The Model T - Durability And Versatility

That's funny....I recently got a mail box because my box on the street kept getting hit by plows.

 

Assembly line footage

 

@Nancy Hart
What a wonderful video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Movements rather quick like an old-time silent movie. Last built 1927, no idea when "talkies" became common. Almost no supervisors, foremen, in evidence that I could see. One gentleman in a suit appeared to be making quality checks. And evry one was black!

I wonder if those workers were unionized?
Frank

 

That's an interesting question. I tried to follow it up a little bit. The answer appears to be NO.

The story about how Ford treated its assembly line workers goes all over the place.... from great to terrible. It would take some careful research to figure out the true story. lol

 

Ford Highland Park Assembly Plant

"Highland Park featured several multistory, reinforced concrete buildings. The walls were large, multi-pane glass windows, resulting in the plant's nickname "The Crystal Palace." These windows provided or supplemented the plant’s lighting." . (I was unable to date this photo, but obviously the plant had closed.)

 

The coal shed on Bagley Street, Detroit where Henry Ford built his first car in



Bagley Avenue Workshop - The Henry Ford Museum

 

Does this help? He opens the gear box around 5:30 mins.

 

Ford Model T Buyers Guide (1908 - 1927) - carphile.co.uk

 

@Nancy Hart
Clearly showed the band encircling the planet gear carrier, so that much is accurate. Thank you for that!
Frank

 

@Joe Riley
Thank you, Joe! There are actually a few running around our area, lots of old guy car buffs.
Frank

 

"From the first time a Model T Ford was driven until now there is one thing we learn about these cars very quickly. You have to tinker with them on a regular basis if you expect them to putter along properly. Sometimes you had to change a tire on the side of the road. Other times you might just need to air up the tires before driving."

 

Model T Snowmobile Club, Forestport, New York, February, 2019

 

My Dad had a Model T in the early 1930's. He said that one sure way to stop a T-Bone in an emergency is to turn your foot sideways and mash down on all 3 pedals at once!

Hal

 

@Frank, "talkies" became common after the release of the movie "The Jazz Singer" starring Al Jolson, in 1927.
Hal

 

@Nancy, pulling back the hand brake placed the transmission in Neutral. Releasing it while depressing the left-hand pedal placed the "T-Bone" in low gear.

Hal