Model T Speedster-pics whose got 'em

Isettas are like Amphicars, any decent auto collection needs one. I like the wacky stuff, also have a Fuldamobil, it looks like a rolling egg.

 

None of my T's qualify as speedsters.

Keep the pics coming!

 

How would I go about building one of these? Is there a part source or just scrounging. I love this one, good commuter.

 

Not too hard to change that, T Time !

 

Did you sell the old one? Do you have the money you owe me now?

 

They say that if you look long enough that you can actually see two roadsters in this picture...

 

Dick Dake, for starters go to www.rootlieb.com and check out the speedster kits. Available for Model A's too.

 

Rootlieb speedster stuff is good. You can buy any of it separate. The seats and oval gas tank is a good start.

 

Where? I only see a flag holder.

 

Do most use a stock model t chassis? I need to start the hunt. By the way, who's the flag girl>

 

Yes, most use a stock frame. T axles are used, somtimes with a dropped front axle. You can use 27 spindles to get another 1" lower in front, and reversed eye springs get another 1". Fames can be kicked up in the rear any number of ways. T frames are as basic as it gets. Modifications are pretty simple. That's the appeal of them. Here's some pics that show there really is no wrong way to build a speedster. Some go for the cut down "bug" type, some like the full fendered classic type, and others go for the racer type. The "bug" is probably the cheapest to build. Engines are all over the map. Some are stock T, others are mildy warmed up, and others, like the green full fendered car go to the max. that car is running a very rare gear drive D-O Fronty. Probably more money in that head than some of the "bug" cars complete!

 

With people pulling bodies off of old restorations now to build rods, a person ought to be able to find running, driving chassis pretty easy. Add the speedster kit and you're there, probably for under $5,000, maybe even around $4,000.

 

Here's a few I've gathered,

Neil Tuckett's Golden T - raced at Brooklands back in the day with a brass body!



Couple of brass era cars from the club





Friend of mine's - says he built it just to make the exhaust...



and out scaring a friend in my "slowster"...

 

At the moment, I'm working on a "slowster" almost identical to Monkeybiker's, except my black paint is flat and the bed is full length. It is the second time that I've started on it. Both times, I started it as a speedster, and both times I decided that I had too much original sheet metal not to use it. The first build ended up as a fenderless touring car (pics are somewhere on the HAMB). I decided I didn't like it, and now it is a somewhat stripped down full-fendered RPU (a cut-down touring body). This one will probably get the Chevy 490 head adaptation, eventually.

 

Hmmm- T_Time, you know you could always sell off that OEM sheetmetal and get a speedster body made- lighter, slimmer, faster...

you get the point

 

My grandparents are from Jewel County Kansas.

 

Well, I'm gonna brag on my 'ol man for a minute here. He built this 1926 T. (bodywork, paint, woodwork, chopped windsheild, lowering, the works) If you want the full story, I have another thread on it here : http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166276&highlight=tribute

The car is finished now and he just got the wire wheels and hubs bolted on. I gotta say, he did a damn fine job!!! Proof that old "restorers" can learn new tricks. From what I hear, she can climb a steep hill in high gear without any problems.

 

'26 chassis with a Faultless body

 

Sure would love to know the story on those wheels. 1920 Boyd's!!

 

Here's some more from San Jose around 1986. The yellow one is about as simple, and cheap as it gets. Stock T chassis, engine, radiator and wheels. Stock gas tank on the back, some sheet metal formed to the fire wall for a cowel. About the only non stock pieces are the Rootlieb seats. I haven't priced T parts lately, but I would think you could do this for around 5 grand.

 

OK, I know this isn't a speedster, but it's so cool I had to post it. I saw it at a Long beach T club swap meet in 83. It belonged to a guy called "RAJO Joe". This thing was detailed and finished like he was going for the AMBR trophy. From the rare 20" Buffalo's, to the huge Winfield down draft carb, it's just plain bad ass. To me, that BBR Rajo, all decked out with finned covers, and gorgeous chrome manifolds, is as pretty as any flat head V8. Probably could have it's way with a lot of 'em! That header dumped into a straight exhaust pipe. Damn it sounded good.

 

Dean Lowe,

Those have been on Espay for a little while now- about $450+ per wheel... but you can run modern cycle tires on them and NEVER have to mess with a rim spreader again!

 

Buffalos like the ones on that car for $450 a wheel? Can you point me in the direction of said-listing? That is a deal.

 

Sorry, I meant the solid disk wheels- from what I understand they're spun aluminum and show up on that sight once in a while.




Yeah, I'd probably start saving my pennies if I could find Buffalos or Hayes wires for that price!!!

I think Hayes is doing "CNC" macined repros for about $1650 a pop...

 

They might be just a bit "light duty" for my 29! I was just curious. Had not seen them before. Thanks for the info.

 

Ford used solid or disk rims on some T service trucks- or you could go the route of using late 20's Chevy rims, either car or truck.

 

Bill's the man that sells the alloys, amongst other speedster stuff -

http://www.antiquetmotorsports.com/aluminumdiscwheels.html

 

Here's one from a F.A.S.T. gathering in Norwood Iowa a couple of years ago.It had a Fronty head,water pump and an external dizzy. Didn't sound like any T I've ever heard before. They had a flat hill climb and this car ran like stink!

Ron

 

Re: Model T Speedster-pics whose got 'em