New York to San Francisco via Lincoln Highway

Post by **YellowTRacer** » Tue Jun 04, 2024 5:50 pm

Well stated Phil. Absolutely well stated!

Ed aka #4

Post by **TRDxB2** » Tue Jun 04, 2024 11:09 pm

Is this a event to celebrate the production of the 10 Millionth Model T or for the forth Time its making the trip from New York to San Fransisco

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The Museum of American Speed announced today their plans to make a coast-to-coast trip from New York to San Francisco in a 1924 Model T Ford to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ten-millionth Model T Ford.
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: first drive.jpg (86.61 KiB) Viewed 12613 times

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And not only where the spokes black but the tires were white/gray.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Tue Jun 04, 2024 11:37 pm

The colorized photos are neat, and I love the one of Hart standing by the front fender.

Erik Barrett · Post by **Erik Barrett** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 1:58 am

Phil, do you realize this car is not the real 10,000,000th Ford? It’s a tribute car so strict originality is not paramount but they should at least have painted the spokes black. Ford lost track of the real one a long time ago.

Post by **KirkieP** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 10:17 am

Steve
Is that William S Hart you are referring to? We used to picnic at his Ranch In Newhall.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 11:41 am

Is that William S Hart...?

Yes. I figure the car went to L.A. by way of Newhall after the fair. He wasn't the only notable Ford guy. I believe Wyatt Earp's last car was a Model T.

Philip Lawrence · Post by **Philip Lawrence** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 12:25 pm

Steve, Exactly my point! A modern fad. Larry at least understands the meaning of restoration.

Philip Lawrence · Post by **Philip Lawrence** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 12:29 pm

Erik, I wasn't aware of that, however even a replica should reflect the original in every detail.

Erik Barrett · Post by **Erik Barrett** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 5:26 pm

I agree Phil. It should look the part. I am sorry that they are having trouble. I hope they will be back on the road soon. Did the original have any major issues on the trip? If it did I expect it would have been repaired on the sly at whatever Ford dealer was close by and employees instructed to say nothing of it if they wanted to remain employed.

Post by **1925 Touring** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 7:39 pm

Any updates on the repair status?

Joe Bell · Post by **Joe Bell** » Wed Jun 05, 2024 9:46 pm

I saw the block today at a local machine shop he took care of mark in a cylinder since thy had it down, will let them post pictures.

Post by **Wingnut** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 8:40 am

Just a side note, and out of curiosity, why wouldn't they tote along a spare engine ready to go, it could be swapped out rather quickly. Which machine shop are they using Joe? one near you or did you venture easterly. Hopefully it'll be up and running soon.

Post by **speedytinc** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 10:26 am

Wingnut wrote: ↑
Thu Jun 06, 2024 8:40 am
Just a side note, and out of curiosity, why wouldn't they tote along a spare engine ready to go, it could be swapped out rather quickly. Which machine shop are they using Joe? one near you or did you venture easterly. Hopefully it'll be up and running soon.

Why not do a proper rebuild to start with??

Post by **DHort** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 12:52 pm

John

It was properly rebuilt. The entire car was. Babbitt does not always behave itself. Just one of those things.
Part of the adventure.

Post by **MikeV** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 12:54 pm

We are getting some pretty snooty remarks from someone that has no idea of what has happened, we simply had a bearing failure on connecting rod. The engine was freshly rebuilt with a new crankshaft and all fresh parts to include rebuilt connecting rods from a very reputable rebuilder. Anyone can have a failure we suspect that the tinning on the rod failed to adhere correctly. It caused a lot more damage than what anyone would have expected in a very short amount of time. Damage to the cylinder bore, crankshaft and more. We have had generous offers of another engine, but decided we wanted to rebuild the engine. We have had help from Joe Bell in finding a great machine shop to repair the block, Dave’s Restoration and Machine, one of our sponsors, offered his shop to help us make repairs, it’s all a part of the journey and a part of the fun! We will continue our journey in a couple of days!

Post by **speedytinc** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 1:39 pm

DHort wrote: ↑
Thu Jun 06, 2024 12:52 pm
John

It was properly rebuilt. The entire car was. Babbitt does not always behave itself. Just one of those things.
Part of the adventure.

I dont mean to pile on or pick @ anyone.
If the babbit didnt stick to the rod, it was done wrong. Checking the other 3? & possibly the main caps?
That failure can be most difficult to foresee.
Sometimes it is detectable by viewing where the babbit & iron meet.
Very unfortunate. I do wish your T a speedy recovery & your journey resuming.

Post by **DHort** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 1:52 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrrObwcR_RQ

Post by **TRDxB2** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 1:55 pm

MikeV wrote: ↑
Thu Jun 06, 2024 12:54 pm
We are getting some pretty snooty remarks from someone that has no idea of what has happened, we simply had a bearing failure on connecting rod. The engine was freshly rebuilt with a new crankshaft and all fresh parts to include rebuilt connecting rods from a very reputable rebuilder. Anyone can have a failure we suspect that the tinning on the rod failed to adhere correctly. It caused a lot more damage than what anyone would have expected in a very short amount of time. Damage to the cylinder bore, crankshaft and more. We have had generous offers of another engine, but decided we wanted to rebuild the engine. We have had help from Joe Bell in finding a great machine shop to repair the block, Dave’s Restoration and Machine, one of our sponsors, offered his shop to help us make repairs, it’s all a part of the journey and a part of the fun! We will continue our journey in a couple of days!

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 5:54 pm

MikeV wrote: ↑
Thu Jun 06, 2024 12:54 pm
We are getting some pretty snooty remarks from someone that has no idea of what has happened, we simply had a bearing failure on connecting rod. The engine was freshly rebuilt with a new crankshaft and all fresh parts to include rebuilt connecting rods from a very reputable rebuilder. Anyone can have a failure we suspect that the tinning on the rod failed to adhere correctly. It caused a lot more damage than what anyone would have expected in a very short amount of time. Damage to the cylinder bore, crankshaft and more. We have had generous offers of another engine, but decided we wanted to rebuild the engine. We have had help from Joe Bell in finding a great machine shop to repair the block, Dave’s Restoration and Machine, one of our sponsors, offered his shop to help us make repairs, it’s all a part of the journey and a part of the fun! We will continue our journey in a couple of days!

Several points, very well said! Snarky comments are not helpful. Not of the forums, not in person. Dealing with the failure in a positive way is important!
Good luck!

Post by **dykker5502** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 7:26 pm

Back on the "horse", Mikev, and good luck onwards!!
(from Denmark)

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Thu Jun 06, 2024 11:45 pm

When you get old everything reminds you of something else, usually something from long ago. The video Dave posted is from KDKA in Pittsburgh. KDKA was the nation's first commercial radio station. If I remember correctly, its first broadcast was about the election of Warren G. Harding in November, 1920. The radio craze of the period was partly fueled by veterans who had learned radio during the war and pursued that interest in the years after the armistice. From a few stations in 1920 radio quickly grew to dozens across the country, leading to the establishment of NBC and its two networks in 1924.

Post by **Nate22huckster** » Fri Jun 07, 2024 8:55 pm

Any updates as to the status of the car’s repairs and journey?

Post by **MikeV** » Fri Jun 07, 2024 10:24 pm

The car is repaired! Our adventure resumes from Greensburg, PA on Sunday Morning at 8:00 AM!

Post by **DHort** » Fri Jun 07, 2024 11:31 pm

Hooray! Awesome! Great! Onward and upwards.

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Fri Jun 07, 2024 11:33 pm

Onward and forward!

Post by **Moxie26** » Sat Jun 08, 2024 6:12 pm

Have a enjoyable and safe trip.....see ya in San Fran !!

Post by **beth** » Sat Jun 08, 2024 6:29 pm

It's great to hear the trip is resuming! I wanted to confirm that everything is just sliding down those days, so tomorrow (Sunday 6/9) is Day 3.

We hope to meet up with the T in Aurora, IL.

Post by **MikeV** » Sat Jun 08, 2024 6:36 pm

Yes Sunday, June 9 will be day 3.

Post by **Gracie'sDad** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 11:54 am

The KC CHUGGERS Model T club out of Kansas City plan to have a contingency of members travel to Lincoln, NE to greet the "10 millionth Model T" and it's entourage. What are the plans for a reception or other activities for that day while in Lincoln?

Post by **MikeV** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 5:03 pm

Back on the road, 200 miles Greensburg, PA to Mansfield, Ohio! Car running great.

Post by **farmboy** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 5:14 pm

Sounds like rod ran out of oil

Post by **MikeV** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 5:25 pm

Rod wasn’t tinned well.

randahl · Post by **randahl** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 6:02 pm

So will there be a new schedule for stops and hotel locations posted?

Post by **farmboy** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 7:03 pm

Was it Number 1 rod? Did you change out the other 3 rods? I have a good engine if you may need it Hopefully you wont

Post by **MikeV** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 7:30 pm

We completely rebuilt the engine all new rods, pistons and crankshaft.

Post by **Moxie26** » Sun Jun 09, 2024 7:53 pm

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=sha ... CXgAQ84zaM.. YouTube link to preliminaries and start in New York City. I'm sure will be continued after trip restarting today.

Post by **MikeV** » Mon Jun 10, 2024 8:32 pm

Great day today, 226 miles Mansfield, OH to Plymouth, IN.
We had a police escort into Upper Sandusky, OH and we were presented an original brick from The Lincoln, Highway. (Thanks Dan!)

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Mon Jun 10, 2024 9:27 pm

NEAT!
Original (or very old era?) bricks make nice "touchstones".

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Jun 10, 2024 10:24 pm

...we were presented an original brick from The Lincoln, Highway.

I like brick streets.

Post by **BLB27** » Tue Jun 11, 2024 8:57 pm

Is there any way to determine where the car is at any particular time?

Post by **MikeV** » Tue Jun 11, 2024 10:30 pm

Another great drive from Plymouth, IN to Rock Falls, IL just over 200 miles with some great stops and quite a few other Model T’s.

Post by **MikeV** » Tue Jun 11, 2024 10:31 pm

Post by **bnchief** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 6:22 am

Mike fantastic love the pics and reports you and bender have a great time.

Post by **BLB27** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 12:17 pm

Mike V, There are two historic national highways that intersect in Iowa; that is, the Lincoln and Jefferson Highways. The old east/west Lincoln Highway parallels present day US 30 at Colo, Iowa where it intersects the old north/south Jefferson Hwy (US65). Near the junction of these highways is the Niland Cafe. Food service at this location dates back to the mid 1920s. There is a restored gas station next to the cafe. The official address is 24 Lincoln Way Colo.

I assume you will be traveling on the old US 30 route in this area so I wanted to provide the above information.

When will you be in this area?

Post by **TRDxB2** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 12:45 pm

Took Bruce's directions via Google for a look see
So the original Lincoln Highway is quite a distance away from the current Highway 30

Post by **DHort** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 12:56 pm

It looks like they go thru Colo, IA tomorrow.

If you go to the museum's website you see the maps where they start for the day and where they end,plus all the towns they pass thru.
Just have to remember which day of the tour it is.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 1:54 pm

...the original Lincoln Highway is quite a distance away from the current Highway 30.

Others like that come to mind. US 66 in New Mexico went to the north through Santa Fe, then was moved south to go through Albuquerque. That was long before there were any interstates. There are long stretches of old 66 in Arizona and California where it's far from the current main highway. Even US 166 in Kansas is a mile or two from the original route in some places. I'm sure this is quite common, in many places.

Post by **MikeV** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 9:51 pm

Short Drive today, 130 miles from Rock Falls, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA nice drive with much on the old Lincoln Highway, much of it gravel.

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 10:22 pm

Anything around a hundred miles on gravel is a trip!

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 10:39 pm

Much of my drive east out of Kansas is on gravel. No big deal.

randahl · Post by **randahl** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 11:12 pm

MikeV wrote: ↑
Wed Jun 12, 2024 9:51 pm
Short Drive today, 130 miles from Rock Falls, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA nice drive with much on the old Lincoln Highway, much of it gravel.

It was great to get to meet you guys at the Cedar Rapids AAA this afternoon. Good luck on the rest of the trip.

Post by **KirkieP** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:45 am

Mike Vaughn
Will you be Traveling through Elkhorn NE tomorrow June 14th?
I will let my cousins know.
Thanks so much for posting your progress.
Wishing you and Mike Bender the Best.
Attached picture just east of Elkhorn in 2008.

Post by **dieswaene** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 12:02 pm

Mike

Is there an up-to-date link on your specific progress anywhere? I wish to tentatively verify the date that you'll be in NW Nevada.

Safe travels!

Harry

Post by **DHort** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 1:14 pm

go to www.museumofamericanspeed.org to find maps n itinerary

Post by **TRDxB2** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 2:53 pm

DHort wrote: ↑
Thu Jun 13, 2024 1:14 pm
go to www.museumofamericanspeed.org to find maps n itinerary

This is what I have been getting when trying to access the site- anyone else?

Post by **KirkieP** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 3:32 pm

When
I went to the url above that Dave H provided
They are not traveling through Elkhorn.
But it is fascinating to follow the progress.
Thank you

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:07 pm

The link worked for me.

Post by **MikeV** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:19 pm

Little Longer day today Cedar Rapids, IA to Denison, IA about 240 miles. Lots of interesting stops with history.

Post by **MikeV** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:23 pm

Kirk,

Will not be going to Elkhorn tomorrow, going to spend a couple of nights in Lincoln. Need to do Laundry! I did however take the car to Elkhorn before we left.

Post by **KirkieP** » Thu Jun 13, 2024 10:59 pm

Thanks Mike
I wish I would have been able to drive along
But I have another Model T commitment.
A really great thing was my Wife was interested in riding with me.
Wishing you guys the best.
Take care

Post by **bnchief** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 6:23 am

Mike things seem to be going along really well now hope it continues love the pictures.

Post by **KeithG** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 12:16 pm

Mike, I really would like to tour with you guys for part of the way, but complications prevent it. Best wishes to you both for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Keith

Post by **MikeV** » Fri Jun 14, 2024 11:12 pm

Half Way! Denison, IA to Lincoln, Ne. A day to rest up and service the car tomorrow. Will depart from the Museum of American Speed at 8:00 AM Sunday Morning! Headed for Kearney, NE.

Post by **MikeV** » Sun Jun 16, 2024 10:18 pm

Back on the road today Lincoln, NE to Kearney, NE 166 miles with a stop in Grand Island. Very warm day 96 degrees, car ran great. We did some maintenance on the car yesterday and replaced a couple of tires.

Post by **Moxie26** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:38 am

Have room for a case of bottled water, dehydration sucks.

Post by **DanTreace** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:50 am

Philip Lawrence wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 04, 2024 2:50 pm
That historic car now looks like a cartoon caricature of its former self, it's a shame no regard for maintaining the historical look of the car after 100 years was considered. I was really looking forward to photographing it when it made it to California, not much point in that now.

The original 10 Millionth is lost to history. The 1924 T on this trip is a recreation one with some painted up history, but isn’t the real thing , whose whereabouts unknown.

From Museum of Speed:

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 11:26 am

Yes, it's more modern than the original, to conform with modern tastes. Would you rather have nothing at all? Not me. Most people who see it won't realize it's "incorrect". A lot will think it's pretty neat, and I hope maybe one or two will be bitten by the T bug because of it. Maybe there will be someone who cares about authenticity, and will seek out what's real and what's not. Thank Heaven there's always somebody like that.

Wayne Sheldon · Post by **Wayne Sheldon** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 6:44 pm

I like it! And I love what they are doing with it.

There are times when one should pick at details. And times not to.

Post by **MikeV** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 6:54 pm

Today Kearney, NE to Ogallala, NE 160 miles, followed a lot of the original 1913 Lincoln Highway not the current Highway 30.
Dan you are correct this is a representative car, we have never claimed it to be the original. We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of when Frank Kulick made the original journey!

: 20240617_115929.jpeg (23.57 KiB) Viewed 10711 times

Post by **JohnM** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 7:27 pm

Was that picture taken 100 years ago?

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Jun 17, 2024 8:27 pm

That last shot looks like one of Dean's pictures.

Post by **DHort** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 12:57 am

This is what Dean drives on when he finds a good road,

: dean.jpg (58.49 KiB) Viewed 10651 times

Post by **1925 Touring** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 11:31 am

DHort wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 18, 2024 12:57 am
This is what Dean drives on when he finds a good road,
dean.jpg

That looks like fun! Wouldn't want to break down there.

Post by **MikeV** » Tue Jun 18, 2024 11:12 pm

Longer drive today 270 miles Ogallala, NE to Laramie, WY. Real windy and cool today. Head wind. Beautiful country though.

Post by **JBog** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 12:06 am

MikeV wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 18, 2024 11:12 pm
Longer drive today 270 miles Ogallala, NE to Laramie, WY. Real windy and cool today. Head wind. Beautiful country though.
IMG_4566.jpeg

A group of us waited at Little America in Cheyenne, but I guess you kept going.

Post by **MikeV** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 3:53 am

Sorry we missed you, we were delayed and very late getting into Cheyenne. We wanted to get over Happy Jack Road before dark so only stopped for fuel in Cheyenne. Our event at Little America had been canceled. Again sorry we missed you, we would have very much enjoyed seeing you.

Post by **jsaylor** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 1:19 pm

Looking for information on where to join up with you as you drive to Sacramento next Monday. Both the Sacramento Valley Model T Club and the Mother Lode Model T Club have interested members. Do you have any stops or breaks between Pollock Pines, Placerville, Folsom? or?
Thanks

Post by **MikeV** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 7:59 pm

Drive today was short about 135 miles Laramie, WY to Steamboat Springs, CO. Getting off of the Lincoln Highway for a while because most through Wyoming is I-80. We will take Highway 40 to Vernal, UT. Pics from Rabbit Ears Pass Colorado.

Post by **1925 Touring** » Thu Jun 20, 2024 1:41 pm

Great pictures! Thank you for keeping us updated.

Post by **MikeV** » Thu Jun 20, 2024 8:55 pm

Today we traveled from Steamboat Springs, CO to Vernal, UT. With a stop at The Dinosaur National Monument. Absolutely beautiful country! We cooked hot dogs on the Manifold!

CatGuy · Post by **CatGuy** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 9:45 am

I hope they write a book about this experience and the other times they've made the trip.

Post by **MikeV** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 7:19 pm

Todays journey from Vernal, UT to Lehi, UT with a stop in Heber City to meet the local Model A club that escorted us to our Hotel in Lehi.

Post by **JTT3** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 8:37 pm

Keep posting I’m enjoying the adventure through you guys.

Post by **MikeV** » Sat Jun 22, 2024 11:52 pm

Long day today over 300 miles with over 200 on dirt and gravel. Lehi, UT to Ely Nevada. The 1913 route through Utah and Nevada followed the Pony Express and Overland Stage Route.

Post by **JTT3** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 12:03 am

Mike those white tires look great, ha

Post by **1925 Touring** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 5:43 pm

Wow, what rugged scenery. Hope the chase truck is not too far behind!

Post by **DHort** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 10:44 pm

The chase truck probably broke down already, and the Ford is Rambling Right Along.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Sun Jun 23, 2024 11:17 pm

Wow, what rugged scenery. Hope the chase truck is not too far behind!

The scenery is different in Kansas, but we have many similar roads. I have used them a lot. No chase truck.

.

Post by **MikeV** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 12:44 am

Today Highway 50 from Ely, NV to Fallon, NV 270 miles on the “Loneliest Highway in America”. Great drive!

Post by **Moxie26** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 6:12 am

Mike, thank you very much... Your daily updates are very appreciated.

Post by **KirkieP** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 8:08 am

Mike

Thanks For keeping us informed.

I love that stretch, but only if Susan is sitting beside me.

I continue to wish you and Bender the Best.

Post by **tman1913** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 10:24 am

Steve you don’t need a chase truck But I and others have come to your rescue. By the way I was glad to do it

Post by **MikeV** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 8:49 am

Yesterday Fallon, NV to Sacramento, CA around Lake Tahoe, beautiful drive. Met up with old #4 Ed and Karen Archer. Today is the final day, about 100 miles to Lincoln Park in SF!

Post by **JTT3** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 8:53 am

Onward, Upward, higher higher!

Post by **Bobbbenner** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 10:30 am

Have enjoyed the ups and downs of your trip. Bet you are looking forward to the end! Congratulations

Post by **MikeV** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 5:20 pm

3400 miles! We did trailer into SF, way too much traffic over the bay bridge.

Post by **Moxie26** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 6:52 pm

Congratulations to all participants in a great adventure !

Post by **Don Demio** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 6:54 pm

Mike and Crew,

Thank you for the many photos and posts on the forum to keep us connected to this quest. Well done!!!

Don

Post by **1925 Touring** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 10:13 pm

Congratulations! Glad you made it there safely!
Thank you for letting me tag along back in Illinois! I really enjoyed meeting you guys!
Austin from Illinois.

Post by **Matt in California** » Tue Jun 25, 2024 10:21 pm

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑
Tue Jun 04, 2024 4:20 pm

...it's a shame the new wheels weren't painted black as they were originally...

I didn't bring it up because by now everybody is probably sick of me reminding them it's a modern fad. I suspect Larry agrees with you.

It's a shame that original wheels were painted black!