I have always wanted a Ford Model T, because I have always found them interesting. The moment that cemented my want of a T, is seeing a gentleman in Cooper, Texas daily driving one that was roughly 65%-75% original. He told me about some minor changes made to his car, including the different gear ratios he was running in the transmission. He also added a small, low volume, low pressure fuel pump because he would drive on hills steep enough to stall the engine when a bit low on fuel. It looked like a rough, worn out car from a distance, but when you looked at the small details, the car was VERY well taken care of. I asked him if he could take a guess at how many miles were on the car, and he estimated that in his 30 (ish) years of ownership to that point (2001 or so) he had put 150,000 - 200,000 miles on the car and was on his second rebuild, of the second engine he had put in it. Over all, he guessed closer to 500,000 miles total. This may not sound right to a lot of people, but he was pretty sure the car had crossed the country a few times, at least. I talked with this gentleman for roughly an hour, he was awesome and I soaked up as much info as he was willing to share, and he seemed to enjoy. My hat off to you sir for keeping one of the few Ford products I actually like and respect alive and giving her some exercise :) I have said it most of my life now, cars are meant to be driven, not just sit and fall to pieces.
Thanks for your tutorial. I've had my 1926 two-door for a short time. This model T has not been run for years. So I've spent my time maintaining it (oil and grease) and working on some cleaning and polishing. I will soon attempt to drive it and it looks like it will be interesting. Again, thanks for those of us trying to learn about the model T.
Torsee they would still text because of how slow this thing is. If your child texts and drives the only thing they should get is a massive ass whooping.
Hi Mitch, just wanted to say, your videos were the most entertaining and explaining too I have seen so far. Very easily told and very good recordet. Maybe you could put an external microphone on your jacket for better voice-sound effects. Keep on riding your nice car - I will stay in tune!
Wow, I'm new to model T's but mine is very different, although just as complicated, because it is an X dirt track racer with a Ruckstell axel. Great fun!
I just came across this channel by chance. I had no idea how much manual labour you have to use to get the Model T moving.Really very interesting. I look forward to watching your older videos too. And greetings from Canada....
Outstanding video! You do a fabulous job of explaining everything. How often does the handbrake linkage and pedal travel need to be adjusted to keep everything working properly?
The handbrake rarely falls out of adjustment, in fact mine has been the same for about 10 years! This is mostly due to the fact I have Rocky Mountain Brakes on my T in addition to the factory transmission brake and parking brake.
I always enjoy your Model T videos Mitch. Did you try to find a right hand drive one when you were looking to buy the one you got? I still want to get to drive one.
I am writing a book where the main female character drives a 1923 Model T (the year in the book is 1933) so your tutorial has been VERY helpful! I have a couple of questions though: Would a 1923 Model T have both crank and electric start? it seems like your 1925 model does. Also, if the 1923 had an electric start, would the start button still be under the floor. And, how do the electric lights work? Were there brake lights, too? And one final question--are the side mirrors add ons so that you can drive on modern roads? Thank you SO much and I hope you see these questions!
Thank you for your comment 🙂 Yes a '23 would have both crank and electric start, the electric starter was introduced in the Model T in the late teens. Yes, the starter button is a high current switch, poking through a hole in the floorboards, no starter solenoid in those days! Just a button in series with the battery and starter. There were no brake lights standard on a Model T. I fitted an aftermarket brake light to mine to make it safer in modern traffic. The mirrors are a period correct addition I made to my car. Once again, not a standard inclusion on a Model T, typical Ford, just about everything was an optional extra 🤣😂
hello from bar harbor maine! usa been watching few videos if you dont mind sharing approximately what was the cost of your buggy? and where abouts did you find it? it seems to be in great shape from the begining thanks cheers bill
It will drop it immediately into first gear :) .... depending on how fast you're going, that would be uncomfortable, and the transmission probably wouldn't appreciate it either!! :)
When stopping do you pump the brake to keep oil on the bad and prevent the drum from getting hot and cracking? I read that somewhere and it made since at the time.
Best how to drive a T video yet! You have inspired me to purchase a Model T, 1927 coupe enclosed body. I’ve been able to repair it following your videos! Thanks so much! I’ve got it running really well. I’ve noticed after a drive I get quite a bit of oil dripping underneath. Is this normal?
Hey great video. I just have one question. When your talking about spark advance and hill climbing. Isn't having the spark occur earlier called advancing the spark not regarding. If I'm wrong please tell me thanks
Timing advance means that the spark plugs are firing earlier in the compression stroke, farther from TDC. Retard Timing causes the spark plug to fire later in the compression stroke.
There is a saying that you can slow a Model T in need , by stepping on ANY pedal .... if you chose Reverse while moving forward , would it actually engage , or would the Friction Bands simply slow the car ( with lots of smoke ! ) - until it stopped or they burned out , whichever came first ?
Yes you can stop a Model T by hitting the opposite pedal to the direction of travel, though its not recommended! Others suggest to stand on all three pedals together, which also works, but again, could have mixed results! All this assumes the white-metal thrust washers are intact in the differential... if they fail, you have no brakes at all, unless equipped with Rocky Mountain Brakes, as mine is.
i suppose being the first car you had to devise a system of operating them and being a complex machine needing a lot of maintenance it being hard to operate isn't a problem
Yes you can. The big reason is if the hill is to steep, since the carburetor is gravity fed, gas flow may quit so that's the reason for reverse on a very steep hill. In 1926 and 1927 Ford moved the gas tank to the upper part of the firewall, an easy way to tell those years. They kept it there for the model A years too.
Do you have to make any concessions (mods to the car) for modern driving conditions? I know you have better than standard brakes fitted, and if the car didn't come with seat belts you don't have to fit them, etc. But what about speeding? If you get pulled over 'no speedometer, officer' is unlikely to be a satisfactory explanation! :-P This is a great channel and I've learned _heaps_ watching just about every video I think. Thanks for your hard work and effort and patience in bringing all this to TH-camrs - much appreciated :-) That gearbox is an auto box really, isn't it? Just the driver is operating the bands/clutch instead of hydraulics and valves? And of course, no torque converter.
I've installed Rocky Mountain Brakes, which are an excellent safety measure. In terms of speeding, I'd have to be driving "all ahead full" through a school zone (40km/h speed limit). I have been pulled over for an RBT which was fun, the cop was very amused!
After watching all your videos, I feel like I could drive a Model-T. Which means I would probably wreck the damn thing, being all overconfident in my abilities. ;-) So don't let me drive your Model-T, ok? ;-)
You will still find these cars regularly still in 2018 in Canada and the US for similar money to what Mitch has quoted. Recently in British Columbia I saw a 1926 T Coupe for sale near me for $5500 CAD. That's under $4200 USD or around 3300 British Pounds. It needed a little interior finishing but looked and ran great. The Model T will always be one of the most economical cars ever made.
@@1928ModelA1931 Economical in terms of acquisition cost, in terms of fuel economy, not so much haha! Around 18mpg, good for 100 years ago, but compared to some cars today 60mpg and better, the Model T is rather thirsty!
I have always wanted a Ford Model T, because I have always found them interesting. The moment that cemented my want of a T, is seeing a gentleman in Cooper, Texas daily driving one that was roughly 65%-75% original. He told me about some minor changes made to his car, including the different gear ratios he was running in the transmission. He also added a small, low volume, low pressure fuel pump because he would drive on hills steep enough to stall the engine when a bit low on fuel. It looked like a rough, worn out car from a distance, but when you looked at the small details, the car was VERY well taken care of. I asked him if he could take a guess at how many miles were on the car, and he estimated that in his 30 (ish) years of ownership to that point (2001 or so) he had put 150,000 - 200,000 miles on the car and was on his second rebuild, of the second engine he had put in it. Over all, he guessed closer to 500,000 miles total. This may not sound right to a lot of people, but he was pretty sure the car had crossed the country a few times, at least. I talked with this gentleman for roughly an hour, he was awesome and I soaked up as much info as he was willing to share, and he seemed to enjoy. My hat off to you sir for keeping one of the few Ford products I actually like and respect alive and giving her some exercise :) I have said it most of my life now, cars are meant to be driven, not just sit and fall to pieces.
Thanks for your tutorial. I've had my 1926 two-door for a short time. This model T has not been run for years. So I've spent my time maintaining it (oil and grease) and working on some cleaning and polishing. I will soon attempt to drive it and it looks like it will be interesting. Again, thanks for those of us trying to learn about the model T.
You should make a video when you drive it for the first time 😀
This car is fascinating...
Imagine taking your driving test in one of these . I want my own model t so bad
Does your child refuse to stop texting?
Get them a model T!.... 😂
Torsee they would still text because of how slow this thing is. If your child texts and drives the only thing they should get is a massive ass whooping.
I love watching an Aussie teach me all about my American automotive roots. Love the channel! Cheers, mate!
Glad you like it mate :)
I think a cool idea if you like it would be to do a bunch of drive by shots so that we can see the outer components of your car. Love your channel!
Greetings from the States. Very impressed with the channel. Good Show!
Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it mate :)
Very nice! This car is very impressive! Greetings from Romania! :)
Very useful video. Thanks for this one. You made everything look at lot easier than it seemed when I was attempting to drive over the weekend
Hi Mitch, just wanted to say, your videos were the most entertaining and explaining too I have seen so far. Very easily told and very good recordet. Maybe you could put an external microphone on your jacket for better voice-sound effects. Keep on riding your nice car - I will stay in tune!
I now have a lapel microphone, which I fully intend to start using in future videos :)
I probably never be able to drive a Model T, but it is most interesting to watch how driving ~80 years ago was like. Great videos :)
Wow, I'm new to model T's but mine is very different, although just as complicated, because it is an X dirt track racer with a Ruckstell axel. Great fun!
Like your videos. Found you through watching "Model T Tips" channel.
Thanks alot, keep these cool vids coming.
Great job with your videos and your Model T.
At 5:50, I think you mean "later rather than earlier"? Super looking car!
I just came across this channel by chance. I had no idea how much manual labour you have to use to get the Model T moving.Really very interesting. I look forward to watching your older videos too. And greetings from Canada....
Have to say I love Canada :) Beautiful women, breathtaking landscapes and I love Heartland on CBC! :)
Another great video!!!
For once TH-cam recommendation directed me to a really cool channel. Thanks a lot, it's a really fascinating piece from a lost time this car :)
Very nice video, a friend of mine got a restored T ambulance he said I can drive some time
truly great video--special thanks for different shots that required efforts not expected from many--you set a good example!
Nice video!
Outstanding video! You do a fabulous job of explaining everything. How often does the handbrake linkage and pedal travel need to be adjusted to keep everything working properly?
The handbrake rarely falls out of adjustment, in fact mine has been the same for about 10 years! This is mostly due to the fact I have Rocky Mountain Brakes on my T in addition to the factory transmission brake and parking brake.
Great video!!! Fantastic!!
I always enjoy your Model T videos Mitch. Did you try to find a right hand drive one when you were looking to buy the one you got? I still want to get to drive one.
Tried to find one within Australia first, but all were outside my budget, found my pride and joy online in Ann Arbor, Michigan :)
Learned a lot watching this. Brilliant 👍 Thanks.
Another very cool video!
Thanks for your time.
I am writing a book where the main female character drives a 1923 Model T (the year in the book is 1933) so your tutorial has been VERY helpful! I have a couple of questions though: Would a 1923 Model T have both crank and electric start? it seems like your 1925 model does. Also, if the 1923 had an electric start, would the start button still be under the floor. And, how do the electric lights work? Were there brake lights, too? And one final question--are the side mirrors add ons so that you can drive on modern roads? Thank you SO much and I hope you see these questions!
Thank you for your comment 🙂
Yes a '23 would have both crank and electric start, the electric starter was introduced in the Model T in the late teens. Yes, the starter button is a high current switch, poking through a hole in the floorboards, no starter solenoid in those days! Just a button in series with the battery and starter.
There were no brake lights standard on a Model T. I fitted an aftermarket brake light to mine to make it safer in modern traffic. The mirrors are a period correct addition I made to my car. Once again, not a standard inclusion on a Model T, typical Ford, just about everything was an optional extra 🤣😂
hello from bar harbor maine! usa been watching few videos if you dont mind sharing approximately what was the cost of your buggy? and where abouts did you find it? it seems to be in great shape from the begining thanks cheers bill
When the shifter is in second gear and you push the clutch totally down what happens?
It will drop it immediately into first gear :) .... depending on how fast you're going, that would be uncomfortable, and the transmission probably wouldn't appreciate it either!! :)
Couldn't that also damage the engine?
twistedyogert over rev, yes it could
When stopping do you pump the brake to keep oil on the bad and prevent the drum from getting hot and cracking? I read that somewhere and it made since at the time.
Generally yes thats true, I have Rocky Mountain Brakes on my Model T so it's not as critical.
Make no wonder Laurel and Hardy kept crashing their's LOL!!!
Best how to drive a T video yet! You have inspired me to purchase a Model T, 1927 coupe enclosed body. I’ve been able to repair it following your videos! Thanks so much! I’ve got it running really well. I’ve noticed after a drive I get quite a bit of oil dripping underneath. Is this normal?
Thanks one again Mitch, you're certainly inspiring me to get a Model T! I rather fancy doing the London - Brighton Vintage car run too.
I guess Mitch couldn't find a UK Model T, right hand drive, KØOJ :-)
I think the best way for me to learn how to drive a modle t is you actually be in it for I am a hands on learner not a visual learner
Hey great video. I just have one question. When your talking about spark advance and hill climbing. Isn't having the spark occur earlier called advancing the spark not regarding. If I'm wrong please tell me thanks
Timing advance means that the spark plugs are firing earlier in the compression stroke, farther from TDC. Retard Timing causes the spark plug to fire later in the compression stroke.
There is a saying that you can slow a Model T in need , by stepping on ANY pedal .... if you chose Reverse while moving forward , would it actually engage , or would the Friction Bands simply slow the car ( with lots of smoke ! ) - until it stopped or they burned out , whichever came first ?
Yes you can stop a Model T by hitting the opposite pedal to the direction of travel, though its not recommended! Others suggest to stand on all three pedals together, which also works, but again, could have mixed results! All this assumes the white-metal thrust washers are intact in the differential... if they fail, you have no brakes at all, unless equipped with Rocky Mountain Brakes, as mine is.
I take it there weren't many Model T car jackings back in the day?
They're probably one of the easiest cars to hotwire haha!
thanks
i suppose being the first car you had to devise a system of operating them and being a complex machine needing a lot of maintenance it being hard to operate isn't a problem
I love that car. Please, get a better microphone to cancel background noise.
awesome
And if you still can’t do it in first gear, I heard you can also use the reverse gear to climb up a hill.
Yes you can. The big reason is if the hill is to steep, since the carburetor is gravity fed, gas flow may quit so that's the reason for reverse on a very steep hill. In 1926 and 1927 Ford moved the gas tank to the upper part of the firewall, an easy way to tell those years. They kept it there for the model A years too.
Do you daily it?
Do you have to make any concessions (mods to the car) for modern driving conditions? I know you have better than standard brakes fitted, and if the car didn't come with seat belts you don't have to fit them, etc. But what about speeding? If you get pulled over 'no speedometer, officer' is unlikely to be a satisfactory explanation! :-P This is a great channel and I've learned _heaps_ watching just about every video I think. Thanks for your hard work and effort and patience in bringing all this to TH-camrs - much appreciated :-) That gearbox is an auto box really, isn't it? Just the driver is operating the bands/clutch instead of hydraulics and valves? And of course, no torque converter.
If you break the speedlimit in this vehicle I`m sure they`ll cut you a break, you`ve just been through a life or death situation.
I've installed Rocky Mountain Brakes, which are an excellent safety measure. In terms of speeding, I'd have to be driving "all ahead full" through a school zone (40km/h speed limit). I have been pulled over for an RBT which was fun, the cop was very amused!
After watching all your videos, I feel like I could drive a Model-T. Which means I would probably wreck the damn thing, being all overconfident in my abilities. ;-) So don't let me drive your Model-T, ok? ;-)
I let my sister drive it :)
Surly when you retard the spark it occurs later rather than earlier. Great videos. So sorry I dont have one
Good observation 😄
Does this model T has a bonnet?
Only the cloth top you see it with. You can get side covers for them for winter use.
How much it cost to you this car? It must be so expensive
USD $8,500 back in 2011
Mitch Taylor wow i think that it cost 350.000 or more because is a very old car (love your channel😍😍)
manual forever you gotta remember they made a TON of these cars. Totally a classic, you have to love the ford story and the model t.
You will still find these cars regularly still in 2018 in Canada and the US for similar money to what Mitch has quoted. Recently in British Columbia I saw a 1926 T Coupe for sale near me for $5500 CAD. That's under $4200 USD or around 3300 British Pounds. It needed a little interior finishing but looked and ran great. The Model T will always be one of the most economical cars ever made.
@@1928ModelA1931 Economical in terms of acquisition cost, in terms of fuel economy, not so much haha! Around 18mpg, good for 100 years ago, but compared to some cars today 60mpg and better, the Model T is rather thirsty!