Looking to begin my “T life”

[JoshuaLevi]

Hello,
I’m a new member to this forum and also to the world of the Model T. My name is Joshua, I’m 47, divorced father to a kiddo that turns 18 in a few weeks, and an A&P/IA helicopter field mechanic by trade. I live in Hillsboro Oregon and work for a helicopter company in Northern California. I absolutely love what I do because it’s exciting, challenging, allows me to troubleshoot and maintain amazing machines, and really feeds my desire to have a great attention to detail.

I was informed of this forum by a Mr. Robert Middleton. I was given Mr. Middleton’s information from a Mr. Ron Pizer. I was put in contact with Mr. Pizer from my close friend Kyle Bushman. Mr. Middleton and Mr. Pizer were both very kind and helpful, and have extended the invitation to reach out to them with any questions I may have. I appreciate being a part of enthusiast groups who share a common interest. I’m a member of a local Corvette club and own a 2004 C5 Corvette and while I’m one of the youngest members, I feel very welcomed and love participating in the club events whenever I’m able.

I perform almost all the work on my own cars, and I enjoy working on everything from sewing machines to motorcycles, to helicopters and antique airplanes.

About 6 years ago I drove a Tuk Tuk (7hp, 2 stroke, pull start) 2000 miles across India. It was a great adventure. It was a 3 speed with a top speed of about 35mph, maybe 40 if you were going downhill. I had a few breakdowns but that was part of the fun. Getting up every day and not having a clue what was in store or how far I’d make it.

I find that as I’m getting older I am regressing with my use and enjoyment of technology. I have been learning film photography using a vintage 1960’s Rolleiflex wide camera and documenting my improvement in a photo album with notations being made on my 1937 Royal Deluxe typewriter.

I have a strong desire to find myself an old Model T that I can drive from Oregon to New York, and then take the Cannonball Run route back to California, and then drive it on back up the Pacific Coast Highway to home through the Redwoods. After that adventure I want to continue driving it very regularly, and take it on many long distance trips. I can’t explain why I have the desire to do this, I only know that I must do it.

I don’t know much (yet) about the Model T but I want to find one that isn’t fancy, that needs some love, and one that is craving for a life on the open road and a life of actual use and not just gathering dust in a garage or hangar or even worse, rotting in a field somewhere.

I’ve seen many really beautiful examples for sale and while I’m sure they would be a dream to drive, I feel that having one that’s a cream puff wouldn’t give me the opportunity to learn all I need to in order to be a proficient mechanic/caretaker. I also feel that taking a really nice one on this journey would be much easier than taking one that was a little more “rough” around the edges. I like challenges.

I am not looking for a basket case, nor am I looking for one that is too nice. I would like to find one that’s complete, preferably with the original engine. I don’t want to modify it unless it’s something period correct or internal that helps longevity but can’t really be seen. I appreciate resto-mods and custom cars for what they are but I really love stock vehicles and want to keep mine as original as I can.

I’m trying to keep the purchase price on the lower end, with the understanding and expectation that where I’ll be saving money is in my labor and doing the work myself. I love learning and I’m a good mechanic with great troubleshooting skills. I work hard, take notes, and have a thirst for knowledge.
When I find the T that’s meant for me, I plan on keeping it until I’m too old to care for it anymore. This isn’t a fix and flip. This is a fix and use. I’m not expecting charity, but I’m on the lookout for a good deal.

Thank you for listening to my ramble if you made it this far, and I appreciate any advice or pointers in my search for my T.

[A Whiteman]

Welcome to the hobby, and welcome to the forum.

All the best with your search and I do look forward to hearing how you get on in the adventure.

A page to start looking for an introduction to the T is: https://www.dauntlessgeezer.com/DG52.html

The Encyclopaedia section at this site is also full of information too.