Museum help needed

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2014: Museum help needed
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Kramer on Friday, December 12, 2014 - 04:54 pm:

We are looking for new and fresh ideas of merchandise to sell in our museum. New logos for hats, shirts, jackets, etc. it doesn't have to be limited to apparel. Send us pictures or ideas of what you would like to see offered. We won't be offering parts for your T, but maybe accessories that make Model T life easier that no other vender has. Please send to Jerrybkramer@gmail.com


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charles W. Little South Paris, Maine on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 05:01 pm:

Winged pyramid logo necktie


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Keith Gumbinger, Kenosha, WI on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 06:26 pm:

How about a calendar with various Model T Pictures. It's too late for 2015, but could be done for 2016. Maybe a 16 or 18 month calendar, as it would be marketable for a longer period.

Keith


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Christopher Vasconcelos in Fairhaven, MA on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 06:44 pm:

3D printed pendants or keychains of various T components. I would buy a Piston keychain...maybe buy my wife Piston ear rings!

She would not wear them though...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Kramer on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 07:15 pm:

Charles, could you send a picture of it? Are you referring to the logo Steve Jelf has on his work outfit? Keith, great idea, can't believe we haven't done this before.Christopher, 3D printing could open a door to many new and interesting items. Don't know about the cost. Let's keep the ideas coming. I personally would like to see a tee shirt that says, "My Dad Drives a Model T", or some new old style drivers hats or stylish women's hats.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Strange on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 07:49 pm:

I second the Model T Calendar. I've been making my own for the past couple of years using my own photos and one of the online do-it-yourself calendar sites.

In fact, I can think of five calendars to offer:

1) fully restored cars
2) preserved, "patina" cars
3) speedsters
4) tractors and doodlebugs
5) TTs and other commercial bodies

:-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 08:04 pm:

I like the idea of having some actual Model T Ford parts for sale. For example cleaned up but used cast iron pistons. They should make a great pencil/pen/etc. holder and conversation starter. I would think the parts could be obtained for free as folks rebuild engines?

And of course a "T" shirt with the "T" on it -- that may already be there?

Wooden Gas gauges not only for the tourist but for the T folks that visit.

Used but clean Model T Magneto Magnet for use as a refrigerator magnet. (That may be too strong of a magnet? Would need to try it out first to make sure it wouldn't hurt a child's fingers if he started moving it close to the fridge. I have a magnet out of a hard drive that can surprise you and pinch you if you are not careful.)

Model T shaped refrigerator magnets – or logos etc.

A "T" photo op -- i.e. a T that we could let the folks sit in and have there picture taken and sell them the photo. It could be photo shopped -- but a real T with a scene behind it would be nice. Or maybe outside of the museum during the nicer weather?

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 09:13 pm:


Jacket patch. But you would have to get it cleared by Ford licensing.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 09:15 pm:

Mark missed one--T's with pretty girls, like that gal in the bikini cranking the T.
Small, die-cast Model Ts -- I already have a few myself. I would suggest 1/64th scale (and then I can use them on my train layout!).
I like the wooden gas gauge suggestion, BTW.
T shirts or signs, "Model T owner--Cranky & Trying to Start something!"
"Achieve Nirvana--Drive a Model T!"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul G in Illinois on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 10:49 pm:

Like the suggestion of die-cast models. Especially TT's in assorted configurations.
MTCFA flags - 3x5 and 'car size'.
Apparel - need better selection of logo'd button-up shirts (more small size) and light to medium weight jackets and Vented ball caps for summer.
Items that can be displayed with T's that show the history of the T or components of the T. People will stop and read these at car shows. People are amazed that 100 year old vehicles are still operational, and it would be helpful to have posters that can be used to explain the tranny, mags, etc.
Also look at other sites like Mack, CAT, ATHS, etc. for 'accessories' that we all use.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Saturday, December 13, 2014 - 11:18 pm:

Nicely produced photos of as-found cars that buyers can frame. Restored cars can be seen any old time.
Barn and field finds are becoming rarer sights all the time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 02:23 am:

Here's Barney, fresh outa the barn!

barney as found

BTW Guys, the Gift Shop needs stuff that Joe Doe will buy, not just us T folks!!!

OH, there's a children's book about a model T from new to left behind to restored--Tin Lizzie by Peter Spier. Trouble is, it's kinda pricey--maybe the museum can get it done as a paperback?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 02:25 am:

Found out it is available as a paperback! Here's my review for Amazon from a few years ago:
Tin Lizzie is a wonderful children's book that tells the story of the life of one 1909 Model T Ford, from New to Used to Junk to New again. The story is told simply, with an abundance of fanciful, yet factual, illustrations to delight the eye and ignite the imagination. In the telling, the reader (or listener) learns about the way life once was, and how it has changed over the years. As an antique car restorer, I find it to be an excellent book to share with my nieces and nephews so they might appreciate and understand what Uncle David sees in these old things he's always fixing. I even find some adults enjoy it!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker in Sumter SC on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 06:55 am:

David,

That is an excellent book! I read it to my kids many times.

Another item for young children would be a coloring book with old cars.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freighter Jim on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 09:33 am:

Jerry,

I stopped by Saturday & visited the museum ...

As you know - floor space is limited...

If you are looking at ideas for walk in visitors to the museum, how about discounted gift cards to neighboring businesses, particularly within walking distance.

A small display would not take up much room at the entrance or by the cash register ....

Had a good bbq sandwich at the firehouse across the street yesterday - it is a good idea to promote local businesses ... :-)



Freighter Jim


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John H. Nichols on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 10:02 am:

Ear Rings with the Oval Ford logo with a T in the middle ?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown North Central Arkansas on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 10:24 am:

How about pennants. The kind you used to buy at National Parks, and other tourist locations. The triangle shaped ones made of felt. Could have "museum" and "T related" theme done in the old style artwork...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 10:32 am:

And how about decals?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rick Goelz-Knoxville,TN on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 10:48 am:

I would like to have a selection of Model T Christmas cards, showing scenes with various models, they would not become obsolete.

Rick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul G in Illinois on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 11:38 am:

We just put up our Xmas tree the other day. It has 2 Ford Mustangs, a Model A, a motorcycle, a couple Caterpillar Tractors, but no Model T or TT - haven't found one yet.
Ornaments ?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy Erbach on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 11:38 am:

Can we get a couple of Improved 26/27 toy cars in the kids selection?
I would buy a few 26 coupes or sedans in a second if they were available.
Also how about a hat that is made in the USA? I have a bias towards items that are made in this country.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Carey on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 12:08 pm:

How about suspenders with a "T" logo?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Semprez-Templeton, CA on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 12:27 pm:

I would buy this T shirt for all my T friends!!!

"Model T owner--Cranky & Trying to Start something!"

Or the Jelf/Ford shop coat.

My friends (Fritzie and Ruthie) would like a Ford logo beach towel... Those seats get hot on dog paws.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 12:28 pm:

I'd like to see Uncle Stan's "Herman and Freida" books available there. Maybe that would spur him into another printing of the existing one and help him find time to finish the next one. :-)

Besides being great reading for T folks, I think they'd be interesting to non-T folks as well as a gentle indoctrination into Model T's.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 02:36 pm:

Great idea! I second that. I was recently reading the story of Torvald's test again. Wonderful stuff.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Donnie Brown North Central Arkansas on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 03:30 pm:

Andys statement about Made in USA, is a good one. Almost all the T Folks will support Made in USA So if possible do as much USA items as possible ..


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Wightman on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 03:38 pm:

I'd like a different Model T Christmas Tree Ornament each year too. And a TT and Fordson.
Maybe a slot for your own car picture in the ornament (showing something you did that yea).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Sunday, December 14, 2014 - 05:46 pm:

Most Museum gift shop sales are "memory reminders" -- something that reminds the person of their trip to the museum. Kids love to buy little stuff to remind them of their visit--so do adults! Also, museum shop need to keep mindful that the stuff they sell should relate to the museum, part of the Non-profit status rules (OK, hardly ever enforced, but could be!).
If you notice, most newer museums make you go through the gift shop before exiting the museum--there's a reason for that!!! :-) The gift shop is often the biggest income-generator for the museum. This is also why most museums put their gift shop on-line too.
Coffee mugs, and cloisonne pins used to be the biggest sellers, not so much now--times change.
Novelty items are good too--"My folks (grandfolks) went to the Model T museum, and all I got was this T-shirt" for example.
I'm part of a group restoring a Theatre Pipe Organ, and we sell--ops we give away for a donation--this T-shirt.
organ Donor shirt
They've been quite popular!
Admittedly, we have had one complaint from an organ donor association. Geeesh, get a life!! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By george house on Monday, December 15, 2014 - 09:23 am:

Thanks for allowing the input Jerry. My modern iron Explorer has a Ford script decal/applique in the pin striping on both front fenders just forward of the doors. Someone posted a Winged Pyramid decal here last year made to perfectly replace this factory-applied script in an oval. That might be a marketable product.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Holzschuh - Panama City, FL on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 08:03 am:

The range of plastic model kits is very limited. I think these would sell well at the museum. Most parents consider building models educational.

Maybe a model manufacturer might be willing to offer some other models than what's available.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Dimock, Newfields NH, USA on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 09:09 am:

All great ideas.
I like the T shirt or Polo with MTFCA Logo and decals the most.

Also decals with the pen and ink outline of a T in black for light colored backgrounds and white for dark backgrounds.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy Erbach on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 10:04 am:

A while back if my memory serves there was an attempt at producing a plastic model kit of the model T engine. If we could get something like that to share with youngsters it might help create interest in the folks who will take care of the cars when we are gone.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 10:58 am:

It is too bad the price of plastic model cars has gone up to $20-$25 around here. Revell is looking for adults I would guess. Not too many kids will have that kind of money to spend on a plastic model. Wonder what the price of the Model T engine will be at Museum prices?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 11:27 am:

The book, "Me and the Model T"by Roscoe Sheller is a great read, even for (maybe especially for) non-Model T folks. Educational too as far as Model T history. Seems like a "natural" to me,.....the museum would cause an interest in the book, and/or the book would cause an interest in the museum!

Roscoe Sheller occasionally promotes the book on the forum and elsewhere, so I'd bet he'd be interested in the museum as an additional "outlet".


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry VanOoteghem on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 11:33 am:

How about shop coats, such as Steve is wearing in a photo above? The manufacturer, (Vintage Shop Coats), who used to make the very nice embroidered Ford shop coats ran into licensing trouble with Ford Motor Co. but perhaps that could either be overcome because of non-profit status, or the Ford logo could be dropped in favor of the MTFCA logo.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 11:39 am:

This thread and my post got me to thinking,.....I have a fairly extensive Model "T" library, and quite a few of my favorite books still have the Towe Museum sticker in them. I bought those books during the ten years that I lived and worked in Deer Lodge, Montana where the Towe collection (museum) was originally located until the collection was broken up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charles W. Little South Paris, Maine on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 02:54 pm:

Jerry,
In answer to your question about the Ford logo ties, I was indeed referring to the logo like on the back of Steve's shop coat. The club has sold caps with this logo, I have bought 5-6 over the years. What I had in mind however was a tie using that logo, but similar in style to these.


t


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charles W. Little South Paris, Maine on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 02:55 pm:

Jerry,
In answer to your question about the Ford logo ties, I was indeed referring to the logo like on the back of Steve's shop coat. The club has sold caps with this logo, I have bought 5-6 over the years. What I had in mind however was a tie using that logo, but similar in style to these.



Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy Erbach on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 03:00 pm:

I wonder if Steve Jelf planned on being a model T fashion trend setter. I like the shop coat idea, and here in northern Illinois it would come in handy this winter.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mike conrad on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 03:31 pm:

Offer a ride in a T or a class on driving a T. It has proven to be a great seller at the Lemay museum. We sold out all five classes of 18 this year with a long waiting list too. It also is a great way to promote the hobby.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Burger in Spokane on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 04:11 pm:

Please consider something else.

I come at this from an outsider perspective - I largely HATE Fords. Just like the Chevy "bowtie", the blue oval says to
independent thinkers that we are only dealing with bellybutton chasers who can't think outside the blue oval. You know,
the Nascar set who could not identify a Hudson or a Whippet if their life depended on it. So, to make any sort of effort
to distance the Model T era cars from the rest of the Ford drones would open up a lot of potential visitors and buyers to
the idea of Ford-related merchandise. The winged pyramid is a great example. Distinctly Ford and Model T era, without
the immediate association with Mustangs and Tauruses.

When marketing a place or product, it pays to keep less-than-obvious factors in mind to open up alternate "doors" to
sales and walk-thru.

Just a thought ....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Shawn Hayward on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 05:20 pm:

OK first I admit I did not read all of the posts
It's wing night and I'm going out :-)
but I believe if we want to get the next generation interested we need inter active type of
"trinkets" , at the museum in Hershey PA they have a "penny press" children can make their own ,
A "T" picture stamp could be made very inexpensively , Or , clay molds etc

sorry if I have grabbed anyone else s idea


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Seth - Ohio on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 05:58 pm:

Did Shawn say wing night?...Wing night at one of the local restaurants to promote the museum...Ford "logo" wing night...menu would have different flavored or "filvered" wings named after the different model of cars..."Roadster Ranch" wings-"Cajun Coupe" hot wings..etc Whoever ordered the wings would get a small discount on a museum admission.

This would still promote the museum just not in the museum

Maybe when the swap meet is held at the museum a food vendor could have a space to sell wings with part of the proceeds going to the museum.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mack Cole ---- Earth on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 06:20 pm:

Ink pens made from T spokes perhaps?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Walker, NW AR on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 06:20 pm:

Dennis -- That's a great idea, and it would tie the museum into some of the other local businesses. That couldn't hurt.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Booth@ Bay City, Mi on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 06:27 pm:

What about period correct clothing. Could be the real stuff from donations. Bow ties are hard to find nowadays and suspenders, hats and such. Maybe a ad for estates to donate would be one way to go.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By doug hauge upstate NY stittville 13469 on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 - 10:37 pm:

having many model T s and attending many tours its impossible to collect souvenirs from every place I go. plus space is limited with a 40ft 5th wheel toy hauler. also being thrifty I don't spend much money when I visit all the places on the tours. so what I do is buy the small magnets they have the name, place picture etc of where I was. they look real cool on the dash and on my coil box of the T that was there. I also but walking sick medallions and attach them to my front wheel wood spokes. they look cool too. both of these cast me 6$ to 8$ for both. plus I always have a reminder of the places I have been in my T. so my suggestion would be magnets that we can stick on our dash or coil box, and walking stick medallions, both could have a picture of a model T with the address etc.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Kramer on Monday, December 22, 2014 - 09:08 am:

A big thank you to all for the great ideas. Our committee will be getting this list of ideas and hopefully many of them can be used. Jerry


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Monday, December 22, 2014 - 09:21 am:

I don't know if there is a deadline but I think it'd be cool if ya'll made some tire savers. I would definitely buy a set.



Plus you could use the same set on your T's in the museum.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Holzschuh - Panama City, FL on Monday, December 22, 2014 - 10:01 am:

I like Hap's idea about the cast iron piston pencil holder. (maybe because I use one every day).

Raw material is essentially free, a spray with black epoxy paint and ... walla, a pencil holder any man would be proud to have on his desk ! (and complete with a story to go with it !)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Horlick in Penn Valley, CA on Monday, December 22, 2014 - 08:02 pm:

Broken T parts could be donated and sold. Perhaps mounted on a boar with some brass tag on it. Perhaps saying something like Genuine Ford Parts. A broken crankshaft can make two plaques. There are lots of broken drums available.

When I sold my MG TC I kept two broken pistions which I treasure as reminders of some unfinished trips. Trash parts like this can make a marketable keepsake.


TC Pistons:


This then tooth Ford Piston would sell if mounted to a plaque with the inscription "Genuine Ford Parts":


TH


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Houston, Broken Arrow, OK on Friday, December 26, 2014 - 02:53 pm:

An idea from Fast Magazine. Would have good general appeal.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Houston, Broken Arrow, OK on Friday, December 26, 2014 - 03:00 pm:

Or maybe put it in a frame. Fred


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Houston, Broken Arrow, OK on Saturday, December 27, 2014 - 01:04 pm:

Lavina told me if I dragged one more Model T home......that she was gonna leave me.

God.....I'm sure will miss her.


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