first bucket build, need insight

[Jerry]

Hello all. It appears i am starting with about a 1923 racer car. It has old 4 leaf spring assy for suspension. I am thinking of changing it up to the standard single leaf set up in the front. What do you guys think? My intentions with this (besides just having fun building it) are my own vision of the T bucket with ford steering and suspension, a ford 8.8 rear with all four disc brakes powered by a chevy 350/350 nothing super fancy or crazy hopped up. You all think this will be a good starting point? Thank you all for your insight and time.

 

[railroad]

I am sure it can and has been done, but price a frame from RPM or one of the other good suppliers. I do not think the expense will be greater than the amount of work you will have to do to bring your frame to the same place in the build. A prewelded frame insures no surprises when you start lining up the axles and wheels. Not trying to discourage you at all. Just guessing, your frame will need narrowing, re enforcing and some added cross members. Some more experienced builders will chime in and give more info to help with your decision. Great body, love the steel.

 

[EX JUNK]

I am sure it can and has been done, but price a frame from RPM or one of the other good suppliers. I do not think the expense will be greater than the amount of work you will have to do to bring your frame to the same place in the build. A prewelded frame insures no surprises when you start lining up the axles and wheels. Not trying to discourage you at all. Just guessing, your frame will need narrowing, re enforcing and some added cross members. Some more experienced builders will chime in and give more info to help with your decision. Great body, love the steel.

I agree with railroad 100%. There is an old saying, "penny wise and pound foolish". Do it right the first time as it is cheaper in the long run.

Jim

 

[Jerry]

Good advice, thank you guys. I never thought of that. I assumed the original frame would just have the cool factor and at 26 1/2" front and 41" in the back i thought it looked kinda cool. I will check into some prefab frames. Choices choices. Oh and i never get discouraged, its just a challenge. Thankfully i dont have too much invested yet other than hours and hours of tinker time. Got the whole car for $140 although i really just wanted the frame and metal body. Here is what it looked like when i bought it.

 

[Jerry]

Correction. The frame is 41" rear over axle outside to outside and the front is 28" over axle outside to outside.

 

[Dino]

Wow $140 thats cheep . You have good start

 

[Mike J]

If you thought it looked "kinda cool" like that, build of that thought and go from there.

 

[jmr122848]

what front axel & brakes now?

 

[Jerry]

I think the front is off a late 40's truck and the rear off of a 40's early 50's Super 88. Four wheel drum. Both axles and springs will be getting scraped.

 

[railroad]

Check around on the axles, before scrapping them. Some restorer or rat rodder may give you more than scrap price and the parts are not gone forever.