37 year old wanting to buy a Model T!

[jwilliams81]

Hello everyone,

I'm a 37 year old in Cincinnati Ohio. I have had a 1931 Model A Town Sedan for the past two years and I can not get enough of it. I have driven her to work everyday it has not rained, racking up 7,500 miles in only two years. I'm very mechanically inclined and have had a blast working on and showcasing my car to the "younger generation".

That being said, I want to jump into Model T ownership!

Usage of a Model T would be regular and I would like to join our local club for tours when I can. I have narrowed my choice to a non-brass era car.
1922-25 Touring body.

Two quick questions to help make sure I have room for one:

1. What is the overall length of a 1922-25 touring body car?
I have about 11 feet of garage space.

2. What is the overall height of the car, without the top up?
I have a garage door height of 6'5" tall.

Thanks!
Jarrod

[29spcoupe]

All Model T's are 11 feet from the front of the front tire to the rear of the rear tire. You may have to fold the windshield to allow for the height.

[jwilliams81]

Originally Posted by 29spcoupe

All Model T's are 11 feet from the front of the front tire to the rear of the rear tire. You may have to fold the windshield to allow for the height.

Is folding the windshield difficult, or fairly easy?

[24ruxstel1339]

Originally Posted by jwilliams81

Is folding the windshield difficult, or fairly easy?

The windshield doesn't fold back on 22-27, 21 and prior only.
I will have to check, but I believe my door is 6.5' and my 24 fits topless.
It takes up a lot less space than my 73 Torino.

Are you looking for a project, a restored car or something in between ?

[jwilliams81]

Originally Posted by 24ruxstel1339

The windshield doesn't fold back on 22-27, 21 and prior only.
I will have to check, but I believe my door is 6.5' and my 24 fits topless.
It takes up a lot less space than my 73 Torino.

Are you looking for a project, a restored car or something in between ?

I'd appreciate the check on the garage door, thanks.
I won't be looking for a project. Probably restored or mechanical restored and ready to drive the heck out of.

[24ruxstel1339]

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Yes 6'6". I have a couple inches to spare.

I would suggest, if you haven't driven a T, find someone local that will let you drive one beforehand. At least then, when you look at one, you'll have a little feel for what it should be. Quite different from a Model A.
Lots of misrepresentation out there. Good luck.

[JoeBauer]

I just got into T's about four years ago. I strongly suggest that you find a local club, they tend to be very friendly and enthusiastic. Then ride in as many different T's as possible.


There are a lot of differences in T's and in what owners want.


1. Do you want a 100% correct restored to a point where no one is allowed to touch it?


2. Do you want a vehicle that is mechanically reliable but beat up to the point where it is OK for grandchildren to jump up and down in it?


3. Do you want an electric starter?


4. How much work do you want to do on it yourself?

5. Touring vehicle or just parades?

6. Daily driver?


I think you will find these questions and others are easier to answer after you have ridden in a few different models.


T's are a spectrum, they are not all the same. Personally I like open cars, '26 - '27, that I can take others for rides in, mechanically sound but needing a lot of cosmetic work. But that is just my preference. You probably have an entirely different idea about driving a T.

Only you can answer the question of what type of T, and there are many knowledgeable people here who will help, but for the best outcome I think you should find a Club, make some connections and then make a decision.

[jwilliams81]

Good questions!
I have gone to the old car festival at the Ford Museum in Dearborn 5-6 times. I actually took my wife this year. We were able to befriend a gentleman at dinner and he took us for a 40 min ride in his T. We both loved it.
We also toured the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant this year.

1. I want people to touch it, I have original interior on my Model A and I love letting people sit in it at car shows.

2. I absolutely want one that is mechanically sound. I have done a lot of engine work on my Model A, and I would like to spend the money upfront on a T so that I don't have to worry about the engine and transmission for awhile.

3. I'm not married to an electric starter. I kind of like the idea of not having one, but I can appreciate the convenience of one.

4. I don't mind doing work on the car, but I would rather pay money now for an engine/transmission that has been rebuilt and is in good shape.

5. Touring. I am not interested in doing parades.

6. Maybe a couple times a week driving it 14 miles to work on back roads with speed limits of 25-35.

[JoeBauer]

Sounds like you have done your homework!

I recommend a '26 '27 touring. The '26 '27's had stronger cranks and supports from the side engine mounts to the back of the hogshead. It has the larger drums on the rear and parts are fairly easy to get.

I strongly suggest an electric starter. You don't have to use it, you can always use the crank instead. But an electric starter is real nice when you are tired.

Touring? Look into a Ruckstell and accessory brakes.


You are going to LOVE your T !!!

[jwilliams81]

Originally Posted by JoeBauer

Sounds like you have done your homework!

I recommend a '26 '27 touring. The '26 '27's had stronger cranks and supports from the side engine mounts to the back of the hogshead. It has the larger drums on the rear and parts are fairly easy to get.

I strongly suggest an electric starter. You don't have to use it, you can always use the crank instead. But an electric starter is real nice when you are tired.

Touring? Look into a Ruckstell and accessory brakes.


You are going to LOVE your T !!!

While I understand the upgrades on the 26-27', I think I am going to stick with a earlier one.

I am not against an electric starter, from what I've read so far they came out in 1919. So maybe I should alter the years I am looking for, 1920-1925.