Derek, I watched this show with my 91 year old dad. Now he has a bit of a memory issue but he perked up and told me story after story about the Model A his family had when he was a kid. Thanks for making his day which in turn made my day.

Who needs movies when VGG drops a new hour-and-a-half-long masterpiece every week??? Love you Derek and family :)

11 out of 10 for effort on this one! Got to respect the simplicity and resilience of these original motorcars ..... try getting yourself home on a bit of Grease, some ice cubes and a sandwich if you own a Tesla thats not 100% working right! 😆🙌🏽

I know this video is old and the comments are as well. But I watch this video probably once every few months. It’s one of my favorites that Derek has made and to be honest it’s sort of a dream of mine to travel cross country with avoid highways on. I’m glad to see you do this Derek. My grandfather drove from Indiana to Alaska then took a fairy from somewhere in Alaska and landed in Washington then drove across the US back to Indiana. Took about 6 months in total. I flew into Alaska and went fishing with him. That trip was all he talked about until the day he passed. So keep using the back roads!!

This man’s tolerance level is off the charts. All that stopping and filling and packing, and knowing it was leaking like a sieve through every mile, just waiting for it to let go: amazing. I must be getting soft in my old age, because the thank you message toward the end brought a tear to me eye. Rest assured, I will always watch every second of these videos. They’re that good, and so are you and your family.

Imagine it's 1935, and you've gotta load the family, the dog, and everything you own in, on, or behind that ol' girl, and drive it all the way from Oklahoma or Kansas to California. My wife's Grandma, 97 and going strong, made that trip at age 11, from Kansas.

This was absolutely the best episode you have ever made. Your music choices for the driving montages were spot on. I love your dry humor during the progress updates and I felt myself smiling through it all just like you did. I respect you so much Derek!

man, seeing that thank you from you and your family near the end of the video brought a tear to my 25 year old eye. such a humble and down to earth man you are. thank you for being an unreal role model for not only your boys but also young fellers like me

As an owner of 2 Model As.... this feller approves.

Out of all the shows out there, and I’m not just talking KZfaq, I’m talking tv also, Derek has the best one hands down. He’s found a way to connect with so many different people and the reason why is because he’s one of us. Just a regular guy with skills to fix just about anything with an engine. And he’s relatable! There’s more than one time I’ve seen in a video where he’s come across something that I’ve experienced to lol. He’s the real deal, down to earth, and humble. I can watch him with my kids and the worst thing I’ve heard him say is ‘Moses sandals’ lol. When I saw this 90min+ video I knew I was in for a treat! Thank you Derek for taking the time in all that editing and hard work videoing to give us such good entertainment and history to!

I believe you put it back together for the kids that’ll run that thing across country in 50 years. Original as possible

Dear Derek and Jessica, I found your VGG channel a few days ago and I'm hooked. I'm 69 and my husband is 93. He watched the '28 Ford Model A episode with me this morning. He had a '30 Ford Model A in the 1940's. He has told me so much about it and said yours is a fancier model than he had. We travel in a 2020 Honda Accord and my Minnie Winnie motorhome. If I could afford to buy him a beauty like yours for him to drive, I would in a heart beat. Yes, he still drives at his age. We take our boat fishing pulled behind his Chevy PU or the Minnie Winnie. I drive most of the time, as I drive well at night and I'm a defensive driver, with zero accidents or tickets. My Daddy taught me well at age 15. Anyway I want you to know how much I enjoy your channel. My oldest vehicle was the 56 Chevy Bel Air I drove all through high school and up to 1979 when my Dad sold it forgetting I would have bought it. Oh well. God bless you and your family. Love and hugs from northern California. PS my nephew, his wife and their 3 children just moved to Franklin, TN. I may move out your way if I outlive my very active healthy husband. PS I love Fords. I've had 2 2003 Ford TBirds, hardtop, convertibles, a mechanic ruined my first one, the second one had 56K miles on it when I sold it to a girlfriend in Texas. She loves it. I miss it.

“If you’re still watching, my family and I thank you”? You gotta be kidding brotha! Of course I’m watching every second, all the way through. Watching a guy make a long trek in a well weathered car while giving us all that beautiful countryside views along the way is the best way for a guy to relax on the weekend. Can’t thank you enough for this video. Wow man. Thank you.

In my humble opinion this car deserves a ground up restoration. Making a 700 mile road trip at it's age and condition I think it earned it. Love your content, hope you never stop making it.

Derek should have a Statue built! He is a national treasure!

Thank you I’m 70 and love ole cars and you got a lot of patients

Indeed that 94-year-old car is in pretty good shape. I'm almost the same age as that old Ford and my suspension is worn out, my headlights barely work, all my gaskets are shot, my head is definitely cracked, my exhaust is unreliable most of the time, and my radiator leaks constantly. I normally can't crank before noon on warm days, I can run on anything too, but bourbon keeps me from skipping as much. I don't turn over at all when it's cold. I was red too when I was newer, but I've faded to a light gray with no shine at all, my glass is all fogged and my mechanic said it looked like I am gettin' a Cadillac. He'd also told me I was important years ago....

"Since the engine's failing I got a cupholder... that should help." This was a great episode. Thanks Derek!

Derek, you are a "road scholar" and your content is antique poetry in motion. Your content silences the noise and chaos of the crazy and disturbing world around us. Thank you for bringing such heart warming adventures and wholesomeness to people. All the very best.

Derek, could it be that many of us are reaching back to a better era that we were privileged to be a part of and take in again what we didn't realize we were loosing? I gotta tell ya there was to me something very spiritual about riding along with you & enjoying the best UBER experience ever. God bless buddy. Keep up the journey 😊😊😊😊😊

Hey Derek! I've a Ford Model A "C" head with water pump up here in NY. You pay the shipping and it could be yours!

This isn't a youtube video, it's a road movie, the narrative, music & the tech are simply golden, thankyou so much.

I’m here in 2024 , shout to everyone involved in VGG… all the way from South Africa

I imagine that the person who assembled that engine 94 years ago never in their wildest dreams imagined that in the year 2022, an expert mechanic would be fixing it in front of an audience of over a million subscribers. Of course back then the idea of landing on the moon was equally far-fetched.

Pushing a dead engine 94 year old Ford 714 miles, now that is an adventure. Your best story yet. I admire your determination and it warranted watching the whole thing. Thank you again and Godspeed. 👍

One of my favorite shows of all VGG Episode.❤ I can't tell you just how much happinessmuch you bring. I would say to most who watch all of us to the simplest of realities and the most sincere feeling of normalcy, that is so needed right now in this country! Derek, you and your wonderful family Always brings a smile to my face whenever you have an episode for us to watch.🥰 🍻

Best use of a You Tube channel in my opinion. The comments alone restore my faith in humanity and bring me to tears missing my parents and grandparents.

Spending an hour or two with Derek is like visiting with an old friend. Just love Vicegrip Garage 💯👍

I love the way this man calls things the funniest names, like “lightning whirler” and “ice cube juice”. I’m never going back to calling them their normal names. Keep on trucking man, we need more people like you turning wrenches in this world.

Stayed over at the same Holiday Inn in Murray. People are so friendly over there.

This dude has a great outlook on life ! Don’t sweat the small stuff attitude ! I’m no mechanic can barely keep my mower running but he talks about mechanical issues in way i get !

Yes Derrick. We're still watching, and we thank you for keeping us entertained and your family for putting up with you.

My husband and I bought a perfect model A last year from the widow of the "original owner", she was very sad to see it go but what was the best part is that as we were leaving her house with the car, she approached my husband and said: Young man, you better take good care of that car, I want you to know that I lost my virginity in that car.

I love your vernacular, it’s so charismatic and engaging. Much respect and have fun with this beautiful machine!

"Restore" absolutely 100% does help! The little ground up copper particles do bond to the inside Nick's & scratches to fill the voids.

"If you are still watching, my family and I thank you". Touches my heart in a way I didn't expect at the 1:39:40 mark. Loved this video through and through. Best of luck to you.

I've been watching your videos for a couple of years and enjoy them all immensely! However this one with the Model A is an absolute treasure! My grandfather had one and use to give me a rides in it . I'm 71 now and to tell you the truth I was getting a little emotional. And for everything you went through to get it back home was phenomenal. But one of things that impressed me the most was how you were almost kid like on enjoying the ride home driving those back roads and your love of our country! God Bless you Derek and your beautiful family! Can't wait to see what you do on this rebuild! We love you all!

This was an excellent episode. When I used to run around down there I really enjoyed the back roads and would take those routes whenever possible from North Dakota to Texas and Florida to California. It's a great way to see the real USA and it's beautiful and friendly. I met some of the nicest people I've ever met out in the less travelled areas. Thanks for the reminder and for reawakening some old memories.

This trip was like a good book. I needed sleep but I couldn’t put it down. Simpler times, I think we all need some of that.

So much good can be said about this trip. I'm 87 and it brought back memories of our yearly trips between New Bedford MA. And New York city. Talking during 40s and 50s. Dad had a 1930 Ford 2dr, we lived in NB and family lived in NY city. We got to know every Ho Jo s between. The old girl ran great during 40s, she got kinda tired during 50s. But she never left us by the road side . Keep up the good work you guys are great.

Holy crow. Almost 2hrs!? Your videos are getting longer and longer, and that's just awesome.

I think I enjoyed this video more than most. Like the lady said, God Bless You and thank you Mr Ford.

Those old cars are a snap shot of America we have lost. Folks got bent, got broken but keep on stroken. Love the back ground music, as American as the cars you love,

As far as I'm concerned, this is one of your best videos ever. My two separate thoughts: First, my suggestions about your Model A. Keep it as original as possible. I had a co-worker who restores A's and T's as his hobby. He keeps them stock and they are a beautiful "living history" window to the past--something that young people today need to see more than ever. As to paint, the Model A's, unlike the T's, were available in several colors. My favorites are a dark green and a medium brown--both really handsome. Once you get it rebuilt--don't be afraid to drive it. A friend of mine had a "A" similar to yours. He would frequently drive it to work or to the store. Second, about your trip and your comment about it--more than anything, metropolitan Americans need to get off of the Interstates and actually see rural America. It has been rural America that created most of this country's best people and best leaders. And rural America, the best part of America, still exists, but one has to get off of the Interstates and slow down to see it. Rural Americans still believe in the ideals of freedom, personal responsibility, community, and helping one another that has been lost in most of the cities. I'm thankful that you commented about what you found in rural America. May God bless you and your family.

You know, this feller really appreciates a feller who can find a rig like this and not only drive it 65,341.9 miles, but be willing to pour more water in the radiator than the Atlantic Ocean. I watch every episode and this one is by far my favorite. And another thing, all us fellers and fellers will be waiting to see this old girl get restored in the fall. If only we could all step back in time to a simpler life like driving the back roads in a beauty like this. Thank you VGG!

Frick yeah I’m still watching. I thank you and your family for letting us enjoy this history that will be faded away in the next 10 years.

I really enjoyed the 1928 ride home. I would enjoy watching the engine rebuild including the poured bearings. Not too many people Id believe could do it right, but have no doubt you could.

Watched straight through, felt like I was along for the whole ride. yes I was worried we wouldn't get back home, but the Ford and all your passengers out there breathed a sigh of relief as you shut her down back in the garage. thanks for the ride.

I thought you were crazy, you just confirmed it with this car. Driving a model a 700 miles is a task!!!

From the UK. I'm impressed by your knowledge but I love how chilled you are

I'm still watching thank you Derek and your family for sharing your knowledge and life. You don't know how much the drive towards the end really hit me, family is so important and so are memories thank you.

Derek is the Bob Ross of the KZfaq automotive artistry. So much patience. Such a peaceful little tree.

I can’t put into words how much I love this channel.

nothing like the scenic route no doubt, Derek you have an old soul brother good stuff 😊😊

This is the third video of yours that I have watched since stumbling upon Vice Grip Garage last. The third and one of the best videos I've seen. Absolutely brilliant. A real adventure. Thank you.

My Grandfather was one of the early Ford Mechanics in Western Pennsylvania back in early 20s. I grew up watching him restore T's and A's and helping his friends restore Model A's and T's. He would get letters and phone calls from across the country asking for his help. People called him Mr. Ford for his knowledge. We'd be at car shows and once people found out who he was, here came the questions and request for help! I thought he must've been some kind of celebrity. Thanks for bringing back those memories.

Shared this video with my dad and here's his reply: "The 1928 Model A hit pretty close to home. When we moved to the country in 1947, Dad had a 1939 Plymouth which he soon traded for a 1929 Model A and a cow. So I know what it's like to ride around in a Model A. The phrase 'zero creature comforts' doesn't go nearly far enough."

Thank you so much for this video my great grandfather and i watched this video 2 weeks ago and told me a story of his days owning one and racing it he passed away last week thank you for tour videos and i hope to see more videos like this in the future

Halfway through watching this yet again - absolutely love it!!

This made me remember that as my Dad told me stories of when he and his best friend would buy an old model A for fifty cents to a dollar... they would have "your" issues... thanks for the memory of him by your ''tellings". GOD and also tell your family THANKS.

Loved this episode, Derek. My dad, before he passed away, told me a story about the Model A. He was at one time a Model A salesman in Decorah, Iowa. When he moved from Iowa to Colorado, he took his dad (my grandfather) with him in his 1930 Model A. Somewhere in western Iowa my granddad looked at mu dad and said, "Everett, take her up to 60 miles an hour," which my dad did. My granddad had his pocket watch out and watched it for exactly one minute. Granddad then said, "I just wanted to travel a Mile a Minute once in my life Everett, now slow down!" Dad never drove Grandad that fast again...

This may be my FAVORITE episode so far. I loved the comments Derek made about his grandpa and I think Derek actually became a little emotionally attached to this old girl by the time she got him all the way back home. Keep up the great videos, I love seeing the videos with Jessica and the boys in there too!!

Thanks to a friend of mine here in Northern KY, I have just found Vice Grip Garage. I loved to hear the sounds from back home in North Dakota. I grew up about 40 miles NW of Minot in a little single-stop sign town called Mohall. The oofdas bring a smile to my face. I spent 5 years stationed at Minot AFB as well. Don't miss the cold don't you know.

I used to drive my 1951 chevy,around,every body waving, smileing,coming up and talking about it,when I Ryde my motorcycle my face hurts from smiling ,because I really enjoy it.

Thank you Derek! You have inspired me to take on my own "Nebraska field for 23 years" dream car, a 1970 Opel Kadett Rallye, on a 432 mile road trip on Tuesday. Avoid Tolls, Avoid Highways. I did spend the last 3 weeks using brake rejuvenation spray, the mouse sucker 9000, the steel wool with the soap in it, and the shine juice. Lets hope the chrome air cleaner will do the trick. Well wishes to you and your family.

Leave it up to Derek to do what most would say is near impossible, I watched and enjoyed every second of this amazing trip

I'm new to the Vice Grip Garage and Derek's adventures. I have enjoyed all the ones I watched so far and agree with other comments how good Derek is at keeping his cool and not getting discouraged. I also agree with Derek's comments about driving the back roads, meeting people, taking in the sights. My brother and I drove a 1917 Maxwell across the country. Newark NJ to Los Angels, CA because our grandfather did in in 1916. Driving the back roads at 35 MPH, taking in the sights and meeting people along the way was a great adventure. Just like Derek's adventure with this Ford.

Hi Derek. Well my dad owned a ford model A but it had a canvas top and side windows. I learned to drive in it. We had many a wonderfull trip around Tasmania Australia along with a gazillion breakdowns which dad would always be able to repair somehow. Your trip made me think about the great times we had. Like my Mother, he has gone now, but he gave us a great life and never once did I ever see him lose his cool when old Esmeralda had a a hiccup. Thank you for reminding me of those times and I would dearly love to see you bring your model A back to good working order as she once was. Take care and may the road always rise up to meet you. Cheers dave😊😊

The Model A is supposed to be the first "Modern" car. The Model T by contrast is incomprehensible to drive. Beautiful example. Sure, it needs work, but it's beyond a classic. I wouldn't even change the color scheme. Just fix the mechanical issues with a rebuild and address the paint.

Every second Derek …I’m here for the whole ball of wax and I thank you and your family…there is something about watching a guy bring it back to a simpler time that for a guy stuck in the daily grind puts a smile on my face

So glad you are restoring this machine with the improvements you suggested - and black with a high gloss finish would be great. Bravo for hanging in there for over 700 miles that takes guts and patients - really enjoy your videos - been watching some of the old ones I missed keep up the great work. Canada is watching.

Thanks for another wonderful episode. This one was close to my heart. My father and mother drove a 39 Model A back from Chicago to Berthold North Dakota following his discharge from the Navy as newly weds back in 1944. I still have the car squirreled away in a shed on my farm although it is in rough shape from spending 30 plus years sitting in the trees. I would almost bet my dad and your grampa Allen knew each other back in the day as there farms were only about 15 miles apart. I am still living on the same farm although my dad has been gone for over fifty years. Would love to meet you if you ever have time when you are back in ND. Didn't know your dad but was good friends with Tom Stave. PS saw my farm out the window of the blue Scout as you cruised it past in that episode. Thanks for many hours of pleasure, a friend you haven't met. Marvin

Derek this was an absolutely great episode. I lost my grandpa just a few weeks ago and he was a huge fan of yours, and of Ford Model As, with my grandma even still owning his first car as a 1931 4 door sedan. He would have loved this episode, and watching it still keeps him here for me. Keep up the good work

that was great watched the whole thing. in 1970 got out of the army after 6 years in fort lewis wa. had a 57 ford took all the back roads home to pa. just to help myself heal thanks for the memories.

What a great car! Those model A’s were revolutionary at the time. Thank you Edsel Ford for convincing your father Henry to make another car.

Hope you’re still reading these comments, Derek. From my Dad (now 84): “What a great video!! Enjoyed it all. It brought back a flood of memories of Dad's 1931 Model A. I can remember Dad having to pull over coming back from Grandma's in Doe Run to add water and reset the timing, Mom having to pour hot water from her tea kettle over the gas lines and settling bowl (ours was a cast iron bowl) to thaw it out in winter. Ours had brown leather seats. Dad or Mom would have to paint the top with "Top coat" to waterproof the top.”

You have an insurmountable amount of guts, Sir! Driving over 700 miles in a 94 year old Ford is impressive as hell! Your videos and nerve leave me speechless!

In the video I saw the little easter egg where you thanked us for watching and you're family thanks us...well I gotta say...Thank you and your family for making such amazing content!!!

You give that glorious old lady a full restoration and keep it! I agree, upgrade it with mechanical upgrades, paint it in it's original colours, if you can find out what they were. But, for goodness sake, Keep it!

I watched every second. What a journey. Imagine the shade tree/roadside patches that happened to this car during the depression. Looking at the world over top of those headlamps made me think of the moonshine runners. What if it was all dirt roads? I too found myself smiling pretty big. 714 miles. Who else can say they did that?

Hi Derek, My buddy has 2 - '29 model A's one complete and running when stored and garaged. The other, with all parts to complete, everything was stored in a dry heated basement. My buddy inherited it all from his 94 year old dad about a month ago and he wants to get rid of everything, by my estimation, way too cheap. If you find you are in need of any original parts, panels, chassis, you name it, give me a shout, he is anxious to have it all gone. Everything cancer free.

Thanks so much for producing this video of America's back roads. I am American who lives in the UK in order to be near my children but my heart is in the US. There is something so enjoyable about traveling the roads of the US and thanks to you, I am able to do this with these videos. Great for my heart! Thank you for this and thank you for reminding me there is no reason to get mad at a mechanical or electrical problems. It can be frustrating but underlying it all, I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it and you have reminded me of that.

Absolutely watch till the end. Thanks for the little gratitude in the kind words to us subscribers. You make alot of us be a part of a dream that is so far from my or our realities it isn't possible. Thank you very much for ALL your videos. Peace

These Model As were deliberately designed to be easy to work on. I've got to give it to you... to take an old car with no compression in its engine and drive it 700+ miles... priceless!!

My father passed away a couple years ago, he was in his 80’s. Needless to say he grew up tinkering on Model A’s, doing the same kind of temporary forever fixes Derek used to get home. This trip made me think about him, and miss him. I wish he could have seen Derek’s adventures, he would have loved them. Thanks Derek and keep making memories your kids will cherish.

As soon as u said having old hank cranking and I'm talking about Sr ! I know what kind of guy u are and why I watch your channel. This was truly one of the coolest episodes and that's saying alot bc u are the king of your tube! Yes sir yes mama ! God bless America! What an absolute trip and a step back into time. Thanks man !

Excellent, I really enjoyed all the little trivia tidbits, also the way you track down and fix each problem as it comes up. Thank you, I was born in 1951, all your videos bring back a lot of memories,,,

This is one of my favorite episodes! I imagine that it must be an emotionally uplifting experience to take a nearly century old car on a 700 mile road trip.

This might just be the best VGG episode ever. I expected to watch this in 2 parts, but it was just too good to stop. If you can put that many miles on a tired Model A with that many issues, surely I can get off my butt and take a 200 mile trip in my 55 Chrysler.

This is one of my favorite videos. Love watching you work on the classic cars but this antique model A was very enjoyable to see and watch you bring it home. Cant wait to see what you do next with this car.

Your journey reminded me of one a buddy and I did around 20 years ago. We drug a 1970 IH Scout out of the weeds on a farm in Minnesota, did minimal repairs to it and proceeded to aim to towards California. Along the way we discovered that the engine consumed oil at the rate of one quart every 50 miles. The alternator bracket broke off and had to be booger welded by me in a small town city maintenance shop. The entire electrical system tried to burn down in eastern Nebraska and was patched together with duct tape and prayers under a farmer's tree in his yard. And then we hit 110 degrees through Utah/Nevada/California. We made it and forever have the tales of this. Thanks for taking us along and bringing back those memories for me.

What an awesome trip. This car reminds me of a saying my grandfather used to have: "A little gas, a little oil; a little spark, a little coil; a piece of string, and a two-inch board - put 'em together, you've got a Ford." Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us - can't wait to see what becomes of this one. God bless.

So for future reference when a packing leaks on a steam boiler a quick fix we do is take Teflon tape twist er up and roll her around then send the packing nut down. It'll hold 300psi of steam back should work for a ~16psi rad system.

Best part of the video was when you were eating the cheeseburger and said “ picked up a dog also” I laughed so hard that I shot coffee outta my nose!!

By far the best channel on the internet

The "on the road" segments of the videos on this channel is some of the most relaxing content on KZfaq.

This was great! I am SO glad you are keeping it original-ish! Saddest thing when I'm driving my 29 Model A is when dudes stop and ask me if I plan to make it a "street rod"... Embarrassing.... Anyhooters, excellent video, really enjoyed it. Glad Paul was there for you! He's a great guy!

I know this is an old video, but I really wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you and your channel. Been in a bit of a slump for the past couple years, haven't had much motivation to turn a wrench lately, which has always been a passion of mine alongside riding/wrenching on quads and bikes, and building bicycles out of the discarded ones I find sitting out for trash. Watching your videos definitely are sparking the flame in me to get back under the hood, up under the dash, and hugging an engine block through a jungle of wires, steering components, and exhaust pipes. I refuse to drive a newer car, they don't have the charm that a pre millennium vehicle possesses. With that love comes the necessary responsibility of knowing how to keep them alive and thumping. Thank you, and keep up on the awesome work you do.

Dereck your tad of sarcasm is so refreshing. I indeed enjoy your running commentary. I did observe the outstanding paint adhesion on the body, that is an added nice touch.

Mr Bieri... Thank YOU. I've said it before but you are THE best on this platform by miles. From entertaining, Making us laugh, Moving us to tears reminding us what's worth caring about in our crazy world, Educating and always being clean & family friendly. Simply a class act. And your whole family are part of it. I'll be dipped. Hats off 🧢 Everyone here appreciates you more than you'll ever know.