Projects Another T build

We finally have it back on the ground. Its been mine and my Dads covid project,,we were hoping to have it a little closer by now, but you know how that goes.

 

Nice! Love the Caddy, what year and size?

 

NICE START !

 

I like the start. Now tell us more!

 

Long story short, me and my dad started a T bucket build about 20 years ago. Due to time and money, we never finished it and sold off the ac***ulated parts. So when Covid hit, I decided me or him weren’t getting any younger and started getting pieces to the puzzle. It’s a frame and gl*** body from spirit cars. Wanted a clean steel body but couldn’t really find anything worth messing with close so we settled on an extended gl*** body with a door. Dads not in bad shape health wise, he’s 75 and still going, but this project has really changed him. I haven’t seen him this excited for anything in a long time.

 

It’s a 68 472…we rebuilt it back stock. But with 500+ ft lbs it should haul some ***

 

Cool, even stock with the right gears that Cad will push that car way faster than you want to drive it.
Keep those progress reports coming.

 

That's the tune I like... Ch***is 'Hospital-clean', total package: 'Bunny-Quick'!

 

Like the blue inserts.

 

Keep the pictures coming!

 

Got the motor dropped back into the frame this week.

 

This world needs more T builds.

 

I do like the simple and clean look to this T build.

 

im liking the cadillac engine

 

Bravo! I too, like the blue axle insert and the 472 Caddy couldn't be a better choice!!

 

Thank you all. I know the late 60’s Cads are borderline when it comes to Hambers but I love the look of it, especially with the snorkel air cleaner and cl***ic Cadillac VC emblems make it look a little more period correct ‍♂️

 

Weld, grind, weld, grind, weld some more, grind some more ‍♂️

 

I can feel your pain! I'm in the same mode. Just keep telling yourself that you really like doing this stuff, because after all it's just steel, and you can cut weld and grind to cover up your mistakes/changes in design etc.

Now if it were wood working, you'd have firewood...

 

That T frame is really nice !
You and Dad did good.
Who is the engineer ?
Could you tell me about the rear end?
I love that you are building with your Dad, while he still can ….good on you.

 

Thanks sir..frame is built by Spirit. And I ***ume I’d be the engineer . The old man just goes with the flow. Also the rearend is a Ford 8 in.

 

While you're discussing details, could you tell us about the hairpins, in particular the plate thickness of the web gusset? I have that in my future and I was planning on 1/8 inch steel plate. I wasn't going to be as fancy as you did, but I really like the looks of yours. Another idea to plaigerize...

Thanks

 

Boy, Howdy! On my first T bucket test drive, the owner said, “Make sure you’re pointed in the Right direction Before you hit the gas”! The next thing you know, we are heading for a tree, and just like that, we are now testing the brakes. That statement will Definitely apply in your case. Happy building, Carp.

 

I like that part about, "cover up your mistakes/changes in design". It's all the same thing, isn't it?

 

An 8" is a great choice. It weighs about 100 lbs less than a 9" and that equals less unsprung weight. On a light weight vehicle there is not enough weight to control a heavy rear end and it can lead to a harsh ride. Think about that old 1ton truck going over a speed bump. Another thing that helps is using a soft spring pack and good but not stiff shocks. I had a car with extremely stiff shocks and hit a railroad crossing in a curve at speed. The rear bounced up and kicked a couple feet sideways. Got it back under control after a couple more violent bounces.

 

thats gonna be fast ..

 

Love this build. Gathering parts for similar modified. Have owned number of 472 caddie, great torque engine, even ran one with nitrous. ***ume u using turbo 400 came with the engine? Later model overdrive would be nice but do not know what would bolt up & you not building this for long drives. What rear gear ratio? What size are your frame rails? Can hardly wait to hear final weight.

 

Thanks! yes, were running a 400 behind it. Its an 8 inch Ford out back with I think a 2:79:1. I have no idea how it'll do with the low end torque of the motor. Gear Rations aren't my speacialty

I did get color on the belly today. And got started on the brakes last week. Hope to finish those up tomorrow.

EDIT: The first pic of the belly is after first coat,,its not that dry lol

 

Oh man, that's gonna be a fun lil' car! Nicely done.
With that horsepower / weight ratio, it'll be like sitting in the pouch of a wrist rocket! Hopefully the slicks don't hook up and the frame can take the incredible torque from that 472...
I had a 60-something Caddy (4,600 lbs.) with a 472 and it would boil those hides from a roll!

 

That 2.73 rear is for hi-speed but big engine & light weight should still give lots of low end speed. Cir***ference of rear tire ( rollout ) will also effect the “grunt”. Frame rail size??

 

It’s a 2x3 with 3/16 wall. Spirit frame.