I just picked up a "lawn art" (1917-1920?) Model T touring. I am not much into touring's because I believe they are too long a narrow. I dig the track roadsters and don't feel to bad modifying this body. I haven't found a post that shows anybody shortening a tub into a bucket, is there a reason? I am trying to come up with a plan to build this into a early track roadster. I have a decent selection of parts to choose from but am lacking true knowledge about track T's. What frames did they like to or should I run? What is a good wheel base? I want to run Flathead power and closed drive-line but what are the better options? etc.. Trying to use early parts and fabricate most of it my self. I have access to 36' front suspension, brake, wheels and rear axle, Model A front suspension, 8BA fathead, 48 trans, aluminum f-150 top-loader trans and bell housing to fit Flathead, 401 nail head and trans, 8 & 9in rear ends, 55 Chevy rear end etc... I have four growing boys dying to build a car with me and think this would be way better than building a go-kart. What do you guys think?
If you're looking at a track-style build you might want to consider an inline engine. Most V8s are hard to fit under a Track T's hood.
There are a couple members building cars like what you're planning. I can't recall the threads though. Maybe they'll chime in. I like where you're headed with this.
With four boys I wonder what a track nosed T tub would look like as compared to a roadster. I always wanted to build a track roadster or modified using a Toyota 2-TC banger with side drafts on it but am collecting pieces to put the 16 valve banger out of my GEO Prism GSI in about 4 projects from now.
I'm currently (slowly) building a narrowed/cutoff '26 T touring into a track/lakes style 3-springer roadster. But I've wondered what the same car would be like as a touring. So I'm also collecting parts to do a '26 touring with a Whippet grille, and possibly narrowed a few inches. Fenderless and maybe on a '32 frame? Sound crazy, or crazy like a fox?
I rode in a channeled 31' roadster once. It had a dropped axle and four link rear with a sbc w/5-speed and since then I have had a great respect for roadsters sitting real low and track roadsters.That thing handled so well thorough the corners the tires barely screeched and I was pinned to the side or hung on for dear life as so I wouldn't end up leaning on the driver. This car is gonna be pretty dang light and I don't need a ton of hp just chasing that feeling I had riding in the 31' and showing my boys what a hot rodder does. Gonna build it and go have some fun. Plus I really like the track roadsters from the early days.
My dad had a deuce touring bitd and tried to get me to build a T touring but for some reason I just cant seem to finish a car with more than two seats.. I dig what people are doing these days with the 4cyl motors in they really get with it but the other side of me says keep it simple and stick with the era in mind. I have a 261 chevy six? hmm probably too long and tall.
Here's thread I've been watching. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=778355&highlight=modified
If you are thinking traditional look, these are all 100" wheelbase, the black one with the Flathead, has an enclosed drive line.
Marty, Are those frames under the roadsters new steel or did they mainly start with model A rails? A duke would be cool.. good idea. Dreracecar- That motor is baaaddd! I cant quite mortgage the house just yet have to accumulate this a little over time. I got a good start but need a plan that I can stick to. I don't like making too many changes to a build cuz it can steer off track and end up costing more and taking longer.
Mork, The frames are 4"X2" .120 wall, they taper to 3" in the front. I use 3"X2" for the rear kick up sections along with an original Model A rear crossmember. Here is a pic of the basic frame.
I think I'd go with model a front end, 8ba ,early ford rear...heaps of potential for sure.. Mine is set up for SBC but a flatty would be cool . 4cyl just doesn't do it for me but that's just a personal thing. Marty is a good man to listen on these early track Ts for my money.
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