I've been tossing around the idea of building a '26 T roadster as my dad has offered me an original Henry Ford that's been sitting up on the loft in his shed since he built it in '72. Overall it's solid for it's age. I have had a few cl***ic cars in the past, my first was a '72 Chevelle I bought when I was a junior in high school, then a built '78 Chevy Chevy Custom Deluxe (had to have something to play around with once I started to tear down my Chevelle). I never finished even the tear down phase of the Chevelle and ended up selling it as well as the truck as i finished up college. After waiting a couple of years I bought a '52 Chevy Styline Deluxe that was drivable and did some minor weekend projects but overall just played with it. After selling that I had a '64 C10 that was mostly done and after a short time was made an offer on it I couldn't turn down. So after waiting a little over a year since selling the C10, I'm considering a new project and now have a three and a half year old son who is showing interest in cars and motor sports and think it would be a good time to start a father/son project (corrupt him while he's young so mom wants us in the garage wrenching on something instead of bugging her). I've known about the HAMB for a while as the guys in my car club in college were big followers, one is now a bit of a legend on here ( Tuck, unfortunately I'm not great at maintaining networks over time and have lost connection with him and others with a ton of knowledge). So after that long story, I'm coming to the experts of the HAMB for some advice. I have a good basic knowledge of mechanics but as stated in my history, I haven't undertaken a project this in magnitude before. I'm not skilled enough to build my own frame and have been looking up manufacturers online as well as viewing threads on here to help guide my decision but still want to throw the direct questions out there. The obvious search result is Speedway Motors for their Custom '27 frame and has been what I've been leaning towards but wondered what other recommended options there might be? Thanks for any suggestions and insights, anything would help. I'll try to add the few pics of the T but they were hard to get with all the stuff that's piled up on it in the 41 years it's sat in his shed. The pic of the blue one is my inspiration for a finished product . Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Welcome, looks like a nice start and the inspiration pic is very cool indeed. There are many on here with 26-27 T's that would give you the advise you need. JW
Good luck. I restored a 1926 T touring with low miles yet apart and rusty. Now that I look back I have no idea why I restored it back to every bolt original. At least I got my user name that way.
First off what are your basic plans,era, drive train, ch***is, wheel/tire combo etc etc. I really like the one above so are there any others that spin your wheels ?? JW
Step one is to get the car out, clean all the **** out of it and see what you have to work with. Step two is collecting all the parts you will need. While you're collecting parts, start working on small projects, one step at a time. That body looks like it could use an electrolysis bath, there's some great threads on here about building your own. Blasting would also be an option. As for a frame, the Speedway frame is an option if you like a suicide style axle. But my personal ' '26 roadster build is on a Model A frame, built the same way you would build one for an A-V8. The 26-27 roadster body fits nice on an A frame, they're relatively cheap as a starting point, and it puts the axle directly under the radiator/grille, which is my preference. Check out some Model A V8 builds to get some inspiration on how to put a ch***is together. When I started my '26, I had an inspiration folder of pictures, and I have that same picture in my folder as well. I think it's from Japan, neat car.
Stuff to think about; 27 R Steelbody is a super start,cleaning the rust off and add some working primer so later you can put some color of nice shiny on,don't get ****ed into BS about primer ever being a finel finish,shiny is what we all were gooing for,ya some never made it but was not thought to look good cuz they failed. Liking the blue one,well its great to start some were,more so if your trying go for a salt racer look,but not too good for a drive it on the street hotrod. As a real old hotrodder from the late 50's n 60's my self,here is what looks off on the blue one to me,if ya wish something to drive around a lot=,mostly nice,the motor looks to be a Olds Rocket,but with 2x2s? it would or should have ether 4bbl or 3x2 or even 2x4 most likely but it would be a cool motor,headlights look good,not some oversize older junk that really were not used by hotrodders you see now on a lot,front tires are dirt track tires that a lot of guys use now,but rarely seen in the 50/60 ,except on racecars that ran dirt or salt,not used on street cuz they work for **** for rain or braking, more of a new trend thing like dull paint is now. The seats are race car type=not comfrible for long rides and looks like **** to a wife who may other wise like to go along, EX headers are putting black **** n heat on the side of the car,thats not smart even on a racecar. The body on blue one is lower in rear then I like becuase rods look cooler with rake=works better as you can actuly have a little room in the trunk and you don't set driving stupid high out of car,plus rear tires are not covering up some cool looking body shape
First thing I would do is decide what style & 'era' you want your T to represent. You could do anything from an early 30's style gow job, early 40's "hop up", late 40's-50's era lakes racer, track roadster, "modified", or 'show rod'. Find as many old magazines or books as possible...scour the HAMB for threads/builds on the era/style you like, and plan from there. From experience, I can tell you that even the smallest change of 'plans' will cost you precious time & money. The pic you posted fits pretty well into the early to mid 50's era. To answer your question more directly, I like the A ch***is for flatheads and 'bangers - you'd need to increase the A frame's rigidity for anything more potent than a warmed over flatty, IMO. The T body fits nicely and the A wheelbase is only 3" longer than the stock T, so the proportions work...it's not only one of the earliest frame swaps, but also one of the easiest. At the same time, it's really hard to beat a sleek T roadster on deuce rails, but you'd need to pinch the frame to match the body...T's are pretty narrow, even by 1932 standards.
I would go with a model a frame. Or if I was going to spend much on a frame. I would go with the 32 frame that roadsters.com makes for the 27. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I also second the A frame. if your skill set is not quite there yet. their are tons of venders hear on the hamb that can get you set up with a frame. Other than that not much more I can say here that hasn't already been said. Research, Research Research!!! Figure out what kind of "t" you wanna build. use the search option. If you have a question about your build most likely someone else has already asked it. If not ask, tons of great guys on hear always willing to help and give advice.
Take a look at olskool 34's 25 roadster build. that should give you an idea to start from. It's a gow job pre war type build and he nailed it.
I also prefer to see T's on A frames, they look right to me and give light and sporty look. My 26 rpu is on an A frame, easy to work with. JW
Thanks for all the responses!! I've been doing a fair amount of searches on here but they were very specific to the Speedway frame and I wasn't finding much. The responses you have all provided have given me new key word searches that has opened up a ton of info to read through. Based on what I've researched in the past 48 hrs I'm really leaning towards the post war looks and I do like the A frame. I'll continue to research in the weeks to come and update a final decision. I think the A frame is a forgone conclusion based on what has been shared and the pics I've found so far. I'll need to find a dealer/builder who is recommended for these as my skill set isn't there yet to fabricate on my own. Any recommendations here would be welcomed. Thanks to all who have responded, it's very cool to be relatively new to a community like this and get so much help and insight so quickly! Thanks again and keep the responses coming. I'll post updated pics once we can get the '26 out from under the pile of junk. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Like you, I didn't have much experience or knowledge with hot rods, but I figured the best way to learn was to just jump in the deep end of the pool. I'm still learning stuff as I go - with my latest being how to wield an acetylene/oxygen torch. I would describe my skillset as basic but that doesn't hinder me from trying new things. I'm constantly teaching myself new skills and making mistakes but learning from them in the process. Just take your time, do as much research as you can, learn the do's and don't's, ask questions, bug everyone for their knowledge, even go as far as asking if you can watch them work or ask them to show you how to do something, just do something about it. No sense in sitting back and wishing and daydreaming. Losers do that. Get your head down and get to work. You're going to make mistakes, but you're going to be doing something. That being said .. how come no one of you guys have recommended a deuce frame? You just about can't beat a late T roadster on a deuce frame that has a great stance. Check out Timmy's "Sweet Tea" build thread for inspiration. And another T on a deuce frame to .. slightly persuade you. Good luck and keep us updated!
I would love to put my 26 touring on a 32 frame. Don't know if I would ever get to it. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
JW, did you have to "pinch" the frame in order to make the A work with T body? Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
When Henry was tooling up to build the Model A for introduction in 1928 the ch***is development was on schedule but their was concern about the bodies. So, just in case, the frames were made to accept the 26/27 T bodies. The A bodies were ready in time so that did not happen at the factory but it was a popular combination, no only in the hot rodding community but also with people who simply wanted to upgrade their T to Model A power. A 26/27 Model T coupe or roadster body on a Model A frame with 28/29 fenders and running boards looks *****en. When it comes to Model T high boys I think the 32 frame is to tall and the 28/31 are just about perfect. But that is just me.
I agree with all the responses regarding the A frame, but have one more suggestion: rather than having one made, get an original one! For the cost to have a frame fabricated, you could easily get a complete rolling stock A ch***is with axles and everything. Sure, you won't keep everything, but in the long run, you will be ahead of the game. Hit up the HAMB cl***ifieds, Ford Barn, and of course, Craigslist...
With starting with a stock or original frame I always like to see the factory mounting holes, makes things more real, or is that just me. JW
I will second (or third) the recommendation for a deuce frame. I think that 26 -27 roadsters look killer on a 32 frame. The model A frames, not so nice. The deuce frame follows the shape of the T body nicely when they are done right and offers a nice look. I scratch built my own ch***is for my RPU from 2 x 6 x 1/8" tubing along the general lines of a T on deuce rails.
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