Model T - New & Tall buyer-got suggestions/help you can offer?

[Guest iukini]

Hi, I've struck an interest in Model T's. Have always enjoyed their appearance, appreciated their raw look and admired some of those extremely powerful drive trains (engines, blowers, exhausts, etc.) – but could never really afford one, UNTIL now =)

I have joined this forum today to make some simply inquiries to those more experienced, in hopes of gaining a greater insight and understanding of which years, models, etc. I should pursue from the following queries/descriptions below:

1. Most important issue at hand, I am 6’2” height at 240 weight. The major obstacle I see is “fitting” into one of these cool-mobiles. Are there specific “years” or models that I could fit in better? I’ve heard of larger cowls, but no clue which is which or how to determine.

2. Next is steel vs. fiberglass boxes/buckets, what are the pros and cons in the short and long terms (besides the obvious weight and rusting of metal forms)?

3. Drive trains suggestions – don’t “need” a powerhouse, but any suggestions of engine, trans and rear end components would be great! Is Ford or Chevy better, or Mix/Match – any suggestions on a solid drive train that would need little to no maintenance would be ideal.

4. Doors – Why are most missing doors, or only have 1, sometimes even on the passenger side only which I find interesting?

5. General Pros and Cons of owning a Model T vehicle, anyone have advise on this…such as models which depreciate more or faster than others, perhaps models more in demand than others, upkeep involved, higher insurances, etc.

6. Legalities, such as registration, licensing, insurance, etc…any input of current or potential future obstacles is of greaet value to me in buying one for potential resell with less issues/problems

7. Finally, can anyone recommend a source of affordable Model T’s? I wouldn’t be opposed to Kits either, don’t mind a little sweat-equity, where as I can take some pride in its assembly. Any sources for parts, materials, kits, custom builder (who might be able to build me a better bucket/box to fit into, perhaps with higher seat backs, longer leg room, convenient pedal locations, etc. – now that would be the icing on the cake!

An FYI - I recently test drove a 1923 fiberglass t-bucket (as it was advertised) – besides cramped as heck and driving with my RIGHT foot about 1-2 feet offset to the right for the gas pedal, then kneechin (my unique hit my chin with my knee word) when trying to brake/stop, I also noticed doors missing (perhaps common, but strange), but I immediately thought, I can certainly swing a foot at 6’2”, but what of spouse and in-laws, etc. – Further, for those without doors, but having covers/roofs, how the heck do adults enter/exit gracefully – I can foresee these motions as being quite comical at times =)

Well, that’s about it…I would like to find reasonable sources, good, straight forward information and hear of experiences, good or bad, with certain models or makes…perhaps avoid some pitfalls any of you have encountered over the years.

Thanks for reading, hope you can contribute and best wishes!!!

Have a great day,

iukini

[MarkV]

Ok, I am 6'2'' and 190, I own a '21 Chevy and I fit ok! But, Model 'T''s were made the same all through their run from 19teens through the late 1920's with little modification. Keep to the original, if you find a good original, dont chop it or anything like that. Also, the original ones run decently. Buy one from the 20's when they began to put in electric starters. Chevy put in the electric starters in 1920 Ford didnt come to that until later. Model 'T' parts are easy to come by, I suggest that you buy a real 'T' and not a fiberglass kit car, also, buy a 4 door or roadster, not a bucket, the buckets are not safe and 6 foot people cannot fit in them! No original 'T' was built out of fiberglass. Your registration, depends where you live, but, mine for my '21 runs about 50 a year and insurance about 60 for full coverage classic car. You will not have any problems reselling it, since they are popular, but, dont buy one, so you can make a profit, buy it, because you like it. But, keep it with the original tooling and mechanical parts (eng., etc.) remember, these ARE NOT muscle cars and are just meant to cruise around.

[CarlLaFong]

It seems you are looking for a hot rod and not an original "T". There are rodders here, but I would gently suggest that you go to a hot rodding type of board and ask there.

As to size, all roadsters are roughly the same, little leg room, especially with a V-8. Some of the fiberglass "T" bodies are stretched for a bit more legroom, but they are still cramped.

All roadsters until 25 had one door on the right side. Henry kept 'em cheap that way. Tourings had 3 doors, also until 25.

The "standard" drivetrain is 350/350/9. 350 Chev, Turbo 350

trans 9" Ford rear

Honestly, a guy your size should consider a Model A based rod if you want an open car. A world of difference

[Dandy Dave]

I'm about 6 foot and the main reason I got rid of a Model T ford years ago was because it was uncomfortable for me to drive any distance. My 1915 Buick has a lot more leg room and I don't cramp up. In fact, the Buick seat feels better than my living room couch. Sorry, It is not for sale. Dave!

[Guest iukini]

Thank you all!

- 1DandyDaves

- 58Mustang

- 1948Lincoln

Ive read, then re-read your posts. The consensus sounds thru, I hear it loud and clear – T Buckets are NOT the way to go for me, no matter how unfortunate. I appreciate the clarifications and notations each of you has pointed out to me, drive trains, models, etc.

In all honesty, most of the time, I cannot tell what I am looking at – but recent previews of Ts (which by pictures alone, are impressive as well as attractive) seem to meet my desires.

Yes, Rods with open/exposed engines, etc., with or without enclosed cabs are inviting, but my size is a major obstacle I must try to overcome in whatever I buy.

Ill take the advise posted by each of you and move along towards seriously considering other vehicles. Thanks for your time and postings, at least Ive been able to confirm my suspicions about the Ts – need to seriously rethink pursuing them.

Should you have more input on/in what “open” makes/models someone my size “could” fit, I would be more than happy to listen. I am in no rush, just want something I will be comfortable with and have fun with for a long time!

Best wishes and good luck to you all.

Kindest Regards,

iukini

[Dandy Dave]

Look for a larger car. A Caddy, Packard, One of the larger Buick's, ect.

Don't chop a nice original and turn it into a rod though. If it is already done then get it if you like it.

Model A Fords do offer more room than a "T" but still can be a little tight for a big fellow. Try one some time and see how the seat fits? You may like it. In the world of hopped up rods anything goes. A model A roadster body with a streched out T radiator shell has been done before. Rods are not really my thing, but they do have a very large following. Dave!