Story and Photos by Paul Duncan
Seventeen Tin Lizzies showed up to work on T projects. In the group were 6 new members who have joined in 2024. Mark Wing brought a beautifully restored 1910 coil box with coils that he and Larry adjusted (see Enchantment Flyer: January-February 2023-Retoration of 1913 Coil Box by Mark Wing). Three of our Tin Lizzie Shriners-Joe Vanderburg, Jay Draper and Tracy Brannan brought a bunch of new tires for the Shriners fire truck and their Model T with the Calliope. The Balliut Abyard Shriners go to a number of different sites around New Mexico and understand the importance of proper maintenance of these 100-year-old vehicles. They mounted around 8 tires along with “tire whisperer” Mark Dominguez.
Another major project for the day was starting the 1926 Model T Coupe owned by new member Gretchen Valencia. The T was her grandfathers in Santa Fe. She recently decided to get it running and to learn to drive. She had contacted Mark D. in December and he had looked at it and suggested a new battery and starter switch. Mark trailered the T to the work party. We noted that the fuel line was leaking and when starting sparks were seen coming out of the exhaust manifold. The fuel line was reworked by Mark D. We removed the exhaust manifold and noted it was badly warped and deemed not repairable by Larry. A new one from the club inventory was installed. The manifold clamps were all reworked by Frank Lewark and Larry because three external nuts were rusted to the studs. The New Day timer was removed and inspected. The spring on the brush was worn but still serviceable. The contacts were sanded down and cleaned. Kirk Peterson adjusted all the coils and replaced two sets of points.
The T started and Mark drove it out of the garage and onto the trailer. Gretchen and another new member, Eileen Sandoval, brought pizza and beer for the workday group. Other members in attendance included: Paul and Marilyn Duncan, Dave Ferro, Tim Heer, Sean Hughes, Eddie Bell, and Vern Willan.
This was a very productive workday and again another Model T is back on the road.
