Best Model T Year for a driver

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Model T Ron
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Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Model T Ron » Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:19 pm

So are any of the years/models that are better as a driver. I would think with improvements the 26/27 may be the best but many say they are slower.


TXGOAT2
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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:40 pm

The 1920-1925 cars are easier to find, afford, and keep up than the earlier cars. The 1926-1927 cars are probably the best if you like to put on a lot of miles. They do weigh more than the earlier cars, but the late open cars are hardly heavyweights. A car with a starter, storage battery, and generator carries close to 200 lbs in added weight compared to a non-starter car of the same type. I believe that demountable rims also carry a weight penalty over non-demountables or wire wheels. A fordor sedan will outweigh a roadster by 200 to 300 lbs. The brass cars have about 10% more power and weigh a couple of hundred pounds less than late cars of the same type. However, they probably have higher aero drag at higher road speeds. The late cars have somewhat better brakes and a lower center of gravity, and usually have "balloon" tires.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by RGould1910 » Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:45 pm

Ever notice how many Montana entrants drive 26-7 roadsters?


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Scott_Conger » Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:52 pm

sit in a '13 or older touring and then sit in a '26 coupe and let us know which was more comfortable - pretty sure I know which one I'd chose...
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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Norman Kling » Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:54 pm

The 26-27 have lower center of gravity and also softer ride on the Balloon tires. They have an easier steering ratio. Any year makes a good driver if it is well maintained. The de-mountable rims with a spare are much easier to change if you get a flat tire.
Norm


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Model T Ron » Sat Jan 28, 2023 10:42 pm

I do like the 26/27 cars however I have several Model A's and me they look more like an A than a T. My 1915 has the backrest spring removed and has about 4 inches of foam under the seat cover to allow mw a bit more leg room. Once I get in I find thee 15 seating position very comfortable.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Model T Ron » Sat Jan 28, 2023 10:43 pm

i am also 6'3" with a lot of my height in my legs. :D

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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Steve Jelf » Sat Jan 28, 2023 10:55 pm

I've never had an improved car for comparison, but I've traveled a few thousand miles in a 1915 runabout and it hasn't worn me out yet.

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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by DHort » Sat Jan 28, 2023 11:04 pm

I would say roadster or touring. At 6-3 you will feel cramped in a closed car, but they are doable.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:57 am

I have a late T roadster and a '30 Model A coupe. The Model A looked small and lightweight and seemed cramped inside..... until I got the Model T. Now the Model A looks like a Buick. Long-time Ford T owners must have been stunned when the "New Fords" were unveiled.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by John Codman » Sun Jan 29, 2023 10:11 am

My 27 touring car fits me well, (I am of average height) rides and steers easily. I have also spent quite a bit of time driving a 1924 touring car and can't say that it was less comfortable then my '27. The one huge advantage of the "improved cars" is the left front door. It's close to useless for entry/exit, but it makes it a hell of a lot easier to install floormats, floorboards, and access stuff under the left side of the dashboard.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Original Smith » Sun Jan 29, 2023 10:41 am

I believe the Montana 500 boys prefer 23-25 roadsters.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Art M » Sun Jan 29, 2023 12:54 pm

I all depends on what your criteria is such as affordablity,,family size and expectations, climate, terrain, but I recommend that one asks the wife.

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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by TWrenn » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:08 pm

Scott_Conger wrote:
Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:52 pm
sit in a '13 or older touring and then sit in a '26 coupe and let us know which was more comfortable - pretty sure I know which one I'd chose...
I'm with you Scott and we both know the answer! Torpedo's are often overlooked due to their price but they are perfect for anyone over 5'9"! I have a wood block on my Torpedo's low pedal and at only 5'6" even it barely does the job!

Maybe Art has the right idea...better ask the wife!! :lol:


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by BHarper » Sun Jan 29, 2023 3:34 pm

Torpedoes.
Hah. I don't have to worry about not owning one.
At five foot four inches, I can't reach the pedals! 😀


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Model T Ron » Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:28 pm

I like the tall hood T's for a driver.....lots of them around and they still look like a T.....26/27 look more like an A

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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by JohnH » Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:33 pm

Completely biassed of course, but the Improved Ford of 1926-27 is the way to go. Better brakes, lighter steering, and the pedals further apart, make this version a pleasurable driving experience. The mechanical improvements are an added bonus.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by TXGOAT2 » Sun Jan 29, 2023 5:06 pm

The late Ts look more like a older Dodge than a Model A. The Model As look like a scaled down Lincoln. As a matter of fact, all stock Model Ts look, sound, and drive like a Model T ... because they are Model Ts. The late Ts have a little bit better brakes, but that is offset by their generally greater weight. The late cars are a bit more streamlined, which might allow a little more speed on the highway, but that is offset by a little less power. Balloon tires, more weight, and a lower slung chassis on the late cars will give a little better handling and ride. As for looks, the appearance of Model Ts varies widely through the years and among body styles. Not surprisingly, the older ones look older and the newer ones look newer. Regardless of that, the newest Model Ts are approaching 100 years old, and the 1927 chassis and engine is nearly identical to the 1908 chassis and engine. * It's worth also noting that the later Ts actually had more Ford-produced content than the earlier models, which have considerable outside-sourced content. The late model curved fenders reflect the contours of the early 1920s cars and even those of the fabled "Torpedo" models. The late Ts are 100% Ford T.
Last edited by TXGOAT2 on Mon Jan 30, 2023 8:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Rich P. Bingham » Sun Jan 29, 2023 5:27 pm

I find it amusing the consensus seems to be the "best" T driver is the one most like a much newer car. This speaks to Ford's statement that the last ones were indeed, "improved", or to put it another way, most like other late 20s cars, and least like how they began, horseless carriages of 1909.

I'd say the best T driver is any of them from '09 to '27 that is thoroughly mechanically sound in every respect. Much depends whether you intend to drive it as daily transportation or frequently on long-distance tours.
Get a horse !


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by John kuehn » Sun Jan 29, 2023 5:37 pm

These days we’re overweight or close to it, out of shape, most people are a little larger, some are taller, have led more comfortable lives. We’ve grown up driving heavier cars, in car AC, power windows and maybe power seats, good in car heaters, and in a nice and tight cozy car.

Just ask your self were Model T’s that way?? I think we know the answer. And oh yes did I mention power, brakes and steering?? Or maybe I did!!


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Les Schubert » Sun Jan 29, 2023 5:41 pm

I’m 6’4 and am building a car that I want to take on some looong trips (which means that rain etc is to be expected. It’s a 26 coupe as the seat can be eased back.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Model T Ron » Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:14 pm

The Best Model T is the one you drive.

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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by JTT3 » Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:52 pm

The 09 & 10 touring are very comfortable even for someone like me being gravitationally challenged but as a daily driver I wouldn’t even contemplate that. The Torpedo without a doubt has significantly more leg room but it falls in the same category as above. My 25 pickup is comfortable and my regular driver. It’s nimble and with my spouse as my passenger fairly roomy. The least comfortable T is my TT. I like owning it & looking at it but it’s miserable to drive. The straight back seat rest is just about the worst. If I wasn’t such a twit about keeping them (body wise) correct, I’d think about extending the rear of the cab on the TT. I love reading and seeing the pictures in the forum post of folks using them for work & pleasure regularly.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by bdtutton » Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:06 pm

If you really want a driver you should get a Model A because it has 4 wheel brakes and double the horsepower... :-)
If you really want to drive a Model T every day you should get something from the mid 20s so it would have electric lights and starter and any part needed would be easily available, it should also be an enclosed car because weather happens and it should have balloon tires just to make it more comfortable to drive.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by TXGOAT2 » Mon Jan 30, 2023 6:42 pm

Where and how you drive should be a consideration, as well as the adequacy your storage facility. If you tour on good roads in fair weather and light traffic, any T you can afford is fine. If you have to settle for less than ideal conditions, the later models are a better choice. I would not care to drive a high point early car on washboard roads, or in heavy traffic or foul weather, or store one in a carport or under a tarp outdoors.


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Norman Kling » Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:05 pm

I find it easier to enter and exit the 26 Touring through the passenger door, however, when my wife or someone else is sitting there I will use the drivers door. I happen to be built just right to get my feet around the parking brake while the knees under the steering wheel with the rear padding is over the door post. I think if my legs were a bit longer it would not be possible. It would have been much easier if Henry had made the door wider.
Norm

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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by TWrenn » Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:52 am

Model T Ron wrote:
Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:14 pm
The Best Model T is the one you drive.
Well said Ron!


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Re: Best Model T Year for a driver

Post by Model T Ron » Tue Jan 31, 2023 9:15 pm

TWrenn wrote:
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:52 am
Model T Ron wrote:
Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:14 pm
The Best Model T is the one you drive.
Well said Ron!
Thanks Tim

I can honestly say I never seen a model T I did not like and I am pretty sure Henry built them to be driven.

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