Ferg Daddy
New Member
I’m at the point in life where I can finally afford to take on a project like this….I think. I’m a Ford guy, first and foremost. How do I being? Where do I begin? I’m fine with a fiberglass body. Do I start there?
Completely clueless in Utah
- Thread starter Ferg Daddy
- Start date
First of all, welcome! I believe the place to start is with a vision of what you like and can afford. T-buckets can vary widely in style and performance. Once you have a vision of what you like the 1st step is probably a chassis. We have sponsors (RPM and CCR) who can supply components or even a finished chassis. I vote for the latter, since they have engineered a chassis design that has stood the test of time. After that, you add body, power train, wheels and tires, wiring and interior. We're here to help at every step. 
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Pasthisprime
Member
It is good to look around and see what is out there locally. Sometimes it makes sense to buy a finished car. If you have never sat or driven/ridden in a t I would highly suggest it. They can feel very small and overwhelmingly so in traffic when you are surrounded by much larger vehicles. I would also suggest Spirit Cars, I bought a chassis from them and am very pleased with the quality. They have stretched body versions as well.
Ferg Daddy
New Member
Definitely a fan of Jans bucket. I could just buy one, and I probably should just buy one, but I’d like to take on the project and build one.
My first T-bucket came from CCR. I bought EVERYTHING except the engine and trans from them and just bolted it all together. All the pieces fit without modification, the car (I still have it) is comfortable, runs straight, steers well, I can't think of anything easier and they (Jerry and Diane) are great to deal with.
Welcome, and you definitely came to the right place to get advice. The members here will steer you in the right direction, but ultimately it is your decision as to whether you want to buy or build or something in between. The bucket you liked from Spanky's pictures is mine, and we bought a run-down bucket (mainly for the original body & frame) then redid EVERYTHING ELSE! It is a big project but so satisfying when you finally get it done.
Ferg Daddy
New Member
Could someone possibly put together a ballpark list of what a build might cost? Like broken down by groups of components. For example: Engine, transmission, suspension, wheels and tires, body, frame, electrical, miscellaneous. Or more broken out than that if it makes sense. My wife has given me a budget of about $12k-$15k (which means $15k of course). I’m just trying to plan ahead. For instance, if you guys think the body would be like $1500-$2000 and I find one for like $1200, then I know I’m kind of ahead of the game. Or like "don't pay more than $XXX for your donor vehicle, I will know what to set as my top price when shopping for that. I just want to make sure I’m in the right range for things. I know there is no exact science to this, that’s why I said ballpark. Perhaps some of you that have done this know what it cost you. It would be interesting to hear from some of you that have done it with more of a kit build and some of you that have done it as more of a full custom build as well. If something like this has been posted already, a link to the thread would be great.
Perhaps some of my likes and dislikes would help too. Not a big fan of radius arms, does that steer me in one direction versus another? I would like to make my own frame. I'm not a welder, but I can certainly cut tubes and get things ready for someone to weld. I just think it might make more sense to design the frame to fit exactly how I want it to. I definitely like wide rear tires, does that help me narrow down my potential donor vehicle?
For my job I use Solidworks about 90% of my day so I plan to mock up a lot of my main components (frame, body, engine) on the computer to get my spacing for things down, though I do no real life does not exist on a computer screen. I can however 3D print my small brackets and things to get a real world idea of how they are going to fit.
In my mind, my build started yesterday. I began cleaning the garage. LOL. My wife didn't even complain. I'm not sure she knows what can of worms I am opening.
Perhaps some of my likes and dislikes would help too. Not a big fan of radius arms, does that steer me in one direction versus another? I would like to make my own frame. I'm not a welder, but I can certainly cut tubes and get things ready for someone to weld. I just think it might make more sense to design the frame to fit exactly how I want it to. I definitely like wide rear tires, does that help me narrow down my potential donor vehicle?
For my job I use Solidworks about 90% of my day so I plan to mock up a lot of my main components (frame, body, engine) on the computer to get my spacing for things down, though I do no real life does not exist on a computer screen. I can however 3D print my small brackets and things to get a real world idea of how they are going to fit.
In my mind, my build started yesterday. I began cleaning the garage. LOL. My wife didn't even complain. I'm not sure she knows what can of worms I am opening.
Martin72
Member
Suggestion: Click the 2 links at the top of the forum, RPM and CCR. Both are sponsors of this forum. Both have individual components, frames, axles, bodies, etc. Also, I believe CCR has assemblies (I hate to call them kits) that include, for example, all the parts you need to assemble a frame. You can also check Spirit Cars and Speedway motors for other options. For example, my car is "old-school", split wishbones and drilled I-beam axle in the front. The options that are available are endless. Engines and transmissions can be purchased new from places like Summit Racing.
Once you have an idea about what you want your car to look like, you can put together a list of new parts to see what it would cost, then go shopping -- you'll have a idea what the new parts cost to use as a compairson when shopping for used, or when considering making your own.
Have fun doing it "your way"....
Once you have an idea about what you want your car to look like, you can put together a list of new parts to see what it would cost, then go shopping -- you'll have a idea what the new parts cost to use as a compairson when shopping for used, or when considering making your own.
Have fun doing it "your way"....
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