Projects I'm new.. I'm building a T bucket.. Don't hate me

I joined this site because I have questions about my project. I traded a Wheel Horse lawn tractor for a T bucket project.

Right now I have a frame, body , a couple other pieces.

I also have a friend with lots of old Ford parts and he's going to hook me up with some deals. He's pretty smart about this old stuff so I lean on him for advice but I like to have more than one opinion before I spend money.

I want to use a banjo axle with hydraulic drums so I'm either going to get a 40 and later car axle and convert it to open drive shaft or get a later pick up banjo axle that already has open drive shaft. I want to use a Model A style transverse leaf in back.

In front I am going to split wishbones and use a model A axle.

I'm going to use a 67 mustang steering box (free) if I can make it work or a Vega ($).

I posted this here instead of traditional board because my body is fiberglass and I'm either going to run a 302/C4 or a 283/powerglide. I need an automatic because I only have one leg.



I've seen some other threads about how much some people dislike T buckets. I'm not going to build some Fad T abortion, or a new school coil over mustang II suspension car.

I've been a motorcycle guy my whole life and this is my first car build. This is a picture of my chopper to give you a sense of my "style".

Last motorcycle picture I promise.

 

I obviously don't hate T buckets. They can be the most fun on 4 wheels. If you can build it with old Ford parts it will fit right in.

 

Looks like you have TWO T-Buckets and frames! Build a street car, and a drag car with the other one. It will probably cost less to go with Chevrolet power, but a Ford in a Ford will help to somewhat set you apart from all the other "T's". I like the "yard art" behind the bike. Good luck and happy building. Welcome to JJ/the HAMB!
I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

If I had those parts, I would put together my favorite model car of all time....

 

You have at that bucket my friend! The mustang box will work great. Place it so the centerline of the sector shaft is horizontal and at right angles to the centerline of the car. The pitman arm will be vertical in the neutral position. The Ford power plant is over 100 lbs. lighter than the other. Mine has a 302/T5 and is an absolute blast to drive. The empty weight is1750. There's no room in these things so one leg may be an advantage. Have fun"

 

Welcome to the HAMB! There are a lot of T guys here and a lot of threads on them with lots of guys to help with advice. Bob.................nice bike, what is the story with the tractor collection?

 

We don't hate Buckets. And you might check out "tbucketeer.com" Lots of buckets being built right now for some reason.

 

Welcome to the HAMB!

Here's a REALLY well done T-Bucket thread:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-belly-button-bucket-build-thread.1000590/

My advice to you is make a plan, stick to it unless it becomes impossible, and keep your eyes on the prize (getting on the road; you can always change the car later).

 

what was the Wheel Horse? What's up with all those tractors in the background?

 

Hold on...you traded a Wheel Horse for a hot rod? Holy cow!! I had a bucket. It was a blast and a great way to break into this obsession. I also have a WH. Grandpa bought it new in Aug 1965. It's undergoing a restoration right now while parked next to my Model T Sedan hot rod project. Good luck and have fun!

 

Love it, ford in a ford would be a great way to set it apart.

 

I love T Buckets, great project you have there. Keep us posted on the build, looks like big time fun. And welcome to the H.A.M.B.

 

Most people don't hate T buckets,many of us old farts started out with them. HRP

 

Good luck on the project and welcome to the HAMB!

BTW...Whatcha doin' with the other bucket??? Is it available?

 

Have at it. Here's my T

 

T buckets make great hot rods - have fun with the build.

 

Nothin wrong with a bucket T, anything can be screwed together right or just screwed up. At this point you could go with way. LOL

if you plan on throwing much meat at it go with the truck rear, preferably a 3/4 ton. Make sure your hubs fit your axles good and tight and always carry a spare axle key(or two)

Oh and if that's scooter is green, paint it some other color.

 

We don't hate T-buckets... We hate ugly cars.

Unfortunately, sometimes guys with too much disposable income and a street rod parts catalog wreck their havoc on a T-bucket... with unfortunate results.

By using (1) your friend's old Ford parts and (2) coming here for advice, you definitely won't be one of those guys.

Welcome to the HAMB.

 

Build that bucket.

 

Glad your opposed to building a "T bucket abortion" Your on the right site.

You can get all the running gear from one of your friends '40-48 Fords. Plenty of people taking that stuff out in favor of "Mustang II-9". Speedway open drive change for the diff. Although I've not heard good things about them.

I can forgive a one legged guy building with an auto trans. I know big of me.

Anyway have a good time and remember hard to get a grill too low but easy to get one too high. Big ugly.

Gary

 

Very true Danny...I built mine back in 1959....made it into magazines by 1963

 

If you need some of my advice.....put the seat insert on Craig's List.
Read Chip's thread on taking the ugly out of a T bucket, then read it again. Probably 90% of the info is spot on.
Your Harley looks great!
T buckets aren't the most comfortable hot rod, but they are probably more comfortable than a m/c.
If you can't have fun with a T bucket.....building and driving it.....you are not a gearhead.
I only wish more buckets were being built and enjoyed!

 

I too have had and love T-buckets.
Find one for inspiration.
This is one that I really like.

 

I personally like this one. I don't like the guy that owns it though.



Hey buddy ( @steel rebel ) you don't have any albums, post us up a decent pic or two of your car. It screams traditional bucket T.

 

Welcome and good luck with the build. I love T buckets. I love em built early style and I also love em Fad T style and cartoonist show car style. Yup that's right. Flame on haha.....

 

^^^^If they are done right.....Me too!

 

That T is PERFECT!! Saving for future use...


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

TBH, one of my surprise favorite glass T's I've seen in the past few years was the Speedway Tribute T.

I bring it up in particular, because it's a glass kit done with a lot of catalog parts that you could probably use and pulls off a great look with minimal cheese.

 

Welcome to the hamburger. SBC in a Ford is more traditional than a Ford in a Ford. Good luck with your build.

 

Welcome aboard.