MTFCA Forum

Many years ago, Stan Howe posted an item on this forum on stewardship. At that time, I only knew Stan from having seen his forum posts. I was the editor of the St. Louis club's newsletter (I said it was many years ago) and I emailed him to ask if I could use it. He graciously replied that I could use anything he posted on the forum, so I did. I think I actually ended up including it in our newsletter several times.

STEWARDSHIP
“On a serious note, we are all just stewards of these cars. Somebody owned them before we did, somebody will own them after we are gone. The money that we pay for them or the money that we take for them is just a way to determine who will steward what car and for how long. It is our obligation to steward not only the physical Model T, but also the knowledge, the folklore, and the spirit of the cars to pass to the next generation of owners. We need to be telling the stories as well as the knowledge of how to set the spark and adjust the gas.”

I try to teach this to my children about the things that are import in life. Everyone has “that thing” they are passionate about. For me, one of them is hoping that my passions are important to them and they will care for my stuff when I am gone.

I am doing my part to preserve the history I own, I hope the next generation finds value in what I, (we) pass along to them.

Just to be clear on how I feel about where I stand on this statement, please read the signature line at the bottom of my post.

Thank you.

Stan's words are so true. Sure miss his posts.

Thanks for reminding us of Stan. Sometimes when I am working in my shop I happen to look up at a display case I have that has many examples of Stan’s workmanship. Each one kind of has a Stan story connected to it and I can’t help but smile. We shared a lot of personal stories as his life story was very different than mine other than our love of sparsely populated western spaces and a lack of tolerance for the lack of common sense. Miss the banter and frank conversation.

For years, I had known Stan from the forum but had never met him in person. In 2018 Jane and I were on a road trip out west and it took us close enough to Helena that I contacted Stan and arranged to see him. He gave us a tour of the area and then we went to have a meal at The Dam Bar. (Cute name. It was near a dam.)
From left: Jane, Stan, me.

I always enjoyed Stan's posts. First class and interesting. Five years ago I hired him to build a privileged axle and am priveliged to have the last one he assembled. Works like a champ. Jon

I for one, take Stan's words to heart. When I first embarked on building the new Model T Voltage Regulators, I was literally blown away by the tight lipped stance some folks (you can guess who) took on them. To the point of belligerent arrogance. It was maddening, which only made my resolve stronger. So, I became a dog with a bone. Not only did I uncover all the secrets to building them, I, along with several other guys, improved upon the design in many, many ways.

I then I put my money where my mouth is.

Every single aspect of the resulting voltage regulator designs is fully documented and ALL these details have been shared with not one, but two other T guys - Luke and John Hunter. Part numbers, suppliers, costs, designs, the works. When I depart this earth, someone will easily be able to pick up the torch and carry on.

I'm happy to also report that I just got my first 3 samples of the top cutout "can" that I labored over for several months, and they fit perfectly. I'll have 1000 of them in a month or so. No longer do I have to scrounge for old cutout tops. The design files, production & sourcing of this once unobtanium but critical part is now also a matter of record with my trusted confidants.

It's too bad others don't take the time to do this. So much knowledge of the Model T has been taken to the graves of too many folks, and there's only one solution. Sharing is caring, and critical for the survival of our cars and this hobby.

Jeff, your regulators look terrific! Well done. I am waiting for more interest to add others to my order. I am sure others, like me, are curious to know what fees Ford would demand for the caps to have an original script? Meantime, I am glad my dented one will be so marked.

Allan from down under.

Allan wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:24 am

Jeff, your regulators look terrific! Well done. I am waiting for more interest to add others to my order. I am sure others, like me, are curious to know what fees Ford would demand for the caps to have an original script? Meantime, I am glad my dented one will be so marked.

Allan from down under.

Just a tiny sum of $30,000, mere pocket change. That's what it now takes to stamp the 4 letters "Ford" on the cover. Now you know why I'm salvaging old cutout tops, and just had 1000 of these alternates made!

We have a number of persons in high public office today who demonstrate no concept of stewardship, or else they reject it outright.
In spite of having taken a solemn oath to "preserve, protect, and defend" our Constitutional Republic, these malignant agents leave no stone unturned in their quest to destroy it.