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My New T
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 5:41 pm
by CatGuy
I've had this, my first 'T', for a week now. It's a '26. As best as I can tell it's an older restoration from the 70's. The only rust I see is the floor under the seat and it's been painted over. One front fender has a small chipping area of bondo. All in all it's a great first time T. Also the first time driving one. A real eye opener! I'll have lots of questions.....
Re: My New T
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 6:28 pm
by MichaelPawelek
I really like the front bumper and headlight bar!
Re: My New T
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 6:46 pm
by NU2theT
congrats on your T, will be lots of fun with the top down. Those are interesting bumpers there on the front.
I am the current caretaker of my 26 Fordor and was lucky to find it several years ago. Probably the best thing I did to make starting a whole lot easier was an Optima 6V battery.
Re: My New T
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:03 pm
by John kuehn
Welcome to the Model T world!
Since this is your first T it’s a good idea to get the Ford service manual that’s readily available from the T parts suppliers.
Contact Lang’s, Snyder’s and other suppliers and they will send you a catalog for parts and information.
Your 26 is what Ford called the improved T’s that came out before the Model A. 26 and 27 are Fords last gasp before he had to move on and develop a newer improved car and to keep up with the growing car market at the time.
Remember your dealing with 100 year technology so it’s a different ride than your modern vehicles! Remember to drive like you don’t have brakes!
Get a good feel about your T and learn with what you have. It looks to be a solid car and get it going and have fun with it like it is. Don’t start taking it all apart to restore it yet. It probably doesn’t need it. Make it a good driving T before you start thinking about redoing everything. This is my opinion but in the long run you’ll be glad you did! Have fun and welcome to Model T fun!
Re: My New T
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:26 pm
by Oldav8tor
I strongly suggest you contact a nearby Model T Club. Invite them to take a look at your car and listen to their suggestions. Even if the club itself isn't real close I bet they have a member who is. You'll find Model T people are very willing to help each other out....it's our "thing." One of the greatest parts of T ownership are the social aspects. Touring, gatherings, group work sessions, it's all part of the experience. I've attached the contact info for MTFCA and MTFCI Chapters in Iowa.
- MTFCA Chapters
- MTFCI Chapters
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 6:15 am
by CatGuy
Thanks for all the replies. At this point I plan to keep it as it is. I wouldn’t mind changing the wheels to black, but I guess my A already has black wheels so this will be different. I am actually considering removing the bumpers. I’m cramped for room in the garage and I need to get both of them in there along with my ‘55 Chevy Truck.
The convertible top needs replaced or fixed. It doesn’t lock in at both sides of the top and the back. I believe the car does have an Optima Battery.
I ordered the accessory parking brake spring as the parking brake won’t stay put. One of the rods was new, but not hooked up. Parts on the way. I have a couple books, but will get more.
I’ve owned many, many old cars over the years. This is a whole new experience, though! The clutch doesn’t do what it does in my ‘28 or ‘55 or…. That’s my biggest fear. I drove it briefly the other day and did ok then rolled into the garage and used the clutch like I would on the A! Got to retrain my brain…..
I’ll look into the clubs. Thanks!
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 6:45 am
by TXGOAT2
When you are driving the car into a garage or operating it in any other confined space, put the hand brake lever in the "neutral" position. (Straight up and down). Do the same when backing up. That will help prevent running into things.
It's very important that the hand brake lever ratchet assembly work properly. If it slips, the car will go into high gear. *With the hand brake lever in "Neutral", all you have to do to stop the car is to release the Low pedal (or Reverse pedal if backing up) and use the foot brake pedal as you would in a normal car.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:13 am
by CatGuy
TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 07, 2022 6:45 am
When you are driving the car into a garage or operating it in any other confined space, put the hand brake lever in the "neutral" position. (Straight up and down). Do the same when backing up. That will help prevent running into things.
It's very important that the hand brake lever ratchet assembly work properly. If it slips, the car will go into high gear. *With the hand brake lever in "Neutral", all you have to do to stop the car is to release the Low pedal (or Reverse pedal if backing up) and use the foot brake pedal as you would in a normal car.
I'll have to remember that. I'm trying to learn to use the clutch more and the Parking Brake less, the way Henry wrote in the book, but I suppose since I'm new I'd better not push my luck. I ordered one of those accessory spring things that just pops into place as a way to get the pawl and ratchet to work better. I think that's what it's for? As of right now the Parking Brake won't stay put. I guess that's why the car came with a free bungee cord......
I have contacted 'Heart Of Iowa T's' and they are going to get back to me.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:14 am
by CatGuy
MichaelPawelek wrote: ↑Wed Apr 06, 2022 6:28 pm
I really like the front bumper and headlight bar!
I don't think the bumpers are stock, are they? I'm toying with removing them. Is the headlight bar unusual? They all had them, didn't they?
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:31 am
by Mark Nunn
I have black wire wheels on my '26 Runabout. I like your straw wheels better. Whenever I get around to it I will repaint my wheels a different color. I haven't decided which yet.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:44 am
by CatGuy
Mark Nunn wrote: ↑Thu Apr 07, 2022 8:31 am
I have black wire wheels on my '26 Runabout. I like your straw wheels better. Whenever I get around to it I will repaint my wheels a different color. I haven't decided which yet.
If we lived closer I'd try to trade you! lol Can you post a bigger picture of yours so I can see how they would look on mine?
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:00 am
by Mark Nunn
This is my Runabout today.
This is my Runabout with Great Aunt Katie and Great Uncle Elmer in 1935.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:13 am
by CatGuy
Mark Nunn wrote: ↑Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:00 am
This is my Runabout today.
T 3-31-18 gif test.gif
T Left quarter.gif
This is my Runabout with Great Aunt Katie and Great Uncle Elmer in 1935.
T Katie Todd.jpg
Great pictures! Thanks! What a family heirloom you have there! I have my grandfather's '55 Chevy truck that he had bought somewhere in the early 70's. Is it me or does the driver's front wheel look angled in quite a bit? I've also thought about removing my spare, too, in an effort to fit my vehicles in the garage more. I guess bumpers and a spare were an option? I do have one of those accordion running board luggage racks.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:24 am
by TXGOAT2
The condition of the parking brake ratchet is VERY IMPORTANT to keep the car in "neutral" when appropriate and also to keep the parking brakes set when appropriate, such as when you are out front cranking the car and at any other time you do not want it to move. If you are cranking the car and the lever ratchet slips, the car is apt to run over you or pin you against something. The same is true if the car is sitting still with the engine running and the ratchet slips. /// When getting used to driving my T, found that keeping the parking brake lever in the "neutral" position when driving the car around obstacles in low or reverse was more comfortable and safe. I'm now used to holding the clutch pedal halfway down in most situations, but I still put the lever in "neutral" when driving into the barn or backing up. If I drive off in low with the lever still in neutral, no harm is done, and all that is needed is to release the lever to go into high gear. The adjustment of the pedals and lever and parking brakes is also important for ease of operation and safety. The better your engine runs, and the better the various control adjustments are made, the easier and safer the car is to drive. The steering also needs to be in good condition and properly adjusted. A Model T with good steering and tires will handle safely and be easy to control. (Do NOT back up fast, since the steering can behave oddly when backing up rapidly!)
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:25 am
by TXGOAT2
Mark, your car looks almost exactly like mine.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 10:18 am
by CatGuy
TXGOAT2 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 07, 2022 9:24 am
The condition of the parking brake ratchet is VERY IMPORTANT to keep the car in "neutral" when appropriate and also to keep the parking brakes set when appropriate, such as when you are out front cranking the car and at any other time you do not want it to move. If you are cranking the car and the lever ratchet slips, the car is apt to run over you or pin you against something. The same is true if the car is sitting still with the engine running and the ratchet slips. /// When getting used to driving my T, found that keeping the parking brake lever in the "neutral" position when driving the car around obstacles in low or reverse was more comfortable and safe. I'm now used to holding the clutch pedal halfway down in most situations, but I still put the lever in "neutral" when driving into the barn or backing up. If I drive off in low with the lever still in neutral, no harm is done, and all that is needed is to release the lever to go into high gear. The adjustment of the pedals and lever and parking brakes is also important for ease of operation and safety. The better your engine runs, and the better the various control adjustments are made, the easier and safer the car is to drive. The steering also needs to be in good condition and properly adjusted. A Model T with good steering and tires will handle safely and be easy to control. (Do NOT back up fast, since the steering can behave oddly when backing up rapidly!)
It's definitely already on the top of my list of 21 things that I'd like to address! I'm hoping the little spring makes the difference and I don't have to put a new quadrant and pawl on.
Re: My New T
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2022 10:57 am
by Norman Kling
When you apply the parking brake or use it for neutral, squeeze the handle and pull back instead of letting the pall ratchet on the quadrant. When you get it all the way back let the handle go and pull to the next click if it will go any farther. That reduces wear on the pall.
If properly adjusted for neutral, the parking brake will be easier on the transmission than holding the pedal down. it is very easy to push the pedal too far and cause wear on the low band. I almost always use the lever for neutral when backing up. Then I can use the left foot for the reverse pedal and the right for the brake. Quicker and safer for a quick stop in reverse. Also good for parking lots where you might want to drive slowly in low.
Also good for loading on a trailer.
Norm
