joining MTFCA and South Carolina local chapters, new questions

[VanEpsFan1914]

Hi folks.

26 years old, machine operator in a steel plant, collect antique phonographs/typewriters/occasional blackpowder piece/furniture/genetically abnormal alley-cats. I had been lurking this forum since high school and browsing and trying to get involved but life had to stabilize first. Which it did.

Should I join MTFCA without a Model T?
Are there T clubs still active in South Carolina? The SC Model T Ford club doesn't seem particularly busy and their Facebook is mostly down. I forgot how to get into my facebook account last time the computer glitched.
If there are any Model-T clubs locally is it OK if I visit?

Worked as a mechanic in a local plant for a couple years, sold parts for two years, almost landed a college degree, got a commercial license so I do know how to double-declutch a transmission now, and currently I work five or six nights a week as a machine operator in a steel plant where I get to make parts for buildings. pretty fun work; I get to run cranes and mostly a hydraulic press.

Looking to buy or build a Model T but also to make friends with similar hobbies.

Thanks
Charles

[Norman Kling]

I recommend joining a local chapter and MTFCA first and get someone knowledgeable with T's to help you find a good one to either drive as is or to restore. Start with one which can be driven even if needing paint or rust removal. After you learn to drive a T you can then learn how to best restore a T. Then when you get the second one restored, you can either restore the body of the first one or drive as is. Some people are interested in having everything perfect and compete in car shows. Others are most interested in having one in good running condition even if the body is not perfect. It's up to you whether or not you use modifications or keep it original. Most of our club and chapters require a Model T block, but will allow speed equipment of distributors and other modifications. I myself have my car with the engine with stock stroke and bore. Had to sleeve the cylinders to get it to stock bore, however I do use aluminum pistons. and steel cylinder head. Stock head. Just planed down enough to make the surface even. I also use stock gear ratio with Ruckstell. If you live in flat country and do most driving there you could use a higher gear ratio, but if you come to a hill might need to shift down to Ruckstell or if no Ruckstell, Low pedal for hills which it would climb with a stock gear ratio. Others might disagree with me. That's OK.
Norm

[Robert Kiefaber]

Charles, Van Epps fan as in Fred the banjo artist?

[Loftfield]

Join right now. Clubs are a great way to get into the hobby, meet lots of supportive folks, and also a great way to locate a Model T at a reasonable price. Can't lose.

[Loftfield]

PS Where are you in South Carolina? Lots of T people just north in N. C.

[VanEpsFan1914]

Charles, Van Epps fan as in Fred the banjo artist?

YES!!!
Fred VanEps as in Vess Ossman's contemporary.

I don't play banjo. I play the parlor organ, and not well...just happen to enjoy some of the old banjo cylinders & 78s.

Will print out an application for the SC club to see if there is anyone there.