A 21 yr old wants my '23

5 WoodenWheels · Post by **5 WoodenWheels** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:22 pm

Been casually advertising my car for sale. Interesting variety of potential buyers out there. Recently a 21 year old contacted me, very enthusiastic about seeing the car, and very little knowledge of Model T Fords.

Sure, I'll take you for a drive and share what I know---which may or may not convince you to pursue a Model T or any other antique car for that matter. I repeatedly encouraged him to join a local club which should be easy since I belong to one and we're not too terribly far apart distance-wise. He might make some contacts, get a better feel for the hobby. That was my thinking. Anything to help inform his decision moving forward. Whether it's with my car or another.

I won't share the advice I'll give him if he decides he wants to buy the car, but I'd be interested in what others would say if you were in my shoes. I'm happy at the moment to give him a ride in a Model T and encourage him to do some research and self-education about the hobby. I came into this world 41 years prior to this young man, so hopefully I've picked up some bits of wisdom that I can impart at the right moment.

Very interested in any comments. And it's not a "fire-sale," BTW. I can hold onto the car until the right person comes along.

Gerrit

Post by **John kuehn** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 7:58 pm

I would wonder if he would be a caretaker or if he’s in a position to own it and at least keep it for a while.
I was around 10-12 years old when I inherited my Grandfathers 24 Coupe. But we had a farm and was it stored there for several years and it was kind of part of the family and it still is since I inherited it in the late 50’s. I restored it about 20 years ago and I’m now 75.

It’s very possible the 21 yr old is responsible enough to take care of it and not tare it up and then later sell it to have money for another whim. If you knew his family and their circumstances it might be OK but it’s a different time and more things going on than it use to be. And especially when you’re 21 Yrs old.

Post by **Susanne** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:08 pm

At this point I would do way more background checking on a potential buyer than I would have, say, 5 years ago, for 2 reasons:

(1) "Dude, I saw this bitchin' youtube where this guy got a MILLION hits for tearing apart this car... I bet I can beat him...."

(2) guy took serious advantage of me when I moved here to buy Angel, ended up lifting a lot of other stuff whle he was there as a freebie, and iused the "If you don't the deal is off repeatedly" knowing he had me over a barrel as I HAD to sell the car to move, so used it to get about $7500 more worth of parts (my entire complete original BB head and manifolds for one) on top of the $7500 he paid for this original '15 T. (The taste it left in my mouth was "This guy was a scumball", and did the old car hobby no favors.

If THIS is what he hobby is becoming, then I'm not sure I want to be pat of it any more.

Scott_Conger · Post by **Scott_Conger** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:29 pm

Susanne

I remember your original complaint when you were preparing for your move. That must have been one extremely talented buyer to take advantage of a seller. As a seller, I have never had trouble saying "no", but then again, I've never waited to sell a car days just before getting on the boat, either. Life is too short to remain bitter over a deal that both parties agreed to.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:40 pm

If THIS is what he hobby is becoming,..

They have always been with us. Things change. People don't. The percentage of crooks in the population a hundred years ago may have been the same as today, but there are more of us now.

Post by **Bob McDaniel** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:50 pm

I have a truck that I am going to sell because I don't want to move it 400 miles to the new house along with a few other cars and items just because of space and not wanting to make the extra trips. I have a buyer that just turned 20 and lives less than an hour away from me. We met because of the model T he has and we became friends. The truck is very rare and hard to find any parts for but the only thing missing is the wood cab and I have a pattern for that and I am going to help him out with building the new cab. I am selling him the truck at a very low price because I can and I know he will do something with it and I can help. You never know what will happen in the future and while I feel this will be a good deal for him, I also feel that I am not going to be hurt by the way it could turn out if he decides to do something else with it. I have a feeling he will be a good caretaker.

Post by **Susanne** » Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:51 pm

Scott_Conger wrote: ↑
Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:29 pm
Susanne

I remember your original complaint when you were preparing for your move. That must have been one extremely talented buyer to take advantage of a seller. As a seller, I have never had trouble saying "no", but then again, I've never waited to sell a car days just before getting on the boat, either. Life is too short to remain bitter over a deal that both parties agreed to.

I'd been rying to sell the car for over 6 months - the ONLY nibbles I got were obvious scammers - this even advertising here, on HCCA, etc... This guy was a member of the local club, had other old cars, etc... and yeah, after getting NOWHERE selling the car, and having our overseas move date pressing us hard, he comes up and then the shit began.

Atomic Amish · Post by **Atomic Amish** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 11:21 am

My oldest bought his first T project at 17. The next summer, he was also able to build a (off topic) drag rail for the Race of Gentlemen, of which pieces were donated to him by my clubmates because they saw his desire to work with traditional hot rod techniques and his love of old cars. We spent the summer of 2019 building it (start to finish in 67 days) and he ran it the first weekend of October on the beach.

Just because he's young doesn't mean you should count him out. My son has met a great group of guys via the Old Car Festival, all of which are very young. And I'm sure Steve Jelf (at least, he knows many of them too) will vouch for their dedication to the hobby.

My two cents, adjusted for inflation. Your mileage may vary.

v/r,
jason

Post by **Don ellis** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 12:34 pm

I bought my first one when I was 19, I have been restoring them ever since and I'm 59 now. You never know what spark will start a lifetime hobby/habit/affliction.

Post by **Craig Leach** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 12:36 pm

I will not sell any of the young guns coming up into the T hobby short. There is a couple of them in Nevada Jacob & Carson. I don't think I have
met Jacob other than on line. Spent a memorable time with Carson helping swap out the the Hogs Head on his touring car to make the next
days event very enthusiastic young man. He ran & finished a 160 mile event the next day even though we didnt finish untill 5 hours before the
event started.
Craig.

5 WoodenWheels · Post by **5 WoodenWheels** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 2:30 pm

Thanks for the replies. My only knowledge of this young man is that he seems very enthusiastic, has a job in a food warehouse and thinks Model T Fords are cool. And he is fairly local to where I live.

I'm happy to donate some of my time to give him a taste of what riding in and owning a Model T is like. My overriding concern--and I'll fully admit it may be none of my business--is that there are certainly other priorities a 21 yr old might want to look at before jumping into the old car hobby. Who am I to say?

I'll get a better feel for the situation if and when we meet. For the moment, we've only talked on the phone. On a related note, I've found that it is extraordinarily easy to buy a Model T. Selling one, not so much.

Thanks again.

John Codman · Post by **John Codman** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 2:57 pm

As to the OP, you might want to check with the authorities before you refuse to sell the car due to the age of the prospective buyer. That would be age discrimination, and he's 21 and therefore legally can sign a contract.

Scott_Conger · Post by **Scott_Conger** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:03 pm

John, as a private citizen, you can refuse to sell to someone if you don't like their breath

this isn't a civil rights case, it is a car for sale.

honestly, at what point did we turn into such a frightened and cowering group of people?

Post by **Gracie'sDad** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:11 pm

I feel like it's incumbent on me to be very selective with those who I (but hopefully never) would transfer stewardship of my beloved "Gracie" to. Any new or prospective "owner" must understand one is more than just in possession an old automobile, the Model T an important piece of Americana. Ideally he should be committed to safeguarding of the car for future generations. Love 'em or hate 'em, the Model T Ford is an American icon that is worthy of care and preservation. "The house that Ruth Built", "The gun that won the west", "The car that put America on wheels"

ModelTWoods · Post by **ModelTWoods** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 4:26 pm

If selling a T to a 15-25 year old, I would try to certify his sincerity about keeping the car, original. Two many T's have been turned into Hot Rods, by men in this age group over the years. When I begged my Dad at the age of 15-16 to let me work on my Grandfather's 27 coupe (Grandfather on my Dad's side of the family), I was serious about keeping it original, but my cousin (whose Grandfather was also my Grandfather, wanted to set the body on a custom frame with a Chebby V8. Fortunately, my Dad, not my cousin's Dad, had the right to make that decision.

hah · Post by **hah** » Thu Aug 03, 2023 6:35 pm

Ah! The kid probably wants to put a LS in the car just like my 31 year old kid wants to do to my car. LOL!

Post by **Bob McDaniel** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:00 am

Seamus Hnat was 19 and driving his 1914 touring when I first met him. Now he drives that car more than most of us will in 20 years. I could name a few others who may have been 19 or 20 like Stephen Noll, Stephen Heatherly, Jeron Takacs, and a few others I have met but don't know their names. I mostly remember those 4 because I see them every year that I go to Richmond. The hobby is growing in spite of what we think and they are driving original cars just like you and me. Don't count the next generation out because of one idiot on YouTube.

Atomic Amish · Post by **Atomic Amish** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 7:21 am

Bob, that's the group my son hangs out with. Great kids, all of them. And most of them own some pretty killer stuff- Ed's Lincoln, for example.

Post by **1925 Touring** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 8:28 am

Bob McDaniel wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:00 am
Seamus Hnat was 19 and driving his 1914 touring when I first met him. Now he drives that car more than most of us will in 20 years. I could name a few others who may have been 19 or 20 like Stephen Noll, Stephen Heatherly, Jeron Takacs, and a few others I have met but don't know their names. I mostly remember those 4 because I see them every year that I go to Richmond. The hobby is growing in spite of what we think and they are driving original cars just like you and me. Don't count the next generation out because of one idiot on YouTube.

I am another young one that deeply enjoys model T's and the community they build. I would advise to get to know the potential buyer, take him on rides, talk to him and get to know him as a person. If he is interested have him join a local Model T Club. That is one of the things that I personally enjoy about the hobby is going to the monthly meetings that my chapter has. While I am not a national member I am a local model t chapter member and, just because of time constraints I am not a national member yet but I hope to be someday. Being young myself I know that life can get in the way of Hobby. I try to fit the Model T in when I can. Not everyone in the world wants to destroy the Model T. Just because he is Young doesn't mean he can't enjoy the Model T. There is always pbeen people who don't respect the hobby regardless of generations.
We cannot promote the hobby if we are too scaired of who will come after us. I can count many stories on the mtfca website that I have pictures of young posters and their model T's at Young ages. The world may be a different place now but that doesn't mean they are not any people who enjoy the model T's and their Community.
There will never be a golden answer on to who to pass the hobby too. It will change and evolve woth time, but we cant do anything about that. To me this sounds like a great opportunity to promote the hobby and the joys of the Model T and the community it builds.
Sorry this got so long.

Jacob Mangold · Post by **Jacob Mangold** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:06 pm

I know my opinion on this matter means close to nothing but I agree with most of opinions on this thread. Even I would be weary of selling my T to someone that age. It’s such a shame when you see a T rat rod that was made out running, driving T. I once saw a video on YouTube where this guy bought a 27 roadster off of a family who just lost their family member that owned the T and he chopped it up and put a Chevy in it and on top of it acted like he was doing a favor to the car. I will spare the link to avoid another wd style of thread. But anyways, that is sickening to me to see a piece of history like that get thrown away. Like others have said, if he is interested, get him involved with a club to see if he is interested or another option is to ask him straight up, what do you plan on doing with my car? Just my opinion though. I can definitely see why you would want to be careful when letting go of you T.

Post by **speedytinc** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:21 pm

Rodding a great T isnt confined to young guys.
Last model A pancake breakfast, I saw the nicest original paint 27 roadster body on a blown big block chevy chassis.
Mid-life crisis aged dude.
All I could say was "What a shame"

Post by **John kuehn** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:32 pm

For those out there who have a Model T Roadster and want to make a Hot Rod out of it go to Speedway automotive and buy a repro fiberglass body and frame set up. They have a 23 body and a 27 body that look pretty good.
That way you can relive your younger side with one of these bodies instead of ruining a real McCoy Model T.
But if you have gold lined pockets it wouldn’t make any difference for some people.

And I can remember in High School we would go to the round round track and see a few 57 Chev 2dr Hardtop Bodies shortened and made into a slick track car. But I did wonder why they did it.

To each his own

Post by **Bryant** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:50 pm

If you don’t mind me asking, how did he come to know the car was for sale? I know you mentioned you where casually selling it.
For what it’s worth we could use more Model T guys in Frederick co. Maybe a new chapter could form.

Bryant

GeorgeHounslow · Post by **GeorgeHounslow** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 4:23 pm

I was 20 when I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase my first model T, a 1915 speedster, and 23 when I bought my tourer and am now 25. Admittedly I had been bought up in a world of old cars and particularly steam cars, but as others say not all younger people want to destroy a piece of history. I for one try to keep my cars as per the original design and drive them as regularly as possible.

Norman Kling · Post by **Norman Kling** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 4:50 pm

We do need younger people in the hobby or our cars will end up in scrap. However, it would be much better for the children of our existing members to take up the hobby, or those with whom we are very well acquainted. Some people might drive a T for a while until the novelty wears off and then want to make drastic changes or part it out and sell it.
There are others like myself who knew a man with a 25 pickup who had been the original owner. He had a shop down the street from my Dad's furniture factory. I used to go down and look at his car and even had a ride in it once. He promised that when he was ready to part with it, he would sell to me. Well one day I went by to see him and the car was not there. This is the story he had to tell. "During the great depression my car was auctioned off and my wife bought it. After that the car was registered to her. She wanted to sell to someone else". So that was one that got away! It wasn't until about 40 years later that I finally got my first T. During the 40 year period I did have 13 Model A's.
Norm

Post by **Henry K. Lee** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 5:50 pm

If you have to question the integrity of another and their long term intentions of selling something to them, then you do not live in a democracy. You are turning over a title of ownership and your interest goes with that device. Everyone wants to keep things as they are...., well, that ain't happening. Look around, the world is changing.

Hank

Scott_Conger · Post by **Scott_Conger** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 6:45 pm

Come on Hank

if I'm selling a Hepplewhite table and some flea market diva that paints furniture blue then white and sands off some white and beats it with chains "to make it look old", comes along, I ain't selling. To an extent you're right, though, I am not a democracy, I am a dictator and I dictate that this fool is not buying the table.

Has nothing to do with "fairness" or "equity". It used to be, after a sale on rare occasions, one would conclude "boy, I sure wish I hadn't sold xyz to that guy" but these days, cuckoos are much easier to spot and I'm under no obligation at all to sell anything to anyone and that is the definition of Freedom/Liberty. Being forced to sell any casual item, to any damn fool with a buck is completely the anathema to what we stand for as a country. Private property is still private property and so long as I am not denying someone their civil rights, then tough... it's my call.

We had a clown want to buy our historic home in St. Pete and he was known to gut the interior of old homes, trash anything remotely old and make it look like a very welcoming place for, uh, "recreational parties", while "maintaining the original charm of the exterior"..."we'll just Blow Out this wall, tear out those old plaster cornices, trash the chandelier and put in a Stein Mart paper lamp and it'll look just FABULOUS!". I cut no quarter and would not negotiate. He was free to pay full price, but decided he didn't like the full price. Too bad. He wasn't rich enough and I wasn't desperate enough. We ultimately sold to someone at a mild discount who was very interested in the house as it was - and it turned out that they kept their word which pleased me and my old neighbors no end...I felt good selling our restored home to someone who loved it for what it was. And Democracy didn't die that day in Florida.

I have a crazy neighbor who, if I sold them a bulldozer, would promptly use it to bulldoze my house, so no, I'm not going to sell them a bulldozer. Call me crazy. Besides, if I owned a bulldozer it would be too fun to sell anyway...

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:04 pm

I boought an old D-7 F with the intention of driving it up to the North Pole and mashing some polar bears. But, after 8 years of Reagan, the damned sea ice was too rotten to support it. I decided instead to run out to California and knock down some old growth redwood, but now, after 3 years of Biden and 8 years of Obama, I can't afford the diesel prices.

Post by **Craig Leach** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:59 pm

Most hot rodders today build with check books instead of torches, wrenches & welders. The rat rod craze is dieing off. Restomods is the new thing.
Model T frames & bodies will not handle a LS. The rodders are looking for the things they remember from their youth. This takes it's toll on the
50s-70's cars. Try to buy a 1968 chevy shortbed fleetside pickup? My granddaughter & I built a 1966 chevy short stepside for $5,000 & she regularly
turns down $20,000 for it with a great paint job & A-C it would go for $40,000+ The availability of hot rod parts is making our cars safer from that
part of the hobby. Old cars are like ex-wifes once you are rid of them you have no voice in what happens. Unless you are aplauding.
When it gomes to selling our T's we should use good judgment which comes from expieriance wich often comes from bad judgment. Will Rogers.
Craig.

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:12 pm

If you want a semi-traditional-looking hot rod with full modern conveniences and performance, you'd do well to obtain a new chassis and steel body rather than mess with century old stuff that's not at all suited to what you are wanting to build. The '32-up frames and bodies are just about all gone, and most of what's left is already pretty well chewed-up.

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 11:27 am

What is the minimum age of a potential buyer? When I was in college, I was treated like shit buy a couple of sellers because of my youthful appearance. Later, one asshat said "Bring your dad when you come back." Pointing and saying "These are my wife and kids." ended the conversation. I was 29 years old when I finally bought my first collector car. I still have it 36 years later. Don't discourage buyers who are unlike your age, gender, etc.

Look at Susanne, who I consider to be a valuable member of the Model T community. Remember how she was treated by men who would not sell their Model T to a woman? Not selling based on age is the same treatment.

Post by **Craig Leach** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 1:24 pm

Pat,
You are looking at this all wrong. The government is protecting the wild life & enviroment. We just had to pay the bill.

Craig.

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 3:59 pm

It's time for Polar Bear suffrage!!!

moddamatt · Post by **moddamatt** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 3:06 am

It is really interesting to read the views of members on forums for classic/collectible cars, especially of mtfca and mafca. Most of the thoughts come from people in their midlife or retirement age that have owned at least one if not currently in possession of multiple cars for many many years. To me as a newish member of both this forum and the Dallas Model A Club, the mentality almost always boils down to, Keep it in the Club, Keep it in the Family, keep it as Henry Made It. And I can respect those ideals to a point. But they wonder why the youth don't want to join or why they can't get new members, its because we feel alienated by those very ideals.

So here is the opinion of a 27-year-old new member with both a 1919 chassis, to be resorted, and a 28 model A that is current going through an engine overhaul. Sell the '23 to the 21. Befriend him, mentor him, give EVERY ounce of knowledge you have. We young guns are begging for these cars and knowledge and the opportunity to own these cars. Yes, a couple of us want them for hot rods, others want to do resto mods, but most of us want experience and embrace the original cars and the historical aftermarket. The same can be said for y'all's generation too. Age and gender should not ever be what keeps people from this hobby.

Also to expand on one of the other comments here, about whether or not us young folks have the resources to car for these cars. That is a hard question to answer with how everchanging the economy is. But from my experience and the wonderful friends I have made, we will do anything for our cars. I have met highschoolers who restored 90's "shitboxes" to perfect factory and show quality standards, kids going through college with multiple jobs so they can continue to work on their cars. We choose to do these cars because, A. they're cheap and so are parts, and B. we don't have a community of "old heads" judging our every decisions on them. Its hard to enjoy a hobby when the people who could help you the most are toxic.
Model Ts and As fit the book on a cheapish car with readily available parts at affordable prices, we just need mentors and judges.

Lastly, I am going to very blunt here. Y'all are not getting younger and are dying with an abundance of knowledge and cars. Since joining the Dallas As back in february, I have heard of 5 members going to great road in the sky and it depressing me, we are talking about local parts vendors, brake specialists, engine builders, suspension gurus, people with tips and tricks not written anywhere just things they would point out or say if asked about it. I have been asked many times about my Model A by people my age and how I got it, and they light up when I tell them just how easy and decently affordable it is. The kids are alright, they just want a chance.

Post by **tdump** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 7:34 am

I had to fight the young man wanting to build a hot rod thing when I first started on my TT in 93 but when I drove it past the doubting thomas's in 2005 it was very rewarding
Get to know the fellow and you will see rather or not he is serious. I would say he probably is.And we need young people in our hobby and quick.BUT in a positive way that will continue to preserve the cars as they are.
Anybody can build a car out of a box.

But let me say the quite part out loud here although I will make some folks mad.
I can understand where the doubts come from, Bear in mind someone sold a nice T to that young shister that totaled it on video a few months back.
Democracy or not,someone sold him that car not knowing what he was going to do with it.
All they were after was the money ?,and so was he from views. Did the seller sell knowing full well? We don't know,BUT I would like to doubt it

John Codman · Post by **John Codman** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:34 am

Scott_Conger wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:03 pm
John, as a private citizen, you can refuse to sell to someone if you don't like their breath

this isn't a civil rights case, it is a car for sale.

honestly, at what point did we turn into such a frightened and cowering group of people?

That's not always true Scott; the example that I found was California, where it is specifically against the law to discriminate on the basis of age (among other things). I would check the laws of my state before I refused to sell.

Scott_Conger · Post by **Scott_Conger** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:50 am

John, I don't know the laws in California, but you piqued my curiosity and it appears that age is a protected class only in housing and employment. I won't doubt your steadfast belief, but am pretty certain that unless it got you hauled in front of a judge for refusing to sell something out of your driveway to any yahoo that passes by, then someone is pulling your leg.

In any event, I live in America and don't worry about such things

Glad you found your way back here.

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:51 am

Do minors purchase cars in California?

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:52 am

No good can come of placing and maintaining idiots, racketeers, and crackpots in public office.

Stephen1915 · Post by **Stephen1915** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 3:03 pm

Bob McDaniel wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 04, 2023 2:00 am
Seamus Hnat was 19 and driving his 1914 touring when I first met him. Now he drives that car more than most of us will in 20 years. I could name a few others who may have been 19 or 20 like Stephen Noll, Stephen Heatherly, Jeron Takacs, and a few others I have met but don't know their names. I mostly remember those 4 because I see them every year that I go to Richmond. The hobby is growing in spite of what we think and they are driving original cars just like you and me. Don't count the next generation out because of one idiot on YouTube.

Thank you for the kind words Bob.

-sincerely, the young guys.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Sun Aug 06, 2023 5:41 pm

Is Stephen H. still young? He's been in this game at least eleven years that I'm aware of, and I think he was on the forum before I met him.

Jason is correct. Seamus, Jeron, and the other young guys he mentioned are the real deal. In fact Seamus is a restoration pro who went to McPherson.

For those who don't know, McPherson College is the only school in this country that offers a Bachelor's degree in automobile restoration. Because it's a small school the program is limited to 50 students at a time. Do they have any trouble rounding up fifty young folks who want to be experts in antique cars? Nope. How many of those students are as old as thirty? Few if any. Maybe Chris Paulsen will see this and comment.

Through a couple of other Model T groups I'm aware of young folks in various parts of the country who are very much into Model T's. Are they a large portion of their age cohort? No way. And they never have been. When I was in high school 65 years ago, as far as I know I was the only kid in my school who had the slightest interest in old stuff. If there were any others they didn't tell me. People with an interest in the past have always been a small subset of the general population. And people with an interest in antique cars have always been a small subset of those. And people with an interest in Model T Fords in particular have always been a small subset of those.

Welcome and encourage the young folks. If you're nice maybe they'll let you ride with them when you're too old to drive.

Post by **Loftfield** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 9:52 am

On the other end of the story, one post alluded to we superannuated folks leaving the scene. Given the correctness of that observation, should a car be sold to an "old geezer" who will soon shuffle off leaving the car to who knows what end? Or, is the old geezer too old to properly care for the car? I recently bought a Maxwell from a fellow who was selling out because he couldn't crank anymore. What I will do when I can't crank a car anymore remains a mystery. At nearly 78 I am still able to properly address the armstrong starter, but for how long???!!!???!!!

John Codman · Post by **John Codman** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 10:07 am

Henry K. Lee wrote: ↑
Fri Aug 04, 2023 5:50 pm
If you have to question the integrity of another and their long term intentions of selling something to them, then you do not live in a democracy. You are turning over a title of ownership and your interest goes with that device. Everyone wants to keep things as they are...., well, that ain't happening. Look around, the world is changing.

Hank

Precisely. When you sell the car, you have no control over what happens to it. I sold a really nice '35 Chevy Coupe to a guy who swore that he wasn't going to make a hot rod out of it. He had the stovebolt six and the transmission out of it before the end of the next day. I don't know (and didn't want to know) what he put in it for an engine, but I'm sure it was a late model V8. I never said anything to the buyer - it was then his car. The only way you can control what happens to your T is to lease it, not sell it.

Post by **George House** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 10:29 am

Oh my !! There’s 2 previously prominent Forum Friends that posted on this thread last August who now got their “feathers ruffled” and quit participating. I greatly miss the sage advice and comments of Scott Conger

Post by **Jerry VanOoteghem** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 11:46 am

George House wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 11, 2023 10:29 am
I greatly miss the sage advice and comments of Scott Conger

Me too.

Post by **KeithG** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 7:19 pm

To George House and Jerry Van I will add: "Me too!" To Scott, I appreciate all the information you post on our Forum.

Keith

5 WoodenWheels · Post by **5 WoodenWheels** » Mon Dec 11, 2023 9:13 pm

Back in October a nice couple from Illinois bought the car. It is an ideal place for a Model T—with long, straight roads slicing through vast cornfields. They’d had a Model T before, and missed taking the grandkids out for rides. They are somewhere in their seventies. There was no follow-up on the part of the young man who’d expressed interest in owning a Model T.

My area presents something of a hostile driving environment, even for modern cars. Lots of “road rage.” Inserting a slow-moving antique car into this vehicular mayhem is probably not one of the better life decisions.

For the original question about the viability of a 21 yr old buying my Touring car, I might object to this based solely on my wanting to see him reach his 22nd birthday and hopefully many more.

Anyway, the car has a good home with experienced owners who live in a T-friendly part of the country. If I lived up that way I probably would have kept it.

Post by **Fozz71** » Tue Dec 12, 2023 8:57 am

That's how I started- and I am still enjoying the hobby.

Dan Haynes · Post by **Dan Haynes** » Tue Dec 12, 2023 2:01 pm

Wait - Scott Conger left, too?

Of the current posters on this board, Scott Conger's posts reliably brought me to a screeching halt to read - he had solid advice that was worth the time.

I don't always read every single post on every thread and I guess I missed Scott's departure. Man, if you're reading this, Scott, reconsider. Hank, too.

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Tue Dec 12, 2023 2:18 pm

Amen to that.

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Wed Dec 13, 2023 8:17 am

I miss Scott's advice too since he quietly stopped posting. I believe I know why he stopped, but this is the wrong thread for that discussion. And he may not want me to ruffle those feathers. I like this forum, but I would risk getting booted for standing up for a friend.

Jim M. · Post by **Jim M.** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:51 pm

The mention of “hostile driving environment” reminds me of the weekend I rented a cabin to spend time with my parents who drove up from Baltimore to meet me on site and decided to surprise them by showing up in the T.
The most challenging part of my trek was taking 77 across the mountain from Smithsburg to Thurmont during a mid-summer Friday afternoon. I pulled off every chance I got and fortunately, most other drivers only stuck phones or thumbs up out of their windows while I waited to let traffic pass.
No Ruckstell, no high compression head; just lots of water to keep hydrated and being traffic aware to minimize inconveniencing other drivers.
It ended up being one blast of a weekend with memories made!

Post by **Bryant** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:09 pm

Jim M. wrote: ↑
Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:51 pm
The mention of “hostile driving environment” reminds me of the weekend I rented a cabin to spend time with my parents who drove up from Baltimore to meet me on site and decided to surprise them by showing up in the T.
The most challenging part of my trek was taking 77 across the mountain from Smithsburg to Thurmont during a mid-summer Friday afternoon. I pulled off every chance I got and fortunately, most other drivers only stuck phones or thumbs up out of their windows while I waited to let traffic pass.
No Ruckstell, no high compression head; just lots of water to keep hydrated and being traffic aware to minimize inconveniencing other drivers.
It ended up being one blast of a weekend with memories made!

That’s a wonderful scenic trip through the Catoctain mountains! I drove through Wolfsville and went through them to get to route 15 north to get to Hershey. I have pictured driving a T through it but it seems a bit scary with the way people fly on those Windy roads not to mention the hills. You have given me hope! I agree the hostile driving conditions of Frederick Co are enough to discourage anyone. I spend a lot of time in the way to those types while running farm equipment. Years on the road under 30 mph I feel I will be right at home cruising in a Model T. Just wave and smile!
Bryant