Projects The bucket of ugly! A de-uglifying thread...

The perch bolts are model T, they have a flat mounting surface, not tapered like all later bolts. The bone mount is made the way is for that reason...cool ride.

 

Honestly, The 265, S-10 4x4 and '48 rear are exactly the components I'd choose if doing this deal! Frank Oddo of Street Rodder tech fame had a quote years ago that I still live to this day, "Nostalgia stops at the firewall". Meaning, it was his way of justifying using late model stuff that really was better when it wasn't visible. An overdrive is a MASSIVE improvement for freeway travel these day out here in the West especially where freeway speeds are lots faster than the more compact East. And, as I have said before, if anybody kneels down low enough to see your trans and******es about it, they are in a perfect position to semi gently kick in the**** as a reminder not to criticize others....

 

Drag it all out in the driveway, lay it out like a 'bucket and show us what ya got! When everybody knows you are looking for stuff like this, you'd be surprised what shows up at your door! Just yesterday a client of mine knocked on the door and handed me a "T" rear spring that he said he knew I would use and would rather not scrap.

Consider this your car-to-be's first "glamor shot"....

 

Chip, I agree with you about, if you cant see it. My tires are the main thing that stands out that is in clear view, but I macan change them or get a 2nd set. The theme year for my car is late 50's.
Paul, I have a 3.78 rear in my RPU and with the 275/75x16 rear tires my 283 (301) will be spinning at 2500 RPM at 60 MPH (our max speed).JW

 

Well Paul there you have it two different opinions and one agonizing over every decision he makes. Well most of us agonize over a lot of our decisions. I'm sure whatever you do will be great. Maybe I do agree with Chip more than I would like to admit. I did leave my '60s /'70s*******. in my '50s style roadster.

 

That is a very valid point raised about the driveability of these cars we build and enjoy. I have a TH400 behind my 350 and I have never seen anybody bend down to see what type of trans it is and to be totally honest, how many would know the difference by just looking at the pan shape etc. I think if I removed the fancy stainless steel flexy radiator hoses and fitted rubber ones, the only way people would know if the engine was a 350 is by the casting number at the back which when I looked up could make my block either a 327 or a 350 and I'm not about to strip a excellent working engine just to measure it up. I wanted my car to be reliable that I could jump into it and drive down the full length of the country without a worry.

 

Ok Mark, heres your challenge, I want to see you T down here sometime JW

 

If I didn't make myself clear earlier today, Take some pictures of your traditional 'Buckets whether together or parts collections and let's see what you guys are working on. There are so many of us on this thread now, that there is a good chance if you need it, it might be on my shop wall. or Garry's, or...

 

Yes Chip we've all got stuff laying around and I for one have gotten to a point where I'm ready to clear out some of my stuff. Lets see what you've got (post pictures) and what you need to get your traditional bucket projects together and driving.

Speaking of getting rid of parts Fathersday I'll be towing my roadster down again behind my usually empty P.U. Hell this time I'm going to fill it up with stuff to sell in the swap area where we meet. (our camp). I hope others of you do the same. Lets make it a Party. Remember out in the swap area we can drive anything in for just a few bucks swap or car for sale space price.
Gary

 

I hope that includes 26-27s. Heres where im at, working on the radiator, shifter linkage, accelerator and throttle/kick down cables and linkages and finish the wir ing. JW

 

Not feeling too good today. Hope I don`t have crud on the way. I have to get two jobs out this week, and can`t afford any time sick. Didn`t do anything much yesterday either. Not like me to be a Couch Potato, but there it is. I really value all you guys input on the direction of the project. I`m going to see about the 265 later, and call on some other stuff.

Good News.....Got a `note` thingy from Falcon George today. He is watching us......(well me at least--I`m sure he`s given up on watching Chip......)

 

Yes, I noticed that Falcon George 'liked' a post of Gary's early today

 

Hope Paul you don't have the bug I had a couple of weeks ago. Or maybe if you have to have something it wasn't that bad. I could have worked through it in a younger life.
I too have heard from Falcon George. He's hanging in there and in his words "Lurking".

 

I'm glad FG is still nearby, I've valued his input. The rear shocks are nearly done, just need to make tabs to attach the links to the axle. My to do list is getting short!

 

So have we (or can we) reserve several swap meet spaces together? Or are we talking about out in Specialty Car parking?

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

Hey if we are donating parts to a bucket build, I need a frame, a body, a drivetrain, wheels and tires....well you get the idea! I would love to start collecting parts for one of these things!


Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

3

Short Wheelbase T? Not exactly my plan, but the chassis is up in the rafters, and it will take some doing to get it down!



Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

Damn it! Forgot to attach the picture!



Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

hell, I better make sure I've got plenty of room in my suitcase then

 

There's a "T" on Ebay right now that was built in the late 50's and updated in the 60's that is fairly close to what I'll be shooting for. http://www.ebay.com/itm/251852009433?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

 

Yeah jalopy that belongs to a friend of mine Marcus Edell. He is on the hamb. I think that might be his avatar name too. He is in the buying, fixing up and then selling for a profit vintage cars. I've never seen this one in person although I've seen a lot of it on his Facebook page. I think it is the real deal. I'd be surprised if you could get it on the cheap though. He was asking $32,000. But if you really want a piece of T Bucket history I don't think you will find a better one.
Gary

 

Yeah, it's been in the classifieds on here too. Looks like a super cool little car.

 

Well, I am not in need of parts as of right now for my current T build, and I have already posted photos of my progress, but you're gonna get more photos anyway. I started getting the wood cut out to brace the body, and trying to plan ahead for the soon to be opening passenger door. It's coming along slowly...










Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

...and at the same time, I had some help, so we got the engine, trans, and body off the frame. I really need a motivator, so we're going to try firing the engine for the first time this weekend. With everything off the frame, I should be able to get it braced up and sent to a friend for final welding.



Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

Tim
Looking good. Hope to see it parked next to my roadster in our HAMB camp this June at LARS. How is that for motivation.
Actually my roadster was at about that point of construction in '88 when my friend took me to my first Goodguys rod run in Pleasanton Ca. in his A Coupe. I vowed then to have mine there in '89 and it was. I really needed that kick in the pants to finish it after about nine years building.
Gary

 

And I think I have posted a little about this before, but maybe not fully explained myself.

I wanted to try to have at least a few home brewed parts on the engine, so I machined the fuel block out of hex aluminum and punched my last name in it. I wish it was a few inches longer, but this was the biggest I could get between centers on my ancient lathe. I also made the progressive linkage, which came out pretty decent.



I wanted to incorporate at least some modern technology into my "vintage" SBC build, so I did some brainstorming. It seems like every tech article I read on multi carbs, they end up falling short of their goals and blame it on the technology of the parts. Which makes sense, but nobody really goes beyond that....

Until I read Littleman's thread on his nitrous SBC in the Model A pickup I posted a pic of a few pages back. He has 6 Holley 94's on that thing, and what he did to make those work goes beyond mechanical ability and borders on art. His results are well worth all that hard work. Other than making each carb bigger, he also drilled all the air bleeds, squirters, jets, etc. to match his combo. And added a***** load of nitrous. Anyway, I was inspired.

I am more familiar with the Holley 4bbl than I am with the Rochester 2 Jet, but they're not all that complex. The higher end Holley carbs have interchangeable air bleeds and idle feeds, so you can change more than just jets to get it dialed in. Well, I took this idea along with what I saw Littleman do to those 94's and drilled and tapped the venturi nozzles to accept Holley air bleeds. I also re-threaded the main jet holes to accept Holley jets (way cheaper and way more available than Rochester jets).

As far as idle tubes go, I can tune those by simply pulling and pressing in a different pair, which I can drill with numbered drill bits. The pump shot I plan to tune by strategic bending of the pump rod, and if that doesn't work, I can drill the squirters if necessary. Anyway, point being, I have quite a range of possibilities as far as tuning goes, and it's all concealed inside three 1960's Rochester 2 Jets.





Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

Which version, Jalopy45? I'm kinda liking both of them!

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!

 

I would lean towards the panel painted version without the angel hair. The turtle deck is not used on as many cars at the PU bed, but could easily hold a fuel tank with room left over. But then I'm just looking at the style, I have no desire to copy someone elses car verbatum.

 

jalopy45,
If you don't end up finding what you're looking for at the Portland swap meet, I have considered parting ways with my steel body parts. The reason being I'm questioning why I would build another bucket - kinda want to do a Model A or something next, but I change my mind daily. Anyway, if you're interested, PM me. I'll be at the Portland swap, and I may still get a booth to unload some other bits and pieces.

Gary,
That's my goal. I realize more and more that it's a lofty goal to be driving to LARS this year, but it keeps the motivation going as you said. If I can get the motor lit off this weekend, I imagine that fire will keep my drive burning for quite awhile. Fingers crossed!

 

I was too! The black version is nice, just a little understated for me!

Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!