a Long shot

[GarJen127]

Hi, I'm kind of new here, and I know this is probably a long shot, but is there a group, or agency, or company, that help younger people, and teenagers buy classic cars? I've appealed to all of my close relatives, and no one has ever owned, or wants to own a Model T, but it has been my biggest life goal for about 2 years now. Does anyone know anything? I've found a few cheap cars on Facebook marketplace, but even the cheapest ones are either out of my budget, or just bits and pieces of a car. I know there are lots of people here who have loads of experience and knowledge. If anyone can help, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Garrett J

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... ddf5eef76c

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1832336 ... 088612769/

https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listi ... attachment

[erkbrn]

By “help,” what do you mean specifically?

I am on the younger side of the hobby and my advice would be that joining your local club (possibly before buying any T) and attending events/volunteering to help work on vehicles is probably the best thing you could do. Not everyone will accept help but I’m sure there are some out there who could use some young knuckles to bruise instead of their own. I know that the Long Beach Model T club hosts workshop events fairly regularly in Garden Grove (which is some ways but not terribly far from you). Also a good place to start both in terms of meeting members and learning how to work on model Ts. Most people are very welcoming of guests and potential new members…I’ve met those that run the Long Beach workshop and they’re friendly as can be.


I was introduced to Ts through a family friend; some of my family were a little car inclined but none were interested in Ts. Eventually I saved up to buy one and jumped right in without thinking too much and it snowballed from there (although I wish I had joined the club for a while first).
It might take a while but I would recommend that you save up and get the best, most complete/running car you can afford for your first one. Perhaps one that needs minor repairs or some deferred simple maintenance. A pile of parts will likely discourage you quickly if you don’t have a lot of car experience already. T prices are coming down (or at least remaining stable) so you don’t have to worry about inflationary car prices. Just be patient. You may get a good in-person deal from another club member eventually.

[Rod]

I recommend calling these guys https://www.ocmodelt.com/
They are located in Orange County.

I remember being your age and buying old cars. I also recommend joining your local Model T club before purchasing your first T. You will save money in the long run by buying a running car as opposed to a Fix R Upper.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

You're getting some great advice here. Essentially, the answer to your question is to join a Model T club chapter. Nobody will want to do more to help you than your fellow club members.

[Daisy Mae]

IMHO, getting into the world of antique cars takes more than just desire. Desire is just the jumping board. But making that leap carries the reality of what you're jumping into.

Getting into a local club, or with anyone local who's in the same hobby, to be immersed with like minded/skilled folks is gold. That's true of any hobby. The added benefit this hobby brings is the ability to make friendships across the country/world with some incredible folks.

Skills. If you have no automotive or fabrication skills, or tools, you WILL need them. Let that be a motivator to learn/acquire, given you won't have the ability to take your car to a local mechanic. Finding a good machine shop near you will come in handy.

Education. Read & study everything you can get and familiarize yourself with the mechanics/operation of the T. Knowledge is power, understanding brings intuition, ability for diagnosis, and to critique condition of parts.

If you have none of the above, getting into a fixer upper will become an albatross of discouragement. Don't think for a second things will happen overnight. I grew up with skills, surrounded by experience and shop equipment. My first T in my 20's took me 1 week to break down to every last bolt, 3 years to restore the rolling chassis, and 30 years to fully restore! Since then, I've restored 6 vehicles and now on my 2nd T. But even with the skills I have, there's always something to learn. Most of my questions though aren't how to do something as they are more about asking what is the collective wisdom for best options. But I still learn. It's never ending, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

The commitment to the hobby is not just desire. It requires skills, knowledge, support, motivation, time, patience, along with the never ending financial commitment (which is the biggest surprise for those getting into the hobby). Such is the basis of those recommending to buy a T in the best condition you can afford. A fixer upper will require more $$$ than it will EVER be worth!! if you can address those issues, then you have an incredibly fun world about to greet you!!

[speedytinc]

Well said Daisy.

Been expecting to see you (GarJen) @ one of our club meetings/functions.
Every Thursday evening we have hands on tech meetings. Great learning environment.
We have a tour every month. Members are a friendly, welcoming bunch.
I have seen several nice complete T's available & bought in the 5K range in our area recently.
It's up to you.

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Well said Daisy.

Been expecting to see you (GarJen) @ one of our club meetings/functions.
Every Thursday evening we have hands on tech meetings. Great learning environment.
We have a tour every month. Members are a friendly, welcoming bunch.
I have seen several nice complete T's available & bought in the 5K range in our area recently.
It's up to you.

There's the answer to your original question^^^

[A Whiteman]

Hi Garrett,
Welcome to the T world - and we are spread all over the world too. All the best with your search and we look forward to hearing how you get on
Kind regard
Adrian Whiteman (New Zealand)

[Norman Kling]

Look up the Orange County Model T club or the Long Beach club.l Many members of both would be happy to help you. I live in San Diego county but a bit far from you.
Norm

[George House]

Kurt Andersson gave the best and most complete advice to a Model T newcomer that I’ve ever read. It could almost be a Commencement Address….

[GarJen127]

Thank you all very much for your kind words and I have been researching and gathering information, I even look all over Facebook marketplace, Hemmings, classic cars.comm, and Craigslist. I know the basics of how to care for, and drive a model t. The only problem is my lack of a Model T, and a lack of funds to buy one. Thanks so much for all of your help.

[tdump]

lack of funds is why it took me so long to get a model t . i bought parts and peices over the course of a few years and assembled my tt truck first, then wanted something faster so i had a few parts already, i started looking for parts again and it took me longer,as in 12 years or so to get that t finished.
but i learned alot, met alot of good people and the parts were repaired and assembled just as if i was taking a car apart and restoring it.
a good running car nowadays is not as out of reach as they once were. 5 to 9 thousand ought to buy a decent running 17-27 touring. you can always buy another or build a speedster later on.
just put your money back and save for a while, and keep learning. to be honest, depending on your age, to establish some credit, get a loan and use it to get some thing started. i was always afraid to go in debt for something i wanted and didn't need but as i got older i decided i could earn more money than i could health and life, so go ahead and get something you want while you are young enough to enjoy it if you are working and able to pay for it.

[Daisy Mae]

+1 on what Mack said.
Don't let finances detract you from your dream.
It took me 30 years to restore my TT. It's called priorities. Once I had kids, there was NO time or money for the T.
Frustrating? Yes. Demotivating? Yes. I got to the point of hating seeing it in the garage. It represented failure in my eyes.
But I had wanted a T since I was 7...a 1914 Touring was THE dream. But decades ago the value of any brass era T in decent condition was in the stratosphere, well beyond any consideration. My TT, while affordable, was a rust bucket requiring a full on 100% restoration. But I never let go of the dream. I eventually finished my TT.
In the years since, as I've accrued more spare time & money, I've restored a '65 Mustang 'vert, a '78 VW bus, a '29 Model A Roadster, with an '88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and '71 VW Dune Buggy in current progress. I sold my TT when I retired 7 years ago, but never let go of 'THE' dream. Last year I was able to find my dream car, in relatively decent shape for a price that would have been unheard of decades ago. The jeep and DB slid down in priority, but still in progress as I explore Daisy. So you just never know. The message being don't ever let anything stand in the way of your dream...not time, not $$. There's always a way. Often, it's simply patience. Everyone here can attest to the fact the shits & giggles factor of T ownership is worth every effort.
It is heartening to know there are those of the younger generations who still seek & desire to be the next care takers of these magnificent machines. Make goals...achieve goals.

[GarJen127]

+1 on what Mack said.
Don't let finances detract you from your dream.
It took me 30 years to restore my TT. It's called priorities. Once I had kids, there was NO time or money for the T.
Frustrating? Yes. Demotivating? Yes. I got to the point of hating seeing it in the garage. It represented failure in my eyes.
But I had wanted a T since I was 7...a 1914 Touring was THE dream. But decades ago the value of any brass era T in decent condition was in the stratosphere, well beyond any consideration. My TT, while affordable, was a rust bucket requiring a full on 100% restoration. But I never let go of the dream. I eventually finished my TT.
In the years since, as I've accrued more spare time & money, I've restored a '65 Mustang 'vert, a '78 VW bus, a '29 Model A Roadster, with an '88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and '71 VW Dune Buggy in current progress. I sold my TT when I retired 7 years ago, but never let go of 'THE' dream. Last year I was able to find my dream car, in relatively decent shape for a price that would have been unheard of decades ago. The jeep and DB slid down in priority, but still in progress as I explore Daisy. So you just never know. The message being don't ever let anything stand in the way of your dream...not time, not $$. There's always a way. Often, it's simply patience. Everyone here can attest to the fact the shits & giggles factor of T ownership is worth every effort.
It is heartening to know there are those of the younger generations who still seek & desire to be the next care takers of these magnificent machines. Make goals...achieve goals.

Thank you so much for all of your kind words, and inspiration, it really means a lot to me.

[moozark]

Yeah, but it's not just the "young guys" who can't afford a Model T. I'm an "old guy" at 65. I've loved Model T's ever since I was about 14 but have never had a complete running car. Like many people's experience, life simply got in the way. When I was a teenager, I got my dad interested in old cars. I helped him restore several Model Ts and Model As. I had an incomplete 1915 Ford runabout that I assembled from parts, back in the late 1970s. I rewooded the roadster body myself. I cut the wood in my high school shop class using Mel Miller plans. But I moved away from home, went to college, got married, and went into the world of work. There was always bills to pay and I could never justify spending the family budget on a Model T. Then I went through a series of "life problems." I lost multiple jobs. Had to send kids to college. Got cancer. Lost my house (more than once). I sold my Model T back around 2008, and began buying Model T parts. I wanted to "build" a car and found out that was a mistake. I accumulated a lot of parts but they fit everything from a 1909 to a 1914. Then one day, I finally decided that I didn't really like working on old rusty cars. I've still got the parts but now I'm afraid of losing a storage place.

I love all things historical. I am now a freelance writer, writing fiction and non-fiction books about the Missouri Ozarks. I would still love to have a Model T. I'm not dead yet. I'm still holding out hope that I will have one (or 7) before I'm gone. I would rather die with cars in my garage than money in the bank.

[Will_Vanderburg]

I am here to tell you from experience to buy a running/drivable car. I wanted a T since I was 11 or 12, and bought a basket case when I was 29. I raised that hulk from the dead over a 13 year period and got it to run and drive with help from a couple of friends in 2009. The car is complete and restored to look like it’s been taken care of for the last 101 years. I am now doing a 22 sedan “Centerdoor” from the ground up, something I said I would never do as a restoration again. But here we are. Get every book, repair manual and restoration guide you can get your hands on if you go the restoration route.

If I had to relive it all over again, I would buy a restored car.

[babychadwick]

Ask yourself how much do you have in your current driver? If you had something cheaper or waited longer for your car upgrade how would the effect your T budget?

[GarJen127]

Ask yourself how much do you have in your current driver? If you had something cheaper or waited longer for your car upgrade how would the effect your T budget?

I don’t quite understand what your saying, but I don’t currently own a model t.

[varmint]

Garrett,
This T is the fourth car that I have restored from a junk state. It has taken about 9 years but I'm older and up for the challenge. I grew up with no training or wealth. I do not recommend you getting into a long term project that may last into the beginning of marriage as you don't know what she likes or despises. I am proof that it does indeed cost more to start with a box of rusty bolts but it is something we entered together. I agree with employment, save funds, buy the most complete car.

[Norman Kling]

I recommend that you find the nearest chapter of Model T Ford club and join first. Quite often a member who gets physically unable to drive a T anymore, will have a good running one for sale. If you find one not owned by a member, get a member to go with you to look at it and see how it drives. I wish I had done that when I bought my first one. It always pulled to one side when driving and the engine was about 4 inches lower on one side than the other. The chassis is bent causing the problem. It could be fixed by replacing with a different chassis or trying to straighten the existing one. Also the transmission bands were worn out and I had to get my son to push me to get it rolling fast enough to run in high. The last few miles to home are all uphill and light traffic so I ran all stop signs until the hill was too steep to go in high and had to be towed the rest of the way home. A member who drives a T can help you find one for sale which is driveable just as it is. Then you can fix things as they occur instead of starting with a mess.
Norm

[ModelTWoods]

I don't know if you have only been looking locally, within 500 miles of your location, on Facebook, but in other parts of the U.S. I have seen some 'deals' on Model T's within the last year. I suspect you have been searching locally so that shipping wouldn't be an expense to add to the purchase of a car, so I understand. Unfortunately, having a "Champaign desire on a Beer budget", usually won't buy a running, presentable Model T. When I was in my late teens, I had worked for a few years and saved some money. Model T's were a lot more reasonably priced back in the 1950's and 60's, and I bought a Depot Hack made from a 23 touring chassis for $900.00. Those were "the days".

[Steve Jelf]

Patience is not only a virtue. It's your friend.
Model T is a wide-ranging term. It covers cars of many styles, conditions, and prices. You already know enough to have some interest. Have you studied enough to have some idea where you want to start? https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG98.html
A common piece of advice that is very sound: Your first T should be the best you can afford. While studying the market, build a Model T fund. Best you can afford refers to condition. At one extreme is the showroom-fresh peach. At the other extreme is the junker that will require complete rebuilding. The second will come cheaper than the first, but will cost you several times more in time and money. The more there is which the other guy has already done, the better it will be for you.
The link I posted above takes you to a page that may be helpful. This one takes you to a lot of other links on various Model T subjects: https://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG52.html

[Norman Kling]

A lot depends on what you are going to do with your T. Some like their cars to look like a "barn find" That is a little rust and oxidation in the finish, but otherwise straight. If an open car the top should be good enough that it doesn't flap around in the breeze. Mechanically it should be well running. Just the look of an old car which had been setting in the barn. Too much rust and you will have extensive body repairs to do. Others want a "show car" which is in perfect condition and is just trailered to car shows not driven around. Others want a car which looks good but is driven on tours or even a daily driver. It might not be in perfect body condition, but runs, stops and starts well and no knocks or worn engine or overheating. Others want modifications which increase speed and power. Some with auxiliary transmission to give more gears so the hill climbing and flat land driving are more powerful or faster. In the latter case, remember the drivetrain was built for 22 horse power so it is easier to brake an axle or driveshaft. Also good to have auxiliary brakes but still drive as though it had no brakes. Gear down while you pump the brake so the engine will help you slow down and stop.
Others modify the body to make a " speedster" Anyway, it is good to join a club and look at the other cars before you decide just what you areally want. Then see the local club members Vehicles for sale. also the national Vintage ford for vehicles for sale. Remember the Facebook is not always actual members of the club. In my case, I have 3 Model T's but none of my 5 children are interested in the hobby, so someday our cars will be for sale. Many owners are in similar circumstances. So you might find a good one within a few hundred miles from home. Maybe even in your area.
Norm

[John Codman]

I'll jump in line with those who say buy the best car that you can afford. In the long run it will save you a lot of $$ and also a lot of work. That rule applies to any used car. If you purchase what is about one step above a pile of parts, it is quite likely that you will end up selling your pile of parts equipped with some new parts for well less then you have invested in it. For my first T one non-negotiable requirement would be that it has to run and move in all gears. Once you have driven and worked a bit on your T, you may become addicted and want to restore another T.

[GarJen127]

A lot depends on what you are going to do with your T. Some like their cars to look like a "barn find" That is a little rust and oxidation in the finish, but otherwise straight. If an open car the top should be good enough that it doesn't flap around in the breeze. Mechanically it should be well running. Just the look of an old car which had been setting in the barn. Too much rust and you will have extensive body repairs to do. Others want a "show car" which is in perfect condition and is just trailered to car shows not driven around. Others want a car which looks good but is driven on tours or even a daily driver. It might not be in perfect body condition, but runs, stops and starts well and no knocks or worn engine or overheating. Others want modifications which increase speed and power. Some with auxiliary transmission to give more gears so the hill climbing and flat land driving are more powerful or faster. In the latter case, remember the drivetrain was built for 22 horse power so it is easier to brake an axle or driveshaft. Also good to have auxiliary brakes but still drive as though it had no brakes. Gear down while you pump the brake so the engine will help you slow down and stop.
Others modify the body to make a " speedster" Anyway, it is good to join a club and look at the other cars before you decide just what you areally want. Then see the local club members Vehicles for sale. also the national Vintage ford for vehicles for sale. Remember the Facebook is not always actual members of the club. In my case, I have 3 Model T's but none of my 5 children are interested in the hobby, so someday our cars will be for sale. Many owners are in similar circumstances. So you might find a good one within a few hundred miles from home. Maybe even in your area.
Norm

I like the idea of getting a car that is original, but it's been cleaned and polished to be able to look it's best. I've linked down below one of my Dream T's, that is currently for sale on this forum and is a 1914 touring for less than $7,500! I just hope I can save up enough to make an offer before someone else buys it, because even a newcomer like me realizes what an amazing deal that is!

[GarJen127]

The Link

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=45232

[GarJen127]

The Link

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=45232

Nevermind, it sold

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

The Link

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=45232

Nevermind, it sold

It wasn't meant to be. When the time is right you'll find a car that's right for you.

[Tadpole]

That is the truth. Like many things, the right one will simply fall in your lap and you'll be glad!

[Sean Butler]

Garrett:
Please make a point of contacting the Orange County Model T Club and attending one of their Monthly Meetings or weekly “Garage Parties” that John, AKA Speedytinc, speaks of. John is a wealth of knowledge and is a stickler for doing things right the first time to save you headaches down the road, both mechanically and financially. There are others whose brains are worth picking as well.

I have taken both routes to the 2 Ts I have owned. My first when I was 20 was just a chassis, at least that’s what the guy I bought it from told me. He was in fact correct, only it was just a pile of parts in the back of a dump truck. I had pretty much never even changed my own oil when I started out on this endeavor, no friends or family that owned or worked on old cars, and no clubs in my area. My only real resources starting out were Hemmings Motor News and the catalogs from the parts suppliers. Needless to say, after 3-½ years of work, I knew every nut, bolt, and cotter pin on my finished speedster and boy, did I learn a lot!

Fast forward to today. Well, actually, 2 years ago. Forty years later I decided it was time to have a T to drive again. This time I purchased a fully restored early touring car. Having to routinely travel to 3 different corners of the country has made taking on a big project impractical and I now get to make up for all those years where life got in the way. In either case, though, I did what others here have mentioned; I bought the most complete, best conditioned car I could afford. There’s a big difference between 20 and 63!

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[walber]

As others have shared - Buy a car that runs! The less mechanical experience you have the more critical that is.

I had lots of experience working on cars from the 50's up to new when I got my first T in the early 80's. I was lucky that an experienced T guy looked it over for me and said it was a real decent deal at 4K and I never saw him again. The man I bought it from knew nothing about it as it was just one of several cars he inherited. I used the little instruction booklet to learn to drive my new to me 25'ish touring car. Not all correct but it did run. I learned a lot on my own but later found a welcoming Model T club (Puget Sound Chapter of MTFCA) and continued to learn and participate. I've since owned other Model Ts and built a speedster up from a bare chassis. Joining a local club is really important as there are those in the club who know and understand the cars and people and are almost always willing to help newbies and fellow members as things come up.

I love the hobby and the cars and still feel a Model T is the best entry into the vintage car hobby.

Good Luck with your search. Save your $ and exercise patience and the right car will come along.

[Sean Butler]

Garrett:
To chime back in, tagging on Walt’s post, people want to help. I’m sure you’re seeing that in these responses. Mostly, it’s just their nature but second to that, we all want our hobby to continue and the Model T be enjoyed by many. That requires it to continue on, through the likes of yourself, Garrett, and those you may pass this affliction on to. Interestingly enough, in Walt’s post, he mentions finding “The Welcoming Puget Sound Chapter of the MTFCA”. While spending time in the PNW and inquiring on The Forum about chapters in the region, Walt was the one who reached out to me to come meet and join. Welcoming indeed! Another great group as I’m sure they all are. Keep your nose to the grindstone and be patient.

[Norman Kling]

Another thing to consider is that the earlier the car the more wood in the body. The cars made before the 1926 have a wood body with sheet metal tacked onto it. Many times the wood has rotted or has termites. In those cases you might need to remove the sheet metal and replace the wood or the entire body will sag. also the metal needs to be primed on the inside so it won't rust out. The more the car is parked outside, or if you live close to the coast, the fog and salt mist in the air will work on the inside of the body. Even in steel top the top can rust from the inside. If the car has always lived 30 miles or more from the coast, and parked indoors it will have less rust in the metal. Even the sedans and coupes have a lot of wood in them and the top can leak causing the upholstery and wood to go bad or the steel can rust.
Norm