MTFCA Forum

Hi, All:

I'm driving in my first parade coming up next week. I was wondering what tips you all might have regarding driving and participating with a Model T in a parade?

Thanks!

If you do not have an auxiliary transmission, find a spot in the middle of the parade route, and park the car there and let the onlookers take their time looking at your vehicle and answer their many questions for them.

Alternatively, use the hand brake lever to put the transmission in neutral, and use only low gear during the parade.
Slow, start and stop driving is hard on the transmission and driver.
Others will have different thoughts.

Don’t make the mistake I made 35 years ago in my first parade with my Model A. I thought because we were creeping along at idle I should keep the spark advance retarded due to the slow engine speed. Big mistake overheating the engine. Be sure to advance the spark somewhat even at idle……

I line up and turn off the engine until we are ready to start moving. I have Ruckstell and put in the low range and set the parking brake in neutral. I adjust the spark and throttle to a fast idle. Just fast enough to be able to jab the low pedal and start moving without killing the engine. I set the spark about half way down or a little farther. Then as the parade moves I push the low pedal and when I catch up with everyone, I use the brake until there is a short distance ahead. That way I don't need to creep along and can leave everything set except the clutch and brake. Usually I don't have any problem with overheating. Just be sure the coolant level is OK before you begin.
Norm

Try to get as close to the front as possible. Bands like to stop and play in one spot, your car does not.

If the road is 3 lanes wide, you can drive in circles to keep air moving through the radiator. The crowd loves it when you are close to the side, but drive very slow. If there is more than one car, this becomes fun.

Try to stay away from anyone throwing candy. Kids can see a Tic Tac a mile away, run out to get it, and never notice your car.

And never, ever, get in line behind the horses!

Don't be afraid to request the parade organizers put you up front or near the front. My brother did that a year ago and it reduces the starts and stops you get farther back in line. Never hurts to ask for the favor of preference!