Quote:
Originally posted by Neilk
Wow Ray, your Model T looks great.
I know nothing about them except that they are the first mass produced car. What was the build quality like back then? Would you say your restoration is better than any T sold off the line?
How original is yours? Just wondering...looks really cool.
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The car was restored in the 60's and has been well taken care of.
I really don't know about build quality specifics, but there are quite a few Model T's around today.
The wheels are from a later 20's era T. They are not made by Ford, although Ford did make wire wheels. These are PASCO's.
I have added actual drum brakes that are on the rear wheels called Rocky Mountain Brakes, also a later improvement. The original brake is a transmission brake. The parking brake was the only brake on the rear wheels originally.
I have also added a 2 speed rear end called a Ruckstell. To help the 20 HP get it up hills. That was a later improvement as well. All of these impovements are period correct and make the car safer to drive on today's roads and traffic, although still a challenge.
It has a working speedometer and (wind up) clock, that were options.
The car has to be home before dark. I do not have the headlights plumbed or wicks and oil for the corner lights. I do have a brake light in the rear light.
Don't tell anyone but I added an electric starter, it's so much nicer than trying to crank it to get it started.
The gas tank is under the front seat and the battery for the starter and the brake light is under the rear seat.
Oh and prior to 1915, you could get them from the factory in a choice of 4 or 5 color. As you can see these two happen to be the same blue with black fenders. 1915 and on you had the choice of black on the Model T.
That's me in the T with the wire wheels. The one next to it is also a '12 with the wooden spoke type wheels that they came with. The fire truck is an early T as well.