MTFCA Forum

Has anyone ever put a handle on the Deck Lid of their Coup to make it easier to lift .. trying to think of something that wont look out of place on my '25 work in progress.

I just use the key as a handle.
I believe that is why it was made so large.

Yes that’s what I do also. I have a 24 Coupe which I turn the key and lift the lid. It has a wood frame and just a little snug but that’s the way I do it.

Yeah.. the key seems to be the way Henry decided was the process.
I checked the suppliers lists and there is nothing listed .
Guess the key has worked for 97 years .

My lid locks every time it is closed so I have to use the key to open it anyway so…….

Maybe you could install small gas filled struts inside so that once opened the lid would pop up automatically.

Not my cup of tea but it is your car.

The 1926-27 coupes are the same way but the deck lid is a lot heavier. You have use the deck lock key to pull the deck lid up just enough to get your hand under the lid and then lift it up the rest of the way to set the deck lid stay up bracket. I wonder how many 26-27 coupe owners over the years have been swallowed by their deck lid.

RE Swallowed; Don't know, but felt like I could have been putting a battery in a 26 coupe!

.... or a ‘26 roadster too. Have to remove the spare wheel to service the battery.

I don’t don’t think Model T’s would be considered USER FRIENDLY in today’s vehicle world.
But at least mine has a starter

To work on or check the battery on my’25 Coupe I find it much easier to remove the seat for access from the front rather than get a ladder and lean into the trunk. Leaning in is easy. Straightening back out is the problem.

I can envision me falling into the trunk and then the lid slamming shut and locking. I wonder how long it would take for a family member to find me ?

With the battery conundrum I cheated and made a metal battery box with a demountable side that can be accessed from under the car. Slide the battery out and gravity helps with the vertical problem.
Still an absolute pig of a thing to undo the post terminals though.

I've considered using a strut like is on a modern SUV that would allow the lid to be held up and would need to be pushed down to close. One strut would do it.

If you don't mind modifying the car, the strut idea would be excellent on the later cars. I'd suggest two struts to avoid any strain on the lid and hinges while preventing any tendency of the lid to rattle. A less intrusive option would be to carry one of those suction cup dent pullers. Something along the lines of a spring at each lower corner of the lid could also work.

'26 Coupe:
I also use the key to lift it
And access the battery by removing the seat back.