Starting A 23' Bucket Build... Suggestions And Comments

heres mine, if you run into problems or questions feel free to drop me a pm.

 

A couple companies make stretched '23 style bodies (California Custom Roadsters is one) as long as 11". Another company makes one that is stretched 6" and widened 3". I have the link at home and it's in an old thread of mine I think too.

 

A few.

 

Here's a link to my build.

http://www.tbucketeers.com/forum/view.php?pg=tfeverfred

I am on a budget and I'm doing mine a bit at a time. I hope to start it up next month on it's 1st year mark. Buy Total Performances manual. It has VERY good plans that are easy to follow. I have talked to a lot of bucket guys and fat tires will have you side ways the first rain or puddle you hit. Keep the HP practical. A 225 HP T Bucket will do mid 13's on good street rubber. Just about every guy I know that had a maxed out engine wished they had something else. Independent rears are great for show, but useless on a light weight T Bucket. If you are tall, make the seat low. That way you'll be able to ride in the car instead of on it. If your looking for comfort, save up for a Lexus.

I'm having so much fun building it that I can't imagine the fun it will be driving it. Check out the NTBA website. There are NOTHING but bucket guys there and a ton of very useful advice.

 

I agree with tfeverfred. Check out the NTBA website; www.nationaltbucketalliance.com. Spirit is also a good source. Good luck!

 

I have a good set of T bucket plans I can email you if you like.

 

I've had mine on the road for about 3 weeks now, I'm still working a few bugs out but having a blast. The power to weight on these things make the fun factor way over ride the body size limits.

 

can you email me a set ?I have some i'll share once i figure out the scanning thing

 

Make sure the front end has a good set of shocks on it..... the car is so light and the shocks actually help with the bumpsteer thing.....mounting a reversed Corvair box on top of the framerail right in front of the firewall makes it easy to have the angled column . I don't know how big your feets are, but an automatic will save precious pedal room. if you can lengthen the wheelbase it helps with ride and handling also.....use a smaller diameter steering wheel so yer knees don't get caught up in it. I used a 40 Ford front spring for the back spring, rides pretty good for an overpowered go cart.....save money on the rear axle by going with an 8" ford, it will handle horses in that light a car. don't skimp on brakes!.......also, just saw that Pete and Jake's has a suicide mount front axle kit.

 

Momma look's pissed?

 

McKee I would love a set. I want to reference as many different things as I can. This has to be by far the best info I have gotten. I went to a Rod Run last weekend, I talked to some "T" Owners, def. not "T" Builders. I started asking questions and found out "well I didnt build the car, I bought it took it all apart and put it back together"... Yea RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep the info coming please!

 

She was upset that I told her she couldn't stand between the truck and trailer when I was loading the car....lol

 

I have a '27 that a work in progress. it started out as a '23 but turned into a '27. I am going to be using Old Dog Street Rods body and their 20" pickup bed. heres a post that has my progress as of two months ago. i need to post a new one with my spring to wishbone mounds and my front axle and stuff. Good luck.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194558&highlight=dorksrock

heres some pics of my project!

Jordan

 

the coolest "t" ever....

it started the Fab "T" trend.. the DVD will be put in a few weeks..

 

Lots of great advice on this thread! Mines definitely taking longer than I thought also..
Roothawg: that roll bar looks pretty cool. I was just talking to my buddy about putting one because of that T-bucket accident thread.

here's where Im at. about 85% to being on the road.





I might have a lead on a steel body and turtle deck, PM me if you're interested.

 

Oh yeah, and definitely take some time and care in setting up the seat height and steering wheel size and pedal placement. space is really tight!
I started with a 17" wheel, but had to change to a 15". might even want to go smaller!
My seat is out of a handicap shuttle bus. I originally planned on using plywood and foam, but I thought about it more and wanted something with springs. which ever way you go, be aware of the height. I think it looks wierd when you are too high up in the seat. You could probably even find some cool bucket seats.

 

A bench seat is the way to go. I was thinking about a pair of bomber seats, but my girlfriends butt disagreed!

 

http://www.nationaltbucketalliance.com/tech_info/chassis/Rchassis/index.asp

hers a link to building your t bucket frame!!!
the t bucket is a piece of crap but it gives you a good idea of how to build it!!

 

Thats the one I followed when I built my frame. I did it slightly different but used it as a starting point. A lot of good information on that web site.

 

That's a good example. I'm not sure where you get the "piece of crap", but it is like most bucket chassis builds.

 

My dad has one. It's actually a Model A cowl, and a tiny 273 mopar engine. Power to weight ratio on a bucket makes for a lot of fun.

 

Pretty good thread on T's going here. Heres a few shots of my work in progress, this is the ride I posted asking about the transverse spring measurements....