FRONT SEAT NEWS

MODEL T FORD CLUB OF NORTHWEST OHIO

Officers: Bob Torbet, Pres.; Bob Hollister, V-Pres.; Dave Benny, Treas; Jim Cook, Sec/Editor

April 2002

NEXT MEETING: April 3rd, 2002 7:30 at Jack Putnam's Shop 1215 Hancock Rd. 28, Bluffton (4th house east of Anderson Tractor Supply), Phone (419) 358-6313

The March meeting was held at Jack Putnam's garage near Bluffton.  Bob Torbet led the meeting with 18 members in attendance and 5 guests.  The club has been asked for their non-profit number by the Ford Motor Company, so that Ford can expedite a $500 donation to the 14th Annual Ohio Model T Jamboree.  Bob Hollister went over the benefits of becoming a non-profit Corporation under the law.  the club voted to pursue  the non-profit status to protect the members of the club from law suit and assist in fund raising endeavors.  We will need to file a yearly form, once the corporation is established. Melvin Gierhart presented his materials to the group about the Ohio Jamboree and asked for any further information from the other members.  Jack and Jim have developed two routes for the tours.  The southern destinations have been combined into a Sunday loop tour.  Bob and Dave are seeking donations and sponsors. The meeting adjourned to a birthday celebration for Bill S.  T discussion abounded!!

Wants, Needs, For Sales

Paul Walzak is selling an Auto Dolly that is just the right size for a Model T or A.  Call Paul at 740-657-8719 or contact him on the web autodolly@columbus.rr.com His website is www.autodolly.net

Jack Putnam is selling a three point rolling engine stand that far exceeds the one commercially available.  Call Jack at (419) 358-6313

Melvin Gierhart has a 1927 roadster and matching covered trailer for sale.  It is an older restoration, but is ready for the tour.  It has many additions.  Melvin is asking $11,500.00 as a set.  Call at (937) 497-0457.

The Recharging of Magnets With a DC Welder

Jack wanted to prove the ability to re-magnetize the T magneto using a DC welder.  It has now been established that the DC welder will definitely work!  The entire flywheel-transmission assembly is stuck to the mag coil by the pull of the magnets as demonstrated in the photo.  It takes about 10 minutes to do the job.  Tony Cimorelli was so impressed by the above photo that he has requested that we do a how-to article for the MTFCI site of which he is now the webmaster.

The C cab Truck is Taking Shape

The top of this C cab is finally beginning to take shape.  The wood is native Ohio hardwood and is being custom cut to fit the sides.  This was probably the best part of the body.  the oval window can be seen if you peek through the slats.  The seat was scrapped entirely and new metal was obtained.  A frame and drive train are already waiting for the cab and bed

How Much Should I Expect to Pay For a Model T?

above: The 1912 Torpedo is one of the more valuable model Ts and was Henry Ford's favorite. right: Terry Horlick's 1927 find for $5. People won't park next to him for fear of catching the rust. It runs every day to work!  Terry's a dentist. below left: The 1915 Coupelet is a fine example of Ford's attempt to sell the Model T to a higher class of buyer. below right: Speedsters or Roadsters can fetch any price.  Some are accurate reproductions of the Model T era; while, others are a pile of leftover spare parts.

Here are some "rule of thumb" values for T's  This is assuming the care is ready to go.  The high end would assume better condition, with Ruxtel 2-speed rear and Rocky Mountain brakes.  Some owners think they're worth a lot more.  Stay away from E-bay. 1909-1910 Very Expensive!                          1911 Touring $17,000-$23,000 1912 Touring $16,000-$21,000                     1913 & 1914 Touring $13,000-$18,000 1915 Touring $11,000-$15,000                     1916 Touring $10,000-$13,000 1917-1927    Touring $6,500-$9,500                     Roadster $6,500-$8,500                     Coupe $4,000-$6,000                     Sedan $4,000-$6,000     used from a Brad Wallace response to a question on the Key Stone Cops web site

Upcoming Tours

Colorado/Wyoming Model T Tour - June 8th - 14th 2002. Keystone Cops Regional Tour - August 14th - 18th 2002. All Ohio Model T Jamboree - August 30th - September 1st 2002.

Preparations are Underway for the 2002 Ohio Model T Jamboree

With all of the liability problems that are possible when you get 100 Model T's together for a tour, we have been looking at ways to ensure that the T's participating the Ohio Model T Jamboree will be safe by the standards of both the MTFCA and the MTFCI.  Inspection can be time consuming and labor intensive.  For these reasons, we've decided to print the Model T Safety Checklist on the back of the registration form.  All cars must have a signed checklist in order to participate in the tour.

Become a more active member

As always, if someone has a project that they are working on and would like the club to help out, bring it up at the meeting for the members to discuss.  There is a great amount of knowledge in the group.  Every one of us can make a difference in the group.  We might even decide to have the next meeting in your garage for a little hands-on-experience.

Anyone that would like to write an article for the newsletter or present a project at one of our meetings is welcome to contact one of the officers.  We'd be glad to have the help.  Thanks!!!