Driving a Model T

[Oldav8tor]

Our local club has seen a lot of growth recently. People are buying or resurrecting Model T's without ever having driven one. Either that or they've figured out the basics but don't truly understand the do's and don'ts of safe and effective driving. Some have also picked up some questionable information such as using reverse pedal to slow a car while going down a steep hill.

We're going to be giving some driving lessons to these four members and a few of our spouses who'd like to learn. I think I have a pretty good grasp of the subject but thought I'd throw it out to the forum to see what others consider the important Do's and Don'ts of Model T Driving. I'm going to put together a small booklet to go with the hands-on training.

[TXGOAT2]

That's an excellent idea. The safety of the driver and passengers is paramount, of course. I'd add that proper handling and maintenence of the car to prevent damage to it is also important, and directly linked to driver and passenger safety.

[Allan]

I was told very early on to drive it like it was a 10 ton truck." Leave plenty off room ahead and remember the brakes are about as effective."

The mechanics of driving are a different matter, but again, drive like you have no brakes. Anticipate all stops, drive at a suitable speed for the conditions and keep your focus on the traffic ahead, not just the car in front.The aim is to keep out of difficulties, rather than re-act to them.

Hope this helps.

[Steve Jelf]

One of my favorite old wive's tails about driving is that when you're low on gas you should back up hills in a car that's notorious for squirrely steering in reverse. Some old wives may have done it a hundred years ago, but I wonder how many people who recommend it today have actually done it. I prefer keeping plenty of gas my running board cans.

[DHort]

This weeks speedster tour Dennis ran out of gas about 3/4 of the way up the hill. He let the car roll all the way down the hill until the vulture wagon showed up with a few gallons of gas. Then those of us that walked down the hill asked for a ride back up to our cars.

Whatever speed you go up a hill is the same speed you drive down the hill. Show them how to close the throttle going down the hill so they use engine braking to assist.

For a beginner it is also good to park so you can always drive forward to get out of your parking space. Then you do not have to go in reverse and try to steer at the same time you are concentrating on the throttle and the middle pedal.

[Norman Kling]

It is better when going downhill to use the low speed and the compression of the engine to slow the car and pump the brake as needed. The use of reverse for stopping should only be done in an emergency when everything else fails. The reverse drum is the thinnest drum and most likely to crack if overheated. The brake drum is the heaviest drum and will take a lot more heat than the reverse. Just be sure to keep the low pedal down tight so it doesn't slip and overheat the drum. A last resort would be to use the parking brake. The parking brake should only be used when the car is already in low speed, because otherwise it would put the car in neutral. If you drive in very hilly country, auxiliary brakes are very good accessory.
Norm

[BobShirleyAtlantaTx]

As a kid about 60 years ago, it was drilled into my head. Don’t Slip the Bands!

[A Whiteman]

Don't forget to smile and wave as you drive by

[JohnM]

There are many good tips, I will suggest one that by default will correct many other bad habits. Imagine that the brakes are only for stopping and emergencies, NOT for controlling your speed. That is what the throttle is for. With practice you can drive for miles slowing for corners, going down hills, without using the brakes. Even coming to a stop you shouldn't need the brakes until the last few feet to hold the car still until you can proceed.

And for younger drivers who are accustomed to seat belts, abs, traction control, lane and collision avoidance, remember, in a model T the only safety device is the one between the driver's ears.

[tommyleea]

At what speed is it safe to downshift to low? For example we have a roundabout with a speed limit of 15 mph, it is a small one. Would I be able to take the roundabout in high with low rpm, or should I shift into low? I know this will be hard to answer, and I will probably know when I get there. Maybe someone has navigated a roundabout in their T? Thanks..Tommy..23 Roadster.

[Jeff Hood]

The reverse drum is probably the most fragile of the three. Supposedly it's location makes it run hotter, or Kevlar bands will make it crack, etc. I believe that all of the damaged drums we are finding are due to the use of the reverse drum as a brake! The brake drum is made to be a brake, and the braking action slows its normal rotation. This puts stress on the drum to output shaft rivets and drum web, but they were designed for this and they are only retarding the normal rotation.

When using reverse as a brake, the band is retarding the normal forward rotation, but the drum web and rivets are now not only resisting the forward rotation, but actually trying to force a backwards rotation through the triple gears. This has to impart extreme stress in the thin web of the drum. REVERSE IS NOT A BRAKE! You wouldn't put your modern automatic transmission (basically the same setup as a Model T) in reverse to stop.

Tommy, use the spark lever as you go through the roundabout. You can also do this going around corners. As you slow down to enter the roundabout, close the throttle and retard the spark, not all the way, but nearly, and remain in high gear. proceed through at the low speed, and as you exit, begin adding spark advance. You will feel the car begin to accelerate with the added advance, and now start adding some throttle with the advanvce until both the spark and throttle are in their normal driving positions. With the spark retarded, you are not "lugging" the engine, and by gently accelerating with the spark you will not lug the engine. "Lugging" is excessive strain caused by advanced spark and open throttle at low engine RPM.

[DHort]

I take all roundabouts in high. Slow down like you are going to stop and cruise thru at 5-10 mph. It is level ground so it should not be hard. Just dont go so slow that you kill the engine.

Probably the only time I drop into low is going up a hill. This takes practice. When you feel the engine straining, reduce the theottle a little and ease into low. Once in low remember you have to keep pushing hard on that pedal so the band does not slip. It could be a long climb in low. Just before you get to the top you will feel the engine speed up and you can shift to high.

You want to go down the other side about the same speed as you came up. Reduce the throttle all the way and use engine braking to keep you going slow. You will have to judge for yourself until you are comfortable. Some people like me leave the car in high and just speed up going down. Can get going pretty fast this way and you have to be comfortable doing it. If you feel more comfortable then pump the brakes so you do not speed up.

[Steve Jelf]

I regularly drive through the local downtown at 17mph to make the traffic lights. I think 15 might be OK, depending on your car's individual quirks, but at some point you have to go to low. Your car will tell you when you're going too slow for high gear. And now I'm thinking of Dad creeping down the street in the 1941 Plymouth as it lurched and shuddered in high gear. When it finally died he blamed Mom for wearing it out.

[jiminbartow]

In July, 1963, when I was 9, I received my monthly issue of Popular Science. It was an issue celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Henry Ford and contained two articles on the Model T and planted the seed that grew into a lifelong love of the Model T. From that point on, I swore that, one day, I would own a Model T. I saved the two articles and read them often.

That dream of one day, owning a Model T came true, when, at the age of 16 in 1970, I came across an ad in the Tampa Tribune advertising a 1926 Model T Coupe for sale. Long story short, my Dad drove me to Tampa and I bought it for my life savings of $600.00.

In 1972, after 2 years, my restoration was complete and my Model T was ready to drive. Before the internet and with no one to teach me, the 1963 article on how to drive a Model T taught me how to drive it. I am posting it here. Hopefully, it will be as much help to your pupils as it was to me. Perhaps you will consider printing it for your pupils to study before they get in the driver’s seat. Good luck. Jim Patrick