Hello, thought I'd share some pics of my project in the very early stages. Its a 1919 model T body I got for $90. It'll run a '40 Ford front axel (free). The mill will be a 267 SBC (this was free as well, althought I dont like SBC's, it's all I got) and ride on a home-made 2x3 frame. I'm still deciding weather to run a model A bed, or just have the rear showing with a beer keg gas tank. I'm 17 and on a very tight budget. It might turn out to look like ****, but it's all I got and my pride and joy. I know its rought but I'm willing to do anything to get her on the road. Here are the pics
You know I wish it was a 26-7, but the tag on the inner side of the firewall says "1919 Model T" some numbers and "Ford Motor Company Canada". Maybe it's the wrong tag?? I hope so!!!! By the way, dont laugh at me, but my budget is $2500. Mike
Thanks guys. My tag on the firewall says 16350 October 14, 1911 21239 November 9, 1915 and then it says patented and a bunch of years up to 1925. It also says Ford Motor Company of Canada and Ford, Ontario I'm confused anyways, the '40 Ford front axel's spring mounts in front of the axel. I think this would look rather strange on a T since the whole front-end is exposed. What do you think? Mike
Nightfire, There must be something haywire with your name tag. that is definitly a 26-27 body and from what I can not really that rough. with what you've got you might do it on your budget with some serious scrounging and fabricating as many parts as you can. Don't know where you're at but around Portland, Or you'll blow a third of your budget on a half way decent Model A bed. And forget the beer keg tank. Tose went out of style about 40 years ago. A nice round or oval tank mounted behind the tub and your well on your way to a lakes modified.Lots of them on the HAMB and at www.danielstroh.com Good luck, Ted
Build it, drive it, **** it. Wish I had done something when I was 17. Keep going you got a good start, at least you got doors on it. Keep us posted.
Nightfire, I think you are looking at the patent tag. It do***ents patents used by the car (usually as a legal issue..... looks like we had too many lawyers even back then). Since Model T production spanned '08-27, you would expect most of the dates from that time. I think it's definitely not a '19; from the width of the cowl at the firewall, I'd say a '26 or '27. The '40 axle is a good choice, but you probably want to find a way to move the spring hangers above or behind the axle. Aside from looking a little silly, the spring in front of the axle shortens the wheelbase. Your ****ysis is right on, it will make it look goofy.....
Nightfire, You type faster than I do. If you want to use the 40 axle, most people cut the sring hanger just ahead of the perch bolts, then get somenew spring over perch bolts to mount the spring over the axle. Some guys are mounting the spring behind the axle by putting perch bolts thru the wish bones just behind the axle.I personally don't like this arangement cause I think it puts too much strain on the wish bone arms which are not overly strong in the 1st place. just my opinion. If you want to do a lakes modified or a roadster pick up look at as many examples as you can find, pick out what you like and go for it. Best to make a definate plan in advance then stick with it. Changing you mind after you've started can get very expensive and consume a lot of time. Ted
Good to see another young guy here. In your profile it says you're looking for a 50s truck. Where in Canada are you located? I might be able to help you out with where to look. Good luck with the Model T.
Here y'go - this may clear it up for you... This is my 23 (slightly larger steel firewall than the wooden '19) beside my 27. That's what you've got. Oh - and the axle on the 23 is a 39, same as y'40 except "proper" wheels for a roundy round car! Complete with the "goofy" spring out front. Goofy maybe, but handles like a dream. Meant to cover it with the number plate, but being a cheapskate, sprayed it on the rad and it p***es the MOT every year.
WOW, thanks for all the help guys. I won't mount the spring onto the bones, I might not even split my bones. I'm moving tomorow so I'll have to wait till we're all settled in to start on the frame. I'm in Winnipeg, Canada by the way, and yes I love 50's trucks. Hoping to find a good one as a daily. YOU GUYS MADE MY DAY by telling me it's a 1926-7. I dont know if I'm going for the lakes modified look or the RPU. I like 'em both, and am partial to trucks so right now I'm leaning towards an RPU. I also got some free model A frame horns to make my frame look like a model A frame if I wanted to here they are
Always wish I'd built a pickup whenever I take the tent to rod runs. Or have to carry anything more than a toothbrush... Splitting the bones is only necessary for engine setback. Mine are split, but only about a foot apart at the rear, not out to the framerails. Handles better, and you get far more lock. Handy on our roads.
Good start! Hope the long "sticks in the bag" will rest a while, you WILL need some time to "Git 'er done", Hee-hee
hey you got to start somewhere! looks like at least you can see the makings of a car, much more than alot start out with.
Yeah it'll be awhile, but I'm ready to wait and to build. I dont have that many tools so adquiring them will also subrtact from my budget. I only have a welder, wrenches and a grinder. No motor lift, or fancy jacks, or hydraulic press or nothin' of that sort...hahah...you're probably laughing at me. I'll keep you guys posted, and hey who knows maybe I'll see one or two of you at Back to the 50's in 2007 Mike
I put my last flathead in by dropping the frame over the engine lieing on the ground, bolting it in, then trolley jacking the whole lot up till I could get the axles under. Necessity is the mother of invention. Fancy tools just makes it easier. Oh, and when you have an engine crane - don't lend the ****** out when you need it...!
Very cool project and nobody is laughing! You don't need all the fancy bells and whistles to build a killer little T...or anything else for that matter. DESIRE is the great equalizer and necessity the mother of invention! Sure is good to see a newbe with his head in the garage and not up his ***. Look for some posts by 60's style to get some great info on simple build techniques and there are loads of others who can help as well. Nice having you!
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