MTFCA Forum

I see this model t chapter on the MTFCA list located in Maryland but can’t seem to get ahold of anyone involved in it. I don’t know if anyone here knows if it’s still up and running. They had a website before but I can’t seem to find that either. It’s the only chapter reasonably close to me so any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Bryant

The same issue here in Central Virginia. No active Model T only in but there are people here with them. Just talking with Bob T, we are buying tools, like the ECCT for example that we could "share" not to mention other resources such as labor & skills,and doing outings together at our pace and not being ignored by the clubs that only care about noise, speed and trophies. After a year of local cruize in's and shows we joined a club because they asked us to, and the others just sit in clicks and take my money, kind of like what I have experienced in some churches, and then the complaints from the non winners because the showed up for the day. The big Antique Club is really not interested unless you have 1 of a kind or are showing off your bank account with your vehicle or going to be a worker bee.
Its cool how independent and non-conforming T owners are, but it comes at a cost, guess I could be considered jealous of those of you who have good local friends, groups and or clubs.

Anyone want to start something in the Richmond/Central VA?

When I was a kid, my dad and I thought that a reliable "T" was one that would always get on the trailer by itself and after arriving at the show, would drive across the lawn to it's assigned spot.

A fellow would always show up with a spectacular Torpedo, which dad and I always lusted over. He'd barely speak to us, but if he did, invariably someone more important than us would interrupt us and that fellow would spin around and engage in lively conversation with who ever it happened to be. When we could, we'd ask questions of this guy and get the least amount of words a person could muster and still complete a sentence. We were on our own. It was not until 45 years later that I discovered that this same gentleman was president of the local MTFxx chapter. Not a word did he mention about it, much less invite us.

Years after that, I was encouraged to start a local chapter of MTFCA/MTFCI, and I reluctantly helped start one (glad I did, now, but then, I wished to only be independent). Having had such a bad beginning in the hobby, and being denied the knowledge of a National Club for so many years, I was not impressed with the idea. Thankfully that opinion has changed, but sometimes I still have my moments!

I encourage any new or existing club to read the following and consider creating a mission statement of their own along the following ideas as presented below...

As part of our Mission Statement, I insisted that each newsletter proclaim the following:

Guidelines and Principles – all members and guests can expect the following:

1. Traditions – there are some things that we do that folks REALLY enjoy and we need to make
sure that such events/happenings are a recurring theme.
2. Excellent Reputation – we aim to be the friendliest club in Florida. If you attend as a guest or
new member, you WILL be greeted by the membership, will be made to feel welcome, and
will be engaged in meaningful conversation.
3. Stability – we will have consistent communication and regularly scheduled meetings allowing
all members and participants to plan ahead for coming activities.
4. Content – meetings and events will be planned and organized in such a fashion as to be both
educational as well as entertaining.
5. Inclusive – meetings and activities will be managed in a fashion that makes them accessible to
all members…Tampa Bay has a large and dense population, and meetings will be held in
various places throughout the year allowing for everyone to attend at least a few meetings
with a minimum amount of trouble or effort.
6. Supportive – if you have a question or a need, the club will make every attempt to fulfill it.
Information, “How-to” advice, a helping hand with a project, or simply another set of eyes to
look for the source of a problem will be available

Sounds like that fellow might have been happier in a very exclusive Bugatti Club, or maybe Isotta Fraschini ... with himself as president and sole member.

I believe one of the main members of the Blue and Gray chapter had passed away in Dec 2021. So I guess it’s possible it thru that club for a loop. I guess folks are just getting older with less younger people coming in. I am just having a hard time finding any locals within my Appalachian mountain bubble. I thought about starting a club but it would have to be labeled the “lone wolf T club” because I don’t know anyone

Hey Bryant,
I live close to you and tried sending an email and PM but doesn't look like anything sent. Try PMing and/or emailing me if you don't get anything from me.
Cheers,
Mike
mikey19681@gmail.com

Scott,
You are right on. I agree with everything you wrote, but I could not have said it as well you have I have. When I bought my car 45 years.ago, I was ignored and sort of deserted at a club event. This when I needed instructions and advice.
The members of the 7 year old club help each other and welcome all guests and new members at our meetings. So far, the club has been successful with about 25 members. It started with 17 members.

Art Mirtes

Hi everyone, I’m the VP of the Central VA Model T Club here in Richmond, Va. we are an active club usually have just a couple of one day tours each year as well as our annual luncheon. Since Covid hit, we have put our annual meetings on hold, but do hope to start back up later fall if health issues subside. We are a friendly group with plenty of folks helping one another. We do require that that our members are also members of the Model T Club of America (for insurance purposes for our tours and coverage for our officers). Annual membership is only $5.00 per year. If you’d like to be added to our email list, please contact me, we welcome anyone!
Kindest Regards,
Bob Richmon
Bobveco@aol.com
804-339-0584 cell & text

Mikey1968 wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 05, 2022 2:29 pm

Hey Bryant,
I live close to you and tried sending an email and PM but doesn't look like anything sent. Try PMing and/or emailing me if you don't get anything from me.
Cheers,
Mike
mikey19681@gmail.com

Hey I got it and sent you one back!

We have had a very friendly group in San Diego. I have been a member over 30 years. It is important to make friends with the new members or those visitors who might be interested in becoming members. I would say, that at least half of the members who were here when I joined, have gone on to the reward in the heavens. So it is important to welcome everyone including old and young and offer to help them with projects and events. Also volunteer to help plan tours. Some people are interested in keeping their cars restored to original condition with matching part numbers etc. Others are OK with any part or accessory period correct. Others are interested in "modern improvements" which are not always improvements nor are replacement parts of the improvements available. Our only requirements are the car must have a Model T block and look like a Model T. So Speedsters are welcomed and we actually have a Speedster run every year. Some are interested in shows and parades. Some want to tour and others trailer to the tour location and then drive shorter distances. it is important not to ridicule or make fun of others whose enjoyment might be different than mine or yours, but welcome and help others. Especially younger people or children and grandchildren of the members, because we need to keep the hobby going. I also appreciate those who have made they business of supplying replacement parts and accessories.
Norm

bobster1 wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 05, 2022 4:09 pm

Hi everyone, I’m the VP of the Central VA Model T Club here in Richmond, Va. we are an active club usually have just a couple of one day tours each year as well as our annual luncheon.

Contact has been made Thanks Bob!