MTFCA Forum

I was reading a thread on the 2009 discussion forum and saw an interesting topic. It said, “ I was thinking of writing a short article on say the top 10 T tips for new owner/drivers. Something along the lines of basic techical tips, driving tips and maintenance tips. What would you recommend to a new T enthusiast?”

I don’t know if there’s necessarily any new T wisdom under the sun but curious to revisit since it’s a decade or more later. What are your best T tips you’ve learned over all your years in the hobby? What would you pass on to the next generation of T enthusiasts?

Darin

Always remember a T doesn’t have real brakes like your modern vehicle!

Remember you do this for fun and never leave home without your sense of adventure (but be prepared).

If you don't know or are not sure if your rear axle has had the babbitt thrust washers replaced with bronze ones, take the rear axle apart to make sure. You could lose your brakes if the babbitt ones fail. I know, it happened to me and lots of others.
Keith

Always keep your eyes focused a full block ahead of you and drive like you have no brakes.

If you drive in a parade set the lever in neutral. This way, if your foot slips off the low pedal you won't stall the engine and possibly have to get out of the car to wind 'er up again (embarrassing) or lurch ahead and take out the boy scout troop clowning around in front of you (even more embarrassing).

Be ready to answer inquisitive questions at any time. What color black car are you driving, are you the original owner, can you put unleaded gas in it, how fast will it go, and or stop, where do you go to have it serviced, how often do you have to wind her up? These are just a few, be ready for more with a smile. Just a thought. Frank

Did you drive it here?
Yep. It was too heavy to carry.

DHort wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 12, 2020 10:18 pm

Always keep your eyes focused a full block ahead of you and drive like you have no brakes.

Amen to that brother. I try to drive our T's that way. Actually, not a bad tip for driving any car!

If you must park it on a hill, park it pointing down hill. That way it will have sufficient oil at the front of the engine during start up.

John M, you must be a truck driver !

Rich Bingham wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 13, 2020 12:07 pm

John M, you must be a truck driver !

For 24 years.

Someone needs to make a brass tag to put on a differential housing bolt that says "Brass Thrust Washers installed."

Always take along a cell phone when you go more than walking distance from home---just--in--case--
Before you set out, check the oil level, the water level, and put some oil in the oilers and turn down the grease cups. Also check the air pressure in the tires.
Norm

John , I put a tag on the differential housing .
Toon

Toon, I like that.

I’d tell folks to join MTFCA and get involved in the forum. Frequently use google and such to search the forum by typing MTFCA and then the keywords for their question.

This forum has provided a lot of knowledge by simply reading through its threads for countless hours. Bedtime reading, reading while holding parts in hand wondering where to go next, etc.

Darin

As an added item to what sarikatime said above, remember whenever you drive your T, it's a parade, and / or they ask "where's the show". Concerning shows, where ever you park the T, they treat it like it's a show.

Keith

When you get your 1st T, make sure you have room for more.

Take particular note of exactly how many turns from fully closed to normal running setting of your carburetor adjustment is, and memorize the setting, or, especially if you have more than one "T", maybe even write it down! It's not uncommon to have difficulty in getting your "T" engine started after some little kid (or anybody) was twisting and playing with your carburetor adjustment, unknown to you or anybody else. It's happened to me, and a couple other "T" owners, and it's unbelievable how much frustration that can cause when you waste a lot of time, energy, and maybe burn up a starter motor when you and maybe even several other "T" club members can't figure out why the "T" won't start. Sounds pretty "dumb" I know, but it happens!

Along the same vein, I started collecting "Do's and Don'ts" in late 2018 but then was taken out of action by a shattered ankle and never shared the result with the forum. I dug it up and polished it a bit and here it is - you'll need to download the free Adobe Reader if you don't already have it.

"What would you pass on to the next generation of T enthusiasts?"
You do not really HAVE to pull the engine/unit power plant OUT to change the main-clutch discs on some cars.
BTDT. (Been There, Done That.)

Tim,

Thank you for sharing that list!

Darin

My additions to the lists above:

- Too much lubrication is far superior to too little (an oily T is a happy T).
- A top-notch radiator is worth every penny.
- Size 12 flip-flops are too wide for Model T pedals.
- Assume other drivers will do unspeakably stupid things.

My tip is if the motor seems to not be running quite right, look- clean the timer. People are to quick to condemn the coils. Cleaning the timer costs nothing.

To add to what Dallas said, make sure you room for more friends! Dave

My biggest Tip for a new Model T driver is, Don't be afraid to drive her. Check to make sure she is mechanically sound then put her on the road.

Don't be afraid to drive her.

Yes. I never drove a Model T more than ten miles from home until four years ago when I set out for a Model T field day at Galva, 125 miles from home. I was on the road a little before sunup. As I cruised through the countryside I became aware that I felt tense, and made a conscious effort to relax. A few miles farther up the road I became aware that I felt tense, and made a conscious effort to relax. This happened a few more times. It was on this first long trip, a few miles from my destination, that I had the adventure of sliding off a muddy road and into a pile of brush. A phone call brought Chris Paulsen and Steve Robbins who helped me get the car back on the road. I drove on to Galva, had fun at the field day, and drove the 125 miles home. As the sun sank below the hedge by the west field, I arrived home feeling perfectly relaxed.

After that I drove to a tour around Concordia, about 200 miles away, and Bartlesville, about 60 miles from home. Both those trips included a flat tire, but nothing more serious. Just part of the adventure.

So two years ago I contemplated a drive to Detroit for the Old Car Festival. But I was apprehensive about making that long a trip in a 103-year-old car. Mike Bender pointed out that wherever I went there would likely be Model T folks nearby to help out if I needed it. So I went. It turned out Mike was right. In Wisconsin I had a rod go bad. Joe Reid was just ten miles away. He brought a trailer and we hauled the T to Adam Doleshal's shop in Oconomowoc. Adam installed a new rod and I drove home.

Even with the rod problem, I had a grand time on that OCF trip, so I did it again last year. That trip included a broken shackle and another flat tire. Again, local Model T guys helped with the shackle, and a local guy who just happened to be passing by helped with the tire. Just part of the adventure.

I enjoy Model T travel, and I fully intend to do a lot more.

Don't be afraid to drive her.
On the new brick Main Street in Albion, Michigan, 900 miles from home.

Have at least one (more than one is better) CO2 or Chemical fire extinguisher next to you when starting, welding or working on your your T, especially in the garage in case of a gasoline fire. Do not use water to douse a gasoline fire. It will only spread it. Also, if you have a propane or natural gas water heater in the garage, make sure the pilot light is lit before working on or starting your T in the garage. A backfire or even a spark from the spark coils can ignite natural and propane gas. Jim Patrick

Steve is definitely an inspiration to the rest of us but his travels bring up a point. When I tour with a group we always have between us an impressive collection of tools and spare parts. When I travel alone, not so..... It would certainly be helpful to have a published list (electronic or paper) of folks across the country willing to lend a hand in case of a breakdown. I've only had a T for a couple of years and while I know a few guys in Michigan I'd be mostly lost traveling out of state. Maybe there could be a new section added to the website. It could be a listing by state of everything from guys with a complete workshop to those with a spare room or a trailer to get you to where you could effect repairs. I fit more in the latter category but I would be more than willing to come to the aid of a fellow Model T'er, even if I had to travel some distance to do it. What do you think?