Barn Find: 1926 Roadster

[26 T Roadster]

Story goes like this....

I got word that there was a 1926 Model T Roadster in a barn in Nor Cal and pursued the trail. Turns out to be true and nice (but sad) story behind it.

Car was parked in the barn around 1970 and sat there since not seeing daylight, until today. Gentleman passed away recently and had planned on restoring the old girl but went blind and was unable to do so. He rode in this car as a kid!!! The wife gave me a picture of him back in the day (see below) and said she is happy someone will be "restoring" it finally.

I gave her a good price as she is in need of money without her husband around now.

Has cherry hood and sides, top wood and extra parts included, two grill shells (perfect).

I GOT A REAL BARN FIND!!!!

I will be removing it next weekend and will take more pictures!

I will be looking for advice from you all here... help me!

pictures:

[fordcragar]

Originally Posted by 26 T Roadster

I will be looking for advice from you all here... help me!

pictures:

You must have some idea what you would like to do with the car. What kind of advice are you looking for?

[26 T Roadster]

I am new to the game of Model T's and want to restore this one. I am unsure of engine rebuilding, suppliers ect.

I am beyond excited to do this and want to do it the right way first time.

Engine turn free (with hand crank) so assume i can rebuild it... do other motors form other yrs drop in, are there better motors to replace the 26 one with?

Thanks....

[J Franklin]

Don't be so eager to spend your money. First get it home and inventoried, then do some exploratory opening and checking to see what doesn't need doing. change fluids and lube all the joints, cylinders, and bearings, check rod and main bearings. See if it will run! Decide at what level you want to re-do the car and then the questions should be asked. If the engine is original to the car keep it unless it is un-fixable. sometimes a model T with patina is really more enjoyable.

[redmodelt]

This will be a good read on how to take a T out of mothballs;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/8538.html

[FL&WVMIKE]

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26 T Roadster ....................
Great story ! It's what everyone wants to find. Keep us informed on your progress.
Good luck !
MIKE

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

This will be a good read on how to take a T out of mothballs;
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/29/8538.html

Awesome, thanks!

[redmodelt]

Might add, if you follow the link back to mtfca home page (Model T Ford Club of America) there is a link to suppliers. Most all catalogs are free for the asking.

[Model T Monte]

Also Hemmings Motor News is a wonderful source for info. Monte

[Roadster62]

Great find! There is something special about 26-27 T they have a look all their own. Looking forward to photos of all the details on this untouched car. Thanks for giving the lady fair market value on the car, that make this story all the more special.

[26 T Roadster]

how tall, wide and long are these roadsters?

Borrowing a trailer to go get it and need to make sure it will fit.

thanks in advance.

[Model T Monte]

About 12-3 feet long, cant remember exactly.

[ModelTshop]

A Model T will fit on a 12' open trailer without any issues. The trailer I use to pull mine on is 12' long with a 7' wide deck.

[zzlegend]

Wow, good find and good luck. Keep us updated.

[FL&WVMIKE]

26 T Roadster ...................
Looking at your pictures again, I was wondering if those are the same tires, on the car, as in the really old photo. The look the same. But, who would know ?
MIKE

[26 T Roadster]

Got her pulled from the barn and she is home now.

[Mike V. Florida]

Forgive me if this is crude but what did you pay? I have an idea and places to go for Model A's but very little to go on for T's.

You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I'm just wondering.

[FL&WVMIKE]

26 T Roadster ......................
LOVE those pix ! They are classic !
Be sure to keep sending in more. I think that everybody wants to see what you do with it.
Congratulations !
MIKE

[Jack Innes]

You could clean up & paint the windshield frame, put new safety glass in it, weld up the cracks in the fenders, rub the whole body down with oil, get it running & have fun with it. You will not believe how people love an unrestored survivor. You can sink a fortune into it later & guard it from finger prints thereafter if you like. It is really beautiful as it is. It has been said before - "They are only original once!"

A trip through the corn field in my green T with the neighbour's kids on board is a lot more enjoyable than sitting at a show worrying about dust on the shiny one. Honest - I have both! ( I do wish the previous owner had not been at the JD dealer the day they were giving out paint samples. Luckily he did have a new brush!)

[Jason in TX]

Very very cool! What is the story on the old chopped Kustom in the garage there? Looks like the previous owner was quite the car guy!

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by Elrod

Very very cool! What is the story on the old chopped Kustom in the garage there? Looks like the previous owner was quite the car guy!

The chopped kustom is mine, those are pictures from my new place when I gpt the roadster home. It is a very much modified 1949 Chevy. (see more here - http://www.thewebczar.com/)

I am making room for the '26 as I just moved and the garage is a mess of parts and no real defined work areas.

[John Otis]

Years ago I had an old rusty rat '22 model T touring that I happily drove to all the local shows and most eveyone loved it. There wasn't a flake of paint left anywhere on the entire car but it ran like a watch and I would have headed out on any road trip to anywhere without a moment's hesitation. On the rare occasion when someone gave me crap about it I would say " I drove it here. Where's yours?". That shut them up in a hurry. HAHA.

[26 T Roadster]

few shots from today:







engine is missing a few key parts...



artsy pics:

[FL&WVMIKE]

26 T Coupe ............................
Looks like the first job will involve some soap and water and maybe a Scotch-Brite pad in places. A power-washer will blast that old paint off. Don't do that !
MIKE

[RonC]

It looks like a very late 26 or maybe 27 ? what is the frame number? It should be located on the frame rail when you open the passenger door.

[RonC]

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Here's the serial numbers and dates for Model T's

http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/sernos.htm

[David Conwill]

I say leave it looking as is, and put something interesting under the hood...

-Dave

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by RonC

Here's the serial numbers and dates for Model T's

http://www.mtfca.com/encyclo/sernos.htm

on the pink from 1948 says ID: 13201092 - Also says date first sold was 05/26

There are no numbers located inside the passenger door rail, should there be a plaque or are they stamped?

[Jack Innes]

The engine number will be stamped on the frame rail under where the passenger's feet would be. It is the same number found on the block just above the water inlet on the driver's side of the engine. Not all 26 frames were stamped. The number on your pink slip is that of a T engine built mid Feb., 1926

[Roadster62]

Since this is an untouched original I think we should ask about special features, 1926-27 T's had so many running changes. The headlights could have been upgraded to "1927" bar style somewere in the cars life. Fender bolys or screws, style of running board script, windsheild posts,cowl and dash/door fit have early and late styles. I think the turtle decks differ as well, all minor stuff but somewhat interesting from a production change standpoint.

[3340]

Is A Chopped Chevy In The Garage?Cool

[3340]

Like The T Roadster Also,Yea Mite Just Clean Her Up A Bit Get Her Running And Have Some Fun.

[seawolf1989]

I LOVE IT! the pics are excellent and they got my heart racing im currently digging my model t outta the dirt and pulling it off the side of a mountain in wyoming. have to hurry up before it snows. post more pics i would love to see this beauty fixed up or even just a coat of oil on her

[joe plumber]

Some guys have all the luck .Thanks for sharing your find with us.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Two of the guys have mentioned putting a coat of oil on the roadster. Can I ask why you would do this? Just curious.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

Two of the guys have mentioned putting a coat of oil on the roadster. Can I ask why you would do this? Just curious.

Shines whatever paint there is on the car and stops the rust from rusting more.

[FL&WVMIKE]

Mike V. Florida ...................
GIBBS OIL is best for that. It is hard to find and it is pricey ($20.00/spray can). You can also use WD40, but it doesn't last as long. It really does bring out the color in the paint that you can't even see, while dry. Try it.
MIKE

[TonyM]

26T
Wow. Great Find!!!

Time to buy a Ford F-150 to go with the Model T.

Originally Posted by Elrod

Very very cool! What is the story on the old chopped Kustom in the garage there? Looks like the previous owner was quite the car guy!

Elrod,
I think the slammed Chevy belongs to the 26T purchaser not the previous owner of the 26T.

[cannon]

just a point of interest: do not tie the front down with the strap going to the axle, they will bend, ask how i know.....great find!

[rex1927]

Very nice find.Looks mostly complete.

[TonyM]

Man, that is a cool roadster. You are a lucky guy. Barn Finds like that are a Ford Man's dream come true. Try and keep it as is after you get it running--that old look is too cool. Good luck.

TonyM.

[NoSurf]

Wash it.

Drive it.

[barn find t]

Get it running and drive it!
Here's a little story of the one NoSurf and I found in Kansas

The Barn Find T

Enjoy it!!

[DriversAutoSupply]

Love the pictures of the car pulled from the barn

[james hitchcock]

What a great find. It would be great if you could keep it looking as is, just get the mechanical stuff all working. I've only worked on A's but man, that looks too cool.

[T&A]

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Make it run, and have a good time. You have a hard time enjoying a high dollar resto.
I have 4 T's, and 1 is a killer resto, with about 10 miles on it. It sits with a cover, and never gets enjoyed.

Nice find,
Eric

[Roy Booth]

im not sure but i might have a piece you may need

[Gumpy]

26T ===the barn looks like a converted chicken coop....there are hundreds in northern cali where I live.....thanks for helping a widow and a very nice find!! gump

[Budds Auto]

What a score! And so complete too!

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by Budds Auto

What a score! And so complete too!

Thanks, only part it does not have is the decklid... Of course those are impossible to come-by. I will need to make my own or buy repop version.

[zenndog]

Originally Posted by 26 T Roadster

Thanks, only part it does not have is the decklid... Of course those are impossible to come-by. I will need to make my own or buy repop version.

I am sure that a deck lid is easier to find than finding the whole roadster. Buy a repop and then keep your eye out for an original. Have fun!

[26roadster]

26RoadsterDriver.jpgThe old unrestored do get more attention and they drive just as nice. Good luck with your project! & Thanks for sharing your pics.
Ralph

[Wingfield]

Originally Posted by 26 T Roadster

Thanks, only part it does not have is the decklid... Of course those are impossible to come-by. I will need to make my own or buy repop version.

Make your own!
So you know it will fit.

[FL&WVMIKE]

26 T Roadster ................
Let us see your "T" all hosed off. What does it look like now, and what have you done to it ? Did you come up with a trunk lid ?
Thanks,
MIKE

[Gumpy]

I'll keep a lookout for a decklid in cali....good luck with your project!

[Cider Mill]

Awsome find and great pics! I also am a new T owner as of yesterday. 4 local Model T guys came over and had her running in 1 hr and 45 minutes! They say if it has compression, fuel and you can get it spark; then she will run.

[Gumpy]

Any new pictures on the roadster or any work done recently?

[26 T Roadster]

No news to report on the T. She is safe, secure and dry in my garage awaiting her turn. Finishing up my '49 kustom then I will devote my attention to her. Also the wife had me building a chicken coop (more like a chicken condo!) and has requested a barn, so my time is stretched thin.... "If Momma is happy, I am happy"

I promise that once I dig into this '26 I will post many pictures.

[Richard]

Good Model T

[jchochole]

Very cool indeed, leave her in her work clothes and enjoy the T!

Cheers,
James

[jimTN]

Find some local T guys to help you. You will be able to save a lot of grief that way. They can help you determine what needs to be done and not done! You should be able to post on the MTFCA or MTFCI web site forums and easily locate folks in you area.

[Ray Parson]

i would think thats 26Ts home and thats his custom49/50 chevy i smell a street rod coming soon maby on a 32 frame

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by Ray Parson

i would think thats 26Ts home and thats his custom49/50 chevy i smell a street rod coming soon maby on a 32 frame

Nope, no street rod. My custom '49 is a traditional chopped sled. The '26 will be done with a few "hop up" parts but for sure no '32 rails. Any parts that make their way on the '26 will be era correct.

[David Conwill]

Originally Posted by 26 T Roadster

Nope, no street rod. My custom '49 is a traditional chopped sled. The '26 will be done with a few "hop up" parts but for sure no '32 rails. Any parts that make their way on the '26 will be era correct.

Ala Clayton Paddison, I hope.

-Dave

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by David Conwill

Ala Clayton Paddison, I hope.

-Dave

I would be so lucky to get 10% of the coolness his car has...

[Gumpy]

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any update on the roadster? thx gump

[26 T Roadster]

Originally Posted by Gumpy

any update on the roadster? thx gump

No updates to speak of. Gathering some parts and sheet metal bits. Plan to start on her later this summer. My '49 kustom is 90% done, so soon I will have extra time to spend on the '26.

Thanks for your interest and trust me I will start a build thread once I get going.



.

[tattedfordguy]

Nice find...