1925 Model T Pickup, should I buy it for 1K?

[TampaT]

Hello from Tampa,

I'm 64 and have done quite a few auto revivals, mostly '60-era Euro stuff, and more recently several '60s era Detroit cars. So, I know my way around old cars. But, I've never had any experience with Model Ts.

My good friend car buddy up North bought a '25 Model T pickup (I think this is correct) a few years back as he was being treated for cancer. Unfortunately, he didn't make it.

His widow has asked me several times if I would be interested in the '25 Pickup, but being I'm 1000 miles south of the car, and being that I don't know ANYTHING about Model Ts, I haven't really expressed that much interest. Today, she brought the subject up again, and said she needed to get rid of the car and would sell it to me "cheap". She quoted me $1000, which of course piqued my interest. Summers are hot down here, and it would be a good project to have in my air-conditioned shop for the hot months. I do like the Model T cars, and would enjoy the chance to revive one.

SO....my basic questions.....are parts available?....Is the pickup a desirable sub-model to buy?....Would it be an easy/moderate/difficult restoration to undertake?...Given the usual buzz on the internet car world which tells that there is no market or interest in these 100-year-old cars, is there any end market for brass-era cars, or are there simply no buyers for anything other than Mustangs and Corvettes?....

I have only seen a couple of phone pictures of the car, and it looks relatively complete, with some spares included. As an old car hobbyist, I am, as you would suspect, a glutton for punishment and a hater of money.

I am interested in anything you experts would have to say. Many thanks for your time. Rich in Tampa

PS, here is my latest project, a 65 New Yorker

[rickd]

Rich,
I think you will find the contributors to this forum are pretty positive group of Model T collectors/restorers and would encourage you to try your hand at a Model T restoration. The 25 pickup with the metal bed is considered the first year for pickups and there is a pretty good following for them. The hobby is also lucky to have some excellent after market vendors who work hard to provide parts and advice. This site is also a great source for parts and advice. As to your question on the end value of your Model T restoration all I can say is if you are going in to the project to make money, good luck. I enjoy my Model Ts for much more than what they are worth. Looks like you are a car guy and probably understand that. Finally, see if you can get some photos of the 25 from your friends widow and post them on this site. You will get a lot more specific advice and thoughts about a possible restoration.

[Scott_Conger]

Dozens and dozens of chapters affiliated with two National/International Clubs...3 "T" chapters within 40 miles of you, a National Tour with 130 cars a couple weeks ago within 60 miles of you...yes, I imagine there is some interest in these cars.

Now, with respect to Brass Era cars, a '25 Pickup is not a Brass Era car. That said, if that Pickup was found to be totally disassembled and spread across the yard, it would still be worth $1000. How much respect and peace of mind do you want to show to your friend's widow by honoring her wishes and his memory?

[MichaelPawelek]

Richard, Welcome to the group! We currently have a new forum member that is 16 years old who has mechanically rebuilt his own Model T so anything is possible!

[TRDxB2]

Members need pictures to evaluate. But if it has descent tiers,pickup bed, fenders etc parts in a reasonable state - yes. A running engine/transmission would be worth it. While you can get the engine running, It is unlikely t hat you will be able to rebuild it.
Parts are plentiful for that year - unless your picky (NOS, repro, some reconditioning, etc. Several major supplier's Lang's, Synder's, S&J, Model T Ranch, Chaffins. The Forum is your classroom full of teachers, professors and part makers.
Take close up of engine on the left side above the water inlet - there should be an engine number - need that. Also the other side of the engine. Then a picture of the front and rear axles. That's enough. If it has a descent body & pickup bed too I'll buy it

[aDave]

In the same spirit as a politician of some renown...

"Buy it, bring it home so you can see what you have".

You will make your friend's widow happy - as has been said, and you WILL have fun with it...whatever it is, and whatever condition it is in.

Cheers,

Dave

[TampaT]

Thank you gentleman for your( mostly) kind and informative responses.

SCOTT, I do not appreciate your inference that my intentions are less than honorable....she offered the car to me because she knows I'll do the right thing. BUT, I still need to look forward after investing the money to get the car to Tampa and working on it, as you evidently missed in my original post.

[Steve Jelf]

1925 was during the years of peak production when Ford's factories were turning out several cars per minute. Some parts are so available it's hard to give them away. Body parts are more of a challenge, but even those can be found.

What you end up spending after you buy the vehicle depends on what you want it to be and what it needs to achieve that end. If you just want a fun driver that looks OK, you can get by without taking a ride to the poorhouse. If you want it actually restored, with everything correct, you'll dig a deeper financial hole. Either way, don't consider it an investment. That's what stocks are for. Rarely if ever does anybody sell a Model T for more than he spent on it. Money spent on a Model should be considered the cost of entertainment, like concert tickets or beer.

As for this specific deal, if I had the space for it and the time to spend on it I would be headed north with a trailer.

[Scott_Conger]

I neither inferred nor intended to infer any such thing. Your friend's wife has contacted you multiple times, offered the vehicle at a bargain price and now you need to decide if you want to honor her wishes or not. I don't know nor do I care what it would cost to get the vehicle to you. That is part of your calculus, not mine. You were apparently worried about marketability of the vehicle and worried about lack of interest. I provided the facts that the vehicle was worth the asking price and there is plenty of hobby interest and the fact that you you are living squarely between 3 major Model T clubs, you are in the HEART ot FL "T" country.

You're welcome

[varmint]

Richard,
Yes, the car is worth $1000, even without looking.
Vernon

[JTT3]

Richard I think you may have taken what Scott said as a disparaging statement that was really encouragement. I can’t speak for Scott but I did not take the thread as anything more than urging you forward in this endeavor, nothing more. I hope that the misunderstanding will abate & all will be good. So that aside, Richard, first off I’m no expert but having 17 T’s at one time does mean I have a small bit of experience ha.I’d like to ditto what the others have said. I have a late January of 25 pickup, my pickup bed doesn’t have the ford logo on the tailgate so it is very early. If the bed is in good shape and even has the more usual Ford logo on the tailgate you’d expect to pay at least 7 hundred for it, one without the logo a bit more. The price the widow offered it to you for is really a rock bottom price even disassembled & while I may be wrong, she may want it to be gone because it’s presence is a reminder of things that are still raw. If the T is assembled that’s great & you’re halfway home. One of the bigger expense you’ll encounter would be the wood in the tub but even that is not very much in the grand scope of things. If the wood is solid and only needs a few pieces that’s awesome. Truthfully you should run & not walk to get it. Clearly she wants you to have it knowing it will be in good hands. I would agree that you would truly be honoring your friend in bringing his dream to fruition. You will have a great time in building it, meet lots of folks that will help you through it & a reward to all of us getting one more T on the road plus updating your friends widow up to date on your progress. You may find that once completed another T or several more may find its way into your collection. As always we love pictures of the before, during and mostly completed project, I say it that way because you’ll always be tinkering with it. It truly is the simplicity of the T that makes them lovable. The biggest opportunity for you is to let young folks enjoy it with you so the torch gets past along. I hope you buy it and have a blast getting it running & road worthy.
Best John

[John kuehn]

I would say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Condition would mean a lot. A running engine and decent body another. If the vehicle has been in a shed or a barn that helps a lot for it’s value. Model T’s don’t take being left outside very well.
Another thing does it have a good title. If you do buy it make sure it’s got one and at least a bill of sale.
If it’s in running shape and still fairly decent it’s worth around 2500 to 4000.00 or more for a reasonable selling price. Parts are not a big problem if it need some work.
A recently restored 25 T pickup (if that’s what it really is) would be close to 8-12000.00+ depending what was done in the restoration.
You asked the question about value and to me that’s what it would be money wise. But that’s my opinion and others might be a little different. To me it sounds like your asking should I buy it for 1K and that’s your decision to make knowing it’s in pretty good shape after hearing our opinions.

[Kaiser]

Money spent on a Model should be considered the cost of entertainment, like concert tickets or beer.

I think that is the best way i ever heard it explained

[Charlie B in N.J.]

Just grab it. You won’t be sorry. Not at that price.

[JohnM]

God bless you Steve Jelf! It is ALWAYS refreshing to read your clear, objective comments without allowing your ego to bleed into it.

[speedytinc]

A "REAL" 25 roadster pickup is arguably the more valuable & scarcer T's from the 20's. (if its real) Do your homework. The price sounds like a gift, for most any T just in parts.
Dont expect to make a profit restoring it. It costs much more to correctly restore a T than they will re-sell for. You will make more flipping it now, before throwing a bunch of money @ it. Look @ what they really sell for & figure the costs for motor rebuilding & paint. Unless you are doing the work yourself & dont count your labor, they are a money pit. These things are a labor of love, not profit. Once you start, you will be upside down in it.
Model T's are a hobby, rarely an investment.

[TWrenn]

Richard,
Yes, the car is worth $1000, even without looking.
Vernon

I agree! If that were me, that truck would be in my barn already!

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Once you start, you will be upside down in it.

We don't really know that, since the asking price is so low, and we haven't even seen a photo of the car yet.

BTW, TampaT, I'll add to what others have said about Scott's comment. Though Scott and I have never met in person, I feel that to some extent, I "know" him. My interpretation of his comment was very different than yours, borne of my many communications with Scott, which would lead me to believe that he meant no disrespect.

[MWalker]

Richard -- Model T's are ridiculously simple compared with later cars. If you're capable of restoring 60's era cars, a Model T will be a piece of cake for you. Go for it and have fun.

[John kuehn]

I agree with Mike Walker. One thing to remember is a nicely restored hardtop from the 60’s and 70’s era will be worth substantially more than a restored Model T Roadster PU. Just letting you know since your into the classic car era. And that’s a good thing!

[Scott C.]

If it a real 1925 Roadster Pickup it it will look like this.

This my 25RPU when new, in the July 4th parade.

This is it now, still working.

[Original Smith]

The pictures above are of a factory pickup. There are still non factory examples around with all wood beds. Be sure you understand what you are getting. I currently own one authentic 1925 pickup, and used to own one other.

[Humblej]

Richard, if you are not interested, please private message (PM) me with the sellers contact information and I will buy it.

[TWrenn]

Jeff, I live closer so I get first dibs!!

[Humblej]

Sorry Tim, but I called it 17 min earlier than you.

[JohnM]

I don't know....based on the limited description, and no pictures, it could look something like this.

[George Mills]

My take

...His widow has asked me several times if I would be interested in the '25 Pickup, but being I'm 1000 miles south of the car, and being that I don't know ANYTHING about Model Ts, I haven't really expressed that much interest. Today, she brought the subject up again, and said she needed to get rid of the car and would sell it to me "cheap". She quoted me $1000, which of course piqued my interest. Summers are hot down here, and it would be a good project to have in my air-conditioned shop for the hot months. I do like the Model T cars, and would enjoy the chance to revive one.

1000 bucks is chump change as even a bare rolling chassis with unknown engine condition just might fetch more.

...SO....my basic questions.....are parts available?....

Yes, for the black series (20's) you can pretty much build a car from a catalog once you have a frame...

...Is the pickup a desirable sub-model to buy?....

personal question I guess. I have a black Fordor, a black Coupe, a brass Runabout, and a 'Hack' (open woodie). My favorite and fun one is the Hack as it hauls stuff...stores stuff...and attracts interest. I imagine a black pick-up would hold equal interest whether it is a wood box conversion, or a true stamped steel pickup bed/box

Would it be an easy/moderate/difficult restoration to undertake?...

Not to be a smart-guy, but time and money are your only obstacle. Other than that they are pretty much 'what you see is what you get' technically (viz...for the black car era, the carb is nothing much more than a modern riding mower carb on steroids) and a guy can get by for most of the work with average wrenching skills on his own. There are detailed tech manuals for most things.

...Given the usual buzz on the internet car world which tells that there is no market or interest in these 100-year-old cars, is there any end market for brass-era cars, or are there simply no buyers for anything other than Mustangs and Corvettes?....

Do you always believe the internet? I think every car offered in recent times has sold at or very near asking and not at 'disposal' prices. Depends on your expectation of 'finished' and 'investment'. You know the drill, you get paid credit of maybe a penny per hour of your own time...send for a Langs catalog today, it will show you prices of what stuff costs. In general T parts are cheaper than those muscle car parts, lots cheaper and you can focus on a section at a time for almost pocket change.

Generally, it will cost you 1000 -1500 to get it home, others might comment that if shopped there are times to get it back into 3 digit, but with the cost of gas I think those cheap rides may have to wait. Scott points out the local support in the region. That part is fact...there are several specific T clubs in the region, all very active. Members range from Suncoast...to Land O/Lutz to Riverview and are also intertwined with the club to the north and have held several workshop days when you bring in whatever ails you and your car leaves fixed or debugged. There is also this forum which you can see is extremely active as forums go...

[TRDxB2]

By now you can see that there is definite interest in the car. BUT "condition is everything" and the price of that pickup to members is somewhat dependent upon the hoard of parts they already have, and you don''t. Getting it home as options too, pay someone or rent a car trailer if you don't have a friend with one. Do the math 1000 miles one way - 10mpg - $4.50 gal 2000mi/10mpg * $4.50 = =$900 + tolls + trailer rental. Car haulers usually haul more than 1 car and then have another client pick up in your area to bring back.

[Norman Kling]

If the car is all there even if it doesn't run you will be getting a bargain. If it is disassembled it would depend on how good the parts are and how much work or replacement. A complete car in running condition would usually sell for about $5,000 and if it is completely restored, up to $15,000. Maybe more if everything is original to that year and the engine number is original. You can't always tell by the engine number, because over the years numbers have been ground off and re-stamped. Some replacement engines were even sold without numbers so that the owner could stamp his old number on it. Look for casting dates on the block and head If they are the year of your car or late the previous year, you probably have at least the right year engine even if it is not the original one in that car. All engine and running parts are available as replacement parts or at swap meets. Some things which could be difficult to fix, but are fixable are bent chassis or rust out of body parts. In your case, the body is made of sheet metal fastened to a wood frame. If the wood is rotted or termite infested, it would need to be replaced. This wood is available in kit form or if you are good at woodworking, you could even make it yourself. If the wood is good you are fortunate.
See picture of the car I bought about 30 years ago and the end result of my restoration. It is brought back to original mechanically, and the paint is a color I chose. Might not be exactly the same as Ford made it, in fact I think all the cars in 26 were black, but 27 looks almost the same as the 26 and they came in colors. I put on some extras which were available in the day. I did use chrome on the parts which were originally nickel.
Norm

26 touring as purchased.jpg (61.04 KiB) Viewed 17485 times

[TampaT]

OK, here is a photo I received today of the truck.

[Dan Hatch]

Well that is not a 25. But I would be hooking up the trailer RIGHT now.
Good luck. Dan

[TampaT]

Thanks Dan. So, what year/model do you think it is?

[KWTownsend]

Richard:
Score! But it does not look like a 1925. Straight windshield put it 1917-1922. We'll need more picture to pinpoint it more...
Welcome!
: ^ )

Keith

[Humblej]

Wow. I agree 1917-1922. Body type is a runabout with turtle deck removed and replaced by a period correct after market pick-up box. Looks correct and complete. Running or not, title or not, worth at least $4500.

[Norman Kling]

It looks like a 1922. That would make it 100 years old. It looks very good probably worth more than 1,000 just like it is. It should be easy to get it into running condition even if it needs some engine and transmission work. It could also possibly need a new radiator. Sometimes they look good and hold water, but do not cool. Anyway, it is a bargain. See if she still has the trailer and would sell it. If so, all you need is a towing vehicle to drive up there and pick it up. If you join a local club, you might even find someone who would loan you a trailer. Or you could rent a U Haul and bring it home. Or contact Freighter to haul it to you.
Norm

[TampaT]

Thank you gents for you kind replies and information. I had recalled that my friend said the car was a 1925, but his wife said 1920. So it sounds like 1920 is probably correct. So, not a factory pickup?

[PDGx]

Rich. If you can, get someone to either take a picture of this area (serial number) of the left side of the engine, or tell you what it is.

This chart will give you the year of manufacture of the engine, which may or may not be original for the vehicle, but will give you a lot of info to start with.

[TampaT]

Thanks PDGx, I will see if she can get some info off the block.

OH, and by the way for all interested parties....I did mention to her today via email that her asking price (to me) of 1K was probably low by 4000. Obviously this is information I only learned last night, but I disclosed it to her this afternoon. Her only response to the email was the photo. More to come.

[Erik Johnson]

If you provide the motor serial number, we can pinpoint the model year.

It appears to be original/unrestored and in very good condition. If that is the case, it is way too nice to ruin by restoring it.

If I acquired it, I would have it running right away and spend my time cleaning and conserving it.

[JTT3]

Richard you’re more than halfway home, I agree with the keep it as it is! Now go get it, get it running & have fun. Get the young folks involved. It’s the perfect vehicle to have young folks climb all over it & get involved. Best of luck.

[Steve Jelf]

So, not a factory pickup?

That's correct. Ford started selling pickups in the 1925 model year. This is obviously 1922 or earlier. When you're able to post pictures of various details we can sort out the year. 1920 may be correct, or maybe not. Confusion in dating Model T's is very common. Folks misremember what they read or hear.

[Grntea]

Richard - assuming you are not drowning in good advice - I hope you are on your way to get this model T ! Advise from someone who has been there: try to get a clear title to the car. The title should include the “engine number” as the VIN. If you can get a clear title, Florida ALSO requires a “bill of sale” and an affidavit from the seller - both documents are available on-line at FL.gov - be sure the engine number, color and body type and year model are mentioned in BOTH documents. It will also behoove you to get a copy of your friends’ will or the probate papers showing his widow is the rightful heir to the vehicle. Once you return to FL you will need to have a local police person or sheriff come visit your garage and sign ANOTHER document verifying the engine number as the VIN (you will have to show the person where the engine number is). Now you can take ALL the paperwork to the local DMV and apply for your Florida title. Once you GET your Florida title - I recommend you register the vehicle for a “horseless carriage” license plate. This will cost you $53 but it is good for as long as you own the car - no yearly renewal fees (best deal on wheels in Florida). The DMV can print out the horseless carriage application or you can download it online. After you apply - you’ll get a red license plate in the mail from Tallahasee in four weeks. If you can’t get a clear title - you MUST get a bill of sale and have the widow sign an affidavit saying she is the owner and “there is no title on the vehicle.” Again - go to the DMV and ask them for the “sample forms” (fill in the blanks) for the bill of sale and the ownership affidavit. Florida is easy to deal with when you bring an out of state vehicle in to get a Florida title - just play by their rules and it will save a lot of time and heart ache! Best wishes, good luck, and welcome to the BEST HOBBY in the world!!!

[Wayne Sheldon]

Nice! Just for clarification. Ford did not offer a factory pickup until 1925. And since there were several significant changes for 1926, the 1925 factory pickups are a one year only and significant offering being the first Ford factory pickup offered. Those are rather desirable to a lot of people. Hence all the early interest. This being earlier, is not a factory offering. However, do not let that discourage you! Runabouts like this with the turtle deck/trunk removed, and even cutoff touring cars, with era appropriate pickup boxes were very common way back when, and desirable for many people today. They are an important part of model T and automotive history.
Even model T people with several model Ts often find their favorite T to use is such a pickup. They are great for runs to the store, shopping for Christmas trees, or cruising garage sales.

It looks wonderful! My suggestion? Honor your friend. Offer to pay what you think is fair (consider the travel expense), and that you can afford. If your friend's widow is happy with that? Get it, get it running nice and reasonably safe (check the thrust washers in the rear end!). Name it after your friend, or his wife (might depend on your family situation?), and then honor your friend every time you drive it.

[DLodge]

Quick side note. Someone suggested sending for a Lang's catalogue to see the availability of parts. Instead of waiting for a paper catalogue to makes its way to you from Massachusetts, you can also look here:

https://www.modeltford.com/

[speedytinc]

If you provide the motor serial number, we can pinpoint the model year.

It appears to be original/unrestored and in very good condition. If that is the case, it is way too nice to ruin by restoring it.

If I acquired it, I would have it running right away and spend my time cleaning and conserving it.

The car presents well. Nice patina. Its a nice example not needing a restoration. You will get more attention as a "barn find" & not have to throw a bunch of extra money @ it. Square it away mechanically & enjoy life in the slow lane.

[John kuehn]

Good find!
The T looks good and especially since it was kept out of the weather.
Might be a 19 up to 21 Roadster looks to me. It does have a aftermarket PU box on it. Since it has the side cowl oil lamps on it it may be a non-starter car or have started out that way. If it’s the original engine it might be. In 1919 the cowl lamps were offered on the non-stater open cars only. Over time people would get another engine that was starter equipped.

I can’t remember if the non- starter open T’s in this era had demountable rims like your does but they could have added later also.
You’ve got a good one to start with and that’s great! I also would add that if it’s pretty solid as it is I would clean it up and probably get new tires and that would be it. The transmission bands may need to be changed but that goes with any T. Have fun like it is and think about restoring it later. These cars are like they really are ONLY ONCE and after a restoration they lose the total originality.
Good luck!

[TXGOAT2]

I would jump on that soooooooooooo fast......

[TRDxB2]

I expanded the photo for a better look, while we wait for more photo's

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MT1-r.png (159.12 KiB) Viewed 17021 times

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

That is a VERY cool car!

As others have explained, not a "factory" pick-up, but that does not detract anything from it in the least. In fact, it's way cooler than a regular Runabout!

Good on you for your honesty with your friend's wife.

[tdump]

I would discontinue dilly dallying and be hooking up a trailer at that price.And your friends widow seems to want you to have it,so go git it and have some fun! you only live 1 time and for that price,you can clear your investment if necessary.GO GIT IT.

[Angmar]

Very nice truck!

[Don D]

Richard,

As you can see this forum is a great resource. The Model T while nice is just the reason to share an interesting item with very nice people. Whether in the hobby or just out on the road.

I drove the Mayor of the Scottish Borders back to his hotel in downtown Manhattan after we went down 5th Avenue in the Tartan Day Parade. He was amazed by all of the New Yorkers who shouted and cheered seeing the 1919 Touring on the road. When I needed to change lanes, I stuck my left arm to turn left. He was impressed that the sea of yellow cabs parted like Moses at the Red Sea. All respect and enjoy these classic cars/trucks.

The point to all this is the Model T will add to your quality of life. My 9 grandkids would wholeheartedly agree.

Best of luck,

Dom

[TampaT]

Thanks to all you Gentlemen for your knowledgeable and encouraging posts. I am waiting to hear back from my friend's wife after my email to her a few nights ago. She is busy, so I'm not pushing anything. It may just happen that nothing will happen until I get up there in about a month and "hook my peepers" on the car firsthand.

I promise I will keep you guys in the loop. MEANWHILE a 1960 Citroen 2CV popped up on FB....two cars of similar sophistication yet 40 years apart!

[TXGOAT2]

The 2CV = The French Model T.

[Steve Jelf]

But the Model T is much better-looking.

[Craig Leach]

Be nice I hear there is a Pacer owners club out there.
Craig.

[John E. Guitar]

Richard, I would choose a Tin Lizzie over a Tin Snail all day long.

[tdump]

Tin Snails and Pacers,WOW,talk about going south!
Next it will be Gremlins and Yugo Gv's. Which,I better hush,I almost bought a yugo for 300 bucks 1 time .Try finding 1 now!

[TXGOAT2]

2 CV or T? I'd choose both. Pacer? No, unless to sell to someone else. If it was rusty, dented, and cheap and ran well, I'd keep the excellent AMC 6 cylinder engine and let the rest go. Somewhere, someone is probably contemplating making a "tiny house" out of a Pacer.

[DLodge]

2 CV or T? I'd choose both.

I've had both, and I agree. This was my 2CV. I took the picture in 1968, and I think the car was a 1960. Simple and basic, just like a Model T.

[John Codman]

One thing that I would suggest: The MTFCA has a safety inspection form that can be downloaded. I'm not sure if it is members only or not, but if you buy the T - or any Model T, join The Model T Ford Club of America. I would check everything on the form before attempting to drive the car. Many, if not all MTFCA sanctioned tours require it. There are a couple of potential "killer" items on the T - be sure that the wooden spokes are OK, and where the wishbone connects to the bottom of the engine check that the studs and nuts are snug and safety-wired. Cotter pins are not acceptable. And I'll join those who would buy it if I had the time and space for it.
BTW: I too like oddball cars, and am casually looking for a Reliant Robin that is a runner. And yes, with three wheels I do realize that technically it's a motorcycle.

[TRDxB2]

2 CV or T? I'd choose both.

I've had both, and I agree. This was my 2CV. I took the picture in 1968, and I think the car was a 1960. Simple and basic, just like a Model T.


eend parijs 68.jpg

I used to see those on the Autobahn in Germany in the 80's. As soon as it appeared on the horizon, I was past it.

[Luke]

Richard,

Should you end up with the vehicle and decide to trailer it back to home could I suggest that you don't hold it down the way it's shown in your photograph?

It's not the best idea to 'stretch' the machine between two points on a rack as it were, I wouldn't trust a 100yrd old ball joint under tension. It's not what it's designed to do at the best of times and should it fail the result could be a bit nasty.

In my view it's best to anchor the rear wheels to the trailer fore and aft, and the front via the chassis cross-member, or similar.

Best of luck with it, it sounds a great opportunity and as you've seen there's a lot of help available. Also, while I can't speak for others, when I pass on I'd probably rather my special vehicles went to a good friend at a reasonable price rather than some random person I didn't know...

Luke.

[A Whiteman]

Good spotting Luke. That method pictured really is the way for disaster to strike, even on a short trip.

[Duey_C]

Compared to your New Yorker, Tom's model T would be an absolute dream to play with.
You could call it a Roadster pickup...?
Oh no! The spokes are not painted! Curse the heavens! I'm kidding Richard.
What a super cute Ford. Have fun with it going slow, knowing there aren't very many people that know how to drive it.

[Will_Vanderburg]

A $1,00 bucks for that roadster/truck is an AWESOME price. Get it

[TampaT]

Thanks again Gentlemen for your encouraging and informative posts on this topic. I am heading up north tomorrow for a visit, and plan to have a look at the car firsthand on Friday. I'll take photos of course.

Remind me....what numbers or special features should I be looking for?

Cheers, Rich

[Scott_Conger]

66 replies, and you're asking to be reminded again as to what to look for?

wild exuberance from nearly all responses, and you're going to just take a look? How about take a trailer, a come-along, and cash?

I keep looking over my shoulder to see where Allan Funt is...surely this entire thing is just a spoof and we're just the poor buffoons along for the ride.

[Michael Peternell]

66 replies, and you're asking to be reminded again as to what to look for?

wild exuberance from nearly all responses, and you're going to just take a look? How about take a trailer, a come-along, and cash?

I keep looking over my shoulder to see where Allan Funt is...surely this entire thing is just a spoof and we're just the poor buffoons along for the ride.

I couldn't agree more. If the OP restored the car he posted a picture of early on and questioned if the T was worth a thousand dollars.?!
I'll call BS also. If not the case I apologize.

[randahl]

20181230_150358~2.jpg

I don't know....based on the limited description, and no pictures, it could look something like this.

Hey take it easy.. that's what mine looked like when I bought it for $1200! Ha! Ha! Maybe I got ripped off?

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

66 replies, and you're asking to be reminded again as to what to look for?

wild exuberance from nearly all responses, and you're going to just take a look? How about take a trailer, a come-along, and cash?

I keep looking over my shoulder to see where Allan Funt is...surely this entire thing is just a spoof and we're just the poor buffoons along for the ride.

I couldn't agree more. If the OP restored the car he posted a picture of early on and questioned if the T was worth a thousand dollars.?!
I'll call BS also. If not the case I apologize.

Let's remember, the OP didn't wake up one morning and decide he absolutely NEEDED to own a Model T. This is more or less a car that came looking for him. It would be a different story if he were hunting for one and dawdled over this one. What car would you be dubious about buying, considering you hadn't ever thought of owning one, just because a bunch of internet cars guys say it's cheap???

[JohnM]

If you are happy with it, that is all that matters. My point is, from my experience "restored" is highly subjective. Even pictures can make things look much better than they are. I will reserve a firm opinion until I have personally INSPECTED IT. That said, if this was close, I would have seen it already.

[JohnM]

OPINION

Oh, dear, we are all like that. Each of us knows it all, and knows he knows it all-the rest, to a man, are fools and deluded. One man knows there is a hell, the next one knows there isn't; one man knows monarchy is best, the next knows it isn't; one age knows there are witches, the next one knows there aren't; one sect knows its religion is the only true one, there are sixty-four thousand five hundred million sects that know it isn't so. There is not a mind present among this verdict-deliverers that is the superior of the minds that persuade and represent the rest of the divisions of the multitude. Yet this sarcastic fact does not humble the arrogance nor diminish the know-it-all bulk of a single verdict-maker of the lot, by so much as a shade. Mind is plainly an ass, but it will be many ages before it finds out, no doubt. Why do I respect the opinions of any man or any microbe that ever lived? I swear (I) don't know. Why do I respect my own? WELL, THAT IS DIFFERENT.

Mark Twain

[Kaiser]

Well well whats up, did you get it ??
I bet I'm not the only one who's curious