How to Drive A Model T and Why It's So Hard to Drive on a Hill 

My uncle told me a story about driving home from a dance. He and his friends went to leave after the dance and found that the model t that they were driving wouldn't go forward, just reverse. My uncle always drove because he didn't drink, but everyone else was drunk. He drove home in reverse, at night, guided by a car full of drunks. Home was 20 miles away. That must have seemed like an eternity. Apparently they made it.

Remember my Grandmother saying that , " she had to back her Model T up the Hills because of the Gas Tank " . No Fuel Pump and graviety feed . We've come a long way , LOL

Sir you've saved a piece of history and you've given us so much joy watching you drive this car.

I had no idea. I used to have a customer that had one when I worked as a automotive tech. He used to bring by the shop occasionally to shoot the poop. I always asked to drive it and he would always say it was difficult. It never made sense to me by him explaining it to me, but now I understand. You're brave.

I have owned a few cars that are now considered "classics", but I can't wrap my head around driving such a beautiful Model T on modern roads. I had a daily driver with a single reservoir brake master, and four wheel drum brakes, but the pedals and shifter were " normal". Please don't think I'm insulting you or your car. When it was new it was an engineering triumph that changed the world. Your restoration shows all that is good with keeping them alive and running. Thank you.

This is a great video, Jared. These cars are mostly a mystery to everyone nowadays. Operating them is a lost art. Great effort on your part in researching not only for the restoration of the car but the actual work in doing it as well as the filming and editing of this video. Thank you!

Jarod, I am impressed with your Model T driving skills. I have owned and driven Model Ts for almost 50 years. I live in central Missouri and do not encounter steep hills when I drive. From what I see in your video, I would say that you could probably adjust your transmission bands to get better function from them. Your brake pedal is almost at the floor when you are getting results from it. You should never need to pull it back with your foot after using it. I believe that tightening the band will solve both problems at once. Your clutch pedal could be snugged up some also. The pedal can be adjusted to engage low gear without going almost to the floor. You should be able to feather the pedal and throttle for a smooth start just as you would let off a regular clutch pedal for a smooth start. All my cars have always had the original type cotton band linings. When I start my car, I immediately pull the spark lever all the way down and never touch it again until I shut off the engine. I get excellent performance and adequate engine braking for my type of driving. Engine compression would figure into this equation. If you did not re-bore your engine, you could have a bit of wear which would contribute to reduced engine braking. I have really enjoyed your Model T series. I am a Chevy guy, at heart, but since my first Model T drive, nearly 50 years ago, I have been hooked on them. The quirkiness, the historical significance, the whole package makes them the most important automobile ever built.

Extremely well done. I've owned my Model A for 50 years and it's so much more "modern" than the "T". But I'd love to drive a Model T - I think that from what I've learned from watching your video, that I can do it.

Man, you brought back so many memories of riding with Daddy and uncle in their T models. My Pop had a '28 turtle back, and my uncle had a '21 that was a pick up conversion. He drove his T every day as his daily driver, and taught me to drive it when I was 10 and could finally reach the pedals good enough. It was kind of a "right of passage" for me. I remember the first time he sent me on a run to the parts house all by myself, man, did I ever feel grown up! Could you imagine sending a 10 year old in a T model pickup 15 miles to the parts house in this day and age? I'm so glad I lived when I did, so I could have the opportunity to experience these things first hand. The world I knew is fading fast. Thank God there are a few people like you who are keeping a little of it alive. Thanks for the memories!

Having had several “T”s ( still have the first one) I can say that driving them is a experience but the more you drive the easier it gets, it is still a good idea to keep out of compromising situations 👍👍

Now I understand why my Grandfather had to take his brothers with him to push the car up the hills. You see, in West Virginia we have "hills" too!

Man u can never get bored driving this!!

I have watched you rebuild this from start to finish, what a talented man. Well done!!!

Greetings from Denmark where another (rookie) owner of a 1925 Tudor learned so much from your videos, including this one. Thanks Jared!

Way back in the mid 70’s when I was in college, I had an older teacher that talked about driving Model T’s. He said what you did about backing them up hills because of the fuel tank and also when the transmission bands were slipping. Your video explained it ver well!

Wow. I had no idea driving a T was that much different than my Toyota. One of your best videos so far. Thanks, RT

This is actually a really awesome video....... it shows how 100 years ago they were truly operating a full blown machine that took full concentration AND skill.....to 100 years later I can set cruise control, apply hot sauce to my freshly bought tacos and text my brother on my smart phone that "i'm on the way."

My elderly neighbours in Australia have a model T. They take it out now and then, lovely to see. I must ask them to show it to me. My father drove one in the "outback" with a friend, selling zithers. That was in the twenties. He spoke very fondly of that time. Also, he said, whatever broke you could fix with a bobby pin (hairclip).

I worked for the conservation corps in grand junction, when I was getting trained one of the managers told us a story of how people would lose control of these climbing one of the steepest dirt roads we maintained. He showed us a couple cliffs with model T's at the bottom just the frame left.

ABSOLUTE GENIUS !!!!! FANTASTIC JOB MATE. IT'S GREAT TO SEE A YOUNG FELLA WITH A PASSION FOR OLD VEHICLES. MY GROWN UP BOYS WOULD LAUGH AND SAY " WTF" ??? THEY DON`T APPRECIATE THE PAST.

I was just wondering how to drive a Model T. Thanks much.

My father had a '27. He loved that car. I did too. Rip Dad❤

That was really interesting. My dad (born in 1925) taught himself to drive in an old Model T he bought from an old farmer in very rural Northern New Zealand when he was around 13 years old.

I’m new to T ownership and am self taught from UTube except for one quick lesson. I’ve tried to explain to my friends how hard it is to drive in my hilly North Georgia area but your video does a much better job. Sometimes I overheat the engine going up and down. My only really flat area is 4 lane highways and I’m concerned someone will hit me from behind, not realizing how slow I am, plus I’ll be going below the legal limit. You’ve given me some new tactics to try. Thank you!

This video brings back so many fond memories of a 1926 Model T, that owned me, a number of years ago. It was immaculately restored to better than original condition by its previous owner prior to my purchase. After receiving instructions from the former owner gentleman, I decided that maybe I would just put the car up on 4 jack stands to practice on while in the garage, with the door open for exhaust reasons. However after studying the manual, and being able to drive a "normal" stick shift, with No problems, I changed my mind an thought that I would take it out on the road near my semi-rural residence. I mean, HOW HARD COULD IT BE, RIGHT. So I proceeded out of the driveway and around the block, and managed to shift from low to high reasonably well for a Model T Newbie. Ok, so far, so good. Now on to the Golf Club Road which was more trafficked and also had a faster flow. Speeding along, in "Galloping Girty", at some 35 miles per hour in an area with built up New housing, an impatient motorist pulled in behind me. Perhaps in hind site, I should have just pulled off the roadway and let them pass. Instead, in the heat of the moment I rolled down the window to signal a left turn into a driveway where a "BRAND NEW" home was just being completed. Guess what? I temporarily forgot how to STOP this machine, having been more focused on the forward propulsion of this unique creature. In a second of panic, I pressed ALL of the pedals at once and the T stalled out ...... just 1 inch from running into the brand new double garage door on this beautifully completed New home. Practice, practice, practice or is it Location, Location, Location. My better half gave me "The Look", but wisely said Nothing. Great fun was had by All. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

I love this model T I wish it gets all updates and runs on today's roads again in lots of numbers

I watched all your videos rebuilding the car. I did not realize where you where until you started driving the local roads. You are close to my house. Well done on the restoration.

Great introduction - not only goin over how to technically get going, but also how to drive the car in different situations (timing uphill, engine braking downhill, etc) - very well done! P.s.: Well, and the rest of the video was great, too, of course :D

That s fantastic you deserve a golden trophy you saved a piece of our past Congregations a great job thanks for the videos most enjoyable good bye

A fascinating video that clearly shows how to manage a Model T. Amazingly, its transverse leaf suspension front and rear in principle found its way into the small 8 and 10 horsepower Fords designed in Detroit for English Ford manufacture. The last of these small Fords with tranverse leaf springing were made in England until 1959! I own a 1936 Ford 10 horsepower Model 20 made in Dagenham, England, complete with its suspension harking back to the Model T.

Best T tutorial on the web, bar None!! Loved the 4-6mph. Lol. I had my model A for 25 years, and as someone else said, it was “modern” compared to the T. There is a hydraulic kit made for rear wheels only for the T. I don’t have the link, but maybe someone else can post it. I believe it uses disc brakes for stopping. Jared, with those hills, please look into the accessory screen for just under the transmission cover. It will help filter out some of that band material from usage and help keep it out of your engine bearings. Great video! 👍

Great video, thank you very much. Given the complicated technology, it is a miracle that the automobile has become established.😂😂

❤️❤️The costume you have the look 😊😊& your video so informative thanks gr8 job👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

You have brought back such great memories of me driving the 14' Roadster with my Dad, thank you so much! We lived on the flat land in the Willamette Valley so not too many hills to climb! It's an art and requires coordination and vigilance!

This is probably the best explanation/demonstration of driving a model T I have watched. Well done!!

wow much respect to the old timers who only had model T's. thank you for explaining how its drives. I have a 1940 Plymouth 4 door sedan that needs restoration it's a regular manual "3 on the tree" though. thank you again for this absolutely wonderful informative video.

Sir, that was really pleasant. I imagine that experience! You can feel a little nervous but at the same time happy for the result of your work. I watched the previous videos, certainly a lesson for life. The car is incredible, a jewel, and the reconstruction was exemplary. Thank you for sharing that moment, few Ford T's left and you were delighted to drive a wonderful machine. Great job, keep going.

I remember my dad talking about getting to drive a Model T when he was kid from the 'rich kid" in the neighbourhood, my dad was born in 1922. I car was Brand New!

Great video!! Seems rather complicated. My Great Uncle had one of these and I went for many a ride when I was a kid visiting my Grandparents. My most vivid memory was the horn.... Ahhh-Uuu-Gaaa. Also, 1st video I recall where you had a speaking role. Thanks for all your work, please keep it ip.

Totally random: Its amazing how distinct that housing is. I was able to see the houses and go "Hey, that looks like rolling hills!"- Sure as shit it is. Im from torrance and used to live briefly up there. Beautiful place. And absolutely love the demonstration of this vehicle. Its amazing to see what the driving experience was with these things, and how different the train of thought was on how to drive them.

Thank you. I almost finish mine and will run it soon so, this video will help me. Best regard from Québec, Canada

Thanks for the class Jared. It was so nice. Congratulations for the restoration.

Iam not sure how, but I followed your driving description ... lol. Good job.

Thanx for the great driving instruction on a Model T. 👍🏾😎

Oh my, when the car was going faster I was like 👁👄👁. I know I would have messed up all those controls up! You drove like a pro!

I never imagined how complicated driving a model T would be.

When I first found your channel, you were more than half way through with the videos on this T. I watched the first couple, and I thought it was odd that here was no commentary, and not expecting to get very far before I turned to something else. But, you did a great job with the presentation. and I was hooked, and looked forward more and more to each upcoming episode. You are truly a genius! Turning a piece of old ugly junk into a piece of beautiful art. Fabulous restoration. Well done!!!

I have watched your rebuild Video and it is a very very good work yoz combined the Patina of the car with the very need New Parts A great work Thank you for sharing thst with us Take care Frank Galetzka

Thank you very much Jared. You have the talent of drivin as well as restorin lovely model T

That’s the best how to drive video I’ve seen, really well filmed and explained. Enjoyed all your videos on this project. Hope we’ve not seen the last of it. I’d be very interested in anything to do with maintenance, servicing safety checks on the model T, perhaps an idea for a future video/s? Thank you for sharing your work you should be very proud 👍😁

Incredible work!

I can remember stories of my GrandUncle driving from Gallup, NM to Grants, NM on Route 66 in the old days. He would get tired after about 20-30 miles pullover set up his tent cookware and sleep, get rested and then continue. For a 60 mile trip he would take about 3 days! According to him the fun was the trip. And how I loved his stories…

Awesome job

Thanks for the lesson, very nice driving!

Excellent tutorial! 😊

Awesome video. Really well done and informative.

COOL! Nice presentation. Neat car.

Add in a Warford transmission and it’s even more fun!

Thank you for taking us with. I’ve been wanting to go for a Model T ride for a long time.

Thank you so much for the tutorial / demonstration. Enjoy your car, Sir!

That was an excellent tutorial!

Good video , I remember driving mine for the first time and it was an experience .

Great. I really liked the detail in exactly how and why to do things. Thanks!

Enjoyed immensely the full series of your model T rebuild... What a talented young man....

Just came across your channel. Super cool, interesting stuff. Really great car. Will definitely tune in again.👍🏼 Stay safe and healthy.

Jared - what a tremendous job! You are amazingly skilled and this project is very inspiring! I have become and subscriber and a fan!

I always wondered how to drive one, thanks for sharing 😀

I was amazed by these videos! Well done! You are a master. Greetings from Spain.

Great job ✌

Thanks for doing this. This is the best driving guide I have seen!

Wonderful video I can say I had no clue how to drive one but would love to try!!!

Great video. I’m in a hilly area too, very informative.

Hell yeah! Great job dude

WOW!! Most everything that you explained about how to drive the Modal T i did not understand yet it is very very interesting

Great video! Never owned or driven a T, but have 2 A’s which are fun to own and drive. Amazing the refinements made over the years and the originals are a reminder of where we started out. Thanks 😊

Great video, just subbed. This makes me miss my Model T- a '26 Tudor sedan. I appreciate the period outfit!!!

I watched all the videos. You are a master, because you are mastering every piece of work you are doing and you are sharing all this worldwide ! Thank you so much !

Was one of most entertaining series I have watched. Wouldn't of done anything differently. Well done sir. You earned my subscription. Thank you for the silence and speed of the videos.

I'd love to try that someday!

I really want to get a Model T and this video helps a lot, thank you!

Jared... As always.... FANTASTIC!!! With 15 million of these sold over the years, obviously people learned how to operate them! Seems complicated at first, especially compared to modern cars, but once you get use to it.... bet it's a breeze! Thanks for the rebuild and the driving tour. NOW.. can't wait for the next rebuild! Naples, FL USA

Buen trabajo ,te felicito. Saludos desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷

Thanks! Jared for this informative video. I watched the first drive video and observed the difficulty you had in the driving experience. I have firmly decided to not ever own or even attempt to drive one of these vehicles. In remembering some of those old gangster movies, I now know why they were always crashing (LOL). It is very generous of you to take time and effort in explaining the difficulties and the mechanics of driving this vehicle. I appreciate your knowledge and expertise, Thanks, and have a great week. A fan of your channel.

Absolutely love the video and I've enjoyed watching you rebuild this thing from virtually nothing. If I might make a request, would love to see a re-release of this video with the multiple camera angles synced in order to see each function being performed in unison. For example, have three screens with the largest being your road view so we can see what is coming up and then your hand view and foot view are two smaller windows to the side and we can watch how each reacts to the events in the road. Either way, a fantastic video and thank you for sharing this lost art.

I'm so happy I drive a modern Auto. I could never imagine driving an auto like that! It is fun to watch your video.

You just keep the history of driving, I'm so pround you.

Considering that you are new to driving it, you do very well with it. Very cool.

awesome. well done

Very well done 👍👏👍👏

I watched all the videos with pleasure. you are a true artist. Thank you for your effort. greetings from Turkey. 🖐

Very helpful as I just bought my first T and have hills to deal with!!

What a work out! I stick to my Model A thank you

beautiful piece of history, binged the entire playlist, i hope to get a model T or another vehicle of that era one day, wonder how many people stare or come to chat you up when they see you riding around in this Model T, these days you rarely see a Model T on the roads

Great video. Never drove or rode in a T, but have watched a lot of videos. Never seen one that discussed hills and the braking/timing issues. Very cool

Te quedó de lujo muchas felicidades por tu restauración y saludos desde Xalapa Ver.México 🤟🏍🛵🇲🇽

I drive a 22 center door on gravel fire lanes in NW Wi . You keep both hands on the wheel ! So much fun ! Good tutorial

Great video...not easy pedalling 😆

And I thought my model A was a handful, you made it look easy.

It's Unbelievable! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for this.