Projects 1926 Ford Lakes Modified a New Chapter

I am excited to say I have purchased this 1926 Ford T Lakes Modified Roadster, from a fellow member and true hotrod enthusiast. I feel fortunate to have a chance to enjoy it for the next few decades, so here is what I have planned for it. The car is going to my Dad's house in Kansas, where he, myself, and my brothers will go through the fluids, adjust the brakes, and prep the mechanicals over the winter. My Dad is fighting cancer and needs a project (distraction), I need a bonding experience with them and the world after years of military deployments.

Built for the previous owner, a fellow veteran, by E.J. Kowalski... the "Little Ripper" as it looks. We plan to add some minor touches, a few more period correct accessories like brake vents, valve covers, some more lettering, etc. and drive it. My older brother and I plan to snuggle for the 8 hour trip to Back to Fifties, hit Iola Swap Meet, and a few other stops across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kansas next season...

 

A front view...

 

Way cool. Sounds like the perfect bonding project. And thanks for your service.

 

This car represents a lot for me, so I am very excited to get it home and start enjoying. The soul of the car comes from the gentlemen that I purchased it from... I promised myself I would only buy a car on the right terms, and he is p***ing this car to me on his right terms. My challenge will be avoiding the impulse to over power it like past builds I have done, make it too nice to drive, or any of the pitfalls that come from making something the best.

It is what it is, a scary fast, bare bones driver. A period correct tonneau might be nice when parked...

 

Some photos from the PO. When the build started 20+ years ago... The original car came from Kansas (and on its way back there).

 

Then the progression, originally being built for a banger. They found a rusty but fast street camaro with built 350 and B/W 4spd, so they went in, along with a Dana 44. Along the way, the drivetrain ate the spider gears and a locker was put in...

 

A little start-up video from the previous owner:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1564889963930024

 

On its way to Kansas, where the T came from over 20 years ago…

 

Safely arrived in Kansas…

 

It's your car, but if it were mine, I'd redo that gas tank/kickup cover. Louvers on the hood look great, on the rear area not so much. Looking forward to following the build/ownership!
~Peter

 

Good input Peter, first we will get it all tuned up. Maybe some Auburn Deluxe radials, then consider the cosmetic touches to make it mine.

 

I'm with Peter, what is actually a really cool and very simple car gets overpowered with all that louvered aluminum. The exposed tank has always been one of the thingss that made a T modified for me.
I've got a lot of left over pieces laying around and a an ot banger and 5 speed that would make for a quick little modified.

The Frame did need a but of hiding or cleanup on the original build though.




My old T wasn't a modified but I liked the idea of the exposed tank way back then.



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Sitting position photos, told Dad to get in so I can have a perspective

 

Enjoy man! Great moments in life

 

I agree about the rear louver treatment. FWIW, a quick change poking out from under the rear would look really period correct. But, regardless of what if any changes made in the future this car is just ***s. As others say, "I'd drive it"
Looking forward to updates.

 

Right now, I am heavily weighing the best options for driving longer distances. I would like to find solid mags, or aluminum repros where I can run Diamondback Radial Deluxes for the longer trips. I will also be considering a larger round aluminum fuel tank, so that would remove the top rear louver panel. I think that might find the balance needed and tie it together. Plus my sign painter, who is himself vintage and I are having a few discussions.

 

To clarify my last post, I am highly considering some unsprung and rotating weight changes. As well as a plan for a little more fuel capacity... all in the name of driving the piss out of this car, while getting things very close to 50s period correct.

 

Cool Modified T!
Just “patina paint” all the bright aluminum panels…that would tone it down a bunch. Just try to paint it to match the black that is already there, (not mint), so it doesn’t look like it was just freshly painted.

 

New wheels and tires on the way in the name of drivability. Diamondback Auburn Deluxe tires on Rocket Racing Fire wheels. Going for the inside out solids in as cast finish. Should really help with unsprung weight, rotating weight, and compound on the ground.

 

Having been the previous operator of that vehicle, I must say you look good behind the wheel! It was a pleasure doing the deal to put you there. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

Wheels arrived in hopes of getting lighter… New tires should arrive by Thursday.
As cast lug covers and flat knockoffs are back ordered, but should be here before the year ends.

 

Always liked the look of Lakes Modifieds going back to the one Bo Jones built to recreate the originals from the 1940's. Have fun with it! Bob

 

Love those wheels! Excited to watch the build. Make sure to hit the "Full Size Image" ****on after uploading pics so the more seasoned crowd can see pics in HD!

~Peter

 

Auburn Diamondback Deluxe Radials arrived in less than a week! They have the vintage look, without the need for tubes/flaps, etc, Time to get busy mounting, as I am curious how they feel on the highway.

 

Pretty cold for a Kansas fall day, but yesterday I got the modified all tuned up. Drained the old fuel, cleaned it up, everything put back together and have it running STRONG.

 

Today we took the wheels/tires for balancing, they got them done late, so we will pick them up tomorrow. Pulled the front drums to check everything, bearings look great, drum linings and shoes look great. Took the studs out to add some longer ones, will put the new studs in tomorrow and get the wheels and tires on.

 

Tires and wheels on, still adjusting brakes and fine tuning things.

 

The rear Diamondbacks are slightly larger in the 7.50, the fronts are a slightly bigger size (smallest Auburn offers).

 

Is that a modified shock link or something I've never seen before?

Bob

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachments/310510e4-3ac2-4b9d-8f2d-b3c291bff39d-jpeg.5576888/

 

Yes, that is the friction shock link…