MTFCA Forum

Good day everyone
I am looking to buy a brass Model T. Preferably in the north midwest.

This should be in the classified.

Let's make this a welcoming discussion...so, welcome to the hobby! As you search for your car, you will find that many later T parts can be fitted to earlier cars. Many drive train components in particular, got better and more robust over the years and often find their way into earlier cars. This is fine, if the price reflects this, but on early cars, can be a significant "ding" against the value (but not always reflected as a price reduction). Beware of this if you are seeking a truly authentic "T".

There are plenty of nuances to these things and it is a good idea to pal up with someone who knows early cars to advise and critique a potential purchase. I see that you're interested in a new club near you. That's a great start to your education and potential pool of helpers when you finally need help.

Good luck with your search. Post your results when they come.

There are lots of model T's available out there. Some are advertised and some are not. If you can get to know local T owners and club members many know of cars for sale. The brass era ones are scarcer but they are out there. In general, the earlier the more expensive. I hope you find what you are looking for. This is a good place to start.
Rich

Also check out www.modelt.org

You will find clubs there too. Usually better to join a club, get some rides, and then look for a car.

Yes ! Welcome !! Please keep us posted on your progress here on this thread. I hope you'll find reading these boards interesting and informative. If you have any questions at all, you can be sure to get a variety of answers right here. That's part of the fun, and how my '13 runabout found me, five years ago.

There are brass T's, and there are brass T's. They cover eight years, 1909 to 1916. The early ones have brass everywhere. By 1916 you're down to just a brass radiator. I admire them all, but my favorite is 1915. It's not as brass-laden as earlier years, but has enough bling to be attractive. It also costs less. One rule of thumb has it that for every year you go back before 1917 you add $1000 to the value. Thus a 1909 would be worth $8000 more than a 1917 in equal condition. I'm not sure that $1000 a year is right, but I agree that as you go earlier the values rise. Supply and demand. The earlier you go the fewer were made, and the fewer survivors there are.

Here's a buyer's guide that suggests some things to consider in shopping for a T: http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG98.html

If you're not already familiar with the various brass T's, I would suggest that you study up on them and see if you have any preferences as to year, body type, etc. If you are familiar and any brass T will do, carry on.

Welcome to the hobby!

The ultimative source for differences of the various years are "The Encyclopedia".

Welcome to the hobby!

The ultimative source for differences of the various years are "The Encyclopedia".

So a 1917 in top notch (mint) condition MIGHT fetch $20K, so using the "$1,000 per prior year" rule, $28K for a like condition 1909? Sign me up! I'll buy one right now!

If there are any 1909’s available for $8000 more than a 1917 I would sure like to know about them. Every year before 1915 the price goes up significantly. By the time you get back to 1909, you will be spending at least five or six times as much as a 1917 in the same condition. 1915 is the best bang for your buck in a brass T. Lately there have been some reel nice deals on them.

TWrenn wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 15, 2022 5:29 pm

So a 1917 in top notch (mint) condition MIGHT fetch $20K, so using the "$1,000 per prior year" rule, $28K for a like condition 1909? Sign me up! I'll buy one right now!

Tim, didn’t Charley have a 1910 parts pile for 30K?

I’ve got a 15. 903-824-1949

I have heard the 09 roadster serial 962 with original open valve pump motor could be for sale?

Tbird yes charley had 1910 pile asking 30 K I have it now and I bought it for a WHOLE lot less than 30. And it is a pretty good pile

Dale, you no doubt got a good deal. As I recall, which is difficult these days , Charley had that car for sale for a looong time too. That said, not long ago on here was an excellent specimen of an '09 with a $70K asking price. We all know askin' is one thing, gettin' is another! My point is though, a comparable '17 will never even be asked for $62K using the so-called $1K a year "rule" for an earlier car. It boils down to condition, even location to a degree, and primarily IF you find someone who wants it bad enough to pay the price, and of course "rarity" too. 'Nuff said.

Good day everyone,
Thank you all for the kindly advice. I live in Caseville MI. The tour through Caseville last year has me really enthused. I’m looking forward to touring with you guys this summer. When I find a car, I’m sure I will need driver training.
By the way, there is a 1912 touring at Peters Motorcars in Norwalk Ohio. Has anyone seen it or have a comment about it?
Bye for now,
Mike

Glad you came aboard to the Model T world!
While your looking for your first T it would be a good idea to buy the Ford Service Manual and the Model T owners manual that are available the parts vendors that can be found on this website.
Go to the home page and click on resources and go from there. The T encyclopedia is also a good resource for information.
Welcome and remember to educate yourself along the way. It really does help.

And by the way the vendors will send you a free parts catalog if you call them. That’s another resource of which parts are for certain years and so on. The catalogs are a resource themselves!
Good luck.

Mike

Just looked at the info on the 1912 in Ohio. The outside is beautiful, but their are a lot of problems with the guts for that price. I do not know a lot about brass cars, but my guess is that is a later engine with a starter and distributor. Probably not a 1912 engine. Ruckstell is nice but also means not the original axle. Hopefully some brass guys will pipe in n tell u what that car is really worth.

It appears to be an as-is car with a spiffy paint job as evidenced by the last few photos. Complete with a starter and a Model A (or other modern) carb. They couldn't find an NH? Obviously set up for "serious touring".

I might be a little late for reply to you but saw this 1916 Touring for sale on Chicago area Facebook Marketplace.

FULLBORE wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:03 am

Good day everyone
I am looking to buy a brass Model T. Preferably in the north midwest.

Craig Beek is selling some of his collection. All restored, award winners, Brass T''s and priced accordingly. Located in Moline, Illinois. Stop by on to your way to/from Chickasha. Just off I-280 (an I-80 loop around the Quad Cities). Has a everything for 1910 (less engine) ready to restore (Body by Wells) Need to arrange ahead

I didn't see anything about how you are going to use the car.
Most people these days don't know much about Model T's unless they are owners and especially club members. I have driven into gas stations and had people ask me if my car was a '46. When I tell them it is a 26, they are very shocked that they even made cars back then.
Many members of the club, both local and national, are getting on in years and some have passed away. Some families are not interested in the cars so they are for sale. Others can no longer drive and so they wish to sell the cars. Most people who have the cars for sale do not want them stripped down to make a "Rat rod" so they keep the sales within the club. That means club members know about cars for sale and are even listed for sale in the local and national newsletters or on this forum.
To get back to the first point. Some people like to enter in car shows and in those shows they either reward the best and most original cars. Other shows have people's choice and might like a car with some modifications. Some award car which was driven the farthest to the show etc.
Another use of the car is to drive on tours. Sometimes many miles in a few days on tours, so the aim is to have a very well running car but not always authentic year parts. I ran out of space so will continue on next post

Continued If you plan to drive on tours, you can expect to do maintenance work from time to time and possible repair of dings and dents as well as some re-painting. You will also need to do things such as replacing bands, rings and valves tightening bearings and new tires etc.
Brass speedsters are also popular. They have some of the brass parts but have a lot of modifications. Only qualifying part is a Model T engine block.
Other people like the tinkering best and buy a fixer upper to work on.
And some like all three. So depending on your planned use of the car choose the car which most meets your needs and desires. Also remember the earlier brass cars have the most brass which you must keep polished. And if the car is a driver, the parts are harder to find.
Norm

Another use Norm didn't mention is travel by Model T. That means not trailering, but driving to where you're going then driving home. The two main requirements are getting the T in shape for it and having the time to do it. Not many do it, but I enjoy it greatly.