Took the Model T out for a spin last weekend and found myself on some pretty good hills — the kind that make you lean forward in the seat like it’ll help (and maybe it does… just a little!).
Here is the video: https://youtu.be/3MAbgJ4h3GE?si=6ASOj5odzwS96_WD
There’s something genuinely satisfying about feeling the gears do their thing, hearing that steady putt-putt from the engine, and knowing you’ve got a little extra help when the road points skyward. The Ruckstell might be one of the best “unofficial” factory options Ford never offered.
Anyone else enjoy putting their Ruckstell to the test? Would love to hear your hill stories — successful climbs or, well… learning experiences.
Matt
Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T
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Matt in California
Topic author - Posts: 780
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:42 pm
- First Name: Matt
- Last Name: G
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Touring, 1926 Fordor Project, TT C-cab flatbed farm field find, TT dump truck project
- Location: California
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George House
- Posts: 2888
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:25 pm
- First Name: George
- Last Name: House
- * 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
- MTFCA Life Member: YES
- Board Member Since: 1999
Re: Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T
That was a fun run 
Thanks ! And pretty scenery
Thanks ! And pretty sceneryA Fine is a Tax for Doing Something Wrong….A Tax is a Fine for Doing Something RIGHT 
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walber
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:55 pm
- First Name: Walt
- Last Name: Berdan
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '18 Speedster had 25 touring and 26 coupe
- Location: Bellevue, WA
Re: Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T
That was excellent!
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Daisy Mae
- Posts: 384
- Joined: Mon May 06, 2024 9:32 pm
- First Name: Kurt
- Last Name: Andersson
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring
- Location: Panama City Beach, FL
Re: Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T
OH MAN!!!
What a trip down memory lane!! The last place I lived in CA was Modesto. Many a weekend was spent camping at Huntington Lake, or exploring the foothills along Kaiser Pass Rd. Appears most of Jose Basin was burned out since I was there last ('91). Still pretty country, I will always miss the Sierra.
What a joy that would be in a T!!
What a trip down memory lane!! The last place I lived in CA was Modesto. Many a weekend was spent camping at Huntington Lake, or exploring the foothills along Kaiser Pass Rd. Appears most of Jose Basin was burned out since I was there last ('91). Still pretty country, I will always miss the Sierra.
What a joy that would be in a T!!
Call me anything you want...just so long as it isn't "late for dinner"
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kmatt2
- Posts: 665
- Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2020 1:41 pm
- First Name: Kevin
- Last Name: Matthiesen
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 T Coupe, 16 T Open Express, 21 TT Flatbed, ,13 T Speedster, 63 VW Bettle,51 Mercury 4 door sport sedan, 67 Mercury Cougar
- Location: Madera CA 93636
Re: Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T
Way to go Matt , going up Toll House Grade is a fun challenge in a stock Model T , the Ruckstell is a big help , but you have to have a strong left foot and a tire pump to put pressure in the gas tank if you have a pre 1926 car , even a full tank of gas in a round tank doesn’t gravity flow so well with all the sloshing and bouncing. Think about about all the hourse drawn wagons that came down that grade before cars that had to drag a log behind the wagon to keep the wagon under control. It is sure sad to see all the burn scars from the Creek Fire. Living in the Fresno - Madera area there are a lot of Model T roads to drive , we should have a MTFCA local chapter club but we don’t and I tried a long time ago now health keeps me close to home.
Kevin in Madera Ca
Kevin in Madera Ca
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Matt in California
Topic author - Posts: 780
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 5:42 pm
- First Name: Matt
- Last Name: G
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Touring, 1926 Fordor Project, TT C-cab flatbed farm field find, TT dump truck project
- Location: California
Re: Video: Gotta Love the Ruckstell – Hill Climb Fun With the T
Everyone,kmatt2 wrote: ↑Sat Oct 18, 2025 1:44 pmWay to go Matt , going up Toll House Grade is a fun challenge in a stock Model T , the Ruckstell is a big help , but you have to have a strong left foot and a tire pump to put pressure in the gas tank if you have a pre 1926 car , even a full tank of gas in a round tank doesn’t gravity flow so well with all the sloshing and bouncing. Think about about all the hourse drawn wagons that came down that grade before cars that had to drag a log behind the wagon to keep the wagon under control. It is sure sad to see all the burn scars from the Creek Fire. Living in the Fresno - Madera area there are a lot of Model T roads to drive , we should have a MTFCA local chapter club but we don’t and I tried a long time ago now health keeps me close to home.
Kevin in Madera Ca
Thanks for the kind comments!
Kevin,
It really is a shame there isn’t a local MTFCA chapter in our area. I’m not big on formal, business-style meetings either—but at the very least, you and I should definitely meet up sometime!
As for group drives, my kind of “meeting” is just letting folks know when I plan to head up into the mountains. They’re welcome to join—Model T or not. Even if someone tags along in a modern vehicle, it gives me a backup way out in case anything goes sideways.
Matt