I realize that this is a dumb idea. Today I was visiting a fellow down on his luck and he needs to get rid of stuff. He has a '26-27 T roadster body (front half of a touring) , chopped windshield and a pretty fair T pickup box. Since my T coupe has the same firewall and basic floor, it wouldn't be that hard to swap over. I keep most of my existing stuff and get wind in my hair, bugs in my teeth and an unobstructed view. Checked out Dick Bennett's T from the Oct. '57 issue of Car Craft as inspiration. I can have the parts for a very reasonable fee. Comments please.
Not sure if you want someone to talk you into it or out of it but I’m a terrible influence, I say do it!
My buddy had a 27 T Coupe a couple years ago and sold it. Found a 27 T bucket and couldn’t resist. Talked to him recently and he said he hated it. Smaller than a coupe, noisy and windy. Now he wants a coupe again. Morel of my story.....I’d do a bucket in a heartbeat! Go for it.
Down on his luck can mean a lot of things. If you do it and his luck changes and he wants to buy it back, then what? If his luck isn’t going to change and you want to do it to help him out, why are you asking? If you know it’s worth a lot more than he’s asking and you feel guilty and want someone else to tell you to do it, do it but give home a fair price even if it hurts a little bit. Only you know what you want and what is fair and right. You have to live with yourself not us. Do what you like but do it in a way you’ll never regret it.
I’ve seen a few guys with multiple bodies for the same chassis. If built with this in mind it could be a lot of fun, go for it!
If I had done what my wife had said every time she said no, I would have NOTHING. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
My wife has been very supportive of my car hobby. If she came out with a firm NO, that would be the end of that project. Doesn't mean she might not go for something else, just not this one. He already has a T coupe that isn't done, adding another would only prolong the completion of either. Maybe there are others as well, waiting for completion.
The T coupe is a mostly finished car but I have always liked the look of the Dick Bennett roadster pickup. Had that issue of Car Craft for decades and by swapping bodies, my car would have a similar look and it wouldn't cost that much. 2Forcefull's cars show how swapping bodies would really transform the look. However, my wife is probably smarter on this one.
It still is a fair bit of job to switch bodys on the frame. The electric harness, fuellines, steering and problaby 100 small things you didnt think of complicate things. If i want a roadster i would build a new frame and start a new build.
That roadster body does look tempting though. Just the usual amount of rust holes, an extra passenger side door, workable pickup bed and an owner who says it is not possible to insult him with a low ball offer.
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