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History Barn find T-Bucket

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Skelgas, May 20, 2025.

  1. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

    Anyone recognize this car? Just bought it out of central Kansas. Looks like a 60’s build. Had an early Pontiac in it. IMG_1557.jpeg IMG_1558.jpeg IMG_1552.jpeg
     
  2. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 3,239

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Really cool,got a pontiac for it?
     
    guthriesmith likes this.
  3. 2OLD2FAST
    Joined: Feb 3, 2010
    Posts: 5,993

    2OLD2FAST
    Member
    from illinois

    No shackles on the front springs , something's gotta give ...
     
    vtx1800 likes this.
  4. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 18,263

    Squablow
    Member

    Very unique chrome front suspension on there, I wonder how well it worked? Should be identifiable by that, I'm sure it's one of a kind. What is the rear suspension?
     
    Outback likes this.
  5. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,606

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    I think when guys use quarter eliptic springs as a links ( as in a four link) as well as a spent they sometimes don’t use a shackle
     
    Stock Racer and Outback like this.
  6. Jay McDonald
    Joined: Apr 6, 2020
    Posts: 162

    Jay McDonald

    Bump steer police should be here any time, lol (and they are not wrong)
     
  7. 2OLD2FAST
    Joined: Feb 3, 2010
    Posts: 5,993

    2OLD2FAST
    Member
    from illinois

    That's not being used as a link , it has some sort of cobbled wishbone configuration .
     
  8. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 7,955

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Given that it's set up with quarter-elliptics, I wouldn't worry about that so much as the difference in the center of the suspension pivots between the radius rods and the springs themselves (that act as a front suspension component). If the front suspension doesn't tear itself apart first, the caster is going to change radically as the suspension goes through it's normal travel. I see it has what looks like cowl steering as well. I think there's a reason it's sitting in a barn without an engine.
     
    Hollywood-East likes this.
  9. 2OLD2FAST
    Joined: Feb 3, 2010
    Posts: 5,993

    2OLD2FAST
    Member
    from illinois

    The axle is being controlled by the bones , radius rod whatever, the spring is being used as a spring , without shackles to allow free movement , it will bind . The caster is not being controlled by the spring ( unless it overpowers the radius rod .
     
  10. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 36,129

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    wow... and a CRAGAR steering wheel!!!
     
  11. DDDenny
    Joined: Feb 6, 2015
    Posts: 21,634

    DDDenny
    Member
    from oregon

    I won't join in on the engineering side but it appears to be an era common home interpretation of what "might" work.
    I will say, like many from back in the day it could be one loose bolt away from disaster. Sure hope ALL the bolts have some form of locknut on them when finished.
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  12. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

    No, not sure what’s going back in it.
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  13. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

    Ford nine inch with a buggie spring
     
    Okie Pete, Sharpone and Outback like this.
  14. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

    IMG_0251.png
     
  15. patsurf
    Joined: Jan 18, 2018
    Posts: 2,203

    patsurf

  16. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,711

    RodStRace
    Member

    Good to see another early T-Bucket. I'll add a comment on the front suspension design. You have heard what to look at and check carefully. I will mention that most Ts only have 3-4 inches of travel, so while things may not be freely moving and have different angles, it's not as crucial as a long travel setup.

    Does it show signs of road use, or more like an unfinished garage dweller? It looks like it was wired and plumbed, so it probably was taken around the block, at least.
    Can you share pics of the steering box and rear suspension too? That front end should be the main identifier, but more info is always good.

    What are your plans? Member for 15 years, only 36 posts, Hope to hear more.
     
    Okie Pete, mad mikey and Sharpone like this.
  17. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

    I concur on all the concerns for the front end. Also agree that it likely didn’t see many miles. It is fully wired and looks to have been complete and drive-able at some point. As far as plans, not sure just yet. I need to determine what transmission will fit in the tunnel and go from there. (It is setup for a manual trans so I am a little concerned an automatic won’t fit under the floor). I have a 392 hemi with a 3 speed manual that might go. Good intuition on my 15 years and very few post. Been busy being a dad. Still love cars. Particularly like the old T-buckets from the 60s. They are cheap and a form of art. (I bought this T-bucket for $2000). I will post more pictures. It has some cool old stuff up underneath.
     
    Tim, Okie Pete, Sharpone and 2 others like this.
  18. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,711

    RodStRace
    Member

    Glad to hear it.
    As far as a trans fitting, the floor is most likely plywood, although some were 'glass. Either way, clearance is a saw blade away. I'd hesitate on hacking until everything is checked out and a plan of end product firmly established.
    On desktop, you can just hover over the member's avatar and those stats show. I've been following T bucket threads for a while and got my own a year ago, so keep an eye out for new people. :cool: Don't worry, no cause to press stalking charges!
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  19. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

  20. Skelgas
    Joined: Aug 22, 2010
    Posts: 39

    Skelgas
    Member

    Operation Hemi.
     
    Tim and Sharpone like this.
  21. I’d drive it
     
    Paul B and Sharpone like this.
  22. snoc653
    Joined: Dec 25, 2023
    Posts: 990

    snoc653
    Member
    from Iowa

    Sharpone likes this.
  23. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 6,297

    Fordors
    Member

    Uh,no, too small. That’s just a Cal Custom air cleaner
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  24. Sharpone
    Joined: Jul 25, 2022
    Posts: 2,440

    Sharpone
    Member

    Nice, very cool 70s vibe
    Dan
     
  25. Okie Pete
    Joined: Oct 29, 2008
    Posts: 5,918

    Okie Pete
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Looking good
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  26. That's turning out pretty good
     
    Sharpone likes this.
  27. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,606

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    Now that’s cool!
     
    Sharpone likes this.

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