Thread: t bucket's

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I have to second Don's statement. I built a TP bucket, started it in 1986, and it took a couple of years to finish for may reasons.

I thru bolted my motor mounts instead of using Mickey's thread cutter bolts

The engine (and radiator) was moved forward 4 " for better reasonable driveshaft length. If you use a Chebbie, still a good idea for distributor clearance to firewall. I used a Ford 351W.

I installed an aluminum Corvair steering box with a splined input shaft and u-joint after the TP sleeve and pin arrangement failed. This has happened on at least 3 others that I am aware of - this was the subject of a heated discussion that Mickey and I had: http://www.gasalleystreetrods.com/Steering.html
Here's where you can find the Corvair box

My upholstery fit fine and didn't have the rear cover fit problem.

For safety sake I bolted my body through the rubber biscuit inserts provided after drilling out the threads.

Their hydraulic pinion mounted e-brake is illegal in all 50 states. Mickey and I had this conversation several times - he now offers a mechanical brake as well.

I used a Speedway drag link and tie rod (chrome) with conventional Ford tie rod ends - the joints in the TP's tend to wear out fairly quickly. You need to ream the steering arms for the taper fit - the reamer is also a Speedway tool. Also, the Speedway links are larger in diameter and much more rigid - TPs kinda flex and it is disconcerting while driving to see them flex !!

The Airheart brakes are insufficiant (read JUNK). Get the Wilwood option instead. Speedway also sold them & I believe cheaper. (TP owns Airheart).

It is generally a very nice "kit". Very easy to assemble. There are some upgrades that you can make, but are not necessary at first. I chose minimal chrome to save some money which was very scarce at the time. Many people said that they actually liked it better including the lady that ended up buying it a couple of years ago.

This was mine just before it was sold: