MTFCA Forum

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 25, 2026 11:29 pm

At one time a device for getting a car unstuck was an accessory drum that attached to one of the rear wheels. A rope attached to a solid object ahead, like a tree, would be wound around the drum as the wheel turned, pulling the vehicle out of its stuck position. Anybody know where I could find a picture of the item being used?

From https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/5 ... 1231992912

By Jay - In Northern Ca. on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 02:05 pm:
Here's a slick unit for guys who use thier T's off road. It also doubles as a hub puller. Most guy's carrier a hub puller on board the car, why not also have the ability to pull yourself out of a rut all vested in one tool? The unit is 5" in diameter and 2.25" deep. It is made of cast iron and is nickel plated. I think this would make a great repop,say in cast aluminium, what's your opinion??

Hub winch or "Cat Head". User caution would be a must. That plus a snatch block would get you out of most any mud or snow situation without the need of a mule. Some high quality rope and a walking dog would be good to have, too.

Bought one of those a few years ago, mounted on the '23 cut down. Haven't used it, but do carry a rope and hook for around a spoke, just for show and tell

Cool device as it doubles as a hub puller with the threaded hole in the cap to place a bolt to drive off the hub.

Interesting subject. The thought of reproducing this item raises the question, how many of us intrepid T drivers venture on roads and into terrain where having one would be an advantage ?? Show of hands, please ?

Useless idea unless the T has a diff lock or some other way of locking the other side wheel.

Unpin the brake rod on the active wheel and lock up the brake on the other

I think that it would pull if the other rear wheel had any traction at all. Since the winch drum diameter is a fraction of the other rear wheel's diameter, the torque load would be very low and the differential would allow it to turn instead of the wheel on the ground. In an extreme situation, such as glare ice, locking the opposite brake would cause the drum to turn. I'd want a lot of quality rope and a snatch block or two, and some short chains and a couple of double hooks Putting rope or tire chains on the opposite wheel would also allow the drum to pull.

As long as we’re theorizing, looks to me as if the thing could be big trouble if the line it’s pulling can’t be kept perfectly parallel with the car . . .

I’d still like to know who could actually use one because of where they drive their cars !

There are a lot of places today where one could be useful. I'd want a snatch block or two and some short chains. That would offer a number of options, including options to keep the car more or less lined up with the rope

Actually, it should work if you read the trade journal articles or advertisements.

Why?

Because it came with a PAIR of hub drums and hooks. Therefore, you installed drums and cables/ropes on BOTH rear hubs.

Note that the ad below contains an error - it says Hennepin Street. It should be Hennepin Avenue.

Pillsbury Manufacturing Co. also manufactured the Pillsbury Autopul and the Pillsbury Wautopail.

PS: Leonard O. Pillsbury was the president of the Pillsbury Manufacturing Co. However, he does not seem to be related to Charles Pillsbury or the well-known Pillsbury (Flour) Company. Per the Minneapolis city directories, Leonard lived at 2840 Park Avenue but appears to have left Minneapolis by 1919. - I've driven past that house many times over the years - including in my Model T.

Pillsbury Autopul in Google Books:

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pill ... z-modeless

Pillsbury Wautopail in Google Books:

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22pill ... z-modeless