MTFCA Forum

Greetings and thank you for the add….. I just purchased a 27 model T and I’m looking forward to learning more about this wonderful automobile

Edwin welcome to the affliction! You’ll find a bunch of great gals, guys & a few old grumps like me here to help.
Standard question & a ask. What year & type model T do you have & it ain’t true unless you’ve got a picture. So post a picture of your T.

Hello Edwin to the hobby!
My first suggestion is get the Model T Ford service manual. Read and study it. Other publications would be the manuals from the MTFCA that deal with different aspects of the car such as doing work on the transmission, engine, electrical system and so on. And when in doubt do read the instructions! And of course asking questions about your car on this forum.
Also ask the parts suppliers such as Lang’s, Snyder’s , and others to send you a parts catalog. There is a wealth of parts information in them that will guide and help you.

Remember your dealing with 100 year old technology! When driving it drive as if you have no brakes. T’s don’t come to a quick and definite stop like your modern vehicle does. You do have a braking system BUT it has to do with engine speed and your transmission along with driving habits. You will soon find out as your learning and driving.

Good luck with your new T and drive safely!

welcome to the hobby! I don't know whether or not you have had any instruction in driving a T.
Here are just a few tips. The pedals are not like a modern stick shift. You need to get the engine going above idle at approximate speed it will not kill the engine when you punch the pedal. Try to avoid slipping the bands but push down and hold firm the low or reverse pedals. Control the speed with the throttle. At about 10-15 mph let the pedal out and push the throttle up while you pass between low and high and let it into high again without slipping. Then control the speed with the throttle. When starting the engine, put the spark lever all the way up and after it starts pull it down about half to three fourth way. If you still have magneto, after starting on battery, but in neutral quickly turn the key to mag and the engine should speed up a bit. Adjust the fuel mixture by rotating clockwise till it begins st sputter, then counter clockwise till it begins to surge. The best location is about half way between those two points. Usually about 1/4 turn either way from rough to smooth. That "sweet spot" will vary according to temperature and altitude.
For climbing hills, if the engine begins to bog down, shift to a lower gear. If you go downhill use the same gear you did going uphill.
When you want to stop, first push up the gas. Then pump the brake. Only hold the brake in an emergency. It is hard on the brake to slip it.
I don't know anything about the driving conditions where you live, but it is best to use the local aroads and avoid the super highways. Drive as far right as you can, and if possible pull over to let faster cars pass. If it is quite hilly where you live, or you have a lot of traffic, it would be helpful to install auxiliary brakes. And an auxiliary transmission. If you do, the lower range actually amplifys the brake. Same as the T low gear. So if you need to stop, and you are going slow enough to use low gear, you can push the low pedal down tight while you pump the brake. Just remember to raise the foot off low before you come to a complete stop so you don't kill the engine.
I could to on, but will leave that to others. Enjoy.
Norm

Hi Edwin, welcome to the affliction! I also flew a Piper and presently also have a '27. I don't know your T's condition, but I would recommend that you download the safety inspection sheet(s) from this site and be sure that your car is up to safety standards before you drive it much.

...I would recommend that you download the safety inspection sheet(s) from this site and be sure that your car is up to to safety standards before you drive it much.

Excellent idea. Both national clubs have them.