Model T driver crashes and dies in SE. Minn. after wheel comes off Article by: PAUL WALSH , Star Tribune Updated: July 28, 2011 - 1:50 PM <!-- Article header area[End] --><SCRIPT language=javascript> function printThis(url) { newwindow=window.open(url,'printWindow','width=620,toolbar=0,status=0,resizable=1,scrollbars=1'); }</SCRIPT> The driver of a 1915 Model T has died after a tire fell off, sending the vintage vehicle crashing on a southeastern Minnesota highway, authorities said. Kenneth W. Meek, 64, of St. Clair, Mo., died at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester on Wednesday, one week after the crash west of Chatfield on Hwy. 30, according to the State Patrol. Meek's wife, Margaret, 68, was hospitalized with noncritical injuries, the patrol said. The Meeks were participating in the Model T Ford Club of America's multistate tour along with more than 200 other vehicles. The tour's stops included Rochester, Red Wing, Mantorville and Lanesboro. The Meeks' car rolled twice on eastbound Hwy. 30, throwing both of them from the vehicle, the patrol said. "I don't believe there were seat belts [added to] the vehicle," said Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske. Seat belts are not required by state law for vehicles manufactured before 1964, Roeske added. Just before the crash, the left front wheel came off and Kenneth Meek "lost control and rolled" the car, the lieutenant said.
yep, very sad. even on a tour with other car nuts need to do basic maintenance. even with historic cl***ic cars some safety features are not a bad thing to have if you are gonna drive 'em. one of my Dad's Brothers had a Model T, coupe when they were young. take a corner too fast and it would tip onto it's side-would get it upright and start it back up and drive off.
I once spotted a hot rodded model t at a local outdoor cruise in show that the king pin was walking its way up and out. I told the family to wait here, I'll be back. I went straight to the announcer with the make/model/color/entry # and had them announce for the owner to meet at his vehicle. I pointed it out, he thanked me, and after a few minutes with the help of some borrowed tools had it back in place. scary stuff. we get in the habit with new stuff of turning the key and taking off. not smart, especially with the older rides. sad story indeed. prayers up for the friends and family in their loss, and the widow's physical and emotional healing. JML
Man that ****s. Like a lot of open roadsters, seat belts may not have helped much. Prayers to the family and friends.
I was in Rochester a week and a half ago with Mrs. Stu D Baker for a Mayo check-up. Saw all the T's and looked at many. There had to be at least 200 model t's in Rochester. Very sad about the accident. Stu
Modle T's have regular right hand threads on the left side wheels and if you forget to put in the cotter pins the wheel nut unwinds itself and this is what happens, did it one time, lucky it was at a slow speed. Bob Vinton
The Jalopy Journal
