All Hot Rod Model T's - Let's See Them

Center door "T's" are so cool. I rode in a stocker once when I was a kid.

 

I used to hate the early stuff pre-26 stuff but I have sure grown a new respect for them and now see the style they have and why people build them

 

Certainly are a bunch of missing photos in this thread so I’ll add another of my old coupe

 

My '26 T coupe. I don't think I have posted it here before. I also have a '27 T roadster that is not quite HAMB friendly.

 

Hello,

Yes, Rabbit Samuels had a Tall T pickup truck that was bright orange and was extremely well built. He had a nice stable of hot rods in his career. But, he also had a Long Beach connection to the Reath Automotive sponsored Fiat Coupe. There are so many stories that were around back then and over time, they just get placed in the back of the brain and forgotten.

The orange Tall T truck was very bright and all of my photos of the event or photo shoot were given away. I thought it was worthy of a centerspread layout, the editors had other ideas. The photos I must say were quite clear and shot well. The well finished wood must have turned them off as the paint was slight, but gave the nice wood some contrast.

But, I was not the editor and despite the quality photos, it was relegated to an inside story line. I was still proud that they selected the Tall T truck for a photo spread. I am sorry that my 2.25x 2.25 color slides are also gone with the wind. It was my way of saying thanks to those hot rodders that allowed me to photograph their cool cars… and trucks.
An old Friday Art project

When I added a short story to the flatbed truck thread, it was Norman “Rabbit” Samuels’ Hot rod flatbed truck. As much as I tried, I just could not get the Model T fenders to look correct. I have always thought those early fenders did little to none in the way of mud slinging and tire coverage. Those skinny fender shapes did not do the Model T justice. But, who is to argue with Henry Ford?

The stock tall “T” flatbed truck had the standard look from this era and not much could be done to make it better. That is where hot rod people do their things to make a design fit their needs and wants. So, if you think your tall, custom cab, T and fenders is the correct look, then more power to you. We on the sidelines have some inkling of what we used to see and create from memories, a long time ago.

This flatbed truck was a reminder of your set up with the supercharged motor sticking up in front. Rabbit Samuels had a history in drag racing in So Cal, as well as being associated with the classic hot rod used car lot in La Habra. So, he knows what a fast hot rod looks like and how it should perform.

Jnaki

How did it feel when I got inside of the tall T truck? It felt like a super packed-in sardine can without all of the other sardines packed in with me. I took up a lot of space and not much else was going for the room in the tall cab. Norm Samuels is a small stature guy and he fit fine behind the wheel. But, for me, I felt as if I was going through the windshield, just sitting there. A long distance road trip veteran is not part of this future.

This hot rod flatbed truck was front and center, while being different. . A highly modified, custom flatbed truck with plenty of GO as well as SHOW. A supercharged SBC motor, collectors, modified cab, frame and flatbed, along with Buick Skylark Wire Wheels.

It looks as if it never gets used for a parts runner or daily driver, but it did get work running small boxed parts back and forth during its heydays in So Cal. It still had elements of the original ‘T” flatbed truck, but of course modified to modern day standards with plenty of power to match the radical look.

It was a highly finished hot rod and had lots of admirers. But, over the years, it just kind of disappeared. So, hot rod hunters, where is this flatbed “T” truck these days? Still in So Cal? Or in a garage in IOWA?

“We all like a nice rear end…”

 

1915 Model T. Original early Model T speedster parts. Overhead Rajo head, underlung chassis, Budd wheels, etc. A good early speed car.

 

I just bought a clean 27 t coupe
Curious about what axle and drop anyone is running in front and how much drop/step in rear.
I dont want tires above trunk but want it low as possible.
As far as chop I have to be careful at 6'4''.
I bought an A frame with car,36 dash also.

 

This maybe the look you are after, not mine just one i saw at a show. JW

 

Thanks
But trying for as low as possible without tires above trunk deck lid

 

How is the rear suspension set up
This is the look and height I want on mine, any info you share is appreciated

 

Care to share your build info, rear suspension set up ect Thanks in advance

 

What are the specs on this? front and rear suspension ect, how much drop

 

Here is a picture during construction. I changed it over to coil springs but this is basically it


there are several pages of pictures during the build done by Clark Bates
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/albums/the-building-of-clarks-t.27684/

 

Responding to willhemakeit, my car isn't channeled and the rear tires are about the height of the wheel well opening. The top is cut 7", I am 5'3" tall and while it fits me, tall guys are another matter.

 

Thanks everyone

 

Thanks, thats close. Im 6'4 so wont be a big chop, 5'' at most likely less

 

This is how my build sits.
4 inch z in front and about 6 in the back.
4 inch dropped model A axle with reversed spring in front.
Model A spring in the rear and 8,20/15 tires.
Top chopped 5 inch.
Theese cars get cramped fast. I waited with the desision on how much
i should chop until i got my seatingposition worked out.
Another problem is to get the cooler low enough to look good to the firewall.

 

Somebody needs to knock the dust off, check the fluids and take it out!

 

You're right! My friend has been storing for quite awhile for another friend.