Recently I had feared my model T days were over. I have a herniated lumbar disc and cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Currently I am battling severe pain with a good chance of recovery: pain free if I avoid heavy lifting and twisting.

Model T cranking appears to be off limits. Rusty has a starter but needs hand cranking more than half of the time. I also have a pre-16 omnibus project planned to be starter free.

So faced with abandoning a hobby I have enjoyed for over two decades two dear friends came to the rescue. Bill Mitchell removed and replaced my starter in my grass field, in the rain! Erik Barrett rebuilt the starter to his specifications.

Now Rusty starts powerfully as he was designed to do. It appears that he will start reliably with the button on the floor. I am still suffering from pain to the point that the medication I temporarily use to tolerate life prevents my driving.

For the first month of my disability I was in too much pain to read or post to the forum. My friends got Rusty ready for our late October stag tour but due to my medications I was forced to participate as ballast in Bill Mitchell's car. Now I am looking forward to returning to the drivers seat in Rusty... some day!

We all enjoy our beloved Model T Fords. We sometimes forget our wonderful friends who help make it possible!

Bill and Erik thank you, your selfless assistance not only keeps me in the Model T hobby it provides me with a goal to reach by overcoming my health issues.

As the thread title says, Bill Mitchell and Erik Barrett are the best!

TH

Was wondering what happened to you Terry !

Chronic pain is not easy to deal with & tolerate - I wish you well.

Hope your recover fully and soon!

Terry,

What a great read !

Thanks for posting - hope you have a speedy recovery.


Freighter Jim

Terry's a great guy too!!
I wondered how the Stag tour went. Due to stuff happening in my family I've been distracted a lot lately, glad to hear the news.
T'ake care of yourself Terry!
David D.

The stag tour was a great two days in the forest just as all the trees were turning flamboyant colors. A show better than the New England colors... I can say that with confidence since I have never seen the New England fall colors.

It is possible my medications altered my perception of the scenery. As on all stag tours at every stop drivers scatter to find bushes to hide behind. I was spared this tradition; because I could barely walk I just had to hobble a few feet away from the car and open the drain on a little bag... voila, more fall colors!

TH

very nice, well done! liked reading that

Wishing you a Speedy recovery and back on the Road Soon.

Terry
Best Wishes

Also, Wishing you a complete and fast recovery!

Don't drive, RIDE carefully, and enjoy! W2

See!! Best wishes and take care of yourself!! You'er an important part of this forum/hobby.

Terry, thanks for the kind words. I have had the privilege of helping some great people in the model T family continue to drive and/or enjoy their cars when they could not handle some of the work involved. I am glad to help keep you and Rusty on the road.

Service unto others is where life's meaning is truly found.

You two cut yerself an extra slice of raisin pie.