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How the model T was built

1.4K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  mr55/56  
#1 ·
#5 · (Edited)
If you've never been to the Ford Mueseum you owe it to yourself to go. They have cars of all makes and types, not just fords. It isn't a museum of Fords, it is a museum created by Ford. It has trains, planes, cars, trucks, household appliances, buggies used by various presidents, some prototype vehicles, tractors, etc. etc. etc. One of the displays is an exploded Ford model T with every part suspended by wire hanging overhead. It will take you all day to tour it.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I've been to both the Henry Ford and Gilmore museums. You can literally spend the day at Gilmore. When were were in Michigan this summer, much of the Ford museum was closed, so we skipped it (having seen it before).

I have driven a Model T. It's like nothing you've driven before.

Parking brake - halfway applied puts the tranny in neutral. All the way applied is the brake as well.

Left pedal is the clutch. Halfway down is neutral. To the floor is low gear. All the way up is high.

Middle pedal is reverse. Put the car in neutral, press the pedal.

Right pedal is the brake.

Stalk on the left side of steering column controls the ignition timing advance. Stalk on right is the throttle. There is no accelerator pedal.

Steering wheel - yeah, that works the way you'd expect. :) But, that's about the only thing that does.

Some Model Ts are equipped with an electric starter with a pedal on the floor. All can be cranked by hand.

Remembering to set the parking brake is essential when starting the car - otherwise the car will be in high gear. My grandfather owned a T for a while - one of only two brand-new cars he ever owned. He was hand cranking it in his garage but forgot to set the parking brake - and it pinned him against the wall of the garage. For some reason, he sold that car and drove nothing but Chevys the rest of his life. :)
 
#8 ·
AND! When cranking it by hand, keep your thumb on the outside of the handle!
Failure to do so, along with failing to retard the spark, can result in a broken thumb when it kicks back.
My bud's A model was our primary hs transport..... Before I got my 39 2 dr sedan Chevy. ;)
 
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