We (my dad and I) are building an early T speedster. Rails are new but with correct taper; Rear kick is 6" with T rear crossmember, suicide front end on round front spreader, 1912 T front crossmember. The engine has a Roof overhead conversion...I know it's a little earlier than most prefer around here, but it's going to sit low, and it's traditional nonetheless...
Nice job on the frame! I like that engine too. What body are you going to run? Keep us posted on the progress. -Dean
I'll be following along very closely! Looks like you're off to a good start. I'm very slowly collecting pieces for a speedster type project.
Boy you sure have some bitchen stuff. Y class Hydroplane. Is that a 135? two vintage Runabouts. Airstream.and an antique car behind the plastic sheet! I love it. As to what is easy or hard is not inportant. Having fun is. your car is looking good and from the looks of your other toys it will be killer. You and your dad have a lot of skill and sensibility and I will be looking forward to your progress. Pogo
i see a windsheild and a "boat" tail in the background you dont need much more i cant wait to see this thing going together good luck zach
Cris, That project looks great so far! I like the front crossmember setup. What model Roof is that, I've never seen a left hand exhaust version. I know you are in the early mockup stage, but the 26-27 front motor mount should be replaced with an early one. Brass Livingston V radiator is a must, what brand wire wheels will you run? I have a torpedo hood (new repro) that I could be talked out if you need one.
We're going to do a very simple body...up front will be a normal aluminum T hood, no body, two seats, no turtle deck or anything. It will be pretty stripped down. We're going back and forth about some of the details right now but the final product will lean pretty far in the direction of the old T dirt track cars, except this one is going to be a bit lower. The hydro is a Y-class Crosley-engined boat named "Bad News." It actually ran in both the Y and T classes. In 1962 it held the closed course world speed record for its class and was T class champion in 1964. It was a barn find but that's a story for another time and another message board, probably. The boat in the corner is a 19' Dee Wite with a (slightly more on-topic) Ford Model B marine conversion for an engine. The boat next to it, we think, is a Purdy hull, 22' long, with a Ford T marine conversion for an engine. Airstream is a Bambi, car under the cover is a T Torpedo. As far as the motor mount, he just picked that up recently...not sure if there's a reason for it being a later one. We've found a few pictures of that model Roof head. It's not an early one and it's not the last/best/most improved version. It does say "Robert Roof" on it but it does not (I think) say Laurel on it anywhere. Bob, did you ever find pics of your Speedster? Thanks for the compliments.
WOW, neat stuff! I love speedsters those old overhead conversions are awesome. If youre looking for a hot cam for it, check out these guys: Specialty Motor Cams - Ford Model T, A, or B four cylinder speed goodies. Theyll grind you a custom cam plus they make some other cool 4-banger speed stuff.
Ah, okay, I posted these a while back...a few things have been done to the car since these were taken...my dad started building a body, very spare, with very little in the way of a firewall (which is one of the things that makes most of the speedsters you see look awkward) behind an early T radiator and a torpedo hood. The engine in the first pictures has been pulled in favor of a RAJO. There's also a big drum Ruckstell rear. I keep lagging on getting photos when I'm at their house. Anyway, we got sidetracked...started the '29 on Deuce rails project finally. I'll get some new photos up soon. I kind of want to just throw a seat on it and get it running. Cris
looks great...if you want a killer body, look and see if you can find a picture of Peter Eastwoods Speedster. I have some pics of it on film...i will try and find a scanner. you wanna talk about that boat anchor of a head in the early pics...maybe you dont need it anymore? i just started collection parts for a big drum ruckstell...coupled with a warford
The Roof head went to a car museum in Australia this past fall. That thing weighed more than the block. We have a few pics of the Eastwood speedsters (the raw one and the two-seater) and have been using them as a gauge for how low to go. Building up a Ruckstell from parts? That's the biggest problem with this early T stuff. From, say, that Roof head, to the Buffalo wires, to a Ruckstell rear, every part you find is usually well-worn and in need of both parts and rebuilding. Your best bet is to find stuff that's already been rebuilt...but then again, everyone knows this. Cris
the only part on my t that wasnt worn was the head. since you have pics of the 1st one...you wouldnt mind sharing would you, as i only have pics of the second one. I even went down and talked to Pete and he only had one pic of his first one! what is the wb on your speedster?
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