This was the second Youth Work Day held at Larry’s garage. The first one was held in December of 2013 and was fantastically successful with great youth participation.  Larry wrote a multi-page article about the first Youth Work Day that appeared in the March 2014 issue of the Vintage Ford.

The Youth Work Day on this Saturday, April 26th, was just as successful as the previous one and notable because our young and enthusiastic participants were all different than the attendees in December! The new Model T mechanics included Julia Rodriguez (whose mother Victoria, is a friend of Jeff O’Brien), Jeff’s sons – Joe and Drew, Zach (son of Tim and Amy O’Brien), Tiger (grandson of Kirk and Susan Peterson), Chloe and Cecilia (Stan and Janice Gauna’s granddaughters), Ethan Ortega (son of Portales, NM Tin Lizzie Members Orlando and Melody Ortega), and Kassi (daughter of Ken Carpenter).  The total participation was an astounding 34 attendees – by far the largest Work Day ever seen at Larry’s Garage!

Joe getting a lesson in oil changing from Tom Miles Kirk reviewing the “to do” list with Julia Tiger learning about Model T tire pressure from Don Souther Chloe and Cecilia learning about spindle lubrication from Paul Duncan Tiger filling a tire Bill and Donna Hansen’s show-stopping 1924 touring! What a paint job! John, Marilyn, and Bill looking over Bill’s new side curtains Cecilia oiling a spindle Julia, Kirk, and Cecilia Drew O’Brien filling a grease cup under the guidance of Roger Burton Julia and Chloe Cecilia, Kirk, and Julia Marilyn, Mary Ann, Victoria (Julia’s mother), Tim, and Jeff Tiger and Don Donna, Susan, and Janice Victoria, Jeff, Tim, Joe, and Zach Kirk and Julia Paul, Chloe, and Cecilia Michael showing Ethan how to rebuild a carburetor Michael and Ethan Kirk and Julia’s checklist Larry holding an organizational meeting Jeff, Victoria, Tim and Marilyn with Marilyn’s 1920 Model T touring car Tim and Marilyn examining a dust cover on the Duncan’s 1920 touring Russell arriving in his 1926 Model T touring car Working on Betty’s 1921 coupe Tom, Joe, and Zach oil to the 1921 coupe Chloe and Cecilia draining radiator fluid Troubleshooting the coupe distributor Tiger testing a coil Julia, Neil, and Jeff

Larry had made extensive preparations with a “to do” list for all young Model T enthusiasts and also matched them with seasoned Model T mentors.  The focus of the Youth Work Day was maintenance and preparations for Betty Housholder’s 1921 Model T coupe for the upcoming “Neon Lights” tour to Tucumcari, New Mexico.  Tasks included changing the oil, lubricating the spindles, inflating the tires, and changing the radiator fluid.  For the “big kids” like Michael Housholder and Ethan Ortega, they focused on the more complex task of rebuilding the carburetor.  The distributor also needed Larry’s attention to correct a weak spark.

A delicious lunch on the lawn was generously provided by Bernice Young!  On the menu were a half-dozen Pizza Hut pizzas, soft drinks, and cookies baked by Linda Riel.

After lunch, it was time for a Model T driving lesson!  Larry and Lorna have an acre-sized soccer field perfect for the kids (and adults) to try their hand behind the wheel of the Azevedo’s very original 1923 truck or their 1912 Model T touring.  For many of these young Model T’ers it was their first time driving any vehicle and they had an absolute blast!

Larry, Lorna, and the entire membership of the Tin Lizzie of Albuquerque, hope that these Youth Work Days make a lasting impression and fosters an affection for these charming and quirky old cars that ensures the survival of the Model T hobby into the future.

Thank you to Larry, Lorna, Bernice, and all the other members who contributed to make this Youth Work Day a fabulous success!

Ethan working on the 1921 coupe carburetor Joe and Larry working on the 1921 coupe distributor Paul, Chloe, Cecilia, and Michael Zach and Tiger helping Russell with his coils Ann and Dave arrived in their 1917 Model T pickup truck Ann and Dave in their 1917 pickup Bill, Paul, and John setting up the new top on Paul’s 1920 Model T touring. The Duncan’s 1920 Model T touring car with new top. Russell and Bruce working on Bruce’s pan for his 1925 Model T Tudor. Susan, Ann, Sarah, Janice, and Zach Michael filling his mother’s 1921 coupe gas tank The Duncan’s and O’Brien’s touring cars The 1921 coupe gets a lot of attention! Pizza lunch time! A relaxing lunch Ready to take a spin around the soccer field Zach looking on while Larry provides a driving lesson to Sarah (Stan’s daughter). 1923 truck and 1912 Model T touring car. Larry showing Sarah how to drive his 1912 Model T touring car. Drew, Zach, and Tiger in the 1923 Model T truck. Drew, Kassi, and Julia in the 1923 Model T truck. Julia at the wheel of the 1912 Model T touring car! Drew with cousin Zach at the wheel of the truck A joyful Tiger takes his turn behind the whee! Kassi, Chloe, and Cecilia Larry giving Drew O’Brien a Model T driving lesson. Drew is very close to having his learner’s permit! This is the earliest Model T Ethan had ever driven. His family owns a 1924 touring car. Drew, Kassi, and Julia Mark instructing Joe O’Brien how to drive a Model T. Joe’s cousin Zack is on the passenger’s side running board. The O’Briens preparing to leave in their 1916 Model T touring car.