*MrModelT and Powerwagonmaniac build a T speedster in 6 months!*

*UPDATE*
The Body has left the building.....

Chris called me a few nights ago and told me that he had split the body from the frame. He sent me a picture or two to include...so here is the latest. This one shows the finished wood trim work.



Stay tuned!
​

 

That was me that said that!

 

stllrng, Never said I originated the words. They just seem to fit the conversation that Chris and I were having. Bet if you were at Bonneville in Aug, Chris would have a place for you in his Speedster out on the Lake Bed. Ah, the wind in my hair (or lack of hair . . .).

Dave

 

Good afternoon car guys and gals. I stopped in earlier and left a brief introduction and thank you for this great thread. I had only looked at the first few and last few pages. Had no idea what it was exactly all about. Just spent considerable time reading 1-20 and a few of the last pages. Intend to read them all soon.
I started out smiling and happy about this build. Then was shocked and saddened. Mr. Bill Becker was a great person. He had to have been to have such a wonderful family and friends. Most likely I didn’t buy any parts from him. I had a local guy in Quincy, Illinois who I bought from. He used to send me a small mimeograph pamphlet advertising his and a few friends Model T and A parts for sale. Sometimes my family and I took the long drive to visit his rundown one car garage full of parts and buy “T” stuff from Ernie Hemmings. Who’da thunk his few pages of used junk would turn into the magazine it is today?
Back to the build and other nonsense. Way back in 1964 I began working for a large company in the factory. I owned a 1926 Model T touring which I was restoring to original. In large factories many go by nicknames such as Brownie, Shorty, Farmer, etc. My job sent me around the large factory building a lot. While others talked about baseball, football, hunting, fishing, and other things, I was talkin car trash. One of the young guys in the tool crib had several friends named Denny, my name. So he started calling me Model T, since my Model T was talked about a lot at that time. I was restoring it and with friends in a tool room, had access to some free or cheap labor. Government jobs, they called em. So I've been Model T since 1964.
Next I became a trucker for the company, driving from factory to factory in central Illinois, hauling yellow equipment. Had to have a CB handle so Model T seemed to work. Became sort of famous around I-80 and I-55 and points in between. Crossroads of America they called it. In all that time I heard only one other Model T on CB, a female. Only met and talked a few times. But she seemed proud to meet another Model T.
Fast forward to internet and many bike sites, car sites, and old RV sites. As here, someone already had Model T so I had to use variations. What does any of this have to do with this thread? After reading what I have so far, it makes me even prouder to have this handle. I am in great car-guy company.
I loved the detailed build and the facts and photos about some of the other old cars. I especially loved the cardboard fender/hood thread.
For many years I’ve been fascinated by fiberglass. Followed many hotrod magazine builds of those famous customizers of days gone by. Yes, I’ve played with fiberglass for a long time. That’s partly why I’m so dizzy. But sure wished I’d known the cardboard trick a few years ago.
My wife of over a half century does not work on cars. She has held a bolt or two and been my gopher many years. Her primary job is to bring food and drink, and keep me from hitting things with a hammer when something goes wrong! She approves of my sick addiction and does not complain too much when I bring greasy parts home or in the house. If I want to keep her out of the garage, I open a can of fiberglass.
This old car hobby is a family affair and you guys keep it that way. Thanks again for the build thread and for showing others it truly is a hobby to be enjoyed by family and friends. You all may be working on the Becker Special, but MrModelT, Chris powerwagon, and everyone involved is SPECIAL to this hobby and this world. Even the comments by others keeps this a positive thread.
Yep, makes me proud to be called Model T.
Most of my comments turn into a book. Sorry about that. I've just got so much to say and so little time to say it.

 

Model T1, You might be just right about the book thing. I would say you get inspired and it just flows on to the screen. Sure makes for some interesting reading . . . Now how about some pictures ? Gots to have them pictures ! ! !

Dave

 

Hey no harm! I was just joining in the fun! It's all good!

 

Fred,Dave, I'll just show you guys how to run her, and turn you two loose and have fun!!! I'm heading out to the shop right now to paint the under side of the body.

Model T1, Thanks for the compliments on our Speedster. I just wish my dad had a chance to drive it. I grew up around Model T's and just love these simple machines and what can be done to them.

 

Chris, I am sure that we would have a ball with the speedster. I know I can't have your dad at my side, but I know that he will be there in spirit.
It would sure be a blast to be driving your Speedster. Maybe it will be inspiration for me to get busy with my hill climber ? Sure hope so, got some cool ideas burning a hole in my cranium.

Dave

 

This weekend progress, painted and primed the body.

 

Model T1,

As Chris said, thank you for the wonderful compliments! You are certainly right that this hobby is built around family....and the "Special" is truly the embodiment of that for sure. I do wish that Bill had been able to see the creation that bares his name, but he surely has in spirit.

*UPDATE*
More Bodywork....

I know I am a little behind with these, but who cares The latest from Saturday...












Stay tuned!
​

​

 

That sounds good to me; I have to see if I can find a picture of the 1914 Cadillac speedster that my Dad built back in the 1970's. You'd love it, and let me tell you, it was FAST!!!

 

Well we finally got the body in color today! Mom, Melissa, our friend Terry and I finished sanding everything. After dinner tonight Melissa came down and helped me shoot the sealer and base color, Vendero green. Tomorrow I'll put the 1968 Buick Olive Poly green and clear everything.

 

*UPDATE*
The "Special" gets a paint job....

Chris got the "Special" masked and shot with color and clear over the weekend, so we got to look at it outside last night...







I also got a chance to clean up the chassis from all the playing in the mud Chris and I did





Stay tuned for more!
​

 

Chris, The Special is just looking GREAT ! ! ! ! Looking forward to when you put the body back on the frame. Going to be one pretty car when it is done.

Dave

 

Thanks Dave,

| took the Ruckstell 2 speed rear axle out of the parts car today today. Tore it apart and found I forgot to put an inner bearing in!!!

 

Chris, Hope there are no other parts that you forgot to put in . . . . Might be a tad noisy. Looking forward to further photos as the Speedster nears completion. Going to be a hoot to ride/drive this beauty ! Time to start a count down to speed week ! i'm finally going to do it.

Dave
Bernice, I will always miss you my love . . . . .

 

Getting Closer. Need to find a new drive shaft.....

 

Chris, Why the new driveshaft ? Is the current one too short for your setup ? That is between you and getting the Speedster on the road !

Dave
. . . Bernice you truly and forever are my one and only. I love you more than life my dearest.

 

Dave, I decided to put in the Ruckstell 2 speed rear end in with a 2.77:1 ring and pinion instead of the stock 3.63:1 set. I also upgrade the drive line bearing from the old school Hyatt bearings to a modern Timkin set which is more robust and reliable for the higher speeds.

 

Chris, So if I understand correctly - you hopped up the Torque Tube of the Speedster ? Yup, just about clear as so much MUD . . . . Now let's get this baby a rollin' !

Dave

 

*UPDATE*
She's gettin' a two speed...

Chris got some more progress on the new lowering shackles (a copy of my new setup) and in the mean time switching out the stock rear axle for a Ruckstell 2-speed rear end...





Carston helping....







stay tuned!
​

 

Chris, The Speedster is sure coming along great. It looks good sitting there as you assemle it. Way to go my friend.

Dave

 

*UPDATE*
Suspension, and some pin stripping..

Chris made some good progress on the new rear shackles..



..and I got started on pin stripping...





...and got the steering wheel re-done...



stay tuned!
​

 

I really like the cord on the steering wheel ala Thomas Flyer

 

I really like the cord on the steering wheel ala Thomas Flyer

 

That was exactly the look I was going for....and the correct inspiration You get a gold star for getting that one right.

 

*UPDATE*
More Striping Fun!

Got some more striping done...just the rear fenders, hood and the right side of the body left!













...of course an artist always signs his work



stay tuned!
​

 

Clayton, Way to go there ! You are quite the Striper ! Make the Speedster look like it is from an era gone by. Going to have time to add a few lines to your Roadster ? Know both rides will be a looking BITCHIN' on the Salt.

Dave

 

*UPDATE*
The special gets a new pair of seats

Melissa (Chris's wife) and Karen (Chris's Mom) got to work on the seats yesterday and made some great progress!



Chris also scored an original WWI German ammo box for luggage storage for the trip...



We also got the rest of the car put back together..







Stay tuned!
​

 

Lookin good guys!!