Jay Leno Model T Video

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
AndyClary
Posts: 849
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:15 am
First Name: Andrew
Last Name: Clary
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Runabout 1926 Coupe. Mercury Speedster #1249
Location: Usa

Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by AndyClary » Mon Aug 18, 2025 3:29 pm

Today’s release on Jay’s YouTube channel had him teaching one of his producers how to drive a model T. While many will disagree with his methodology, I have to admit that it is a real nice car.


Andy


Moxie26
Posts: 1918
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:20 pm
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Jablonski
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Runabout
Location: New Jersey
MTFCA Life Member: YES
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Moxie26 » Mon Aug 18, 2025 5:17 pm



Daisy Mae
Posts: 371
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: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Daisy Mae » Mon Aug 18, 2025 11:57 pm

What car guy doesn't love Leno....
Nice video, despite some cringe worthy statements/actions...
Call me anything you want...just so long as it isn't "late for dinner"

User avatar

WillyR
Posts: 358
Joined: Wed Aug 21, 2024 5:24 pm
First Name: Vilhelm
Last Name: VonRaschke
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1924 coupe
Location: ABQ

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by WillyR » Tue Aug 19, 2025 10:20 am

needs the lay the hell off the hand brake.

EDIT: I see Jay used it as a training tool, and got him away from it quickly enough.

otherwise it's good for the continuation of future generations.... I like Jay's videos


I have been planning to make my own overall video, maybe I'll make a model T overview AND a driving video.
Sent from the panic room, via two tin cans attached with a string, and a jail broken Marconi, while wearing a Tin Foil hat.

User avatar

fireheadman
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2025 1:26 pm
First Name: Ben
Last Name: Piraro
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Model-T Pie Wagon
Location: Castle Rock, CO

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by fireheadman » Tue Aug 19, 2025 11:16 am

bookmarked that video... 2 cool things together right there!
Thanks for posting the link to it.

I'm about a month out from being in that seat, just waiting on some parts.

Question: Without a Ruckell Axle and in Colorado (high altitude), what would the estimated top speed be for a Model-T?
Member: Mile High Pedal Pushers - Denver, Colorado Chapter


Jerry VanOoteghem
Posts: 4149
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 4:06 pm
First Name: Jerry
Last Name: Van
Location: S.E. Michigan

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Jerry VanOoteghem » Tue Aug 19, 2025 11:50 am

fireheadman wrote:
Tue Aug 19, 2025 11:16 am
bookmarked that video... 2 cool things together right there!
Thanks for posting the link to it.

I'm about a month out from being in that seat, just waiting on some parts.

Question: Without a Ruckell Axle and in Colorado (high altitude), what would the estimated top speed be for a Model-T?
I can't speak for the effects of altitude on top speed, but I can tell you that a Ruckstell does not make a T go faster. It's not an overdrive. It gives a low range, like having a 2nd gear, to enable climbing grades without using low pedal.


Daisy Mae
Posts: 371
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: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Daisy Mae » Tue Aug 19, 2025 12:06 pm

Just one of a few of Leno's Faux pas.... calling the rux an overdrive...
Call me anything you want...just so long as it isn't "late for dinner"


BobD
Posts: 298
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 3:08 pm
First Name: Bob
Last Name: Doris
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Roadster, 1930 Sport Coupe
Location: mile high Arizona
Board Member Since: 2017

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by BobD » Tue Aug 19, 2025 12:14 pm

Enjoyed the video. A lot of cringe worthy moments. :shock:

User avatar

fireheadman
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri Aug 08, 2025 1:26 pm
First Name: Ben
Last Name: Piraro
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1911 Model-T Pie Wagon
Location: Castle Rock, CO

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by fireheadman » Tue Aug 19, 2025 4:04 pm

Jerry VanOoteghem wrote:
Tue Aug 19, 2025 11:50 am
fireheadman wrote:
Tue Aug 19, 2025 11:16 am
bookmarked that video... 2 cool things together right there!
Thanks for posting the link to it.

I'm about a month out from being in that seat, just waiting on some parts.

Question: Without a Ruckell Axle and in Colorado (high altitude), what would the estimated top speed be for a Model-T?
I can't speak for the effects of altitude on top speed, but I can tell you that a Ruckstell does not make a T go faster. It's not an overdrive. It gives a low range, like having a 2nd gear, to enable climbing grades without using low pedal.
thank you for the clarification.... that might be helpful in a few areas out here.
I'll save it for a future upgrade once the basics are in place and working as expected
Member: Mile High Pedal Pushers - Denver, Colorado Chapter

User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 7310
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
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Steve Jelf » Tue Aug 19, 2025 4:56 pm

I watched until they got into the cringeworthy cranking, then I bailed. Jay said a Model T is an easy start, and it should be, but that one was stubborn. Probably because people were watching. :)
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

User avatar

mbowen
Posts: 430
Joined: Tue Aug 31, 2021 7:45 pm
First Name: Miles
Last Name: Bowen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1925 Express Wagon, 1924 Touring
Location: Brighton, MI
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by mbowen » Wed Aug 20, 2025 6:53 pm

For someone wanting to learn to drive a model T, Mitch Taylor has a much better tutorial video. In any case, there’s a LOT of practice required to develop the muscle memory to drive one smoothly and safely.
Miles
1924 Touring “Bonnie”
1925 Express Wagon “Clyde”


Will
Posts: 144
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2019 5:58 pm
First Name: Will
Last Name: Copeland
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915, 1919, 1923 TT
Location: Melbourne Florida
Board Member Since: 2001

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Will » Thu Aug 21, 2025 1:28 pm

I would like him to put up a revision on how to hold the crank starter before someone gets hurt.
As Tom Sellick told Marston in the movie Quigley Down Under, I told you I dont have much use for handguns, I never said I didn't know how to use them!


speedytinc
Posts: 4818
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by speedytinc » Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:03 pm

His T shouldn't be so hard to crank. There is a clutch/linkage issue.


Topic author
AndyClary
Posts: 849
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:15 am
First Name: Andrew
Last Name: Clary
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Runabout 1926 Coupe. Mercury Speedster #1249
Location: Usa

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by AndyClary » Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:26 pm

Every Model T his to video I have seen has “issues” in my opinion. The difference is a lot more people will see this one. If it draws attention to our hobby, so much the better. The pluses outweigh any miscues.

Andy

User avatar

ewdysar
Posts: 308
Joined: Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:48 pm
First Name: Eric
Last Name: D
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1915 Speedster #32, 1916 Touring, 1927 Runabout
Location: Greater Portland area

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by ewdysar » Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:26 pm

Hey guys,

Keep in mind that this video, and the entire "Jay Leno's Garage" series, is created for it's entertainment value. These are not really intended as instructional videos. As referenced by previous posters, there are better instructional videos available for those that are trying to learn. This video looks to be Jay's version of the conversation that we all have with the public in grocery store parking lots. Because he's got a crew, cameras, and plenty of time to put out a polished product, his "introduction" to Model Ts is more in depth than our parking lot explanations, but the intent is the same, just expose folks to some, not all, of the idiosyncrasies of our beloved Ts.

Keep crankin',
Eric


TXGOAT2
Posts: 7611
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by TXGOAT2 » Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:29 pm

"Question: Without a Ruckell Axle and in Colorado (high altitude), what would the estimated top speed be for a Model T?"

Same as one without on a downgrade. On a steep downgrade, about any Model T with an engine in it will go way over 50 MPH, which is too fast for a stock engine without overdrive. Speed going uphill depends a lot on the condition and body type of the car. A Ruxtel or other auxiliary gearing can be a big help on steep upgrades. There is a formula for how much power is lost per 1000 feet of added elevation. I think it's 3% per thousand, maybe 5%. High elevation reduces available oxygen in the air and lowers the engine's compression. It can also reduce the cooling system's ability to get rid of heat. Headwinds and tailwinds can have a substantial effect on the car's performance, especially a headwind on a long steep slope. If I drove a lot in mountain country, I'd want a KC Warford transmission, a Prus head, and some auxiliary brakes. I'd want to avoid carrying any needless weight. Weight works against both grade climbing and braking, so the less the better.
Last edited by TXGOAT2 on Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.


TXGOAT2
Posts: 7611
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by TXGOAT2 » Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:33 pm

Thin, high mountain air will reduce both your engine braking and your aerodynamic drag, so be extra cautious when making steep descents at high altitudes. Be wary of brake fade. It's very real, and it can be deadly.


speedytinc
Posts: 4818
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by speedytinc » Thu Aug 21, 2025 2:39 pm

The Montana boys AVERAGE 53mph. Average. That includes thru towns @ 25mph. Down hill, 70 mph is common. These are "stock" engines.

The speed of a model T depends on its horse power & tune. So 8-55mph? up hill, depending on the grade.


Moxie26
Posts: 1918
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:20 pm
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Jablonski
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Runabout
Location: New Jersey
MTFCA Life Member: YES
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Moxie26 » Thu Aug 21, 2025 5:42 pm

Speedytinc and Txgoat2 .... Your responses sound more like artificial intelligence. . really ?????


TXGOAT2
Posts: 7611
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:08 pm
First Name: Pat
Last Name: McNallen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926-7 roadster
Location: Graham, Texas
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by TXGOAT2 » Thu Aug 21, 2025 5:48 pm

How so? Heck, I don't even have a cell phone. But when I was in school, they taught me to READ. That gave me ready access to thousands of years of accumulated knowledge from countless sources.


speedytinc
Posts: 4818
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by speedytinc » Thu Aug 21, 2025 5:51 pm

Moxie26 wrote:
Thu Aug 21, 2025 5:42 pm
Speedytinc and Txgoat2 .... Your responses sound more like artificial intelligence. . really ?????
I expect no less from you.


Moxie26
Posts: 1918
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:20 pm
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Jablonski
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Runabout
Location: New Jersey
MTFCA Life Member: YES
Board Member Since: 1999

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Moxie26 » Thu Aug 21, 2025 7:35 pm

Nor I from you

User avatar

dykker5502
Posts: 474
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:01 pm
First Name: Michael
Last Name: Deichmann
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1914 Touring, 1921 Roadster P/U, 1922 Fordor (danish custom body)
Location: Rågeleje, Denmark
Board Member Since: 2007

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by dykker5502 » Fri Aug 22, 2025 2:22 am

@Steve (Jelf), if you look in the comments, I have linked to your video showing how to start a '15 Model T :-)

I for one enjoyed the video and Jays approach is much the same as I follows when I teach someone to drive the T. I just hate those videos that instructs to use the handbrake to go from low to high. My theory is that it originates from a guy at Ford Motor Company in UK, who use that approach. Many of the ones doing that on instruction videos may have learned driving T by that fellow at FMC.
I have however learned that it may be helpful to pull the hangbrake halfway (neutral) when reversing :-)

Regarding their trouble getting it going: I think they just fumbled too much with the choker so it was drowned. My ´14 is handcranked only and most times it starts right up, but sometimes it just wont until many pulls or a push of the car. I think they had a similar moment in the video.
Last edited by dykker5502 on Fri Aug 22, 2025 2:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
Ford Model T 1914 Touring
Ford Model T 1921 Roadster Pick-up
Ford Model T 1922 Fordor (danish build body)
ECCT, Strobospark, HCCT(Sold), Rebuilding coils


Loftfield
Posts: 277
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:26 pm
First Name: Thomas
Last Name: Loftfield
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 Touring, 1912 Express Pick-up
Location: Brevard, NC, USA

Re: Jay Leno Model T Video

Post by Loftfield » Fri Aug 22, 2025 7:27 am

How fast will your Model T go, 40mph, 45mph, 50mph? Doesn't matter because you only have brakes for 32mph. The real question is not how fast will it go but fast will it stop!

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic