I am finally grtting brave enough where I want to tackle a project. I kind of have been debating a t bucket becuase of simpleness and cheap for a first project. I was thinking low with a 8ba (have one spare) and a s10 t5 I found a 23 frame and ***le not to far from where I live for $500 and am working on seeing it hopefully this weekend. Is it a better move to start with a real frame or go to speedway for a frame? Never been anything this old and have experience with muscle cars only. Will be a slow project because of funds but fun none the less.
Aftermarket frames are much stronger... Suggest you research Spirit Industries, Speedway, CCR just to name a few... 100's of bucketheads at http://www.tbucketeers.com/forum/ as well... very friendly and tons of good advise. You can even download free plans to build your own frame... all depends on your skill level.
i would make your own frame those old T frames are pretty flimsy sure you can use the T frame but for that kinda cash you could build 4 of them.
He has a point but the original ***le is probably worth more than the parts. If you are careful with your measuring and cutting you can build a 98 inch wheelbase T bucket out of one stick of 2x4 steel tubing Pretty easily. The adapter to hook the flathead to the S-10 trans would probably cost more than I had in the first T bucket i built. That was using 1973 Dollars though. With some serious shopping an not letting yourself get caught up in buying the trick of the week parts you can build a T Bucket pretty cheap and still have a nice one.
one thing about tbuckets is that there not much room for a clutch pedal.If you really want on mount the steering box ontop of the frame, not underneath like "Total" uses. Also get either a plan kit from CCR($25-30) or a Total perforamnce ***embl manual. Both area 'must' if your building a bucket. also they boith use 1/8 thick wall tubing for there frame. if your going to make your own go with 3/16", much better & not much more pricewise. stock frames are ****, don't bother.I bought a ***le of the guy in Maryland & used those numbers.was Cheaper then $500. JimV
$500 is way too much for a T frame, even with a ***le. Build your own or have a buddy with a welder help out.
Nice easy project to start with, My brother-n-law lives in chester, VA. Next time I go up maybe we can get together and I can see it. If you need any help or parts let me know.
I found a 23 frame and ***le not to far from where I live for $500 A 23 frame is not going to have a number on it. Ford did not start numbering frames until late 26, I believe. The clear ***le may be worth the price, depends on how big of ***holes your states DMV is. The "T" frame can be sold to a restorer to recoup some of your dough. I would consider buying it to ease later registration woes.
Before you buy stuff, map out how this is going to go. As mentioned, get a set of plans from CCR or TP or BOTH. Also read up over on the bucket forum. Another thing to research BEFORE starting is the registration laws in your state. It would be a good idea to figure out insurance first. It may be better if it's registered as a '23 instead of a homebuilt. Get all that stuff figured out first! Then start with the drivetrain and suspensions you plan on running. Then the body. THEN figure out the frame. It would seem like you would start with a frame, but all the other stuff changes the frame, so that's last. Some would say on a more complete rod that a donor car is the smart way to go. On a T where you already have some stuff, I doubt it will help. For example, a 72 Chevelle isn't going to provide front brakes or suspension, the rear will need new mounts, the rear suspension and shocks won't work, the wiring will be a lot more than you need, the steering will be too big, the seats too. About all you would get is switches, some wiring, speedo cable and gauges maybe, and a lot of fasteners.
I started with a radiator shell, two model T crossmembers and an amp guage/ignition switch! Alabama is really lenient on pre-75 vehicles thought. I have a Spirit body and home-built rails and it is registered as a '23 Ford. Wp
This one was built from 4 inch channel , and left over 46 ford motor and drive train. 3 speed and all. It only has about 90Hp but it's a blast to drive...
thanks guys for all of the advice. I have a spare 8ba motor I was going to use. Also when I upgrade my truck to discs I will have 53 f100 brakes for a straight axle. I am thing mono spring over axle (thats correct terms right?) and I would just get it from speedway. Probably a t5 and rear from a s10. I want to do a low sitting flat t bucket (ones a lot of people are doing now) Just simple and nothing fancy.
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