MTFCA Forum

I know we kid each other a lot, and that is part of the fun.... however, I want to get serious for a moment. My wife is upstairs practicing on the piano for a funeral service tomorrow and it got me thinking about things not said that should be.

I'm new to Model T's (2018) and regret that I didn't discover the hobby earlier. I've learned that to own a Model T is to be part of a very large family - strangers quickly become friends and some friends become brothers. You're never alone in the hobby - when you need help it is freely given. The motto "We never leave a Model T behind" is true. I've seen it over and over where someone has trouble on a tour and others stop what they're doing to get them back on the road or safely recovered with a trailer. I've learned a great way to meet people is to just put your hood up.... folks just show up asking if you need help. In our own little club we gather when needed to give each other a hand and have a great time doing it.

What I've enjoyed most about the hobby is the camaraderie and socializing that involves the whole family. We set a good example for others in that respect. I've also enjoyed the chance to expand my knowledge and have learned so much about the workings of a Model T that I surprise myself. Most of that knowledge came from others that freely and patiently shared what they know. When I get the chance I appreciate the opportunity to pass some of that knowledge on to others who are starting out and need a hand.

To conclude, to all you old time Model T'ers out there, thank you for accepting me into the Model T family....I'll try to live up to your example.

“There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own.”...anon

It was the exact above sentiment from Oldav8tor that enabled this south Texas boy to make the acquaintance of Tim Juhl on the side of the road in western IN.

Very nicely said.
Thanks Tim and George.

George is modest…his efforts helped this newbie get his car running and back on the road… he is a good example of what I was talking about. Rich is another, freely sharing his wonderful artwork. In my case it was a beautiful painting of my dad and grandparents in their 1917 Model T that I and my family cherish. The list of such fine people is a long one.

I agree. On every tour I've been on, if someone pulls over, others will stop to see if everything is OK and we always have at least one driver who follows as the last car, just in case. in the longer tours we usually have at least one truck and trailer along to follow the group and who also carries spare oil, coolant, fuel etc. Also many offer spare spark plugs, timers, coils or other helps along the way.
Norm

Wonderfully said - the Model T family is like none other I've encountered.
These beautiful ole cars are the catalyst to meet some of the finest people!

Kathy T.

Glad to have you aboard Tim, (and Joan too!).

I was humbled yesterday by experiencing first hand what I described in my original post. Without going into detail, my transmission misbehaved badly yesterday afternoon and upon examination, I found a cracked reverse drum. In moments, my carefully laid plans for the summer were in question.

I called my friend Brian Dowell to discuss the problem and he insisted we should get the engine out that night and send it along with another engine from a friend that we were dropping off for a tranny rebuild on Monday. He put things into motion and a couple of hours later he and Tony Osentoski made the hour-long drive to my place and started the process of removing the engine. Meanwhile, my friend Gene Butler had driven a half-hour from his home, bringing a trailer and cherry picker. Along the way he stopped and loaded the other fellows engine so we would have everything together that we needed. They didn't complain, just dug in and in good humor did the job and had the engine strapped to the trailer by 10pm.

Those guys just dropped what they were doing and came to my aid because they wanted to help and thought it made sense to get the engine to the rebuilder as soon as possible. I can't help but wonder what I did to deserve such friends. Brian, Tony and Gene represent the best of the Model T community and exemplify the "Model T Way." When it's my turn to lend a helping hand I will do my best to follow their example. Thanks guys!

I met Brian Dowell at the OFC last fall. He is one of the most caring persons I have ever known. A great asset to the model t hobby.

Art Mirtes