What would you do to bring this 70's era T bucket up to standard?

Safety check and some gas. Done. I would drive that car everyday if it was in my yard!

 

Don't worry about the headers. Go through the car and replace rubber fuel and brake lines, master and wheel cylinders, and fluids. Check all the structural stuff and replace the tires. Get that thing driving down the road as soon as possible and keep it that way. Thing like the headers can be changed in 10 minutes later. Don't tear down the car beyond recognition and make it unaffordable to get it out of the garage.

 

Good advice. I second that!

 

I've never liked that style. It really goes against the "form-follows-function" rule of most hot rods and race cars.

I'd take it apart, get rid of a all the kitsch like the lamps, and turn it into something more like a hot rod - a street going version of a T-bucket dragster.

Velour..ugh..

 

I grew up with these cars being the ones we saw in all the magazines. I can understand moving the column if you are going to drive it a lot. I believe that going through the essentials are a given and not really something to note.

Other than that, I'd leave it.

 

I'd keep it just the way it is, climb in it, drive the shizzz out of it, smile and wave my middle finder REAL high in the air to those that bad mouth it!

But thats just me. Do what you want, Amigo.

 

I like the straight up steering. I've also been a big fan of spoked wheels on the "buckets" but with the big block it might not be enough. I would keep it just like it is. Just fix it back up the way it is. Lets face it. there will be a time when these old T survivors will have a lot of collectability. Not many have lasted un changed im guessing. Cool find!

 

Get it driving first. I'd strip out the velour too, even no upolstery would be better. Have fun with it.

 

that had to be a heck of a ride with a 427,drum brakes,and the goofy t-steering,I think either restore it to the way it was built or make it your own with your own ideas.Its your car now! wish it was mine.good luck and keep a post on it!

 

Check out the one that VonFranco had and get as close to that as possible...

 

...the one that von Franco "had"? Good grief, Frankie's cloned everything kool so far!

Anderegg Roadster (the hard way!) Kookie version of Norm's T, Norm's original Lightnin' Bug;

What's he up to now? The mind cringes....

 

Bringing this one back from the dead, as it's taken me a year to finally get it out here. After waiting months for another friend to bring it to me in exchange for a 67 C10 I bought for him, he bitched out and I ended up calling Mr Reliable, BenD and had him bring it out. We cleaned it up a little bit and started making notes on what brake parts needed replaced, checking out the wiring, etc. I ended up using the BBC in another build cause it took so long to get to me, so I'm going to rattle can rebuild a SBC I have in the garage and just throw it in to start driving it. Ben pointed out the ISCA sticker on the windshield, and judging from the amount of chrome it had on it, I think that was it's main purpose. From looking it over real close, it's never been painted, that is just the black gel coat, so I'm going to stick with that. Here's a quick pic after a quick wash and putting the windshield back on. I'll add more pics as start working on it.

 

That thing's got a face for radio!!!

...crank it up!!!

That thing is glorious!

Sent from my iPhone using TJJ!!!

 

A lot of people would kill to have this car. I like the Dracula lamp tail lights.

 

Great to see you're on it.

Good luck

 

The steering column has to go. Probably would be a pain in the ass to drive. The velour also should go as well as the coach lights. Painted "steelies" would look nice. I would make it more "bare bones." But that's just me.
Tom

 

Just leave it 70's style. That stuff will be back in style soon. lol

 

I voted to change the steering, just because you mentioned you plan on driving the wheels off of it, other then that.

Pop in your SBC and drive away. You can always change stuff in the winter.

 

throw that small block in it,burn some major rubber ,show us what you did to it when the smoke clears.........

 

Dust it off and go have fun!!!!!!

 

PS KEEP THE COLUMN!! wow id hate for yall to get the ice truck ..

 

Nothing wrong with the 70's look. Maybe not as traditional as some would like, but in time, it will be. Just clean it up, make sure everything is working properly and enjoy the hell out of it!

 

all weather upholstery like the guy said

 

The steering column is going to stay up, mainly because of the way the cowl steering is set up. Here's a pic to show what I'm talking about.

 

Well here's the latest update. I got injured at work and my friend Bobby basically did everythig to it that was needed to get it roadworthy. We got the 12 spokes out front this week, and next week is the detailing of the engine and either painiting or wrapping the headers. Since I am basically useless in my present physical state, I just went ahead and signed it over to him. He just turned 17 and has a nice 71 Longhorn Chevy truck that's loaded out, a car trailer, and this crazy thing to pick the girls up in. I told him he had better pick out a NICE nursing home for me...