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The most exciting project that Saturday was Paul and Marilyn Duncan trailering their 1920 Model T touring car to the work party.  This Model T has been in Marilyn's family since around 1950 and she recalls playing in it as a child.  It is largely original condition and had its factory paint and upholstery when the Duncan's first acquired it.  It was stored in the family's Kansas barn and Marilyn doesn't recall her father ever driving it.  Since the Duncan's inherited the car in 2005, they've been researching, dissasembling, and restoring parts such as the fuel tank and carburetor.  Marilyn had also rebuilt the seat cushions.  The Duncan's were anxious to see their T run for the first time in over 60 years and brought along the new or refurbished parts to be able start her up!  The mechanical condition of the engine was really unknown, but Larry advised that there was certainly a way to find out!

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With Larry coordinating the Tin Lizzies team, the fuel system was reassembled and the old and badly frayed ignition wiring removed and replaced with new. The after-market "New Day Timer" was degreased and pressed back into service.  The radiator was filled with water, a small amount of gas put in the tank, and a battery connected to the coils to energize them.  This 1920 T didn't come with a starter or generator so Larry tried to hand crank it. The engine was extremely stiff and Russell and Paul also found the car impossible to hand start even with one of the rear wheels elevated. 

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Larry thought that pulling the T would be much more effective so he used his Jeep as the towing vehicle.  Neither Paul or Marilyn had ever driven a T before so Russell volunteered.  Amazingly, the T fired up for the first time in over half a century!  Initially, there was a lot of smoke due to oil burning off of the engine, but the car ran and sounded better after being run for several minutes.  It was all very exciting and the Duncans and the other Tin Lizzies members were thrilled!  Once the T was running smoothly, Larry took Marilyn out for a driving lession (including learning how to use the reverse pedal).  Paul got to drive the T around Larry and Lorna's soccer field. Now that they know their T runs, the Duncans can focus on details such as fixing the leaking radiator and installing a new top.

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The Duncan's 1920 touring helped fulfill Tom Miles challenge to MTFCA chapters to resurrect a dormant Model T and make it roadworthy again!  Thank you to Larry and Lorna for their generosity and congratulations to the Duncans on bringing their family heirloom back to life.