Projects T Roadster - To Far Gone?

I brought this home a few weeks ago, is it worth fixing? I'm wanting to do a 60s show rod, so "creative" bodywork is not out of the question.

 

I don't think so. You'll probably channel it, so the swiss cheese subfloor doesn't matter. They probably make patch panels for the lower cowl and rear quarter. I wouldn't be afraid to tackle it.
Justin

 

The top of the cowl is a little wavy.


The turtle deck has paint on it, hiding Bondo. It is actually worse than the body I'm afraid.





I realize anyting is fixable, but I'm no Jim Sibley. I will be buying all the patch panels I can find, English wheel for the rest.

 

I do plan to channel it a bit, I'll only be using the front half of the '32 rails, with 2x3 hidden under the body. I only plan to tuck the frame to the bottom of the seat; I'm not raising the floor, this thing is tiny as it is.

 

Go for it !
I have seen some beautiful cars built from less.
Dave

 

It sounds like your heart isn't in this project. You might want to p*** on this one and find one you'll be into.

 

two words...jim sibley...

 

seems there are every now and again projects that aren't "GOOD PROJECTS" for some ....not due to ability, but "LOOSING THE LOVE"...and not that i fault anyone for falling into either or cat...i have myself several times over the years.....BUT.....always remeber there just might be someone who would "LOVE IT FOREVER"...OH YEAH AND IF YOU'RE READING THIS, THANKS AGAIN...mark

 

This is what I've always wanted, just wondering if it's fixable. I'm getting more yes than no. I guess I'll keep her.
Want to do something like this, Gary Heiliker roadster, 1962:

 

it's gonna take a lot of beer to make that thing look pretty...

 

Yeppers it is something to work with.... Did you get the doors too? The patches you need they reproduce. I have built from worse.

 

Just set your mind to it and fix it up one little job at a time. You ARE going to build it! It can seem daunting to put something like that together when you look at it as a whole project, but by breaking it down into little pieces and setting small goals it's much easier. Mentally, and physically. Here's an earlier T we're putting together that's in about the same shape only it has more wood to deal with.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272639

 

Soak it in cider.... then start patching!

 

Looks exactly like my $50 special, and I plan on fixing mine. I'll have ten times that in patch panels before I'm done though.

 

That's a good start.
r

 

All you see is all I got, but it was free. I'll try to fab some doors from Howell doorskins and sheetmetal; I can buy a whole new decklid. I've heard mixed reviews about Howell's, but Tcoupekyle, who gave me this stuff, works 20 min. from there and can get the stuff for me direct.

 

While the body might look worn and wavy, you still have lots to work with. Seems to me you've done a bunch to build it in your head already. Sheetmetal, sources for patch panels, an idea for how to style it. It's really a matter of quality over quan***y here.

I would say do it! I couldn't but dang it if I wouldn't try!

 

Looks like I will need:
Turtle deck corners $55
Rear Center Panel Below Deck Lid $38
Rear Quarter Panel Patch Roadster (Bun Panels) $70
Rocker Panel $35
Sill Plates $55
Cowl Patch Panel $45
Total $298
Plus
Door Skin Left $115
Door Skin Right $115
Deck Lid Complete $395
Total $625
from here:
http://www.fordor.com/category.cfm?...del T Roadster and Roadster Pickup&sort=***le

That's a thousand when you factor in some extra sheetmetal for various patches I'll have to fab. I wonder if I could get a complete body with doors and a decklid for a grand?

 

if you have an english wheel.... i think thats what your saying
and a brake & shrinker stretcher
i would think you could make most of this
a bead roller should finish it out
for the $1000 you could buy a bead roller & shrinker stretcher plus metal to make a brake
then 2 sheets of steel? and go for it
in the end you'll have the car YOU built by hand...and extra tools
if you dont have them already

good luck in any case
my 27 is pretty bad too....someday i'll work on it!

 

I have a bead roller and a shrinker/stretcher, and access to an English wheel and brake(plus a buddy who knows how to use them). I plan to buy a brake regardless. Doubt I'd use an English wheel enough to justify the cost or space one would require.

 

Build it, not bad, they always look better when there blasted, but blast lightly Or might look like swiss chesse

 

Richard, before investing in any tools and/or patch panels, get the body blasted (not sand or soda, but gl***) or dipped....to see how far gone it really is.

Look forward to seeing what ya build......I too am building an early 60's "show" T....

 

Rich,

I built mine from scratch using a hammer and piece of carpet to beat on, a few photo's and some sketches and measurements off a fibergl*** tub.



At the very least you've got perfect original patterns to copy.

Go for it, when it's done you will be really proud of what you've achieved.

Good luck

 

It looks like a challenge to be sure, but I guess whether or not it is savable depends on your skill level. If you don't think you can do it, consider enlisting the help of someone who can or selling it off to help finance parts that would be more usable to you.

I haven't seen a decent '27 roadster body (meaning in any better shape than what you have) for under $1500 in years, but then again I am in Southern California where everyone is on the lookout for vintage tin.

 

The price was right....its a starting point.

 

If it was easy-everybody would have one! Sounds like you need and easier sport, or deeper pockets. You have alot more than what I started with, that's why I was able to get it. All the restorers turned there nose up at it. Floor-what floor. Missing bottom 6" all the way around the body. It's only work. Just check some threads and you will be amazed at what some of the people around here have done.

 

You make it sound so easy. Somehow I don't think my efforts would garner the same result.
Great car, btw.


+1 on the blasting, it'll show you what the metal really is.

 

Is the ugly truck finished already
looks fixable to me

 

and soak yourself in cider whle your at it! looks like fun

 

Richard, I believe that is British for "quit your whining". ha ha ha