Hi,
I'm Glascott from Dublin, Ireland.
I'm currently getting a 1949 BSA motorcycle back on the road and I think I have caught the restoration bug!
I'm looking into the possibility of getting a T as a restoration project.
Where should I start as far as reading- guides, service manuals, parts lists etc..?
Are there any good online site for buying T parts?
I've found a dealer in England who seems to keep a good stock of old parts. Is there anyone making new parts?
I've seen a C cab truck at an affordable price, it's very rough and I'm not sure how complete, but money is tight.
Something like a roadster would be nice but I'm sure I can something of a truck.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
First, study. Obtain the books Model T FordOwner and Model T, The Car That Changed The World.
Parts are the least of your problems. A site like this is great, but you need a foundation of knowledge. What do you want to do with a T? Country drives on your own or club activities? Show car or driver? Rare early car-think € here- or common?
A TT is a great starting place. You can build your own body to suit, if desired. A complete as possible is best for a newbie. This is a great hobby with people all over the world to help. Post some pictures of what you have been finding for input. Still the least expensive antique car to have.
I'd want it for driving, getting it to a factory fresh condition is beyond my level of interest or ability at the moment.
Also, define rough. I missed out on a very nice TT because the son-in-law seller raved about how rough it was.It was actually a very low miles original truck with a beautiful patina of rust and ragged upholstery. Needed only fuel system cleaning and new wiring an tire s to run disgustingly well.In Yankee money, how much we talking?
Lost the sentence 'for the C Cab'
When I said rough, I meant rough. The chassis looks solid, there are 2 trucks going cheap, the tourer is a bit too exspensive for me and as you can see there is a good selection of rolling chassis with this dealer.
Looks like the drive up to Neil Tuckett's shed. Not a bad place to start looking and learning.
Are these in Ireland? They all appear to be left hand drive. Assuming the frames are not all bent and twisted, there are several starts there.Good radiators and wheels are a big expense. What is the deal with the wire wheeled chassis? With the rough stuff outside, one would assume the good lies in the buildings.
No these are in England and they are LHD Although T's were assembled in Cork there don't seem to be many up for sale, not ones for restoration anyway.
Those outside rolling chassis were just a photo from his page I didn't get details on any of them.
I've see a few done up ones for sale in Ireland and they vary between left and right hand drive and usually exspensive.
Here's a mix of books recommended when you have a Model T in need of repairs: http://www.dauntlessgeezer.com/DG80.html
The "Model T Fordowner" compilation of 1920's articles by Murray Fahnestock is enjoyable even without a Model T - you'll be familiar with the nature of the beast even before you've found one
I expect the prices across the pond are higher than shown here, but this can give you a comparison of relative values. http://www.dauntlessgeezer.com/DG98.html
I forgot to mention that most of us find this a very enjoyable form of madness.
Thanks for all the advice. I've some reading to do now.
Here's free reading: http://www.mtfca.com/books/bookmenu.htm
And here's even more reading online http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/mtdl_year_title_list.htm