Model T Speedster Project for the MTFCIF 

By Tony Cimorelli

The MTFCIF is sponsoring a Build a Speedster project for the young folks in our club. 

After observing the fun that the young folks had on the tour in both 2002 and 2003, I asked them (I’ll use the Gang of 8 (GO8) as a representation of the young folks as they picked up this moniker at the tour – (they went everywhere together and functioned as one entity – a totally refreshing look at the youth making the most of their club) if they would be interested in building a speedster at the Wisconsin tour on the weekend prior to the tour.  The GO8 all liked the idea.  I asked who they would want as an advisor/mentor and they all asked for Frank Fenton.  (Frank has been following the youth and even brought a car this year for them to use.  At the board meeting, Frank was nominated for the position of Project Chairman, and the board voted unanimously to confirm the nomination.  Frank has since accepted the position and the project is underway).  Frank’s idea is to assemble the car first, ensuring all is operational, then tear it down and allow the youth to assemble at the tour.  This would increase the safety and reliability of the project, yet allow the youth to experience how a Model T is assembled, how all part groups interact, and the youth will have a wonderful experience that will foster more club activities.  Frank and the members of the Rockford Chapter will assemble the car, since this is the chapter Frank is in and local to the tour site, easing logistic problems.  Frank also thought that if each chapter would volunteer to take a major group and rebuild it, we could spread the wealth and get all involved.  (i.e. Chapter A rebuilds the rearend, Chapter B rebuilds the wheels)  Frank has offered to store the project and lives only 90 miles from the 2004 tour.  This is a huge responsibility and we cannot thank him enough.  I also asked the GO8 what ages they would want for the youth project and they wanted 16-30.  (old enough to drive but young enough not be stubborn J).  There has been interest from those with driving permits also.  Younger folks could participate but wouldn’t be able to drive it because of state law.

I put together a plan and solicited input from the key players and also on the website forum, and here is what we have come up with so far.

We are soliciting for donations of good-usable parts to be used in the building of a speedster for the MTFCIF.  If a donation is received, you will receive a receipt for tax purposes as a donation to the MTFCI Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We will maintain the list ONLINE at the website ( www.modelt.org ) so everyone can see what is still needed.

We are looking for any part(s) that can complete a speedster.  Since we don’t know what parts we will receive, we have not established a year for the car.  Any parts not used in the direct building of the project may be traded for something that will complete the project.  This will be at the sole discretion of the Project Chairman.  If excess parts are received, they will be auctioned at the youth auction during the 2004 national tour.  Regardless, the MTFCIF benefits and nothing is wasted. Frank Fenton is maintaining an online picture of the parts received.  Parts should be sent to:

Frank Fenton

FRANK'S TIMER SERVICE
1880 Yale Bridge Road
South Beloit, IL 61080
815-289-3440
email: ffenton@inwave.com

Final disposition of the project car – Whatever happens to the car will be directly applied to the MTFCIF for youth scholarships.  We have several ideas on what to do with it and a few are:

• Auction the car at the 2004 youth auction
• Run it for a year as a goodwill vehicle for the youth and auction the following year
• Sell it directly on EBay
• Rent/auction it for a year like the “headlight” having the renter add an item and have their name engraved on a plaque.  Car returns to the youth auction the following year.
• Offer it to the youth to buy direct at a fixed price or auction.
• Offer it up to McPherson College as a project vehicle that would be maintained by the college and appear each year.

If you have any ideas, please contact a director and offer your comments.  The Board of Directors of the MTFCIF will consider all options and vote on the disposition during a Board Meeting.  Results will be announced in the Model T Times.

We have our legal experts researching licensing and insuring under the foundation, as well as establishing a separate corporation to separate the project from the rest of the club (required for legal protection of club assets).

Donor recognition will be engraved plaques affixed to an external toolbox or possibly logos affixed to the car body.. 

Cash donations will also be accepted to purchase those items not donated.  Those donations would be directly applied to the project.  Determination of what products are purchased will be made by the Project Chairman.  If a certain item is specified for a cash donation we could accommodate that. (i.e. Joe Smith donates $2000 for a Ruckstell).  Checks should be made out to the MTFCIF Speedster Project and sent to the Treasurer:

Betty Mortensen

13507 Radisson Road N.E.
Ham Lake, MN 55304

(763) 755-3456

We will be asking for volunteers to assist at the tour.  The tour sponsors (Don Krull and Sheryl Stier) have agreed to setup an assembly point where the car will be assembled, giving all the opportunity to view the youth in action.

The Webmaster will create a series of web pages to show the progress of the project.

Items donated or pledged to date

Running rolling chassis with title – Bud Delong

Stainless Steel exhaust – Vern Campbell

Timer, crank seal, timing rod – Frank Fenton

Voltage Regulator, Horn – Fun Projects, (John Regan)

Front Axle Assy – Golding’s T Parts, (Mark Golding)

6 Coils, Rebuilt Starter and Generator – Coilman, (Ron Patterson)

Rebuilt Field Coils – Total ReCoil, (Wally Szumowski)

Coil box – Jon Crane