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
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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"....
Pasthisprime
Member
If you are looking to save money I see finished cars in my area for 7-8k. Buy one and then make it your own. I think the stretched bodies are a big improvement, check those out.
we have a 1922 T bucket project for sale 90% complete , nice paint and upholstery 365ci Cadillac automatic 805 794-1566 for info
Ferg Daddy
New Member
Progress made….lol. Went to a car show and talked to a T bucket owner. He said a few things that made my wife more interested in having me build one. Also listed the kayaks last night to make more room in the garage. And I’ve decided I’m going to start by buying a body and work from there. Definitely want a channeled body. I don’t care about a door. I’m 5’8” and my wife is 5’5” so I don’t need a big body. Which one would you all recommend?
Support the sponsors if you can. I have picked CCR for frames, bodies, brakes, steering, suspensions and most of the other parts for 3 T-buckets and couldn't be happier. Secondly, before you decided to not have a door, did you try getting in a T-bucket without one? I know people who do and others who do not have doors. The do's seem to be happier.
Ferg Daddy
New Member
My wife wants a door….seems like more work though. I was considering small steps.
Ferg Daddy
New Member
I was at a car show last night and the car owner said his wife drives separately because she can’t get in his car. He had a good looking ride. I will post a couple pictures if anyone cares to see them.
I wanted one most of my life. I had looked at them and noted what I liked and didn't for a lot of that time.
In the end, I decided that while buying a new kit and building from there would make it exactly how I wanted, I could save money buying a project or done one and changing things at my own pace. I'm still under your budget and have driven mine quite a bit. I bought in May of 2024.
Be honest with yourself. Do you have the space, time, experience and tools to weld, bodywork, paint, upholster, assemble, wire and plumb a car?
Most T-buckets don't rely on a single donor car and the typical donor these days isn't a V8 carb'ed 3 speed auto with a narrow enough rear axle. Those are all gone or valued as a classic. So you will end up buying individual parts new or used and refurbishing.
I'd also suggest collecting as many pictures online as you can. It's free, it will help you to refine and define what you want and pick out the details that both you and your wife agree on. Wheels and colors can be changed, other things less easily. You will start to recognize which ones have the right 'bones' for you, just like a house.
The site sponsors have pricing on their sites. I have bought parts here and can only say good things about them.
That eats up your stated budget.
The old advice is to buy a stalled project, but those don't come up much. It's more often a done car that has fallen out of favor or set aside.
I haunted a lot of online places while looking. Autotempest can aggregate them, but try to widen the search a bit to make sure you catch them all. I've seen them listed as 1915 to 1929, and all sorts of brands and models. It's usually 23 Ford, but cast a wide net to see them all.
If you want your wife happy and you aren't an exercise junkie, a door is a big improvement and adds value. This can be added to a standard body, but again requires skills.
In the end, I decided that while buying a new kit and building from there would make it exactly how I wanted, I could save money buying a project or done one and changing things at my own pace. I'm still under your budget and have driven mine quite a bit. I bought in May of 2024.
Be honest with yourself. Do you have the space, time, experience and tools to weld, bodywork, paint, upholster, assemble, wire and plumb a car?
Most T-buckets don't rely on a single donor car and the typical donor these days isn't a V8 carb'ed 3 speed auto with a narrow enough rear axle. Those are all gone or valued as a classic. So you will end up buying individual parts new or used and refurbishing.
I'd also suggest collecting as many pictures online as you can. It's free, it will help you to refine and define what you want and pick out the details that both you and your wife agree on. Wheels and colors can be changed, other things less easily. You will start to recognize which ones have the right 'bones' for you, just like a house.
The site sponsors have pricing on their sites. I have bought parts here and can only say good things about them.
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The old advice is to buy a stalled project, but those don't come up much. It's more often a done car that has fallen out of favor or set aside.
I haunted a lot of online places while looking. Autotempest can aggregate them, but try to widen the search a bit to make sure you catch them all. I've seen them listed as 1915 to 1929, and all sorts of brands and models. It's usually 23 Ford, but cast a wide net to see them all.
If you want your wife happy and you aren't an exercise junkie, a door is a big improvement and adds value. This can be added to a standard body, but again requires skills.
Ferg Daddy
New Member
I appreciate the very thorough and informative response. I will have the time and space. I lack some of the skills, but I’m confident I have enough mechanical aptitude to learn and do most of what I want to do myself. I may have to compromise some of my wants because of cost or capability, but I’m willing to make concessions to have a car I can drive.
You are welcome.
Some love being out in the shop and getting each detail just right, some would rather drive, while the show/cruise/group/club thing works for others. Again, work out what are your reasons for spending the time, money and space to start this.
I knew I'd eventually have to do some fiberglass work. I knew I'd have to do some woodworking but didn't have much in tools. I knew I'd have to do mechanical stuff, but did have tools and experience. Each of us bring different skills and resources.
Some love being out in the shop and getting each detail just right, some would rather drive, while the show/cruise/group/club thing works for others. Again, work out what are your reasons for spending the time, money and space to start this.
I knew I'd eventually have to do some fiberglass work. I knew I'd have to do some woodworking but didn't have much in tools. I knew I'd have to do mechanical stuff, but did have tools and experience. Each of us bring different skills and resources.
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