Texas T Parts

Click on the small left arrow and listen to music while you enjoy this page.      <bgsound src="frosty.mid" loop="infinite"></bgsound>      Let your mouse roll over the two Santas at the bottom of the page.

We are very fortunate to have a quality Model T shop like Texas T Parts right here in our backyards. Ben Hardeman explains the history behind his business.

What gave you the idea to start Texas T Parts?

Actually, I had been making a couple of items for Model Ts for several years when I owned OMC Industries. OMC had been making cast bronze differential thrust washers for Model Ts as well as a cast bumper clamp backing plate that was designed to also be flag holder for parades. When I sold OMC, I planned to retire and restore and drive my Model Ts. While working on two cars that we were planning to drive to Alaska in 2001, I needed so many parts at one time that I got set up as a dealer for Snyder's so I could purchase wholesale. I also contacted a friend, Robert Cardner, who had started Texas T Parts and had placed my initial order to become a dealer for the parts that he manufactured. I had known him and his wife for several years, having met them at the Texas T Party, and always thought that the name of his company was a great name for a Model T parts supplier. His business was located in Dickenson, TX. Then, before he shipped the parts, Robert died unexpectedly in December of 2000. His wife contacted me and we were able to work out a sale of his business. I bought the business but John Vilas, who wanted to get into light manufacturing, purchased all of the machinery and tooling to manufacture the parts that Cardner had been making. John and I were not in business together but he was my obvious vendor for the parts and I was the obvious customer for his production. Vilas Motor Works continues to be my primary supplier but we now purchase from other production shops and produce a number of our products internally. We also buy the parts that we don't manufacture from other dealers like Snyder's, Mac's, and Chaffin's.

In what year was it established?

Actually, I do not know when Robert Cardner first began operations. I purchased the business as of March 1, 2001.

What services did you provide when you first started your business in 2001?

When we purchased Texas T Parts, the company had been manufacturing about 25 different parts and accessories. The most prominent items were distributors, alternators, water pumps, steering shafts, Aermore exhaust whistles, digital speedometers and several different bearing assemblies. Robert was also buying unique parts from other independent manufacturers, which we continue to do.

How does that compare to the services that you now provide?

Many of the products we manufactured in 2001 are still being made by us now but most of the products have been improved through the years. There are two or three items we have discontinued and about 25 items we have started to manufacture since purchasing the business.

How do you decide what part numbers to use when you add a new item?

When we bought the business, Robert was using his own numbering system, starting with 001, and using the next higher number for each item he added to his line. We used that system initially, but after a couple of years, we started using the original Ford Motor Company numbers, or numbers based on the appropriate original Ford number. For example: The original Ford number for the Model T generator was T5119. Our alternators are T5119-ALT for the gear driven alternator and T5119-EALT and T5119-LALT for the belt driven external alternators for Early model cars or late model cars.

What was your motivation to manufacture some of your Model T parts?

When I decide to manufacture a new item for Model Ts, it is usually because that item is not available or because the quality or performance of the available item can be improved upon. Obviously, there has to be the possibility of making a profit when producing new items, but the market is so small that no one can expect to make much money after all of the front end costs and production costs for small quantities that can be absorbed by the Model T market.

Can you estimate the number of different items you have for sale which helps to keep the Model T roadworthy?

We are currently manufacturing about 50 different Model T items and about 10 Model A items. I maintain a list of 20 to 30 Model T items that may get considered in the future but I realize that some of them will never make sense and won't get produced. It's just a resource to review from time to time. I get suggestions occasionally from other hobbyists and have taken some of their ideas to market, but most people don't realize how much money and effort it takes to bring a new item to market successfully. I try not to tackle more that one or two items per year.

What is the furtherest destination to which you have shipped an item?

We routinely ship Model T parts to England and Australia. We have shipped our parts to a total of 17 different companies including Germany, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, France, Argentina, and Holland. We once shipped a complete rebuilt differential to Switzerland by air freight.

What is your greatest joy in owning your own Model T parts company?

The thing I enjoy most is touring with many of the friends I've made in the Model T hobby. I feel I have friends in many of the countries we have sold products to because I have been able to talk to and even meet many of the people. I have been privileged to tour many parts of the US with close friends whom I met through the hobby. I enjoy hearing from customers who like our products and for whom our products have solved a problem. I enjoy learning more each day about Model Ts and the many accessories that were made for them in their day. I also enjoy learning about how Model Ts have been a part of many people's lives and are still enjoyed by the people who continue to drive them.

Do you have any other comments you would like to share?

Driving a Model T is a great opportunity to spend time with your spouse and family. I loved touring with my girls when they were younger and am happy that they are still interested in Model Ts now that they are adults. There are several families who have two or three generations of Model T owners, kids that grew up in the hobby and have great memories of spending time with their parents as children. I would encourage anyone who has children or grandchildren to include them whenever possible, either on day trips or on tours. And, if they show any interest at all in the workings of the Model T, teach them basic maintenance so they can help instead of just ride. They will enjoy being a part of the process.

<<  LAST PAGE

NEXT PAGE >>