Thread: Thinken bout building a t-bucket (longish)

Tweet

I have a extra sbf motor and t5, 8.8 rear, strait axel from 53 ford truck. I manage a small company that make crane assemblys so I have welders/lathe/mill/flat tables/paint booth/extra steel laying around, ect. I purchased frame plans from california custom but haven't recieved yet. One of the workers can do the interior on the cheap. I don't mind going to the local pick and pull. End product would be a low dollar bucket that end the end if I really did not like it I should be into it a few thousand so I could sell/trade or just park, or correct as needed. Any coments, do you guys feel the "blue print" of this project is reasonable, or if you were to do it over again what would you change. Any body use Poli-Form products/bodys. Poli-form is only 2 hours away so if I purchased a body I would save freight cost.

thanks
paul

Interesting comments about the length,should be easy to stretch. No, I have not drivin one. One thing that does seem odd about t's is the sitting position. Some of the bodys sold have no floor that leads me to believe that some people lower the seats to get away from the naked feeling that must be present while driving down the highway. Body length could be fixed at the same time as seat/fire wall mock up happens. Wonder if I should buy two bodys to make one long one? I don't see any with that much added length.
Don't think I care about any thing period correct on this one, but I am interested in any advantages that could be built into the suspension such as splitting wish bones, steering rack or box,ect. Again limiting things to "home brewed" items.
paul

Model T Fords were designed when people, as a rule, were smaller and auto designs were still evolving from horse drawn buggies. So, the seating was not designed for people to sit in but rather to sit on the roadster. Next time you get a chance take a look at an original open body Model T. The bottom of the seat is quite high and the seat back is abreviated. If you want to get down inside a Model T roadster being a small double amputee helps. But for most of us the only way is a stretched body.

A number of manufactures make them. I like the Zipper modified bucket. About 2K. Polyform has a good reputation. I think their prices are a tad high. But being close has it's advantages. I'd call them and ask them about coming over to test fit one of there bodies. They may not have one on hand but ask them to call you when they do.

If you bought all five of the California Custom Roadsters plans you will have drawings for all of the suspension parts. Your truck axle is most likely too heavy and does not have the "right" spring configuration. Make the axle in the plans and use the brakes on a set of 37-48 spindles.

Depending on what body you select the CCR frame plans may require some adaptation. But that is reasonableyeasy to do.

I like your plan. The objective for anyone building their first rod should be getting it roadworthy in a reasonable period of time. Concentrate on workmanship. A good concept properly executed will earn the respect of seasoned rodders even if it does not sport a lot of fancy paint and chromed components. There is nothing wrong with low buck if your standards are high. Good welds, square cuts, nice proprtions, attention to detail, etc are what it is all about.

Post a progress picture from time to time.

Poliform stuff is some of the best in the business. And requires some of the least body work to make really nice. They offer two bodies that deal with the tight confines. Their '27 roadster comes in a stretch version, I think 2-3", and they also have a modified tub that has a lengthened front section, and a non-functional rear seating area. At least check them out, you might be surprised what you learn.

My son-in-law built this T from CCR plans. Fabbed almost all of the steel himself. It was his first car also.

Another photo.

How the heck do folks post more than one photo at a time?

Henry, you sound like a proud father in law, as you should be, thanks for sharing. Bob,Bib,Streets,& Tech, thanks for all the comments, all help is welcome.
Last question
Of the people that have used the CC plans, can they be used on the 27 T roadster body or will they have to be changed alot.

Thanks again
paul