Will this 1925 Ford Model T run after being neglected for years? | Will It Run?

Can we get a nearly 100-year old car to run after it's been sitting for several decades? Davin and Jeff set out to find if this 1925 Ford Model T has any life left in her.
#WillItRun #neverstopdriving #hagerty
----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:41 - What do we have here?
1:54 - What year is it?
2:06 - Here's the plan
3:24 - Pulling spark plugs
6:00 - State of the internals
7:50 - Reinstalling spark plugs
9:42 - Checking the starter
10:32 - Not enough power?
11:15 - Cleaning points
12:45 - Wooden coils?
14:00 - How do these coils work?
17:38 - Checking connections
20:10 - Do we have spark?
23:00 - Pulling and cleaning the carb
27:45 - Supplying fuel
28:55 - First attempt to start
29:50 - How many times are we going to try this?
31:50 - We can't be this stupid
34:20 - Moment of truth
37:25 - Now do it by hand
39:45 - Wrap up
----------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to our KZbin channel for new videos every day! bit.ly/HagertyKZbin
Visit our website for daily automotive news, cars stories, reviews, and opinion: www.hagerty.com/media
Stay up to date by signing up for our email newsletters here: www.hagerty.com/media/newslet...
Follow us on social media:
Facebook | / hagerty
Instagram | / hagerty
Twitter | / hagerty
If you love cars, you belong with us. Hagerty Drivers Club is the world’s largest community for automotive enthusiasts. Members enjoy valuable automotive discounts, exclusive events and experiences, roadside service created specifically for collector vehicles, and a subscription to the bimonthly Hagerty Drivers Club magazine. Join Hagerty Drivers Club here: www.hagerty.com/drivers-club
Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCammisaICONS
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCammisaRevelations
Contact us:
Suggestions and feedback - [e-mail]
Press inquiries - [e-mail]
Partnership requests - [e-mail]

[@Hagerty]

For those asking, this Model T has found a new home and will hopefully be back on the road soon! Thanks for watching!

[@johncoverdale6307]

Parity neet

[@DMSVICAU]

Nah...........You didn't Forget that the ignition was connected to the Starter........Someone (or Something) was Playing a Practical Joke.

[@gaborgredely1848]

El sem tudom képzelni,hogy szàz évvel ezelöt ,müszaki képzettség nélküli emberek mint üzemeltették ezeket az autókat. Millió számra gyártottak adták el. Autó szerelő a szakmám , csodálattal néztem milyen műszaki megoldàsok vannak rajta. Hazám szülöttje, Galamb József is résztvett a tervezésében. Köszi a feltöltést. Thanks.

[@ryanprice8352]

Congrats on getting it running! T's are VERY hard to kill. A couple of tips for the newbies: 1. Don't apply 12 volts to an untested 6 volt Model T starter. That's a surefire way to destroy the bendix, starter, and possibly the ring gear. Model T's (unlike Model A's) are negative ground. You won't mess anything up, but that could be one reason why the starer was slow (field was reversed and it took a while to swap over). 2. Don't mess with the coils unless you really know what you are doing. I think you guys got lucky on that one but in general find some that are already rebuilt, or check out resources on how to properly adjust and rebuild. 2. Be gentle on that old carb - the needle on that thing is delicate and can be screwed up easily (adjusted from the top). 3. Never use a fuel pump with the old gravity fed carbs. They will operate on minimal (1psi) pressure - a fuel pump will blow way too much fuel all over and with the open spark coils so close, fire can result - gravity feed is good enough. 4. NEVER crank with your right hand. You WILL break your arm especially with the timing set so far advanced. You saw it kick back, and its a short step from that to the hispital depending on your luck. 5. Did you check the oil? Never saw that if you did. Petcocks on the bottom of the pan are for that. If it drips out the top, you are good (let it go for 20 or 30 seconds to be sure it's not just stuck in the petcock itself and left over oil). If it streams out, you have too much. Conclusion: While this was a fun video to watch, anyone who would like to do this correctly, please get someone familiar with these old T's (maybe someone from your local Model T Ford Club) to help you out!

[@vayabroder729]

Great pointers; the engine oil is the first thing I would check before attempting ANYTHING. Also those spark plug wires definitely need swapping. And I hope they had coolant in it because they ran it for quite some time.

[@assessor1276]

Excellent suggestions- people who don’t know what they are doing should not mess with machinery.

[@Brock_Landers]

I'd be the first one to admit that I have never messed with a T...so while I am an ASE mechanic, I couldn't tell you the first thing about classic motoring. That's where experts who have experience come in, like you. I would know to check the oil in the crankcase, compression, spark, coolant, and make sure that the carb was in decent shape before I'd attempt to fire it. These old cars would run on 50 year old gasoline because fuel back then was crap compared to nowadays.

[@weirdbeardgarage]

I was wondering the 12 volt battery power. I have a barn find 1957 Opel that has a 6 volt system and I would like to try to fire it up (only hook the starter and jump the ignition, no other electrics connected). Can it be done with a 12 volt battery or should I go and buy a 6 volt? I'm going to upgrade the system to 12 volts later on so I'm just trying to save money, 6 volt car batteries are expensive lol.

[@williamletts9487]

@@weirdbeardgarage go to your local O'Riley's, they've got a 6 volt tractor battery that will work perfect for your application

[@KiwiStag74]

Man, I was yelling at the screen when you were scratching your heads and wondering why it wouldn't run, as I didn't think I'd seen you hook up power to the ignition side.....and I was right! She sure has a magical sound, that old engine. So rapt that she came back to life with relative ease. Can you imagine someone in 2123 trying to get a 2025 Toyota Corolla to start? "Have you checked the EMS module is ok?" "Yeah, I'm wondering whether its something to do with the ICM or maybe the BCM unit. Let's plug it into the OBD-II and see of there are any errors" "Man - OBD-II diagnostics. I remember reading about them. Now THAT'S ancient technology! You have one that still works?" "Yeah - had to rebuild it and add a new VM to my neural interface to run Android v11 just so the old software would run, but she's good to go". Frightening, isn't it?

[@wdmm94]

If there is even fuel available to run either one.

[@KiwiStag74]

@@wdmm94 - Oh, I'm picking there will be a fuel. It might not be petroleum as we know it, but people in the American southern states have been making rather potent brews for a couple of hundred years already and I don't see them stopping any time soon! Seriously and likewise, I reckon there will be something that eventually replaces petrol. The globe cannot support a totally electrified fleet of vehicles - either physically or sustainably - so it is inevitable this phase is just a stopgap like CNG or LPG powered vehicles was in the 80s / still is in way smaller numbers.

[@wdmm94]

One thing to ALWAYS bear in mind about Model T ignition: whenever there is power on in that system one of those coils could get energized and spark the engine to life. Unlike most modern and typical any other car ever made these DO NOT require motor rotation to fire off. Don't mess with these car engines with the ignition system energized. Also, when you were turning it over did you make sure the transmission was in neutral?

[@richardwyatt8979]

I own a 22 Model T and the coils are not a regular maintenance item. I probably haven't had the coils out in 8 or 10 years. Just keep things dry so the contacts don't corrode. They are great fun.

[@paulbaker847]

We had a Model T when I was a kid. My Mom hated it because she had a hard time cranking it. My brothers hated it because they had to ride in the rumble seat rain or shine. My Dad sold it for $25.

[@h8troodoh]

Awesome story 😊 thanks!

[@erwinschmidt7265]

Finally....a video I can relate to!! Gramps was Henry's 1st Apprentice, quit school 1st day of 2nd Grade in '01 to help Henry 24/7. It was just as Henry's Boss Thomas, had given Henry ultimatum to Run Detroit Edison as Chief Engineer per hired for, OR...spend rest of his life inventing whatever he wanted. When Gramps only six volunteered to help him gratis until successful, he had Missus run out to mailbox retrieving letter to Thomas that he would tend to Detroit Edison ONLY! That's how close you lucky guys came, as coulda been muckin' with a Chevy II engine here!!

[@kathysarmcandy1992]

Thank You for lubing the cylinders first. Someone took the same wire brush to a plug nearly 100 years ago.

[@tatocorvette]

No way I'm watching a 41 minute video on 2 guys trying to make an engine run... 41 minutes later: WOW! What a wonderful video! I really love your genuine and true passion. Really enjoyed this!

[@zachyoung4651]

As a fairly competent mechanic myself, as simple as the Model T and Model A Fords were. I’ve often wondered how I would see them had I of came up as a mechanic during their reign. Wonder how many service station mechanics back in the day sat the poor Model T owners down and explained just how complicated a procedure they were about to embark upon to somehow justify a week’s wages for the owners to have a clutch job or an overhaul. lol loving the videos Guys I appreciate you !

[@charliemaybe]

i mean they werent the most reliable so things breaking or wearing out were much more common. Now, things breaking are designed to do so and if it wasnt, a well take care of car would probably last an easy 200k miles

[@charliemaybe]

@@sheepwolf1st that is how it should be

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@charliemaybe A lot of Japanese cars can.

[@allareasindex7984]

Precision stamping was definitely a thing. Henry Ford’s revolutionary breakthrough was to spend unlimited resources to improve the precision of manufacturing and assembly to eliminate the need for skilled artisans. Every part was completely interchangeable with any car, no custom fitting.

[@JoeEngineer]

This was so good! I've always wanted to get into an old A or T just to experience the beginning of the everyman's car.

[@dougclarke8267]

Hi guys such a good feeling to see an old vintage running as good as this one great job in getting it going😊

[@lordieshepherd]

Of course you would get it running. You are Hagerty and co. Well done yet again. That was so good to watch.

[@wdmm94]

To get an idea of positive or negative ground try fitting the cables. They are two different diameters on the terminals.

[@cadwgawn]

Every time one of these videos comes out I intend to skip through it and not watch the every second, and then I get wrapped up in the process. This show is so much fun!

[@darrellburnside9368]

Great job getting it started. I'm a firm believer that technology is all relative. The fact that a car that old that hasn't ran in such a long time is testaments to how well they were made.

[@davebarron5939]

I got a kick out of the "per plug coil" from 1925, wherein "modern" engines use the same tech. LOL

[@challengecompleted55]

Ford used 3/8 npt for the plug holes until 1911, when they switched to 1/2 npt holes.

[@heaven-is-real]

When you were able to hand crank start it that was epic.

[@RTeBokkel]

A perfect opportunity to renew the extended warranty on your Model T.

[@mikeholmed7029]

Yes lm calling about your extended warrenty on your truck. Lol 😅😅😅

[@SGTJDerek]

It's a Ford. You better get a 3rd Party Warranty. 🤣

[@framebender1783]

@@Jackoe69 hahaha wtf

[@allah42069]

@@SGTJDerek come face Derek

[@Hagerty]

😂🤣 I'm sure we'll receive a phone call very soon about a great opportunity to do just that!

[@wdmm94]

To get, and check, the coils working one doesn't have to crank the engine. Just energize each coil circuit. One can tweak the point adjustment real quick and easy that way. Also, did you check the commutator contact surfaces (what you guys called the distributor)?

[@vetham100]

That was COOL!! Hats off to you guys for preserving a piece of history and in the form of a high quality video.

[@lancecorporal9894]

What a great video, it's amazing how these old cars can run after sitting for many years after a few hours of tinkering. Henry Ford may have had faults but he was a genius in that he designed the Model T so that anyone could work on them with relative ease. Another ingenious thing he did was he had specific specifications for the wooden crates used by suppliers to deliver parts. The suppliers wanted his business so they gladly built their crates to specifications. Ford then used the wood in those crates for the Model T.

[@miketuttle5926]

Bold move to take that carb apart in the yard. I would’ve lost at least two parts, even with a cardboard box for safety!

[@dave1135]

My dad always called those coils buzz box coils, when 6 volts is applied the contacts will vibrate making a continuous spark, thus the "buzz box" name

[@wdmm94]

They also had a built-in magneto to power the ignition without the need of a battery. I don't remember if they would start with just the hand crank on that though, but the real early T's only ran on that magneto however (didn't have a battery and starter).

[@mannys9130]

You're much better off cranking the hand starter with the hand that presents your curled fingers toward the direction that the crank wants to kick back. That way when it does kick back, it just pops your curled fingers open and flies out of your fist rather than butt up against your palm and crush your wrist and arm bones against all the force that you yourself are applying on the opposite direction. Harley Pan Heads are known ankle breakers. Those are just 2 cylinders on a big leg. This is 4 on a small arm. 😰 Be careful! This was great to watch though. The first cylinder firing is so exciting after a lot of hard work.

[@joereedmusic9853]

Well done ! Ignition, Fuel and Air as simple as it gets.

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

Congratulations on getting the Model T started!

[@joshuamartin6841]

I love the model T! I’m glad you included your “duh” moment! It happens to the best of us!

[@mindeloman]

Not that many ever need to do this but when hand cranking an engine - ignition off when finding compression stroke. Only ignition on when you plan to fire. The crank handle should be positioned in the rotation where you are pulling upward with your hand. Never crank by pushing downward.

[@jeffboyles3611]

I guess I don't need to be checked. Based on my reactions, my wife asked, "What are you watching?" I replied, "2 guys I need to be running around with." Great video. Davin, you scared me cranking that car. I was wondering if they were actually going to show your wrist getting busted. Glad that timing was okay. Hope that old car gets out on the road. That would be a hoot driving that dude around. Thanks for the vicarious fun.

[@grahamlane1313]

It just shows how well made the model t was and simple to get running after been sitting for years by just cleaning the contacts on the electrics and cleaning the carb and adding fuel and you get a running car

[@pawpawtx]

Made my day watching this one ...... sweet

[@danemoll4065]

So cool! At 56, I have had the pleasure of driving my father in laws 26 and 27 T’s to a car show in north central Ohio years ago with our little boys with us. Took around 2 hours to drive 20 miles by the time we stopped multiple times at houses that had water faucets available so that we could refill the radiators. Will never forget it.

[@stephenconway2468]

Engine is so smooth. Great engineering

[@foe]

Dang, that is a really good starter

[@gaius_enceladus]

Awesome video! It runs soooooooo smoothly! Like it's just come off the production-line! Sounds great!

[@konrod8003]

Great video. In effect they had coilpacks - one per cylinder - just like modern cars....well, almost 🙂

[@artmichel5572]

Awe man, that is beautiful! It's not a Ford thing. It's not a Chevy thing. It's a mechanic thing. Got a knot in my throat just thinking of the "time" back then when men created with blood, sweat, and ..well, tears. Great job, dudes.

[@MrScoopage]

Another great episode. Thankyou

[@toddhutson4458]

It would be cool to see some video of the inside of some of these cylinders if you had a scope.

[@stevencharette7918]

when you guys got it to run i did get excited lol cool stuff im so glad you guys got it going

[@richardphelan8414]

The simplicity of these old cars is amazing ,The Kettering ignition from the 1800s still serves it's purpose today amazing as it is ,these old Tees are like a timex watch they take a licking and keep on ticking

[@007007niki]

I really got a big smile on my face when she fired up and sounded just like I thought it would. I couldn’t help but think about the movie cares and the old grandma model t that was in it. Please leave that car as original as possible it’s a real treasure.

[@zarch5986]

Nice! Awesome to see a Model T!

[@todddenio3200]

A Model T or Model A stand a better chance of running after sitting like that than a newer computer controlled fuel injected car does.

[@Houndini]

Sad but true.

[@jimbote1968]

With the new fuel yeah. Back when gas was still good an FI car would reliably start even after sitting for years. Better so than a carbed unit. Corn fuel changed all that.

[@ChannelNotFound]

That's because they're so simple, low revving, and low compression.

[@NBSV1]

Hard to really say since newer cars haven’t really had the chance to age and sit like this one. Look how much they had to change or clean up for this. Even if the fuel goes to crap in a modern car you can clean out the system and maybe replace pump/injectors and be good to go. Similar to rebuilding an old carb and fixing/replacing a mechanical pump.

[@patpat9510]

What really nice sounding engine. Yes I am excited with you guys. That handle kick over was picture perfect history. I am gonna have to look up what the early model T had for a battery.

[@TheMilwaukieDan]

❤❤❤❤I downed numerous T’s over the years. Incredible cars for sure. I always say the most complicated part of them to understand was the transmission. Easily converted to a tractor, fun. Saw mill or power a water pump. Well done Henry.

[@Synersh]

Can't wait for the engine rebuild timelapse.

[@CharlotteMay-mx1ej]

I got one of those distributors from my dad. He told me what it was ; but this is the first time I saw it in original position.

[@cutl00senc]

Few things in this world will bring you more joy and happiness than firing up an old car that’s been sitting for years…it’s a celebration of perseverance, engineering, and good old American ingenuity. In today’s world of disposable everything, the magic is fading away. But when the computers stop working and we’re back to analog…the people who know what they’re doing will be looked upon as wizards !

[@jtodora]

It makes me smile to see the old girl running.

[@reijerlincoln]

Nice to see Brad Pitt is getting into the vintage car hobby!

[@patrickcaudill2939]

Excellent video🙏👍🏼. Truly enjoyed you guys going through how everything works. Look forward to seeing what the next adventure is

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

Well done guys! It sounds sweet. A testament to the design that it can sit for years and survive two really clever engineers!

[@dgiorgi1725]

Great vid... I never knew Model "T"s were so electrically complicated. I knew you guy's would make it run and no smoke too. Great job guy's. THIS VIDEO WAS GREATTTTTTTT

[@glauciosilva8849]

Não somente pelo conserto , mas a paciência e alegria desses caras trazendo de volta a vida este dinossauro é impressionante!!

[@h8troodoh]

Well said, Sir..

[@robertreese2600]

My favorite episode so far.

[@JMcdon1627]

I really liked this episode. It was like being there. Thank you.

[@lancebedour1473]

I'm proud to say my wife was wondering what was I doing yelling to turn the ignition on! Great show! lol

[@deme7063]

hope there's a follow up with this guy on the road someday.

[@TheArhiArhus]

Great job you guys did!👍

[@vettekid3326]

Obviously you've never been around Model T's much. They don't have a distributor but a timer that sends low tension six volt power to the individual vibrator coils. The easiest way to check and adjust the individual coils is to roll the engine over to where the timer stops on each coil and then you can adjust the coil to make it vibrate properly as long as you have insulated tools.

[@reckowracing3342]

You are 100% correct. I am not an "expert" on Model Ts but I have driven one across the country.

[@motorTranz]

Great job guys 👏 Thanks for sharing!

[@JessicaVanHusen]

Jeff & Davin Fan Club 😎

[@HappyHands.]

That distributor "Coil" is awesome.

[@ywtv6]

I love the engine sound! Music for my ears!❤

[@bigaudioal]

Love seeing an old Model T fire! Great job boys! Keep these videos coming, we love them! Missing the redline rebuilds!

[@bogusbits6810]

Me too!

[@Hagerty]

Redline Rebuilds will return! Thanks for watching!

[@bigaudioal]

@@Hagerty awesome! Learn so much watching those and they are very entertaining. All your staff does a great job!

[@Hagerty]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@haulngrassracing]

You guys have the best job in the world

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

I’d love to see her re-stored!

[@Hadassah-KaquoliMReno]

How exciting to hear her run!

[@nelsonbrown8036]

Very cool episode I always look forward to watching you find something old and interesting to work on keep it up

[@jamesb.9155]

Good job and with no ads either!

[@MarkMeadows90]

Hey, there's Davin. Good to see that Model T running again! What's the scoop about Redline Rebuilds? Are y'all still continuing that series?

[@cbtechn247]

Thanks for the detail of Coil. Just know from your video. I like it.

[@gandichild]

Learning experience wow that was cool I have always wanted to find one of those to mess with definitely cool thanks

[@sreethampan]

Superb , It's like trial & error ........................................ and the distributor is really cool my first time . Thank you.

[@kyshorb6199]

Best episode so far.

[@73Shovelhead68]

Awesome! That’s a great video for Sunday morning.

[@jameslockard4827]

Being a younger "T" guy, I love this episode. The car is a 1926 model year car, a so called "improved Model T". I think you guys need to fill the radiator and tires and I would love to see you try to drive it around and learn to use the "3 petal system". The spark plug threads are 1/2-inch tapered pipe thread. Also, if you run the generator with no battery or load connected to it, it will overcharge and melt the armature solder. So ground the generator if you are going to run it for any amount of time disconnected from the battery.

[@johnnyk617]

I could watch these guys work on 100 year old cars every day of the week

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Great job, guys! You must have no arachnophobia whatsoever, given the state of the last few vehicles! These cars are amazing...You weren't even getting choked-out by smoke or anything! Nice work, Davin, Jeff and crew!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@reckowracing3342]

nope Spiders are of NO concern. now put any snake with in a 100 yards and I am out!!

[@ImmortalInflames]

SUch a cool video - I love these two guys & working on a car as simple as you can get made it dead easy to follow along!

[@HankNinja]

Little proud of myself right now. I was thinking this feels just like when I forget to turn on the ignition when using my under-hood starter trigger. Similar case. Car will fire only while starter is engaged.

[@Hagerty]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Happens to the best of us!

[@albertomoniz9051]

It would be nice now to see that old stock petty race car back at the shop hear it's refurbished engine fired up

[@reckowracing3342]

Hang tight!!!!

[@paulkocyla1343]

A friend of mine used to say "One can never imagine things to be as foolish as they can actually turn out.". True! 😀 Awesome job, guys!

[@marlinmessenger3654]

Should have tried the lights! But that was a great video. Thx

[@tedhewitt4299]

Nice work guys.

[@markseaman4750]

And we thought “coil on plug” was a modern invention!😂

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Amazing find love it ❤🙂

[@danielkavanaugh4544]

My dad was born in 1905 he knew alot about the early cars. One thing he would have done is pull the plugs and squirt a bit of gas in each cylinder the spin it over

[@simonpeter5987]

You absolutely need to take this one back to the shop and rebuild it?

[@MaryMartinez-hi3vp]

Thank you for repairing the old baby

[@Abhishek-C92]

Old is gold i still use carb bikes . Carburettor has a thing that I can't deny to keep .

[@acerlogic1869]

Awesome job. Damn now i have to get one

[@johnelons1446]

Coolest video I’ve seen in a while

[@Guardducks]

The thrill of victory. 🤘🏼

[@stevekirksey9293]

Pure Michigan 😂 that was good Henry Ford would be proud of you’s guy’s 😝

[@aldomassa7473]

Americana Excellence !! ….right down to commentary, music….. Strong work gang.