We are losing a Model T engine repairman

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tiredfarmer
Posts: 129
Joined: Thu Apr 09, 2020 11:29 am
First Name: leonard
Last Name: simunek
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 touring. 1931 model a pickup, 1947 willys cj2a
Location: waukomis, ok

We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by tiredfarmer » Sat Aug 19, 2023 5:26 pm

I am sorry to report that Mike Bender has Leukemia and will not be able to rebuilt anymore engines. One of our member of The Special T's had his 25 Fordoor engine rebuilt and Mike told him that it will be his last engine. It's sad that people who do great things for our beloved T's have to quit because of health problems. We all need to pray for not only Mike but everybody who needs our prayers and hopefully someone else will take over so our Model T's will keep rolling.

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CudaMan
Posts: 2531
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 4:17 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Strange
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1924 Cut Off Touring (now a pickup)
Location: Hillsboro, MO
Board Member Since: 2013

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by CudaMan » Sat Aug 19, 2023 5:45 pm

For the newer members here, Mike Bender and Bill Howell have created a great collection of Model T Ford videos, check them out!

https://www.youtube.com/@modelt-tips6985
Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)


Moxie26
Posts: 1863
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First Name: Robert
Last Name: Jablonski
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Runabout
Location: New Jersey
MTFCA Life Member: YES
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Moxie26 » Sat Aug 19, 2023 5:52 pm

Mike rebuilt our transmission along with Fred in our ' 26 . Mike will be in our prayers... there are different stages of leukemia, being picked up an early stages there is medication that does help..... As a side note, a former schoolmate and employer had leukemia for 20 years

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Henry K. Lee
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Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Henry K. Lee » Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:10 pm

Only the Best Wishes for Mike and Family!

Hank Lee and Family


VinTin23
Posts: 101
Joined: Tue Jan 28, 2020 8:45 am
First Name: Marty
Last Name: Ray
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1916 Runabout, 1922 Roadster
Location: Texas

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by VinTin23 » Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:22 pm

My thoughts are with you and I wish you the best. I’m a big fan of your channel and have learned a lot.

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Mark Chaffin
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Speedster, 1927 Lake Roadster
Location: Lake Elsinore
Board Member Since: 2001

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Mark Chaffin » Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:41 pm

Mike is a great guy and wealth of knowledge. Sometimes life has a way of telling us to pause and take stock of the many blessings we have around us. We wish him the best with his health issue.

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Steve Jelf
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
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Contact:

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Steve Jelf » Sun Aug 20, 2023 12:48 am

I hate this. Mike has let me "help" him rebuild a couple of my engines and it was a joy working with him. He has been nothing but kind and helpful to this old man. Mike, I'm pullin" for ya.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring


ModelTWoods
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Last Name: Woods
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Model T coupe, 1926 4 door sedan
Location: Cibolo (San Antonio), TX

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by ModelTWoods » Sun Aug 20, 2023 1:02 am

Steve Jelf wrote:
Sun Aug 20, 2023 12:48 am
I hate this. Mike has let me "help" him rebuild a couple of my engines and it was a joy working with him. He has been nothing but kind and helpful to this old man. Mike, I'm pullin" for ya.
I couldn't have said it better than STEVE. I am shocked, and hate to hear this. Hoping for a miracle cure.

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Kaiser
Posts: 1102
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Last Name: van Stirum
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 Huckster, '66 CJ5 daily driver
Location: Netherlands
Board Member Since: 2016

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Kaiser » Sun Aug 20, 2023 6:16 am

That is crap news !
I'm so very glad he posted his video's on his Youtube channel, they contain a wealth of knowledge although it is just a fraction of what he actually stored in his head.
I hope his videos will be available forever.
Mike i wish you some good times still ahead.
When in trouble, do not fear, blame the second engineer ! 8-)
Leo van Stirum, Netherlands
'23 Huckster, '66 CJ5 daily driver

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TWrenn
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Location: Ohio
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Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by TWrenn » Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:06 am

My prayers to you Mike. God be with you.


Gracie'sDad
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Last Name: Dow
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 Touring
Location: Leawood, Kansas
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Gracie'sDad » Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:53 pm

I'm very sorry to hear this. Mike rebuilt the engine and transmission in my '23 three years ago. Great guy, good friend and priceless asset to the hobby.

God bless you Mike.

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havnfun
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1918 Speedster, 1913 Runabout, 1923 Roadster, 1912 Mother-in-law roadster
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Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by havnfun » Sun Aug 20, 2023 6:46 pm

Mike, you’re in my thoughts and prayers
Regards,
Joe Kowalczyk - 1923 Roadster, 1913 Runabout, 1918 Speedster, 1912 Mother-in-law roadster


kmatt2
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Location: Madera CA 93636

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by kmatt2 » Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:19 pm

Mike,
My prayers and best wishes to you in your health battle.
Kevin Matthiesen, Madera Ca.

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George House
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘10 Maxwell AA, ‘11Hupp Model 20, Two 1914 Ford runabouts, 19 centerdoor, 25 C Cab,26 roadster
Location: Northern Caldwell County TX
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Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by George House » Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:35 pm

Mike,
Thank you for your many and quality contributions to our hobby and for your future continuation after this leukemia recovery. Prayers for doctor’s skill.
A Fine is a Tax for Doing Something Wrong….A Tax is a Fine for Doing Something RIGHT 🤔

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dobro1956
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Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:13 pm
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Sport Touring, 1919 Speedster, 1914 Speedster, Wards tractor conversion, non starter 1926 Improved Touring
Location: Hills of Arkansas

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by dobro1956 » Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:24 pm

Mike, our thoughts are with you, and wish and pray for you to have good results from any treatments.


Gene_French
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* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Roadster pkup.
Location: Nunn, CO
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Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by Gene_French » Fri Aug 25, 2023 10:52 am

Mike:
Sorry to hear of your illness , i have been fortunate in being in good health , but have many years of experience with my late wifes long health decline ... my only advice is to live life the best you can and appreciate the good days , accept the bad and do the best you can with what you have to work with ... our prayers are with you ... Gene French


tman12
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Last Name: Willams
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '09 Roadstr, '12 Touring, '26 Fronti Speedster
Location: Cedar Rapids Iowa

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by tman12 » Fri Aug 25, 2023 12:53 pm

Prayers & Best Wishes for A Good Recovery From Shueyville Iowa! An awesome Friend And Real Model T Guy! All The Best - John

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JTT3
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Last Name: Tannehill
Location: Hot Coffee, MS

Re: We are losing a Model T engine repairman

Post by JTT3 » Fri Aug 25, 2023 8:51 pm

Reminds me of a Mark Twain anecdote.

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