1910 Ford Model T

My truly wonderful Replica 1910 Cretor Model T Popcorn Truck should once again see the light of day and no longer languish in the barn.    

By way of background the original owner. the late Pete Cobb. enthusiastically enjoyed owning and working on Model T's and was driven (no pun intended) to own a Cretors Model T Popcorn Truck.   He looked into purchasing a replica. but soon determined that he could build one better. and located an example to precisely measure to use as the basis for this one.   

Built in the mid-1980's using his expert skills supplemented by those of his brother and other members of the Model T Club of Dallas. Mr. Cobb incorporated parts of a 1926 car to the 1910 so that it would be the proper height off the ground for serving and still retain the beautiful brass.   He was elated when in 1988 his longtime vision was realized and he was invited to participate as a vendor at the State Fair of Texas.   This tradition continued until the conclusion of the 2012 Fair.   Yes. it was a great 24 year run.  

The truck was trailered to and from its former annual 24-day outing since I purchased the physical vehicle in 2003. as I do not know how to start or drive it.    It was running well when I purchased it.   While it still looks good when set up and is very serviceable as it is. it does need attention to include replacing the original siding utilized which has not fared as well as Mr. Cobb must have envisioned.   (One of the panels has already been replaced with metal by the skillful craftsman/owner of my local body shop. )

The online photographs include Mr. Cobb's original sign in the window (which was always on display out of respect for his workmanship). examples of the siding and related issues. and the truck at its last outing in the fall of 2012.  

The truck is stored in Brownwood. Texas.  about an hour south-southeast of Abilene. Texas.    

I was recently advised of the following which may be of interest:

1910 Model T body. on a 1926/27 TT frame.    Mr. Cobb used a 1926 car crossmember and 1926 model front spindles which lowered the whole unit by 1&1/2 inches.   He also used 1926 model spoked wheels which lowered it another couple of inches.    This was done to make the serving window the proper height.  

1926/27 Model T transmission is bolted to a 1911 Chevrolet Muncie 3 speed transmission installed backwards (using an aftermarket kit) to give it compound low gears to get on and off the trailer.  It also has aftermarket double tie-rods.  

Although not currently installed. the driver's seat is a 1921 center door Model T driver's seat with the hidden gas tank.    This seat had to be removed per State Fair regulations so there is a small Briggs and Stratton one gallon gas tank mounted inside the engine compartment for getting it on and off a trailer.  

Has a Bosch distributor (apparently a popular accessory).

The roof and the reproduction Cretors' signs are from Pearson Company in Olathe. Kansas.    The running boards were custom made by Rootlieb in Turlock. California as they are longer than normal.   Most of the brass was also obtained from Rootlieb (headlights. cowl lights. stop light. brass radiator).    Vintage brass hubcaps. an aftermarket brass t-bone radiator cap. and a vintage brass radiator cap.    Does have a brass steering wheel (not pictured) but I do not know if it is vintage or reproduction.  

The front windshield was reported to be laminated safety glass and know the rest is plexiglass.  

Has about a 5-gallon water reservoir with 12 volt pump and same size holding tank.  Hot water supplied by a 110V point of use water heater.  

It is approximately 13 feet long. and 10 feet tall – add another 4-6 inches in height when the top is opened.  

Update 3/6/17:  The truck was serviced this past weekend and it runs well - big shout out to friends who know that my mechanical ability is limited to changing the oil and stepped in to help!   As I am still not confident in my ability to drive it. and didn't want to replicate the old movie scenes by crashing it thru the barn wall. I chose to raise the jack stands on the back to get the wheels completely off the ground to run it through the gears - all seemed to be in order there as well.  Was also gifted several maintenance and instruction manuals.  

Also published at eBay.com

Want to buy this car?