<P> The first 800 units were sent in reverse with a lever; all units after that were sent in reverse with a pedal between the clutch and brake pedals . The middle pedal was used to engage reverse gear when the car was in neutral . The right pedal operated the transmission brake--there were no brakes on the wheels . The floor lever also controlled the parking brake, which was activated by pulling the lever all the way back . This doubled as an emergency brake . </P> <P> Although it was uncommon, the drive bands could fall out of adjustment, allowing the car to creep, particularly when cold, adding another hazard to attempting to start the car: a person cranking the engine could be forced backward while still holding the crank as the car crept forward, although it was nominally in neutral . As the car utilized a wet clutch, this condition could also occur in cold weather, when the thickened oil prevents the clutch discs from slipping freely . Power reached the differential through a single universal joint attached to a torque tube which drove the rear axle; some models (typically trucks, but available for cars, as well) could be equipped with an optional two - speed Ruckstell rear axle shifted by a floor - mounted lever which provided an underdrive gear for easier hill climbing . All gears were vanadium steel running in an oil bath . </P> <P> Two main types of band lining material were used: </P> <Ul> <Li> Cotton--Cotton woven linings were the original type fitted and specified by Ford . Generally, the cotton lining is "kinder" to the drum surface, with damage to the drum caused only by the retaining rivets scoring the drum surface . Although this in itself did not pose a problem, a dragging band resulting from improper adjustment caused overheating transmission and engine, diminished power, and--in the case of cotton linings--rapid destruction of the band lining . </Li> <Li> Wood--Wooden linings were originally offered as a "longer life" accessory part during the life of the Model T. They were a single piece of steam bent wood and metal wire, fitted to the normal Model T transmission band . These bands give a very different feel to the pedals, with much more of a "bite" feel . The sensation is of a definite "grip" of the drum and seemed to noticeably increase the feel, in particular of the brake drum . </Li> </Ul>

How long did it take to construct a model t ford in 1914