Dream of putting together a T. Body style to be determined. Like the tall t's but also would consider open . A driver of course. Want ideas/input as to choice of donor car to get most running gear out of.. Maybe even frame. Although I assume a scratch built fram may be better than original with a newer motor. Not sure on the motor. As I said just trying to get some ideas for now. Thanks, Bob. ps, I spent almost the whole day yesterday going through all the T builds I could find on here and got some great ideas.
The best you can hope for with a donor car is the engine,transmission and possibly the rear axle depending on the particular car you find,sure there will be odd and ends you can salvage but the frame wont be of any use building a T. HRP
Pretty much the only frame that works under a T, other than a T, is a Model A. It is pretty much a bolt-on affair and looks like it was supposed to be there. There are tons of stock A frames out there, or a multitude of aftermarket ones, if those are more your flavor. A '32 frame can be made to fit, but requires some fiddling, particularly in width an at the rear subframe.
If you are wanting to build a T, you pretty much will need a chassis and suspension that is designed for it. You may want to check the ads and find something partially done, it will be a lot cheaper in the long run. For a first time builder you will need something as close as possible or it may be overwhelming and become a failed project. plan carefully and learn a lot before you open your wallet.
As far as a donor car for a T goes, IMO you are rather limited in choices. As mentioned ( for good reason unless you plan to build a rat rod ) all you will get from a donor car will be the driveline, engine transmission and maybe the rear end. The frame and body naturally have to be T specific and custom built. I started out buying a 77 Maverick and planned to use the 302 V8 and C4 along with the 8" rear-end which at 56.5" wide is the perfect width for a T. Things changed and the 302 was sold in favor of a Y Block and the Maverick rear end was recently replaced by a Winters Quick Change. All that's left is the C4 As stated, plan and research things carefully before you jump in.
Used to like cheap '63-'64 Chevys for donors; 283, alum 'glide, and decent rear axle. Those times are gone as well as the desirability of those parts.
Hi Bob: have you seen this thread? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/27-sedan-build.529578/ Its worth a look.
Buckets have been done so many times that there is a kit for everything and they are decent prices. This is not a shot on buckets simply a statement. Donor cars are everywhere for every configuration you will ever want. 4 cyl, 6 cyl, small v8's etc. The Maverick suggestion is a really good one as is a Fox body Mustang. If you want different look a straight 6 (Maverick/Mustang) or a slant 6 from a Scamp or Valiant. Keep it simple, stay away from the fancy electronic controlled stuff and you should have no issues. Unfinished T-Bucket projects are available with a 5 minute internet search and remember - the Speedway catalogue is your friend
Their is a lot to think about getting a T hot rod right and look right. You could start by looking at Need Louvers thread. De Uglifing a T bucket. I've given some thought about if I had it to do over again whatI would do. First and easiest would be a Speedway frame set up for the Model A rear spring. As for the suspension and running gear I would look for somebody selling all the running gear from a '40s Ford when upgrading their car with new stuff. A lot of that happening. That would give you hydraulic brakes and all your suspension. If you didn't want the flathead almost any engine could be adapted to that trans. Now that's just me and anybody else wanting a '50s to early '60s style T. As for a body. I've seen a lot of T cowls at swaps separate from the rest of the body. That would give you a place to mount a T windshield and for the rest of the body I've seen some guys use front and rear fenders from '50s cars that look pretty kool.
Put it on a Deuce frame. T's aren't as wide but if you're going to build an open wheeled car, as I'm assuming you are, and want a traditional foundation, nothing says Hard-Core Hot Rod than one built on a Deuce frame. If your are going with a Flathead engine and closed drive-line, this resonates even more, because the original cross-member allows you to mix'n match Flathead Ford engine, trans and rear-end components, including a quick-change; should you desire to go that route. Yes, they are pricey but eliminate a ton of problems. And, as to finding one, I saw one for sale not too long ago on HAMB, so it's not unreasonable to look for one - probably because high zoot builders use newer minted versions, without all the holes (nothing to worry about if you're building a trad rod.) Or, you can buy a later stamping and go that route. (Either route ends up at the same destination.) That is, unless you're trying to clone or match in style something you like, go with a Deuce frame and build on that. Engine, trans, rear-end would be best acquired separately, if you're thinking of buying a donor car just for that. Being able to add elements not found in a single model give you control over trying to make something you spent good money fit when it really won't. Of course, all my advice is obviously theoretical and biased to my own personal taste. Others may well give you ideas that will work just as well but not any better because 'Traditional Rules!' Good luck on your build.
The Jalopy Journal
