New member here

[Godabitibi]

Hi everybody, I'm new here and would like to introduce myself.
I'm looking to buy a Model T for the first time. I've always been a collector car owner and just bought a old house with a 100+ years old barn and would like to get a car to match the barn

I am Canadian and would like to find a canadian model locally if posible. Looking for something complete and running but far from a fully restored or show car. I want it to LOOK like a 100yo car next to the barn. I'm a retired mechanic teacher and also do bodywork and wood work.
Which I believe is good to work on Ts.
I also want something with a rag top

I have found one but I have lot of questions which I will ask seperately.

Thanks for answering me for those who will !

[John kuehn]

Welcome to the model T world! Ford built lots of T’s so there should be one around left for you.
If your leaning to find a ‘rag top’ a Touring car is probably what your looking for. You can buy a project car that needs a restoration or a restored car that’s pretty much completed. In the Model T world it use to be a totally restored to factory condition was the thing to do especially with a super nice paint job. For some a more authentic look is more desirable because it looks more realistic. You can have that look but have a restored drive train that’s a good runner and driver without having a it painted to perfection. This of course is my opinion and others will disagree.
To me that sounds like what your looking for.

When you find a car MAKE SURE it has a clear title by all means. After 100 years things have been altered or changed parts wise. Finding a totally original car is not that easy to do but they are around. If it’s about 90-95% correct that’s pretty good for me.
Others will have ideas that you can consider.

Also get the Ford service manual. The MTFCA lots of publications about working and restoring T’s. Get to know what makes a T tick. There are also lots of T instructional videos out there that really help.
Learning about what Not to do to a T can save you lots of headaches.
Good luck with your new found interest in T ‘s !

[JBog]

Welcome!! I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for here.

[FundyTides]

Welcome! Nice to see another T (future) owner from Canada. A Canadian built car would be my preference. I have a 27 Canadian touring and have always found the little differences from the US built cars interesting, if a bit problematic at times. Good luck!

[Norman Kling]

I would recommend that you try to find a local T club in your vicinity and join it. Try riding along on tours and looking at the various cars. The running gear remains almost the same over the years with only minor changes to upgrade problem areas, and most parts as a unit can be interchanged easily from year to year. There were 4 big changes in body styles over the years, with minor changes each year for the various cars. The first was the Brass area which had bigger changes each year than the others. The next area was the Black cars. Two types of black cars. Low radiator and high radiator and also windshield and top was different over the years. The starter was added in 1919 but remained optional equipment until the end of the T era. The tops were 2 man tops from the very first until about 1922. I say "about 1922" because The one man top was gradually introduced over the 1922-1923 period. Maybe the factories changed when they ran out of parts at different times at different factories. Also some states dated the car the year first sold and others used a year model which sometimes was introduced before the end of the current year. The last change was the "improved" Model T which was only made during 1926-1927. The whole body changed and the gas tank was moved from under the seat to the cowl and coil boxes moved under the hood.
There are also "speedsters" which are modified by the owner and can come in many different body styles and configurations. Must have a T engine block but can be drastically modified for speed.
So after you decide which type car you like best, you can then decide whether to buy one already restored, one in "Barn find" condition, or a basket case which you restore yourself. Usually one already restored will cost you less than it would cost to restore. But for some people the job of restoring the car is fun and you will know exactly what is in your car. For others driving the car is the most fun and others showing the car. You need to decide between a driver and a show car, because you will need to keep your show car parked and only take it out for shows if you want to be the number one winner. For a driver, it isn't quite as important that everything looks exactly right, most important is the running condition.
Anyway, try to make a wise choice which suits your own wants and desires.
Norm

[Rich Eagle]

I like your taste in choices. I couldn't find any "barn finds" so I built 2 Ts from parts not worth restoring to look like them. It gave the added bonus of having everything rebuilt and working right. They are as much fun as my other restored cars.
I hope you find just what you are looking for. This is a good place to share those things.
Welcome
Rich