1927 Ford Model T with Ruckstell

[oldironkc]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to Model Ts and from Kansas City. I was wondering what your opinions and what the value are on these 1927 Ford Model T with a Ruckstell axle that has been restored. Here is a link to the photos https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fWPoM ... lTPHY6RLj2

If there is anything else you notice about the car, I want to learn about it!

Thank You!

[Norman Kling]

Depending on how it runs, about $15,000. What is inside the engine? Completely stock, or some modifications? The pictures look good. The wood steering wheel is not stock, but, in my opinion neither adds nor subtracts from the value.
Norm

[oldironkc]

Norm,
Thank You for the reply. The engine is completely stock except for an electric starter. Did not know the steering wheel was not stock. I am going to pull it out of the barn and get some better pictures. Runs and drives good, but having some issues getting it out of gear at the moment. Thank You !!

[Norman Kling]

Electric starter is stock on a 27.
Norm

[DJPeterson]

The 27 roadster would have come with electric starter

[Norman Kling]

The Ruckstell should be in either low range or high range and if it is working properly, there is no neutral. It shifts easiest when the car is moving. The Ford neutral is when the clutch pedal is half way down. All the way down is low and all the way out is high. The parking brake lever puts it into neutral and if you pull the parking brake lever part way back but not far enough to lock the brakes, it will put the car into neutral. With the parking brake in this position you can use either the reverse or the low pedal, but to get into high you must put the parking lever all the way forward.
Norm

[BobD]

If you do purchase it, you may want to consider the addition of Rocky Mountain Brakes in the event you lose mechanical connection with the foot operated transmission brake.

[Ruxstel24]

Looks to be a nice car !! Short of a test drive...
Welcome from Ohio !!

[Scott_Conger]

Looking at the underside and interior and engine bay tells me this car has had some good number of miles since it's restoration. It is probably a fine car, and once you hear it and see it run, you'll have a better idea. Personally, I think the estimate of $15K is steep...even with a Ruckstell, I'd say $10K range, max.

Let us know how it goes...

[oldironkc]

Thanks for your input Scott!

[Humblej]

Older restoration, $11k

[BobD]

I purchased my 1926 Runabout for $10,000. a little over two years ago. It was an older restoration in good running condition very similar to the one in question. I installed a Ruckstell axle and a speedometer. I currently value it at around $12,000.

[Adam]

Not to be negative, but if it needs engine and/or trans work, and rear axle work, and a radiator, and if you have to pay someone else to do it, and if you want a decent job done, it might need $8 or $9k put into it to make it a nice reliable driver.

With that said; if the paint, body work, top, interior, and tires are in great shape, but it is “mechanically needy” it might be a $5k car. If the mechanicals appear excellent, starts easy, runs & drives great, doesn’t make any smoke or noises, then it might be a $8k car. If there are bona-fide verifiable receipts for comprehensive engine and transmission and rear axle work or evaluation inside the last several years, then it could be a $12k plus car.

Mechanicals are ALWAYS a big “if”.

[George N Lake Ozark]

The car looks like one I saw living off Leawood Bl. In Leawood/Prarie Village. This was back in the late 60s.

[rgould1910]

I purchased a similar 27 roadster for $9K on eBay. Beautiful cosmetics. Although the car "runs", it needs a complete mechancical re restoration. You'd think someone who went to the trouble to do a first class cosmetic restoration wouldn't take shortcuts on the mechanics. As an example, I pulled the engine/trans/mag assembly and the only parts of the transmission worth saving were the spring basket and clutch discs. I am still OK with the purchase because I can do most of the work myself and I know I'll have a good car when its done.

[oldironkc]

The car looks like one I saw living off Leawood Bl. In Leawood/Prarie Village. This was back in the late 60s.

George, it very well could be. I know it was purchased from an estate auction but that’s all. It is now near Blue Ridge Blvd in KC MO.

[oldironkc]

I purchased a similar 27 roadster for $9K on eBay. Beautiful cosmetics. Although the car "runs", it needs a complete mechancical re restoration. You'd think someone who went to the trouble to do a first class cosmetic restoration wouldn't take shortcuts on the mechanics. As an example, I pulled the engine/trans/mag assembly and the only parts of the transmission worth saving were the spring basket and clutch discs. I am still OK with the purchase because I can do most of the work myself and I know I'll have a good car when its done.

Richard Gould, Thank You for your input and sharing about your car. I agree on your comment about cosmetic restoration and not doing mechanical. Could have been a money issue, but it sure is easier to not show off mechanical through the internet. Have fun with your roadster!

[Original Smith]

One thing about Ruckstells. You are either in Ruckstell or you are not! Low Ruckstell would be if your are in Ruckstell and low pedal.

[Adam]

Larry, Ask Bob Bergstadt about that! I believe he was a passenger in a car on a national tour about 25 years ago that downshifted into Ruckstell low on a hill. It didn’t shift properly and they went backward and ended up upside down in a ravine! (Ruckstell doesn’t have a neutral so long as it’s working properly!)

[BobD]

(Ruckstell doesn’t have a neutral so long as it’s working properly!)

That is exactly the reason behind having auxiliary brakes e.g. Rocky Mountain as a backup.

[tdumas]

The 27 has a real 11 inch emergency brake and if in good condition and properly adjusted will slide the wheels. You don’t need Rocky Mtn brakes. They can be very dangerous if you kill the engine on an incline and it starts rolling backwards. They are self energizing going forward only. This works against you in reverse.

It looks to be a nice car. You might get someone in the local Model T club to look at it with you. If the car is as good as it seems and you really like the car you might pay $ 10K . Plan on at least one expensive surprise.

[BobD]

You don’t need Rocky Mtn brakes. They can be very dangerous if you kill the engine on an incline and it starts rolling backwards. They are self energizing going forward only. This works against you in reverse.

I live in a hilly area and my Rocky Mountain brakes with a little help from the transmission brake certainly stop my 1926 Runabout on an incline.

[Mark Gregush]

My OP: I see an "Ice Cream Restoration", outside looks nice but unknown inside. Used to drive to the Ice Cream Shop, once a year parade, local car show and Grand-kids around the block. The general condition of the running gear does not match the body even if it had been driven some miles. I would say $5-8,000 depending on how it runs and what if any receipts they might have. Does it have transferable title? If not why? If no title, I would make the owner as part of the deal get the title (sale pending on if they can get one).

[oldironkc]

Thanks to everyone for their valuable input!!

[George N Lake Ozark]

Trev. does the car owner have the papers from the estate sale ?? Sorry if I'm so curious.
Oh and if you are ever heading down to "The Lake" Let me know, a few days notice would be nice.
We'll grab some coffee.
Saw on FB the other day that the KC Chuggers had a little get together and drive. You might want to look them up. Club members like here are always a great, helpful resource on your hobby journey .