Video: This Is How You Drive a Model T Pickup Truck
Believe it or not, driving a 1924 Model T Pickup is a little different from a new F-150. No, it doesn’t have remote start.
If you’ve never driven something from the dawn of the automotive era (like a Model A or Model T), you simply don’t know what you’re missing out on. Today we’re pampered with trucks that just about drive themselves — or ones that soon will. Computers and various mechanical parts do all the work for us these days, but back in the ’20s you had to do all the work.
If you don’t believe us, just take a look at this nifty instructional 1924 Model T driving video from oneknightterrrant. The story begins with a man by the name of Don Tompkin, who purchased the truck and arranged to have it checked out before the final delivery. So, the caretaker of Tompkin’s farm figured this would be the perfect time for him to learn how to drive it. Because yes, you have to learn how to drive a Model T.
For starters, the various knobs, switches, and even the pedals aren’t what you’ll find in a modern vehicle, and the starter is quite literally a button on the floor. There are three pedals: forward, reverse, and brake. Heck, you even turn the key to the left instead of the right! Oh, and the shifter has three positions: forward for low gear, middle for neutral, and back for high gear.
Unlike modern vehicles, the Model T requires you to push the clutch in rather than let it out when you want to move. The throttle is on the steering column, looking much like a column shifter. Opposite of that lever is another stalk that retards the timing so you can start the thing. Simple enough, right?
Starting the Model T takes a few more steps than just turning the key, of course. Put it in neutral and turn the key to run. Move the timing lever all the way up and move the throttle lever a quarter of the way down. Pull the choke and press the starter button and hopefully she’ll start. Then, quickly move the timing lever down while simultaneously releasing the choke.
To get on your way depress the forward or reverse pedal, shift into low/high gear, release the parking brake, and give it some throttle. It’s just that easy!
If you ever get the chance, give it a whirl, it’ll make you appreciate your new Ford more than ever.
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