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Long time no see

raidmagic

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
I use to be a semi active member here but I sold my bucket and moved onto other things. Lately I've been getting the itch for another. I'm considering doing this one from the ground up. This may not be the right forum for this discussion but I'd like to have a conversation about the best way to go about it if I do build another.


Buy a frame kit? (Speedway or the like)
Build my own frame from plans?
Buy a roller ready kit?
Just buy someone else's failed project and redo it like I want. (this is what I did the 1st time)
Who makes the best or most comprehensive kit?
If I build my own frame will the suspension parts I purchase, or kit have measurements for where and how the suspension attaches.

At this point this is something I'm laying out plans for and instead of just jumping it blindly like I did on my 1st one. There were quite a few things I wasn't happy with the 1st time around and I'd like to correct those this time.

Let's have a discussion if you guys are interested.
 
Buy a frame kit? (Speedway or the like)
Build my own frame from plans?
Buy a roller ready kit?
Just buy someone else's failed project and redo it like I want. (this is what I did the 1st time)
Who makes the best or most comprehensive kit?
If I build my own frame will the suspension parts I purchase, or kit have measurements for where and how the suspension attaches.

Wow, so many questions !

Build my own frame from plans?...... Slow but you get exactly what you want !
Buy a roller ready kit? .................Fast and expensive, what is your budget and when do you want to drive this TBucket?
Just buy someone else's failed project and redo it like I want. (this is what I did the 1st time) ...... Just one thing to say, No, No, No !
Who makes the best or most comprehensive kit? Several people, how much money do you have ??? $10K plus
If I build my own frame will the suspension parts I purchase, or kit have measurements for...... Need more info !
 
Welcome back! I think to get what you want this time, you should start from scratch. And realistically, a frame from one of our sponsors (RPM, Spirit or CCR) is the way to go. By the time you purchase the steel to build your own, you will spend almost as much as you would for a complete frame, and the engineering is already done - tried and proven. There are still choices based on your preferences . . . standard or extended body, engine/transmission, suspension setup, body style (modified w/ exposed tank, PU bed, turtle back) etc. All 3 of our sponsors are available here with technical support and advice. Plus you've got all us experts!!! :D
 
Do your homework, look at pics of T's. See which ones you like and why, long wheel base or short. Real low, ground scrapping or average suspension height. Do you want your T to have a certain era look to it,ie 50's, 60's
 
I'm glad you guys are up for a conversation. I've already been to RPM's site (I've dealt with him in the past) and have priced out the big ticket items. For a build using his frame. There is a guy local to me that sells bodies but I'd have to see them in person before committing to that. I'd like to mimic my old build but actually paint it this time and make it a better driver. I had speed wobbles with mine and the front brakes would lock up in any thing other than a moderate slow down. I'd like to make it drivable and then drive the wheels off it. I live in Florida so I pretty much get year around drive time. My last one I drove a lot but would avoid taking it when going through real traffic as I just didn't trust the brakes keeping me out of trouble in a panic stop. Here's a picture of it before I sold it. I still have the drive train and would probably use it again. It has sentimental value.

t bucket.jpg
 
So I sent an email to Ron at RPM yesterday, he called back within 2 hours, it was 8:30, I missed the call I was in the shower but I was going to call him back today and he called be before I could call. To say I'm impressed is an understatement. Quality customer service. I had a good conversation with him and he answered all my questions. I'm going to pull the trigger and do this. I am going to buy the Big Boy body, I'm pretty sure, hopefully I can compare them when I go pick up the frame and suspension from him.
 
OK I did it. Called Ron yesterday and ordered up the big stuff. I will pick it up somewhere around the end of July. I'm excited and you all are a bad influence. :)
 
No Spanky this is to get my parts to build a T but maybe I'll do something stupid like that with it lol.

I made it. 22.5 hours and 1413 miles. Met Ron, bought more crap while there. Good thing he lives so far away, I could get in trouble.

I tired to upload pics but it says they are too large.
 

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