My name is Mack Thomas and yesterday I got my great-grandfather's 1924 Model T touring car. It had been in a container for the past few years and has a lot of surface rust and the top cover needs to be replaced along with the seat covers and inside door panels from moisture damage. I would like to do most of the work myself, but do not know a lot about this era of cars. I know that my granddad drove the car inside the container the last time it was cranked 4 or 5 years ago. Any information that you could give me or point me in the right direction of would be greatly appreciated. I want to keep it as original as I can.


Thank you,

Mack D. Thomas

Dear Mack,

How exciting to hear about your inheritance. The wonderful thing about the Model-T is there are a number of experts still making repairs. As to parts there are also a number of companies making reproduction parts.

You must decide first if this is to be a show car or just a restoration for your enjoyment. A show car demands a more original restoration using restored rather than new reproduction parts.

Restoration is all about social networking. The easiest thing to do is to join a local club. There you will find an enormous amount of resources and help.

As to you specific questions, both top and upholstery can be replaced with materials similar to the original. Covers and tops are available for you to apply. (See my resource section.) Door panels are also available.

The car can be sanded, prepped and painted with no difficulty. You can do it yourself with a little care.

Best of luck on your project. Please share pictures with me as you progress.


Warmest regards,

Ed McCormick