A 1925 Model T Ford truck is putting skills to the test at Romsey Men’s Shed.
Local identity Doug Newnham donated the model in September last year to give it a new lease on life.
The proviso was that it be restored to its original working condition and remain with the Romsey Men’s Shed.
“It was pretty exciting the moment we got it going,” shed secretary Eric Foster said.
“The first time it kicked over it sputtered. It was amazing to see it kicked back to life.”
Ex-Army Reserve mechanic Jeff Smith is one of the project’s key restorers and currently working on the engine.
Normally repairing old mowers to fundraise, he said the vehicle had set a whole new and exciting challenge.
“It had been in the shed for about 35 years,” he said.
“We want to try and restore it as close to the original as possible but with a few changes. We’re imagining the finished product will have a cabin in Romsey Men’s Shed maroon with gold lettering.”
Model T enthusiasts from outside of the shed have also assisted with advice.
A crucial contributor has been Vic Ashton from Woodend, who has completed about 20 of his own restorations.
“He has a wealth of knowledge about Model T Fords and has been really helpful,” Mr Smith said.
“There are a lot of parts that we don’t know are missing because we started restoring it from a bare skeleton.”
Some parts will need to be specially ordered from the USA, while others can be sourced from fellow car enthusiasts, collectors and suppliers. Vital pieces the shed is now seeking to secure are tyres and tubes.
The project has certainly achieved one the shed’s main objectives of bringing people together and sharing skills.
Romsey Men’s Shed is a not-for-profit association that supports men’s mental health by providing a meeting place where men can come together.
It is hoped that once restored and used within the community, the Model T will help raise community awareness of the shed and the importance of men’s health.
Volunteers aim to have the vehicle restored by 2025-26 (the vehicle’s 100th birthday).
The Romsey Men’s Shed has created a GoFundMe page for donations toward the project. They are also eager to hear from anyone with knowledge in Model T Fords and collectors with parts.
