We took our first drive yesterday since bringing Tilley home two and a half years ago. The drive was a short 7 miles and was a combination shakedown cruise and stress test. I was stressed and Tilley was shaking like she was going to fly apart. I enjoyed every short minute.
My wife chose the name Tilley, which I never liked. But she was a birthday gift from my wife so Tilley it is. I've rebuilt or replaced all of the mechanical bits (except the engine and transmission) to make her safe and tight. There are still projects to tackle but none that are keeping her off the road for any length of time. I want to thank all of you who offered advice and supplied parts to get to this day.
Driving through the rolling hills, we hit a top speed of 31 mph according to the school zone's radar sign. I didn't dare go faster since the vibration was too much for my nerves. Once we got on a flat stretch of road it became apparent that I need to take up the rods before driving her again. I had a loud rod knock at cruise speed that was not heard going up and down the hills. I'll check the mains too while I'm in there. Here are a few photos of the day's drive and one of where this car began its life in my family.
Tilley's Maiden Voyage
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- Posts: 176
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:18 pm
- First Name: James
- Last Name: Fisher
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1924, 1925-ish
- Location: Pine Mountain Georgia
- Board Member Since: 2016
Re: Tilley's Maiden Voyage
Mark I think Tilley is a great name for a T. It's a beautiful car and congratulations on getting her back on the road. I hope she creates many happy memories for you and you family.
Just give me time to Rust and I'll be good as new.
Wabi-Sabi

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- Posts: 2825
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:26 pm
- First Name: Dallas
- Last Name: Landers
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Rpu, 23 TT, 24 coupe,
- Location: N.E. Indiana
Re: Tilley's Maiden Voyage
Congrats on getting her on the road again. Hope you have many miles and smiles with her. She is a sweet girl.
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- Posts: 6523
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
- First Name: Scott
- Last Name: Conger
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919
- Location: not near anywhere, WY
- Board Member Since: 2005
Re: Tilley's Maiden Voyage
Mark, that's GREAT!
love the pictures
My first drive was around the neighborhood. My B I G drive was across town to a friends house. The car was fine. I was a wreck. I understand completely.
love the pictures
My first drive was around the neighborhood. My B I G drive was across town to a friends house. The car was fine. I was a wreck. I understand completely.
Scott Conger
Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny
NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured
Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny
NH Full Flow Float Valves™
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured
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- Posts: 1553
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:28 pm
- First Name: Duane
- Last Name: Cooley
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 18 Runabout, 24 Runabout for 20yrs, 25 TT, late Center Door project, open express pickup
- Location: central MN
- Board Member Since: 2015
Re: Tilley's Maiden Voyage
Me too. That first trip down my hill... Yikes!
Darn thing felt like it was alive.
That car has been in your family the whole time? That's cool!
Darn thing felt like it was alive.
That car has been in your family the whole time? That's cool!
Since I lost my mind mind, I feel more liberated