Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T

[Matt in California]

Took the Model T out for a spin last weekend and found myself on some pretty good hills — the kind that make you lean forward in the seat like it’ll help (and maybe it does… just a little!).

Here is the video: https://youtu.be/3MAbgJ4h3GE?si=6ASOj5odzwS96_WD

There’s something genuinely satisfying about feeling the gears do their thing, hearing that steady putt-putt from the engine, and knowing you’ve got a little extra help when the road points skyward. The Ruckstell might be one of the best “unofficial” factory options Ford never offered.

Anyone else enjoy putting their Ruckstell to the test? Would love to hear your hill stories — successful climbs or, well… learning experiences.

Matt

[George House]

That was a fun run Thanks ! And pretty scenery

[walber]

That was excellent!

[Daisy Mae]

OH MAN!!!
What a trip down memory lane!! The last place I lived in CA was Modesto. Many a weekend was spent camping at Huntington Lake, or exploring the foothills along Kaiser Pass Rd. Appears most of Jose Basin was burned out since I was there last ('91). Still pretty country, I will always miss the Sierra.
What a joy that would be in a T!!

[kmatt2]

Way to go Matt , going up Toll House Grade is a fun challenge in a stock Model T , the Ruckstell is a big help , but you have to have a strong left foot and a tire pump to put pressure in the gas tank if you have a pre 1926 car , even a full tank of gas in a round tank doesn’t gravity flow so well with all the sloshing and bouncing. Think about about all the hourse drawn wagons that came down that grade before cars that had to drag a log behind the wagon to keep the wagon under control. It is sure sad to see all the burn scars from the Creek Fire. Living in the Fresno - Madera area there are a lot of Model T roads to drive , we should have a MTFCA local chapter club but we don’t and I tried a long time ago now health keeps me close to home.
Kevin in Madera Ca

[Matt in California]

Way to go Matt , going up Toll House Grade is a fun challenge in a stock Model T , the Ruckstell is a big help , but you have to have a strong left foot and a tire pump to put pressure in the gas tank if you have a pre 1926 car , even a full tank of gas in a round tank doesn’t gravity flow so well with all the sloshing and bouncing. Think about about all the hourse drawn wagons that came down that grade before cars that had to drag a log behind the wagon to keep the wagon under control. It is sure sad to see all the burn scars from the Creek Fire. Living in the Fresno - Madera area there are a lot of Model T roads to drive , we should have a MTFCA local chapter club but we don’t and I tried a long time ago now health keeps me close to home.
Kevin in Madera Ca

Everyone,
Thanks for the kind comments!

Kevin,
It really is a shame there isn’t a local MTFCA chapter in our area. I’m not big on formal, business-style meetings either—but at the very least, you and I should definitely meet up sometime!

As for group drives, my kind of “meeting” is just letting folks know when I plan to head up into the mountains. They’re welcome to join—Model T or not. Even if someone tags along in a modern vehicle, it gives me a backup way out in case anything goes sideways.

Matt

[jsaylor]

Back in the 70's I lived in Madera Ranchos area and was a member of a small Model T club based in Course Gold, The Central Sierra Chapter. There was another club, Roaring 20's Auto Club in Fresno. They had all models of cars 1916-1936. Toured with both. Toured up the old Toll House grade to Shaver Lake and into Yosemite many times during those years. I guess those clubs died out. Maybe you can rally some interest and start a new club.

[Matt in California]

Back in the 70's I lived in Madera Ranchos area and was a member of a small Model T club based in Course Gold, The Central Sierra Chapter. There was another club, Roaring 20's Auto Club in Fresno. They had all models of cars 1916-1936. Toured with both. Toured up the old Toll House grade to Shaver Lake and into Yosemite many times during those years. I guess those clubs died out. Maybe you can rally some interest and start a new club.

Well a few things have changed since the 1970s. I am not a person that wants to go to car shows or sit at meetings. I really like the auto camping. At least, so far. I blame my interest in part on Donnie Brown in Arkansas.

Matt

[Eric Sole]

That's a pretty cool ascent. The road in the 12 to 13 minute section of your video is similar to what I drive on near my house. A Ruckstell would be a fantastic addition to my car, especially for the return home, which takes me up a 27% grade. That part requires stopping and letting the engine rest for about 5 to 10 minutes beforehand; for some reason, it regains power after that short nap.

Thanks for the fun watch!

[Matt in California]

That's a pretty cool ascent. The road in the 12 to 13 minute section of your video is similar to what I drive on near my house. A Ruckstell would be a fantastic addition to my car, especially for the return home, which takes me up a 27% grade. That part requires stopping and letting the engine rest for about 5 to 10 minutes beforehand; for some reason, it regains power after that short nap.

Thanks for the fun watch!

Yes Eric!
For that type of hill, a Ruckstell would be very helpful! I wonder what the limit is on the maximum grade a model T you can pull.

Matt

[Steve Jelf]

A cherished childhood memory from about 1950 is riding down the road from Mineral King in our 1941 Plymouth. Dad steered and worked the brakes while Mom sat beside him and held the gearshift in second so the car wouldn't pop out of gear. I imagine that road would be a good place to try a Ruckstell.

[Eric Sole]

That's a pretty cool ascent. The road in the 12 to 13 minute section of your video is similar to what I drive on near my house. A Ruckstell would be a fantastic addition to my car, especially for the return home, which takes me up a 27% grade. That part requires stopping and letting the engine rest for about 5 to 10 minutes beforehand; for some reason, it regains power after that short nap.

Thanks for the fun watch!

Yes Eric!
For that type of hill, a Ruckstell would be very helpful! I wonder what the limit is on the maximum grade a model T you can pull.

Matt

I have been able to pull it with a passenger, but not always, so my guess would be 27%, hahaha