MTFCA Forum

Hello all. I am a previous 24 touring owner and retired farmer who likes old cars. I found 24 touring close to home, 40 miles or so. I plan on hauling it on an open trailer. My question is,if I tow it at 40 mph with the top down,would this put too much strain on the windshield?

Thanks,John

With the top down should be no issues. Just cross strap it down real well.

Hi John, Welcome to the Forum. Towing the '24 at 40 mph on a trailer is no worse than driving the T at 40 = no problem.
Keith

Thanks for the replies. I will strap the bows down.

John

Hopefully you’ll be driving it at 40 mph in not too much time. Welcome !

Welcome John! Remember we like photos!

I will see if I can post some pictures when I get it home.
John

Take the key out, remove seat cushions and floorboards, or weight them down. A passing truck will create an awful lot of turbulence and can definitely float the floorboards off their seat/channel

Fold the windshield less chances of an on coming stone.

Take off the hood, too. Unlike Model A latches, Model T hood latches don't secure the hood all that well. Many a time after driving a Model T, I notice one or more latch has come unsprung from the hood side panel. Even though you will be traveling at the speed a good Model T should be able to reach (40-45MPH), if the hood works loose, you might not see that while it's happening with your eyes on the road ahead. The hood will flip over the top of the car and possibly hit the car behind you or end up being crushed by trucks while lying on the road. It takes only a couple seconds to remove the Model T hood. Old Henry made that more complicated in 1928 with the Model A. A real pain in the tutu to remove a Model A hood, unlike the T.
Marshall

I recently towed my touring on the highway, 65 mph (ish). Like others said, make sure the bows are strapped down really tight; if they come undone your T might go parasailing. I also bent the top half of the windshield at 45 degrees or so to deflect the wind a little better at speed and it seemed to help (although this is probably not much of a concern at 40 mph). Marshall has a good suggestion also; however you might want to tie the hood down with bungee cords or a rope instead of removing the hood completely. Less chance of the wind or other debris messing with your wiring or other connections in the engine bay.

I got the T home safe and sound. It is a dusty dirty one,but it is original and complete. Engine built April 1924. Three dip pan.
The motor ran last year so It should start. Then I will know what I have.
Thanks for all the replies. Hope pictures show up.

John

I'm surprised it has a 3 dip pan. I thought the 4 dip came out in 1924. It looks like you are going to have a fun car.