Accepted and paid in full.Life is good!

We're in...

Hope to see a lot of forum members there again.

I'm in too!

What's the Old Car Festival????

Longest Running Antique Car Show

September 10th & 11th

Greenfield Village, MI

@ https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/old-car-festival/


Freighter Jim

Don Booth has made several videos that are found on line and they are very good!! Bud.

Just got my acceptance today. Hoo yeah! See you all there. I'll be driving the black Ford.

Still haven't heard

Still waiting for mine. I have been participating since 1992. Have 26
Tudor and late 1924 Touring.

Notified of acceptance and sent in the check.

Whoops; that little notice will cut down attendance.

Freighter Jim, I was kidding.

I haven't missed an OCF since 1963. I've narrated the Pass-In-Review for the past 35 years -- more than half of them.

This is my last year for narration. 35 years is long enough.

I'm going to miss narrating, but I'll finally get a chance to socialize and enjoy my cars, family and granddaughter.

I've also received my Notice of Acceptance and sent in the check.

I'm really looking forward to the OCF again. I think this is one of the most enjoyable Old Car Events there is.

See you all there.....you to Bud.

Keith

Very very disappointed this morning. I received a rejection email for my 15 touring. The reasons were that there are 1926 curved fenders on the front and my wood spokes are painted red. These two items were outside their acceptance criteria which they said "paint, options, and assesories appropriate for THAT model year." I'll be ordering 15 fenders shortly. They indicated that my spokes needed to be painted black.
I wonder, did all of you guys with natural spoke wheels get a rejection email as well? Probably not....
I'm pretty sure red paint was available in 1915.
Disappointed, but I'll change the fenders and try again next year.

John,I'm sorry to hear that! I have a friend with several model T's and model A's who was turned down with a [wrong paint] model A years ago. P O'ed my friend will not even go and misses out on a wonderful weekend!!!!! Old age is catching up with me and sometimes i have trouble cranking our 14 but i will sell it before i add a starter unless it's a Dayton!! Old Cranky Bud.

This really is the wrong way for them to deal with the popularity of the event. I can't help but feel they are making a big mistake. The result will be to offend people and ruin the purpose of celebrating the old cars. I also feel they will be picky about the Model A's and T's because they know more about them. This is becoming a snooty event that some of us will take personally and no longer support. Having the expense being on the car owners they need to come up with a way to handle the crowd better not thin it out. Just my opinion...

Their Event = Their Rules

Lots of other places to go & things to do ....



Freighter Jim

Agreed Jim, that's why I'll be changing front fenders and applying for next year.
Having said that I bet there will be plenty of non black painted spokes there. Maybe I should count them and have a drink for each one......ha

Their event Their rules, Have they forgotten what paid for the place??Henry's T. The issue seems to be trailer parking... lots of alternatives to solve that problem I remember not too long ago when the Festival had only a few hundred cars...It has grown for the better...lets try and keep it going. The village had a great an antique engine show...then they quit.

Lot's of other places to go & things to do?? Evidently Jim has never attended?? Wort's and all this is simply the best old car weekend on earth and i really hope to see Don Booth there!! The OCF is so much if you have not seen it i doubt you can understand! The bad thing about the OCF is with so many having fun your going to miss many friends!! Bud in Wheeler,Mi.

It might offend a few people in the short run but, in the long run, they need to maintain the purity of the event. A lot of people have worked hard to do the research and parts hunting to make their cars authentic. There's also no shortage of people who would try to twist it into "The Clown Car Festival" if they could get away with it.

Bud and Jon, you have nailed it !! I'm sure everyone that attends wants to see the cars as they were back in the day, or very close to it. Which makes me wonder if the sale of white tires are about to explode?

I got my acceptance the first of the week. Had to send in photos and told them I had a Ruxtell and had electrified my lights as I drive mine all the time. It's a 1911 open runabout. Hope they don't shut me down at the door as I'm driving from Tennessee. What do y'all think? Am I rolling the dice?

Still say one way to thin the heard is to only allow ONE vehicle per family; why should two fella's who've never attended be rejected because another fellow who was accepted brings three cars?

Fenders and a set of four smooth whites...
I'd better take out a second mortgage

Richard,
If you have your acceptance, and get your packet, your in. My experience has been security/guards are simply checking for your card/pass to come in.

Bill,
Yes, one per family, or person would be a way to limit numbers. I'm sure it's a nightmare to determine what cars to let in. Do you want more brass, more rare marquees, more Ford's, etc etc? I don't know what the answer should be.

As mentioned above, it is an incredible event. Even without a car, it is an amazing event for any car or history enthusiast.

Richard, OCF old standards allowed safety updates Stop lights, moto meters,Rocky Mountain Brakes, and period accessory items.No modern modified hot rods were allowed. Now it looks like they only want barn fresh and original cars. Restored cars appear to be out unless professionally done as if the car came off the line. Even though in the day people would personalize their cars by painting different colors or painting wheels and adding pine stripping or updating with demountable or split rims etc. Hope I'm wrong because it is the best car event around and My family,children, and grand children have enjoyed participating for years.

Kenneth,

Anytime a couple folks stop by the side of the road to compare cars - it is an " event " ....

Just about every day I am chatting with someone about their ride.

All makes - all models - no discrimination.

Hosted events limiting a specific class - group - style of vehicle have the right to limit who brings a car.


Freighter Jim

I'm finally going to som of the people on this forum. Fun?

Richard,

Everyone who I have had the pleasure to meet in person off this forum are great !



Freighter Jim

The Old Car Festival has always been a great event that has been much talked about in my family, with much enthusiasm, both before the event and for weeks after the event is over. There is always a sense of withdrawal when it is over but, with all this change this year it is leaving a bad taste in my mouth! I'm afraid it may tarnish my feelings toward the OCF for years to come.......... Then we may not want to go? Well, that's a way to weed out the cars!

Willis

I agree with the one car per family idea. When the registration deadline passes, if there are still spots open, then let those already registered book extra cars.

Man. I kinda wished I hadn't asked the question now. Thanks for the good advise.

Here's a pic of my 15 touring
Been in the family since new....

Do any of you camp near or at greenfield village during the old car festival? If so where and how far away.

We take and stay in our motor home and park in the lot provided just behind the POEE Building like lots of other OCF participants. We are self contained and it works very well.

Keith

Just got the email. I'm in!!

Man I'm gonna meet a bunch of Michiganders. Miss that state. Still have property in Tawas.

The Sunrise Side is still the best side of Michigan. Stop in at Hubies while you're here.

Just received my acceptance email. Looking forward to OCF.

Rick

I got my e-mail today. I am staying at Detroit Greenfield RV Park in Ypsilanti, Michigan on 6680 Bunton Rd 48197.
I stayed there last year and it worked out great. I took about 45 min. to drive down Michigan Blvd. to Greenfield Village. It is about 25 miles and the traffic was no problem.

Phillip sending you a pm

Phillip, If you are in Ypsilanti you might want to stop by the Hudson Motor Car dealership in Depot Town. This a the last operating Hudson dealership and has a museum. More info here.

Thomas,

What is Hubies? I am going to the OCF, not bringing a car as I am flying in to see the Henry Ford museum, Piquette and Greenfield Village. Never been there and has been on the bucket list for a while.

Here's the Baudoux travelling rig. We will be camped in the fenced lot near the village. Hopefully right next to Don Booth.

This is to John Seelman and anyone else who's vehicle was rejected this year. If you decide to come to the show, please look for me and the brass speedster with maroon paint. I'm happy to give you a ride around the grounds. Rusty will have his black speedster there too, so we can take that one out as well. The speedsters are usually right across from the merry go round and the pass-in-review staging area.

I am always open to giving rides as well. I have offered the keys to the Fordor to a a few T owners who didn't have their cars ready to go yet. I really hope Don Booth can make it this year, as he has made it possible for me to enjoy the OCF, in ways that would embarrass him, if posted here. He has also promoted the OCF by filming and sharing some excellent photos and videos of the show. My goal this year, is to get a ride in Rob's big red monster, and catch up with Bud.

Just dropped my check in the mail.
See y'all there!

One more....

Ed,No faster than i move catching me will be easy! Rob is one great fellow and a ride in a K/640 is suprising as is all that smooth power!! Has anyone heard from Tom Miller mostly in Dearborn ? Keith are you wearing a hat this year?? Bud.

HI Bud,
My '16 is registered and paid for. My missus hasn't heard anything about her entry, a '31.

I spent yesterday working on my wheels and will probably be at it again today.

yes, I'll be there Friday night with the village's tow truck.

Bud, I have a very nice, period correct Straw Hat, and I might wear it. Yes, I sometimes get sun burn challenged on my smooth and shiny crown, but it's ok.

See you on the evening of September 9th.

Keith

Looking at John's picture, I am wondering: are those period-correct accessory fenders?? Don't look like Ford fenders to me. If they are, I would argue with the OCF folks!! They probably don't know!!!!

Good news!! I just heard Don Booth was accepted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Bud.

Well thanks so much Bud and Ed. I was mentally preparing myself for rejection. Most of my time was spent curled up in a corner of my barn trembling ...sorta like my first wedding. But the T Gods shined down on my ole Lizzy and welcomed us back!!

First Time to the OCF. Any advise on what to bring? I'm hauling on an open trailer and was wondering if there's anywhere to wash a car short of using the water in the camper. Is there shade or should I bring a sun tent and chairs? Do they set up chairs? I'm not looking to have the car judged. This is my wife's first T show and I want her to have a good time so she will go on more. I'm not going to bring my noisy generator to run the A/C unless everyone else is. Any help would be appreciated.

People usually take in folding chairs and often small coolers.I don't think sun tents are allowed because of space? Be careful on the railroad crossings and the tracks that you run along side.I would bring the gen even if for only stand by power.In our enclosed trailer i bring extra tires tubes,and flaps.Small air compressor,battry charger,and a generator.You will find many friendly people to show you the ropes!! Bud.

A lot of the participants bring chairs and canopy tents. I didn't set our canopy up last year because of wind. I bring a couple of fold-up camping chairs in the T. If you are camping in the fenced asphalt lot, it's a 1/4 to 1/2 mile drive to the village, all on private property. You can drive back and forth to bring your stuff in. There are plenty of things to do and see in the village. Even a couple of pubs and eateries. If the car needs washing, you should bring a water.

Richard, don't plan on doing much sitting. The show is too incredible not to take in as much as possible. Also be warned you will experience about a weeks worth of Old Car Fest withdrawals afterwards.

Lamp fuel,and i would make sure the gas lites are working before hand. Many dress in the period of their cars,trucks,fire engines? In case of rain your arm bands will also get you in the museum free.Bud.

Bring more than half a tank of gas if you will driving much. The nearest gas stations are a few blocks away from the village. If you like pizza, you should find some time to visit Buddy's Pizza, again just blocks away in Dearborn. Really good stuff.

Is anyone else interested in driving from the Village to the Piquette Ford Plant? I have never been there.

Richard,

You should bring a tarp/straps since you have an open trailer. Never know what the weather brings. You may want to cover the car over night?
The wristbands also are good on Monday after the OCF is over to get you into the museum too. You could spend a couple days looking around in there!

Cheers,
Willis

Bump

Can you guys tell me if there is a restaurant on the grounds? I'm staying in the parking lot with a fifth wheel and can take a generator to run A/C. Are other people running portable generators? I know I'm asking a lot of questions but I like to cover my bridges before I get to them. Generators to run a A/C unit are kinda loud and I'm not sure how hot it is there in September. We don't plan on leaving the grounds and are self contained but I don't want to have to make the mile long trip on my bike to eat lunch if we don't have to. I'd rather support the ford businesses if there are any. Any other advise will be a great help. Thanks. Do car owners light up their oil lamps in the gas light parade?

Shoot, I see now someone said there was a eatery.

Richard, there are plenty of eats and treats inside Greenfield Village, and there's also Eagle Tavern. And yes, you absolutely should light your oil lamps! That's the coolest part of the entire weekend - when gas, oil and old electric lamps are lit and cars are tooling around the great historic village!

Richard if you see this you'll know who it is..stop in and visit.

Will do.

Will do.

I hope to have my rear stickered similar to Don's before the OCF. I really dig it.

Richard, By this time in Sept. the temperature in Dearborn is quite moderate. You may even need a light jacket in the evening. That said, it can get pretty warm also. The moral of the story is be prepared.

Many of us in the parking lot run our generators briefly as needed. I don't think we've ever needed it to run the A/C.

Keith

Ok thanks.

For eateries, try the Eagle Tavern, Taste of History and Main Street Lunch. Bring your own bottled water. OK to bring in food from outside.

The Eagle Tavern should be a nice sit down and rest,not cheap but at least once!! Take a extra folding chair or two so folks can stop and visit.I wish the little coffiee shop would open early!!Bud.

My Wife made me some stickers tonight

Dang youngsters....

AAron,

Thanks for the offer for a ride. I'll look you up

John

I'm starting to hear from the Model A guys. In addition to my wife's car being rejected because of the rear bumper which is identical to a photo in the judging standards, my friend's Coupe got rejected for having 19" wheels instead of 21". Another guy was rejected and was told his car is the wrong color. I haven't heard from the guy with the Model A speedster yet.

It will be interesting to see the cars that were selected.

Tom - it confuses me that the cars get rejected for those things. I find it hard to believe that they weren't rolling around exactly as you described during those years

As I read all of this I can only surmise that the Powers That Be want Factory Correct cars and not those which are products of the Loving Hands of Home.

Although I am no longer one of the folks that approve vehicles for OCF, maybe I can shed a little light on the process.

First and foremost, The Henry Ford is an educational institution and as such, approval of the vehicles is based on how accurate (out of the factory) is the restoration, including colors available from the factory. Period accurate accessories are acceptable and welcomed. THF wants to make sure it is "educating" the public correctly. I guess you could compare it to a history teacher teaching the wrong dates for historically important events. (Bill, THF recognizes and appreciates car that have been restored correctly by the "Loving Hands of Home")

Although speedsters are not, by definition, factory correct, generally, THF welcomes PERIOD CORRECT speedsters. That is, speedsters that have components that would have been used during or around the period they would have been built. In other words, for example, if an owner built a speedster two years ago, he or she should use period correct components. Granted "period correct" is open to interpretation. But, I believe THF means that if you are using a 1923 Model T chassis as a starting point, you should use parts available to you in or shortly after 1923.

As for speedster colors, I'll leave THF to answer that one.

IMHO, I think approvals for OCF became a little lax over the past 3 - 4 years which allowed for more vehicles than before making for crowded conditions. Now that they are trying to get back on track, the impression is they are being more strict.

I guess the bottom line is, there is now other show like it in the world, in the best possible setting for an old car show. There is nothing else like it so let's just enjoy a weekend that is far, far too short and let THF work things out.

Marty. Thanks for that insight. Do you know how many applications are typically made for entry? I suspect it might be several times more than the event can accommodate. If that is correct then there has to be a way to limit entry.

Bottom line, if your car is rejected don't take it personally.

What I was told was the criteria is "paint, options, and accessories appropriate for THAT model year."

Gary, I'm sure the applications now days exceed capacity. Part of the "problem" is that the OCF from its inception always attracted a lot of cars -- somewhere in neighborhood of about 500 -- until about the mid 1980s. At that time, participation dropped off to where we were lucky to get 200 cars. It was at that time that there were major changes going on at THF, although I'm not sure that was the reason for the decline. That number stayed that way for a few years. Then, for some reason, and I think it was word-of-mouth, the numbers steadily increased until we've reached the numbers we are at today. And you're right. Do not take it personally if you're car is rejected. Like I said above, let THF works things out.

John, you are correct, for restored vehicles. You're emphasis on the word THAT tells me you thought other wise. The exceptions, if you will, refer to speedsters.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Marty for your insights. I have been on that side of the fence in years past. The SCVMTFC's Endurance Run started out a casual affair, that mostly attracted nicely restored and era correct speedsters. It was a really fun event, and more and more people wanted to be included. But not all of them had the same vision of what a "speedster" should be. As the cars got worse, the people with nice cars started staying away. The Endurance Run went from having more than 60 speedsters and about the same number of non-speedsters on the companion "Lowland tour" down to less than twenty speedsters, and about a dozen on the Lowland Tour.
Several times, the club seriously discussed stopping the Run altogether.
However, a last effort was made to tighten up the rules (this was about fifteen years ago). Owners of nice speedsters were were personally called and asked to come again. And they did. Numbers more than doubled (nearly tripled actually), and the run became a wonderful and fun event again. The past eight years have dropped down a bit, due mostly to financial and age considerations for many. I haven't been myself for several years, but friends that have been going still rave about how good it is. Hopefully, next year I can have a few more of my ducks in line and go again myself.

I have never been a true purist, although I do have purist tendencies. And I have never had one of my cars judged, but I like some level of judging standards. I make my cars as nice as I am able given my circumstances, and as era correct as I can. I do that for myself, no one else.
And I hate politics! But I recognize the difficulties in running such events. You CANNOT PLEASE EVERYONE! But, sadly, being too lax and trying to be all-inclusive doesn't actually work for most people either. (That is why I tell my Endurance Run tale.)
I do still hope to go the OCF myself! (Gotta get more of those ducks in a row first.) I hope they will let me in if and when I ask!
I do wonder. (Mostly I have been staying out of the OCF discussions, but read all of them on here.) If part of the "numbers problem" is with the motorhomes and trailers? Could some favor be granted to people that can drive only their antique car to there? That could include both local people, and others that could make their own arrangements (maybe even at their hotel?), and not need modern parking on the Greenfield grounds.

Thank you again Marty B!
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2

Marty, my '15 touring is anything but restored (see picture above)just driven and cared for by my family since new.
It's all good..I'll change the fenders and paint the spokes and apply again next year

Wayne, I agree with all of the above. The good thing is is that the OCF has gone from practically begging for participants to finding it necessary to limiting them.
I think people started to realize there is no event like it at a location that is ideal. Not even charging to participate discouraged participation (THF didn't start charging to discourage anyone.) When I was on the "committee", I argued against charging thinking it would cut down on participation again. Boy, was I wrong!!

I try to be a purist as much as I can -- with an eye on the pocket book. I don't own my cars to win trophies -- I've always been of the philosophy to "Use 'em, don't abuse 'em" -- so my cars are driven. But I do like judging for others. I think it keeps restoration and authentic standards up.

I don't like politics either. Waste of time and energy.

It's tough to come up with exact speedster standards because of their very nature.

The numbers problems, apparently, are with the motor homes/trailers and participating vehicles. Just running out of room.

John, that's the way I like 'em! But, I think you will have to either paint the wheels or take them natural before being accepted.

Wayne and John, I hope to see you at OCF real soon!!

Randall Anderson has been trying to get me to go for years, and living on the other coast just didn't seem like a good idea to me, but this year I finally gave in, so I'm going. My thought is I've been around antique cars all of my life, and I've seen it all, or so I think, so it will be an interesting trip, and hope to have a good time.

Marty, like I said "It's all good..I'll change the fenders and paint the spokes and apply again next year"

Larry, glad to hear you'll be there! Send me a pm and I'll give you my cell number.

Congrats on making the long trip Larry. It's not just a great car show or the best car show. Whether you are looking at a car or a building, you will see and hear old cars and trains driving by at all times. You can't go back in time but, you WILL experience much of what it would be like if you could and no other event can match that.

Well said, Dave! You are exactly right; it is as close to time travel as you're gonna find! Antique homes, cars, trucks, busses, bikes, trains, music and folks dressed in period clothing is something you'll only experience at the OCF in Dearborn, Michigan.

I guess I need to cut up my Buffalo hide and wear it.

Nothing better. Imagine an early 20th century traffic jam....

I meant to add, "coming to an Old Car Festival near you," three Ford Sixes:

Welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looking at those K's, ... I am surprised that Henry did not put more sculpting/shape
into those hoods and radiator shells. For all the other curvature and intricacy on these
cars, the nose is a bit of a box !

Personally, I like the look......(no surprise ).

A few other iconic 1907/08 cars. Packard and Thomas had radiators with "shoulders," but many had a rather plain sloping or flowing radiator and pretty straight lines.

For anyone attending OCF, many early (pre-1910) cars will be there, including high end models. It provides a great opportunity to see various models side by side.

A few other 07-08 cars:

1907 40 hp American Underslung



Model 30 Packard:


1907 Stoddard-Dayton:


1907 Thomas Flyer:


1907 Fiat:


And the poor old plain Jane Ford:

I think the model K Ford is a beautiful car, restrained elegance at its best value. I don't have a picture handy that I can post, but Stevens Duryea of about '06 to '08 is very similar looking to the Ford K. I think the K may actually be slightly larger than the SD. I could probably look that up.
Cars were changing and developing fast in those years. A long-time close friend has a 1906 Locomobile (fantastic car). It was one of the largest USA production cars for '06. But compared to many '07 cars, it seems a bit small. I have toured alongside two different '06 Stevens Duryea cars (one belonging to an HCCA past president). I also know a fellow that has a 1909 Stevens Duryea, and have seen that car up close. A huge difference between '06 and '09.
I have got to somehow get to the OCF some year soon. Looking at the many changes and differences between makes models and years of these cars, to me, is just pure fascination! Trying to put the history into a proper perspective is somehow important to me. That is part of why I have thought for years that the Ford K was an excellent car in its day.
I suspect that the OCF would be one of the best events in the world to get a good introduction to such comparisons.
To all who are going. ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!!!
And do drive carefully, W2

I think the beauty of the model K Was 3 ignition systems Smooth power of the six cylinder with little vibration compared to a large 4 cylinder. The two speed planetary trans with no missed shift and no gear clash. Last but not least was the price which compared to some of the others was a very good value!! Some of us are very lucky to know Rob,so see Rob and i think he will make a believer out of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bud.

Yes, Rob has, to paraphrase "put the Model K on the map" for all of us. We enjoy Robs K vicariously through his Forum posts and videos, and sometimes a ride in the K. Pure pleasure....

I for one am certainly thankful for all he has done with Model K history, lore and his cars. Those of us on the Forum all know this, but I hope eventually he puts all of this into a book so it will be available to those in the future.

Just my opinion.....

Keith

I'll buy an autographed copy!

I would buy at least two! Bud in Wheeler,Mi.

Great like of the sixes.

I like the look of the K. It's all Ford but, that big front end points out how big the engine is under the hood. I'm still surprised Henry produced it.

This is just a dumb guess but i think Henry could see [1905] most makes getting larger,more powerful,and more expensive.With the model K and the model N,i think he was ready whichever way the market went?? Like i said it's just a dumb guess.Bud.

Thanks guys, hopefully I am able to get the articles and photos collected on the Model K out in some form of electronic file/book for anyone interested at some point.

Wayne, you mentioned the similarity of the K to the Stevens Duryea. I agree, and the similarities are more than "skin deep." Stevens came out with their six at the same time as Ford (1906), and they were probably the second largest producer of six cylinder cars in the world behind Ford, with just under 800 sixes sold during 1906 and 1907. Stevens made two six cylinder models, a "little" and "big" six. I don't believe any of the 50 hp big sixes remain, but have seen one little six on tour. The radiator and car resembles the Ford:



Non valve side of both motors:

Ford


Stevens


I also think the Winton sixteen six, introduced for the 1908 model year, also resembled the Ford K:

Hey I just got a call from one of the OCF organizers. He was interested in having my car for their use during some demonstrations. I agreed to help them out. I then asked if they are getting a lot of flak for the new rules and he replied that they did in the beginning but it has calmed down now. He also said to expect the same amount of cars as last year. The problem was finding parking for the huge number of old cars but they changed a few things around and it is no longer a problem. I was pleased with my conversation with him and now have a better understanding of what is going on... I just thought you guys would be interested to hear this.

Don, that is where they display your car in front of an audience and compare the differences to another make of the same vintage. Last time, mine was compared to a Dodge. This year, I was told it might be a Maxwell. Always a fun and informative part of the event.

I'm reading this with intrest...This will be my 2nd year there, but just as a viewer. I'm at least local to it now (was 5 hrs away, before last year). I had always hoped I'd be able to take my '24.... but it is no shinny show car. Seems like last year, there were many that weren't either. In any case... it is still fun... maybe be I'll see a few of you there. I might just drive the ol' girl down anyway and park in the normal parking lot.


Fella from Grayling, Mi..... I just joined the Piquette Plant museum.... hoping to volunteer a bit there, as well. It's 21 miles from Greenfield Village. I can scout some T-freindly routes, if you'd like.

Dennis