Well Ive been putting together a '26 T Touring on an A chassis for some time and recently have found myself a little distracted and figured if I start a build thread it may hold me more accountable to actually focus on this thing. So I had picked up a rough T roadster body from a buddy who's also building one, found a recently "running" '30 chassis so began to mock it up. And started to get excited. ....I realized this was a longer term project and another friend had a T Touring body for sale in pretty good shape so I pulled that trigger to expedite things and had some help from my brother with logistics from NJ to PA. Got the body unloaded and onto the chassis solo with the help of my chain hoist and some 2x4s.
I had to remove the steering column and the emergency brake lever (my roadster body didn't have the tank) so I disassembled and shortened the brake lever. Lined up the rear body mounts (line up just need a little clearance to drop the bolts down) front mounts I cut the sub rail a bit to access the front mount which sits on top of the frame and drilled new mount holes. (Sorry, didn't snap a pic). Next up: windshield. I had a complete T windshield frames and another wider random frame that was about the right height for me (I'm 6'1" so would have loved to go lower but still wanted to keep it functional!) Chopped my mounts to match the frame height and with a little massaging with heat I got the curves cleaned up a bit to better follow the T stantions and took a few inches out of the width Completed windshield and my main reasons for going with the Touring body over the 2 seater.
Picked up a few headlights at Carlisle so figured that would be a good next project. Took an original set of forged fender mounts, bolted them up to the stock location and heated and bent them back a bit and heated and bent the stock T headlight mounts more so they would flow and sit properly. and the final product.. Obviously I ended up swapping the 28/29 radiator and grill shell however I had interference issues with my lower hose and the fan/generator belt so I had to make a bracket to move the generator up higher on the block (again no pics but if anyone is curious I'd be more than happy to take some).
I had also picked up a T rear leaf spring at Carlisle so I decided to swap that under the frame to get the rear a little lower (I also reverse eyed the front main leaf already. Upon tearing down the rear it became more obvious this chassis has seen some neglect. The axle shackle mount was just as worn so I took a piece of solid round bar and "massaged" the mounts closes, solid in copper pipe and welded it back up replaced the bushings and with a little paint it's as good as new!?!? (Maybe not but at least it's not ready to fail).....and yes, I plan on addressing the rest of the dirt and grease at a later date when I go thru the brakes. I also gave the body a quick coat of black paint Threw together a tail lamp as well. I purchased the lens a while back and found a set of fog lights with the right diameter housing. Used an A rear fender taillight mount with a cheapy plate bracket and came up with this. Seems to do the job!
Before paint I decided it was time for some seats/floors so took some leftover 3/4" from my house renovation and with some CAD (cardboard aided design) I was in business! I still plan on cutting recesses and seat webbing but at least it more comfortable to sit and make engine sounds now. Again being on the taller side I wasn't a fan of the original kickpanel angle so removed the stock ones and replaced them with something more similar to that of a stock model A. As you can see I also ended up redoing the dash and adding an A guage panel as well as some steel plate and a notched piece of square tube with an exhaust clamp to hold the steering column. I'm going with a different steering wheel with a quick detach hub to make getting in and out a little easier
That pretty much has you all up to speed. Currently playing with strengthening the front seat back and chopping/rebuilding the top irons. Just picked up a fuel tank I plan on mounting under the rear floor once I raise it up a few inches (stock tank ended up being rusted out and there's not much open space so this was the best location I could come up with!) I'm kind of hoping for it to end up with vibes similar to this version of Mr.ModelTs roadster.... I appreciate you all following along, your input and support (or criticism) and helping to keep me focused! I'm clearly no professional but really enjoy fabricating and overcoming these little obstacles that come with hot rodding!
I love it! And already in paint! What's your plan for brakes--sticking with stock or going hydraullic?
Seem to remember having to bend my pedals over slightly to clear the body near the toe board. Also had to strengthen the body under the cowl to support the steering. All basic stuff though.
Thanks! For now I plan on keeping the stock mechanical brakes. I've got a few sets but plan on using them for other projects in the shop.
Cool. My brother ran mechanicals with the Flathead Ted's floater kit. He liked them. I also have T-body (sort of) on an A-frame and went through much of what you are doing as far as mounts, floors, fuel tank, etc. Your pictures of re-sizing the windshield frame sure took me back. I look forward to seeing more.
So I've definitely been slacking. Finally got a fuel tank that will fit without stealing too much of the passenger compartment and didn't break the bank. Probably going to flip it around so the full is on the driver's side and then I can get some bracing under it and rebuild the subrail to raise the floor just above the tank (with a hole for a filler neck). However, as I mentioned originally I get easily distracted so started putting an A roadster body together from random parts I have collected over the years....
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