struck me so hard that I had to have one. Luckily for me, a gracious forum member sold me one at a price I could afford. I have been slowly working on it and can't wait to go for a ride on it.
But most importantly, are all the informative threads. I always read the troubles of others with their T's because the response by the experienced guys usually have info I can learn something from.
There are many great threads on here, and that is what this site is about.
I have really enjoyed Rob's pre-T threads. They have been very encouraging with photos of Model K parts I have never seen before as they lay hidden inside the walls of the engine or differential. And the way he weaves the individual news paper clippings, Ford records, and other bits of information into a story that often takes me back to the dirt roads of the early 1900s.
I also really appreciate all the effort so many of you make to answer the "new guy's" question or the "old head's" question. Thank you all for making the forum such a great place to learn about early Fords. And thank you also for all the encouragement not just with the Ford projects but often times when life has thrown someone a curve ball.
Respectfully submitted,
Hap l9l5 cut off
Agree with John Nichols and Chad - the doodlebug and conversion tractor thread (parts 1 & 2). Close second was "Show us your TTs" (name notwithstanding).
I have particularly enjoyed the posts from David Greenlees and Rob. Their well researched posts have offered a view of the Automobile Industry during an era that was fraught with problems, powerful ego's and quite often conflicting solutions.
I think this perspective helps answer the question "why was the Model T Ford so successful?".
I had a few favorites, All the different and interesting parts posted by Jay and the post from Adrian Witman and his truck although I don't think he has posted at all this year.
As a new member I enjoy and learn a lot from all of you THANKS MUCH
Ill have to go with the doodle bug thread and all of Jays, Accessory of the Day. The Doodlebug thread brought to light a seldom seen side of the T hobby. and I just like accessories. Its just a hard decision, better answer may be "The whole thing"
Any thread that DOES NOT have a Model A part pictured in it! Remember, even a girl can drive a Model A. Dan
Doodlebug and TT top install. Top install got me inspired to get mine going. Finished the top wood today and got my material lined up for the final step.
There have been lots of very interesting threads since I rejoined the forum, but I'll make a vote for the effort Rob Heyen has put into the Model K research. Despite what others say about them not being Model T related, I'd argue that they are and they've given me much enjoyment.
Dan,
"Any thread that DOES NOT have a Model A part pictured in it! :-) Remember, even a girl can drive a Model A. Dan"
No offence taken, but, my wife is the third owner of our T, and they've ALL been women.
Rob: That is something I tell A people. My wife drives a T with the best of them. Dan
I like the 'tips and trick' of restoring the model T.
My favorite (the only one I remember) is cutting off the head of a cotter pin, then just pulling out the two tails.
Threads aside, Rob's road of discovery is revolutionary. The Model K can finally take its rightful place among the greatest Fords. All else this Forum has seen in the last 18 years pales by comparison with regards to history.
ALL Rob's new information of the Model K's that was brought to light is very important.... he should author and publish his paper on his research.....
...Also all the truths brought to light about the E-Timer, and the expose' of the false information brought on by the Internet Trolls.
Bob Jablonski
I liked the political thread that got deleted.
you know, the one where some gave praise to his majesty for doing such a great job of destroying the U.S.
I like threads about work being done on speedsters, especially body, suspension and driveline that are not the way it is usually done on a stock T.
I like this thread because I learned a valuable trick from Robert Poane:
"My favorite (the only one I remember) is cutting off the head of a cotter pin, then just pulling out the two tails."
Thanks Robert
I just like being around people who know more than I do. Pretty easy to find them in this group.
Dick
I like any thread that does not have a paid spokesman posting advertising for electronic gizmos that disable the Model T's ability to run on magneto.
This is a Model T Ford Club of America site. Advertising should be in the classified section. The content of posts anywhere on this site should be for the good of the hobby, not cheap insulting comments.
I enjoy Troll free threads void of inflammatory, false or unsubstantiated claims, obsessively recited deliberately to provoke emotional responses and fighting between forum users until the webmaster has to act to remove the thread, promoting more Troll behavior.
This forum is a fantastic Model T resource. I think participants who repeatedly abuse the privilege of using it by habitually engaging in divisive Troll behavior should have their forum privileges suspended before more withdraw from participating.
Before we drift away, thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to share information with so many good friends and fellow hobbyists. I also appreciate the tolerance of those who aren't interested in non T cars such as the Model K.
Now, my favorites (and I apologize because I'll accidentally leave several people off):
Ralph - I am happy to see your posts each and every time. Knowing you as a "Great Race" participant has been a thrill. Experiencing your grace and perseverance through your trials has taught me a valuable and ongoing lesson, enjoy life, friends and family to the utmost.
Hap - What a great teacher, researcher, and friend to so many on this forum. You are always ready to dig in and find answers and provide information for anyone in the hobby. You are a true statesman on this forum.
Ron the Coilman and Mike Kosser - I know, surprising to list both in the same sentence. Each of you have provided me with insights and information about both the Model T and Model K unique ignition systems. And, I consider both of you personal friends.
Dick Fisher and Scott Owens - Your information about steel and planetary transmissions have been invaluable (conducted through pm's, then I presented the information to the forum, as if I knew what I was talking about ).
Bob, Keith, Mark, Dane, Paul, Denny, Mike W., Trent and many many others. Always a pleasure to read your posts and learn from you.
Wayne S., you are another "statesman" on this forum. Always positive, upbeat, with a wealth of knowledge. And many others, Dave H., Eric H., John, Doug, Bob, Denny, Mark and many "down under" friends. Thanks, I appreciate all your threads and posts.
Dean Yoder, I couldn't have done any of this without your tremendous hands on help with our cars. I can never repay you........ And of course, my Model K buddies, Bob T. and Tim K. Pretty soon everyone will have one...... (Model K)
Happy Holidays,
Rob
(Message edited by rob on December 03, 2014)
Just like Willie said; "I thought this was a Model T Forum"
Just when I was "feeling the love." To each his own. Remember, OT means "Off Topic", not "Open This"
My favorite thread would be #14x24, or is it1/4"x24? Steve
From another thread, regarding the pre-T cars:
By Trent Boggess on Tuesday, December 02, 2014 - 07:34 pm:
For those who wonder about the relevance of the Model K and NRS series cars to the Model T, you just have to keep in mind that these cars were the immediate predecessors of the Model T, and that the Model T incorporates several design features that first appears on the Model K, N, R and S.
To understand the design of the Model T, you have to look at the designs of the cars that immediately preceded the Model T.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trent Boggess
Steve M.,
Excellent!
I hate threads like this. They almost always evolve in a Pi-- match between two or more parties. It is your opinion which thread you feel is best,and while you are certainly entitled to that ,it really isn't anyone else's business. I will probably be hollered at for saying this,but It really deserves to be deleted.
I always enjoy the sellers's Model T descriptions in eBay auctions and the forum classifieds.
"All restored"
"Ran when parked"
My favorite forum ad this year is "my Dad set the price" (before he died), so please don't low ball me.
For quality and quantity I vote for all the many photos submitted by
Jay - In Northern California
Chris, I agree, Jay does post great pics. Also, Herb I. adds a lot of great postcard pics. I really enjoy accessory threads too.
Jack, yes, easy to see this devolve. However, maybe we'll keep it positive.
I like Steve J.'s witty posts, and any thread with pics of tours and shows.
Rob
No hollering from me, Jack. I agree that it's a downer when things devolve into a urination festival. Unfortunately it seems no subject is immune from the intrusion of personal vendettas. I appreciate all the folks who participate without descending into hostilities.
Not my favorite but what strikes me is the number of posts about our friends who have passed on.
Other forums I belong to dont seem to loose as many as us model T'ers.
greg
Boy! A favorite,......that's a hard one to answer! I guess I'd have to say that I really, REALLY enjoy any post that includes Model "T" pictures, and I have to agree with those that mentioned Herb's pictures, and Jay's as well. And Steve Jelf certainly adds a lot to the forum, with some great "here's how I did it" posts, and speaking of pictures, his pictures are always great! Now then, if Steve'd just quit using those big word that forces me to keep getting out my Funk 'n Wagnalls, darn those ex-teachers anyway! Yeah, speaking of "ex-teachers", I'd have to say that Unca' Stan adds a lot too, pictures and big words,.....and come tho think of it, there's Bob Coiro too,......well heck! I just love the whole darn forum! .......harold
I don't have a favorite thread; I like the Forum in general. Unlike many of you, I don't get excited about speedsters, or doodlebugs, or pre-T's. I'm just a basic Model T guy. I look at threads on those topics kinda' like I read the newspaper -- I skim over them and see what they're about generally, and pick out a few points I find interesting to me.
But even though those are not my favorite topics on the Forum, I am glad that threads about those topics are here, because they are all part of the overall picture where Model T's are concerned. Just as some folks like sweet potato pie and others like pecan or apple, some folks are crazy about speedsters, or doodlebugs, or pre-T Fords. That's what makes life interesting. It would be pretty boring if everyone liked the same thing, and there wouldn't be other points of view from which we could learn.
With all that said, I want to make one other point. While I don't have a "favorite" thread, I do think that there have been some which have been "important." I feel that Rob's research into pre-T's, and Model K's in particular, is important. And I'm grateful for his sharing it with us here on our "Model T" forum. It doesn't matter whether you or I like those threads, or whether I read every one (I don't). They are important. They are about the formative years of the Ford Motor Company, which were the incubation period for the Model T's we all know and love. Without the successes and failures of FoMoCo early on, there would not have been a Model T.
There were many automobile historians who wrote lots of articles during the 40's, 50's, and 60's. A generation or two after the fact, some of what they reported was not accurate. Much of it was based upon here-say. But as we all know, if misinformation is repeated enough, it eventually becomes accepted as fact. Rob's in-depth research, facts which were taken from newspaper accounts of the day and from Ford's own audits and other records, have brought information to light which we would not otherwise have access to. The Model T community is better off because of Rob's diligence.
My favorite thread of 2014 is a 3/8-16.
Philip, That is the best response yet!!
Philip, For Model T Fords I would go With 3/8-24.
Any topic that I learn something... that's why I keep coming back, it seems I learn something every time I log in.
I enjoy Rob's posts because I've learned a lot about the early years of Ford Motor Company that I wouldn't have otherwise taken the time to learn about.
I've been holding back, debating with myself whether I should add some deathless prose to this thread. After Mike Walker's post, I don't have to. Well said! Now I can resume my habitual laziness.
Do they have Threads on the Model T on the Early Ford Registry? or it mainly about Early Fords?
-Don
There seems to be a difference of opinion as to whether posts about pre-T Fords are welcome here. To me they are. I have only one Model T, a '13 runabout, and no pre-Ts, so I don't have a dog in this fight. I enjoy reading about the older cars, even though I'll probably never have one. But I do have a question: If I had a pre-T Ford, would it be welcome at an MTFCA tour?
Don,
The Early Ford Registry welcomes all Piquette Fords. This includes Model Ts through 1910. We also include brass era Ts on our Early Ford Tours.
I suspect we would welcome any Ford related threads on our forum if they help us learn and share early Ford history. I've also suggested and received positive responses from other board members suggesting we accept Aerocar owners/enthusiasts, as I consider Aerocar a distant cousin of the early Ford.
Gil,
I've been encouraged to bring our models N and K on Model T tours in the past. I have run the Model K at the Speedster Reunion event in Lincoln, normally reserved for Model T and A speedsters (I've seen Chevrolet speedsters there too).
I would like to run the N on more T tours but the pace is a little "stiff" for our N. with our K I feel comfortable running 40 plus all day, so intend to tour with Model Ts in the future, if they'll have me. If not, I'll resort to our ultra reliable 13 T.
Rob
doodlebug tractor thread
The 26-27 Component studies that Donnie Brown did were very helpful to me.
My favorite thread is the one that attaches the zipper to my pants!
Rob, why did you buy your first K, knowing its bad reputation?
I guess one of my favorites would be the post by Terry Messersmith, advising us of the loss of John Danuser.
Go back and read the posts, besides owning a T, isn't this what the hobby is all about?
Thanks John Steele for the update, I would hope Karen could get copies of all the posts. Might help her to know she isn't the only one that lost a good friend.
These posts remind me there is more to this hobby than what method I use to fire the charge in the cylinder, the oil I choose to use, or the stuff I add to my tank. Just a thought.
Kevin
Ralph, that's a great question (with a story, of course ). I'll address it on another thread.
Kevin, you're right. I had not thought about it much (something similar was mentioned earlier too), but news about our forum friends, good, and in the case of John D., bad, are probably my favorite threads on the forum. I greatly appreciate the advice and help received, but keeping up with friends in the hobby are the best threads. Good point......
Rob