MTFCA Forum

Hi,
As a self-taught Model T driver, I have an operating question for you. I searched around & couldn't find where this has been addressed previously.

When starting out, we put the brake lever in neutral, push the pedal into low, get it up to speed, push the lever forward, back off the RPMs and release the clutch, launching into high gear. Then at some point, we stop.

My question is, at each stop, do I have to put the lever back in neutral before engaging low? Or, in other words, is it ok to engage low with the emergency brake all the way forward?

Thanks!

To help you understand what is happening take the floor boards out and look at the linkage and that will give you the answer . I would recommend purchasing a service manual as well. Hope this helps.

Rod, I did exactly that when first driving a model T. Grab the brake handle to get into bottom gear.
Then I discovered that the neutral could be held with my foot on the clutch pedal as the car came to the stop. Now that is second nature.

Allan from down under.

I just use the hand brake in the neutral position when I start out the first time from the barn or when I am backing up. Otherwise the brake lever is full forward and I go into neutral with the foot pedal.

You only need to use it on a long stop where your leg might get tired from holding it in neutral. Or if you have a hard time finding neutral with your leg and have a habit of slipping the low band because you have pushed it too far. Normally you can just come to a stop and hold the pedal in neutral and when it's safe to go again, push down into low and give it some gas. Then when you let the pedal out for high push up the throttle until it drops into high and adjust the throttle to the speed you wish to travel.
I do like to use the lever to hold it in neutral when I am backing up. Much easier than trying to work both legs at once and also you can use the left foot for the reverse and have the right free to use the brake.
Norm

Thanks fellows. I've gotten pretty good at getting the clutch in neutral pushed halfway down, just wondered if I was supposed to start over every time with the hand brake. I appreciate the feedback.

Rod,
You're doing it right...Like Norman, I only pull the lever back to neutral when I'm going to be sitting at a stoplight for awhile. Enjoy!

I still pull the handbrake lever to neutral when reversing. Trying to hold neutral with one foot while using the other foot on reverse, all the while screwing around to see where I am heading, leads to difficulties keeping feet in their relative positions.

Allan from down under.

I put the hand lever in the neutral position whenever I am moving the car in tight spaces. I drive several "normal" vehicles with manual transmissions, and I don't want to mistakenly jam the T clutch pedal into low as I'm pulling up to an obstacle or backing toward an obstacle or manuevering around people or animals. When I'm ready to drive away, I put my foot on the clutch pedal and release the hand lever fully. If I have to open a gate or wait for someone else to open it, I put the lever in neutral or pull it all the way back until I'm ready to drive away again. Ford suggested using both feet to back the car. I don't like the idea and see no need for it.