The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is my kids and nephew taking a ride in my dads model T which he just finished restoring a few months ago. In a weak attempt to make this post somewhat phono related, I should mention that I did try to convince him to paint an "Edison Phonographs, authorized dealer" on the doors but was not successful!

http://youtu.be/O5wKuXdnv1c

I enjoyed watching it when you first uploaded it, and I enjoyed watching it again today. It seems like everyone is having a blast! There is just something special about those cars!

What fun! Fellow collector, Mike Stitt, has a T roadster and he took me for a ride "and every lever he pulled made it go faster!!!". He even let me start it with the crank. In these modern times, how many people can say they started a car with the crank. It was a privilage. There was such a difference between the '27 T and a '28 Model A. It's like going from a regular Victrola to a Credenza. Thanks for the post (and he should have gone for the logo!). Jerry Blais

That's great! One of these years, I'll get an antique car....

Sean

Whee! That's a late Model T and interesting because of that: note the wire wheels which make it look like a Model A. I had a 1928 Model A "Tudor" Sedan when I was in my teens . It was SO much fun to drive. But my father convinced me to sell it when I went away to university. I guess it was the right thing to do...
Jim

My dad, (grandpa in the video) also still has his parents 1914 model T touring (in very un-original) condition. He told me when he was a little boy they'd drive it to town in the winter wrapped in blankets with hot irons under their feet, 9 miles to town. They did this until the snow got too deep. Then, since the roads were not plowed, it was back to horse and sleigh.

The took the battery out of the Model T and used it to power the radio in the house when not driving it.

What a great car. The last of the Model T's. I used to have a green 26 model tourer in my youth. Electric start, all steel doors & a motor you just couldn't kill. And at least you dont have worry about anyone stealing them because most people wouldn't know how to drive one
Im a little envious that your dad has a 1914 T too. It's always been my favorite Model T Ford & has been on my wish list since I was 18 yrs old. Maybe oneday.
For now I have to settle for a picture of my other halfs great-grandfathers 1914 T, which has sat on my bedside table for the last 10 yrs

How do the Model T's fair on modern petrol? Do they take unleaded or do you have to put an additive in the fuel to make them run properly?

Model T's do not need lead additive, as there was not lead in the gas yet when they were made. Also, they can run on other fuels besides gasoline, although I don't know what needs to be done, or what the other fuels are (but I know they aren't diesel)

I heard somewhere along the line that they'd run on a good quality kerosene, but whether that's an exageration I dont know

Shane that's a great pic! Here's my great-grandfather in a 1921 or so...Model T..I'm not sure of the year of the car but the photo was taken about that time. He's parked in the yard in front of the house I grew up in....not that you can tell.... ( In which, by the way, there was no talking machine.)
Jim.