Using a 30 Model A radiator suggested a high cowl and hood to be fabricated to match. I had access to some 18-gauge steel sheet and began the project. The result was what I thought was a fine-looking car for the rugged terrain.
Competing against Model A and Chevy based racers, the T was at a disadvantage. The pace for these trips was 30 or 40 mph depending on the terrain. A stubborn coil or flat tire put us far behind the others and driving fast was the only way to catch up. You can only appreciate what a Model T will do by pushing it to the limit over rough ground. We found we could bounce over logs and rocks surprisingly well. Streams and puddles at speed sometimes drenched us but on a hot day, it seemed refreshing. Youth and feeling invincible is a great thing. In the course of the racing, I broke an axle shaft, wiped out 3 ring gears and 2 rod bearings, and sheared of the crankcase drain plug. Straightening tie rods and plugging radiator leaks was routine service. I also seized a piston pin in it. We even did a couple Winter races. It may be unforgivable to abuse a car like this, but many junk parts were used that might otherwise have been scrapped. It was great fun and I learned a lot keeping it running.
