New member, can you identify this Hack?

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
130nav
Posts: 29
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 4:43 pm
First Name: Matt
Last Name: C
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Touring
Location: Columbus, OH
MTFCA Number: 50748
Board Member Since: 2019

New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by 130nav » Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:13 pm

Hello,

New member here from Columbus Ohio. I recently came upon an opportunity to own one of two 1925 model T's. The cost is the same for me, one is a Depot Hack that appears to have started life as a tudor or fordor and hasn't run for 2 years or so. The other is a touring car that I do not have any pictures of yet, but it should be in relatively decent condition but it hasn't run for "several" years, and is currently stored on blocks in a shipping container. All things being equal I think I would prefer the touring car, but I need to find out more about it and its condition. In the meantime, can anyone tell me anything about the hack pictured below (none of the other cars pictured are for sale unfortunately) Thanks in advance.

- Matt
IMG_1262.jpg
IMG_1261.jpg
IMG_1260.jpg
IMG_1259.jpg


Scott_Conger
Posts: 6431
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:18 am
First Name: Scott
Last Name: Conger
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13, '15, '19, '23
Location: Clark, WY
Board Member Since: 2005

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Scott_Conger » Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:29 pm

That hack looks like the steering wheel would be up under your chin and be very uncomfortable to drive. At their best, original hacks were typically far less comfortable than their factory cousins. The dimensions on this one's seating arrangement just appear odd.

If they both cost the same, the touring would be a far better use of $$ if it in any kind of shape at all.

Whatever you decide, buy T-1 factory manual from one of the suppliers and pay special attention to how to remove the starter. One day you will feel compelled to remove it and it is not as straight-forward as it seems and serious, $$$ damage can be induced by doing it wrong.

The most expensive T you can buy, in the best running condition, will in the long run be the cheapest.

Good luck and have fun.
Scott Conger

Tyranny under the guise of law is still Tyranny

NH Full Flow Float Valves
Obsolete carburetor parts manufactured

User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 6463
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
MTFCA Number: 16175
MTFCI Number: 14758
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Steve Jelf » Fri Dec 13, 2019 10:40 pm

Ford did not produce a hack as such. Ford sold the chassis, and it was up to the buyer to make or purchase an aftermarket hack body. Hacks were a tiny percentage, I would guess less than 1%, of the Fords produced. Most of the ones you see today are modern creations like yours. Some are very carefully made with authentic period designs, parts, and methods. Some are embarrassingly slapdash with no attempt at authenticity. And many are somewhere in between. From what I can see of this one, it appears to be in that middle group, with some modern construction but well executed. What piques my curiosity is the odd pedals.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring


Philip Lawrence
Posts: 426
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2019 11:42 am
First Name: Philip
Last Name: Lawrence
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring
Location: Auburn, CA
MTFCA Number: 5591
MTFCI Number: 25062
Board Member Since: 2014

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Philip Lawrence » Fri Dec 13, 2019 11:22 pm

If the touring car has good sheet metal and a solid body I would go for it. Most anybody can do basic mechanical repairs and farm out engine work but to get a dented, warped and loose body correctly restored is beyond the ability of most model T owners and could cost much more than an engine overhaul to make it right by a professional.

It all depends on how much you are able to do yourself. As far as that hack goes, from what I can see it would never be worth what a stock bodied car of the same vintage would be. That's not necessarily true for all Depot Hacks. Depot Hack is a modern term by the way. Originally that body style (built by after market coach building firms and not by Ford) was referred to as a Suburban body.

As mentioned earlier buy the best car you can find. Shop for quality and not price. Look for a car that you can drive or go for a test drive in and take a knowledgeable model T owner with you to look at the car. In the long run you will be be far happier as a first time model T owner. Even If you have to spend more than you want on your first T it will not be money wasted. With a few years experience with T's you can look for project cars. Just keep in mind that any car you look at that needs work to get running WILL in the long run cost far more than that nicely restored one.

I speak with over 50 years of experience in this hobby. You are of course always free to do whatever you like. Wishing you the best on your journey, have a safe and happy holiday season!
Last edited by Philip Lawrence on Sun Dec 15, 2019 12:26 am, edited 2 times in total.


Adam
Posts: 1411
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:57 am
First Name: Adam
Last Name: Doleshal
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘13 Touring, ‘24 Touring, ‘25 TT dump truck, ‘26 Tudor, ‘20 Theiman harvester T powerplant, ‘20 T Staude tractor
Location: Wisconsin
MTFCA Number: 23809
MTFCI Number: 1
Board Member Since: 2000

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Adam » Sat Dec 14, 2019 12:53 pm

The hack is mostly plywood and not something too appropriate to the chassis it is on. If you like it, think you’ll have more fun in it than the touring, are not concerned with resale value or historical accuracy, then go for it. If the touring is in good shape physically and mechanically, and is a complete, historically accurate car, then the touring is probably a much better value.

User avatar

Mark Gregush
Posts: 4957
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 1:57 pm
First Name: Mark
Last Name: Gregush
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 cutdown PU, 1920 Dodge touring, 1948 F2 Ford flat head 6 pickup 3 speed
Location: Portland Or
MTFCA Number: 52564
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Mark Gregush » Sat Dec 14, 2019 1:24 pm

While this may seem as a rude question, what $ amounts are we talking about here? Have you done your homework on current prices? What work has been done on both cars? Do they come with paper work to transfer ownership? When you post more photos and add the touring, post some photos of the underside and engine etc of both. Lots of these cars look really nice on the out side but underneath not so much. While the hacks sheet metal looks nice, I am not impressed with the construction of the body. Yes mine has 5/8 plywood sides but also cross brace and lath type roof and has held up for 1000's of miles and all kinds of roads. The sides and plywood top on this one don't look all that strong. For an occasional trip, parade or to get ice cream might be ok, but I would not want to put a lot of miles with that front seat and angle of the steering wheel.
I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas! :shock:

1925 Cut down pickup
1920 Dodge touring
1948 Ford F2 pickup


John kuehn
Posts: 3907
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Kuehn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
Location: Texas
MTFCA Number: 28924

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by John kuehn » Sat Dec 14, 2019 1:38 pm

Whatever you do make sure you get a good clear title! And again make sure the title is signed by the person you are buying the car from! If he has a title again make sure the title transfer was paid by the seller and it’s not an “open title”. More than a few old cars have been bought with “supposedly good titles” with the buyer to later find out it’s not totally correct.
If the title is not clear it should be at least 500.00 off the selling price to have to go through the time and hassle trying to get it straightened out. Not trying to scare you but you should find out for sure before you buy it.
Good luck and hope everything works out OK.


Sarikatime
Posts: 622
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:47 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Seress
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 Towncar, 1915 Touring
Location: Prescott, Arizona
MTFCA Number: 27707

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Sarikatime » Sat Dec 14, 2019 1:58 pm

That hack has some really nice seats, but, comfort you will have to judge for yourself. The clutch pedal looks like it was cut and the brake pedal has a piece added to help with large feet. The top without any sideway bracing will get blown over in a strong wind or at a nice speed while you are driving. The windshield posts will hold the front but the back will fishtail only at best and you know the worst. If you buy it, brace up the posts with 45 degree bracing side to side, shake it really hard, and if it still moves front to back as well. Also look on this websites home page and find a club nearest you, call and find a friend to look at the car before you buy. Just my opinion. Frank


Sarikatime
Posts: 622
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:47 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Seress
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 Towncar, 1915 Touring
Location: Prescott, Arizona
MTFCA Number: 27707

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Sarikatime » Sat Dec 14, 2019 2:07 pm

As an afterthought, I would buy the touring, if it is in good condition faster than the hack, but, my personal preference would be the roadster next to the hack. Best of luck and welcome to the affliction. Frank


Topic author
130nav
Posts: 29
Joined: Fri Dec 13, 2019 4:43 pm
First Name: Matt
Last Name: C
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Touring
Location: Columbus, OH
MTFCA Number: 50748
Board Member Since: 2019

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by 130nav » Mon Dec 16, 2019 10:59 am

Thank you all for the advice. After talking to the owner, it looks like I'm not getting pictures of the touring car anytime soon because of its location, but I think I will going for the touring car. He says it should be in about the same mechanical condition, but that I will have to come check it out for my self. It seems to make the most sense as more than just a parade/low speed vehicle. I know the doors in a touring car probably arn't much more secure that the fabric ones on my old jeep, but with kids in the car I'd prefer them to nothing. He also said the top of the touring car might not be in the best shape, but i feel like I should worry more about making sure the body and mechanicals are solid. I still have about 6 months until I can pick either up, so plenty of time to do some research and make a trip out to see both cars ( they are located in KS.)


FrankHarris
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:48 am
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Harris
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Mountain Wagon
Location: Long Beach, CA

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by FrankHarris » Tue Dec 17, 2019 8:00 pm

Just remember that a well built ugly car will remain around for a long time to offend but that beauty is in the eye of the beholder said she as she kissed the cow. (that's an old saying from my mother in law)..

User avatar

Humblej
Posts: 1690
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:23 pm
First Name: Jeff
Last Name: Humble
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Canadian built coupe, 1924 TT C-cab, survivor 1924 roadster
Location: Charlevoix, Mi
MTFCA Number: 28034
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: New member, can you identify this Hack?

Post by Humblej » Tue Dec 17, 2019 9:35 pm

Agree, pass on the hack!

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic