Hot Rods New to This: What Do You Guys Think?

Hi everyone.
Recently I have been looking at getting into cl***ic cars/hot rods and have been keeping my eye open for anything that interests me. I don't really have any one vehicle in mind. I figure I will buy whatever I like the feel/character of that is somewhere in my price range. I don't care if the car is steel or fibergl*** or what so long as I get a good deal.

I saw this one on craigslist the other day and am really considering going to look at it. I know t buckets kind of get a bad rap for all being overly flashy or gaudy but I think this one looks fairly well done. I know very little about these things and will be buying just to have fun with. Do you guys think this one looks like an alright deal? Also, What should i look for if I do go look at it? I'm used to buying regular cars and know all of the basic stuff to look at and would consider myself to be pretty mechanically inclined. I did a mild resto on my 84 4Runner so I'm not totally helpless. Anyways, here's the link. Take a look and let me know if you think it's an alright deal.
https://winchester.craigslist.org/cto/5917698433.html

Also found this one. Am i reading this wrong or is this one actually a real 1923 ford frame and does that up the value any? Thanks for helping me out! I would really like to get into a new style of vehicles as I've always been into 4wds and would like to branch out a bit.
https://winchester.craigslist.org/cto/5973135078.html

Thanks again!

 

I'll let the t bucket guys handle the question at hand but here's some unsolicited advice.
If your interested in a car and have questions about price condition whatever don't post the link to it. Post a picture and the details copy and paste without the link and contact info.
I'm a generally nice guy but if you posted lets say a 32 Ford survivor car that some unknowing owner listed for sale cheap, I wouldnt advise you on it I'd contact the seller myself and wire them a deposit and youd be outta luck.
If it was an amazing deal but you didn't post the link or info I'd tell you to buy it then youd be the guy with a super score. Just being honest. Good luck with the search these cars are a blast and t buckets can be rad.

 

Don't buy it and tell people that you built it.

Sent from my SM-G930T using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

A good place to start is to check out the forums here. Check out other people's cars and get a feel for what cars do it for you. Then watch similar cars on here in the cl***ifieds and Craigslist wherever. You'll get to see what money buys you.

Build quality is huge with these cars as your relying on the engineering ability and skill level of the builder. Beware of shotty builds.

 

I've known 5 people ( friends ) who have had a T Bucket ( including myself ) Every one of them sold it and said they would never own another one ( including myself ) . They are fun to drive for a while but the fun seems to wear off pretty quick. When I decided to get back into hot rods I never even considered another T - Bucket , I built the 29 Roadster in my Avatar instead and drove it for 4 years before I sold it and I miss it every day. I have never missed my T-Bucket. I'd look for something else , but that's just my experience talking and if you really want one, go for it, but if a T-Bucket hasn't been on your wish list for a long time I think the love affair will be short lived.

 

T Buckets are not everyones cup of tea. Not my idea of a highway cruiser.

Gary

 

Old school has some sage advice. Roadster owners of any type roadster are a different breed of cat. We just do, and accept things most people don't. Also, if you are married, make sure your better half enjoys them too. Even a**** roadster owners, T bucket guys are different. They have less room and become more tiring on long trips. Your best bet is to find a T bucket owner willing to let you drive/ride in one for far more than the usual mile or so test drive. I've been driving and enjoying roadsters for a very long time. You almost have to drag me out of the car in the warm months. Your age will have an effect too. I have a good friend that's been in the LA Roadsters almost forever. Last year he took a non roadster friend to a far away meet. He drove a modern car on that and I asked him why when he had 2 beautiful roadsters available. His answer said a great deal. He said "Driving a roadster when you're 72 is a lot different than driving a roadster when you're 22". And to be honest, he's right, I still drive the snot out of mine really think twice when long distances are involved. The best advice is the real length test drive. After that, all the usual concerns about buying a used car come into play. You also might visit the "bucket of ugly " thread here on the hamb for their views. It's all about the buckets.

 

I knew that neither of these was a huge steal based just on the research I've done for myself. If I was under the impression that I was about to get a once in a lifetime deal I would have never posted the link. However, I have the pictures on my phone and didn't feel like copying and pasting all the pictures myself with the laptop.

And that's what I was afraid of. I don't need anything for highway cruising really but I am a little worried that I wouldn't be able to fit into a tbucket comfortably. I'm about 6' 4" and I'm all legs. I know it would depend on each individual build and how it was setup but something with that upright of a seat with no real adjustment seems like it could be rough for any longer than 30 minutes to an hour.

Thanks everyone! I'll continue looking around!

 

When purchasing a car there is always the resale factor to be considered. Buying the wrong car can result in you owning it for the rest of your life.

Gary

 

AMEN, GMan...And deucemac, couldn't have said it better.
BTW, 540 HP smallblocks are 'rare', even in these parts. Imagine that kind of HP in a 1900 lb. Tupperware bucket. 2" X 3" ch***is. Lemme out! (540 is 'big block' numbers...)

Look for a Model A. Or a '32, '33, or '34 if you're long legged.

I'm only 6'1, love my '27 T tub, but a sigh of relief is expelled when I get the luxury (?) of my '55 F100. Oh, I'm 74. Don't look it, but feel 84!
These damned hot rods kin age ya!

 

They just kill my hair spray!!

 

6'4" all leg? No T-Bucket for you

 

For a first foray into hot rods I would advise something more all weather driving. I love my A roadster but they aren't for everyone especially living in Minnesota like I do. For a person of your size can't see a T Bucket being very comfortable for you.

 

Big guy- forget T buckets. HRP

 

Alright guys. Thanks for all the help. Like you said GMan, the resale factor is actually the first thing i considered. I like cars, which is why I like to experience lots of different types. After a year or two I usually sell them and buy something else. (My daily driver is exempt from this rule) Whatever I buy, I need to get a good deal on it so that I know that I will be able to sell it for the same or more money later on down the road. I figure I might as well have fun and drive what I want throughout my 20's. There's plenty of time later for me to worry about 5 star crash ratings and how many seats it is or what kind of gas mileage it gets.

I'm looking to probably spend under 15k if at all possible. I can also sell the 4runner if I absolutely have to as I could probably use the storage space anyways. But anyways, if you guys have any suggestions or know of any really good sites to check for deals, just let me know. I appreciate all the help.

 

if you find a car that is within your budget, and fairly close to you, take the time to go look - some owners will take you for a ride - but, remember YOU ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO BUY IT - seller may specify in ad no tire kickers ("just looking") - you do not need to tell seller that you are brand new to old cars and do not know much about them - do not impulse buy - hope that you have looked through the Cl***ifieds here - do not buy anything sight unseen

 

I'm a T Bucket guy. I've always loved them. The comfort issue is something to consider, but can be over come with careful planning of the interior. I'm 6'3" and used to take mine out almost every day. Hell, it was my daily driver for over a year. I used to put a couple hundred miles on her almost every weekend. I sold her last year. Two weeks later, I started planning the one I'm building now.

Now, the one I'm building at present will have a stretched body, so it'll be even more comfortable. My learned knowledge from the first one will make this one even better. When I hear or read about a bad T Bucket experience, I can picture a poorly planned out seat and pedal arrangement. And that's usually the case.

As for the examples you posted, they both look good for the prices, but the second one would be a tight fit. It looks like he planned his seat around a sofa. It's just too damn "plush". The first one has those fat *** tires I hate so much. They make a small car look like a cartoon. And it ain't funny. The second one has cowl lamps and lanterns for tail lights. Yea, I'd make a trip to Lowe's, buy a big ****in' hammer and knock that **** off. Front tires are too big. A pair of 165/15's would look much better.

Bottom line, no matter what car or truck you choose, do the research. And build something you LOVE. T Buckets and roadsters in general, are fun cars, but they can be a love/ hate affair. Funny, the guys that talk **** about how small and confining a T Bucket is, are the same guys who'll squeeze their fat ***es in a Model A with a 6" chop. To each his own, I guess.

Last words. Instead of buying someone's ride. Build one. You'll appreciate it more and it'll be to your specs. "This **** isn't hard. Kids were building Hot Rods in the 50's."

 

Lucky for you there are some kind people who 'feel' like giving friendly advice to a flipper.

 

There's nothing like a cool T bucket...and those two are nothing like a cool T bucket. Spend a little time shopping before you spend a lot of money buying.

 

I see you are falling into the old misconception that these cars we all love so much are refered to as a "Cl***ic" NOT SO...Vintage or special Interest..YES... Now let the *****in begin...

 

I am 67 and 5'10" and I doubt that I could easily get in and out of the T bucket that I loved when I was 25. Bought it for $800 because the guy was in the army and going overseas and he didn't know how to wire it.
It had a mild 283 and a th350 . Got better than 25 mpg and I drove it all one summer. Traded it for a 72 Chevy pickup to a guy who just had to have it.
I am like the guys who said ride in one and see if they will let you drive it. I personally like them if they are tasteful ,functional and not over powered.
Someone your height is going to be cramped in a lot of cars . You could not fit comfortably in my Morris Minor and I have the seat back 8 inches from stock.

 

It might help if you let folks know your approximate location. It appears that if you are perusing the Winchester, Va. Craigslist, you might be in the N. Va./ Western Maryland area. I say this because there are lots of us here in this general area who might be willing to advise you in person, take a look at a potential purchase, or otherwise be available when problems of any sort develop. Networking can be a very beneficial activity, especially for a relative newby looking for his first hot-rod....Just sayin'.

 

24 hours of driving (not counting the stops) ...inc a 9 hour ferry ride...from home. 1550 Kms each way.
We drove her 2 years in a row with Fitzee as the owner and when the car became available I traded for it right away.
Tees can be road animals if built for the purpose.
Mine has an extended 27 style cowl grafted to a 23 style body. having some leg room and getting down out of the wind is critical for long distances...but the cars are just as capable as any other.
Heres Fitz and myself crusing the Atlantic Nats a couple of years before I was able to make it my own.


...and as she sat last couple of years.
Making it MY car has so far included the paint, roll bar, shorting the wheelbase 4" by going spring over, longer sidepipes, reshaped top curl along the rear of the body...lower tank mounting...and lots of other stuff.
Steels wheels and caps will be used this summer.
Goes on and on but I'm loving it and driving every year!
Can't wait to make the 3rd trip to the Nats with my son as co-pilot.
Tees might be special but they are special for a reason!

 

To the O.P.; you're thinking too much. Just do it.

You can't count on resale value. These old heaps are money sinks (like a heat sink). They are a pain in the *** all the way around, that's why we love them here. We have all spent thousands and thousands on cars which end up worth just a fraction. What else is money for? If you have $12000, take that useless **** and buy an old rod. What self-respecting 20-something isn't always completely broke spending all his money on women (or dudes, this is 2017 after all), cars or music gear?

If you are interested in building one, that gets you a nice start, and you can have an awesome experience that money can't buy. If you just want to own one, any of those tubs look like the ticket, (a finished Model A will cost a lot more). If you aren't sure then just forget it and buy some 80's or 90's Honda or Toyota coupe and have fun changing relays, fuel injectors, and plastic parts then selling it to some wide eyed tuner snot.

 

Go to some local show/events/cruise nights and strike up conversations with guys in the hobby. Most will be willing to take you for a ride, and may be let you drive so you can get a feel for what works for you size,ride,etc. Then maybe some will go with you and point out things on for sale cars that you are not aware of yet.
Most of my friends are proud of their cars and hobby and would welcome this

 

Did I miss the part where you told us all where you are from?
I'm sure there is a Hamber somewhere in your area that can be a second set of eyes, if you find something you really like.

 

For a budget of 15K there's no way in hell I'd buy someone's fad T bucket. For that kind of money you can be well on way with a "real" car. Heck I'd rather pop around in nice stocker than a fad T.
http://fordmodelt.net/
You can find a nice Model A for that money.
Ever thought of a Model A with a warmed up 4 Banger? It's Basic hot rodding.
Ever thought of a 40s sedan or coupe....these are real cars.
Ever thought about a nice 50s car?
Ever thought about a nice pre-muscle car big block early 60s sedan.
Ever thought about a 30s to mid 60s pickup?
Very good examples of all the above can be had for that kind of money.
Or you could can scrounge parts be well on your way for a A-V8 or your beloved real steel T on an a A v8 frame.
So many choices for that much dough....choose wisely.

 

I'm gonna hold ya to this !! I can't wait to see it with steel wheels!


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I agree with those who have commented on T buckets not being for all and forgetting resale value. Not many of us make back what we've put into our cars. What are you going to do with 540HP in a T bucket besides turn it upside down?
My advice FWIW,
1. if you think you like a T bucket or something else, find someone to let you ride/drive in it
2. look in the Speedway catalogs-they offer a lot of T-bucket kits-including almost turn key projects -and even have stretched bodies for the tall folks
3. look in Hemming's for all the ads-lots of cars in there and you can get an idea of their general worth
4. the most affordable way to get into hot rodding is likely to be a Model A coupe. Way cheaper than a Deuce or '40 Ford, a gazillion parts available and lots of knowledge available in books and on-line. You could likely get something pretty decent in your area in that $12K range.
Good luck

 

one thing for certain, coming here for free advice was a wise decision. probably the biggest group of HOT ROD folks in the world here.