Hello tbucketeers!

[godchaser49]

Hello tbucketeers!!! This is my first post. I am the proud new owner a 1927 Model T!!! It's not much right now but I'm looking forward to building my first hot rod; its a family project for us, getting my wife & daughters involved. I'm sure I'll have TONS of questions and hope to get some info and guidance from others here. I have attached a pic of my chassis; it still has the original 4-cylinder hand-crank motor THAT STILL CRANKS as well as the original wooden-spoke wheels. Those are up for sale as I'm building a cutsom hot rod and do not need them. Anyway, thanks for the site and I look forward to many good discussions. God bless.

Jason
North Carolina

 

[putz]

Welcome to our little corner of the web. There are going to be some questions about what you are going to use for a frame. Think hard the original is usually to light as is.

 

[godchaser49]

There are going to be some questions about what you are going to use for a frame. Think hard the original is usually to light as is.

I've had some friends say I can use the original frame as long as I box it to beef it up; is that not a good idea? Thanks!!

 

[deckofficer]

Jason,

In most states, what you plan to do will allow you to register it as a 1927 and that is very desireable as you won't need anything on your car that wasn't required in 1927. I'm in California and my Track-T is reg as a 1923, I have no horn, turn signals, wiper. I do have seat belts even though they are not required but no smog checks. Below I copied and pasted what I wrote in your introductions posting..........................


Jason,

Welcome to the forum. Any chance of posting a larger picture? You are going to love the power to weight ratio of a hot rod T. I have had more conventional hot rods in the past (i.e. '55 Ford with blown 427 side oiler) but have never had as much motoring fun as 400+hp in a car that weighs 1790 lbs. I'm 240 lbs, so you can imagine its scoot potentional with one of your daughters driving it. I let my 30 something school teacher niece drive my T and she did really good. She used to have a Subaru WRX sti, so she could drive a stick, which is what is in my Track-T. Good luck on your build and I'll speak for the rest of the guys............. post pictures of your build progress.

Bob

 

[putz]

I've had some friends say I can use the original frame as long as I box it to beef it up; is that not a good idea? Thanks!!

Boxing the frame can be done but sometimes it is easier and cheaper to buy a new one Ron you have built a few would you chime in here.

 

[RPM]

Boxing the frame can be done but sometimes it is easier and cheaper to buy a new one Ron you have built a few would you chime in here.

It would be more, time, trouble, work and probably more money to try and use the 82 year old T frame. Building or buying a new purpose built hot rod frame would be a better choice.

We have a U weld it kit for $185.00 and it can be shipped via UPS. All the pieces are cut at the correct angles. You have to notch the rails for the front tube and weld it together.

 

[Youngster]

Jason, at the top of this age, click on the "How to build a roadster". There is a set of plans there for a chassis you can download for free.

Ron

PS ... Don't be too quick to sell off that T chassis. You have the makings of a cool "T" Speedster there.

 

[VegasBruce]

PS ... Don't be too quick to sell off that T chassis. You have the makings of a cool "T" Speedster there.

:thumb:

 

[godchaser49]

I would like to keep the original frame if all possible, trying to keep a piece of history here I guess, so if someone can help with some plans on a good way to beef it up I would greatly appreciative. Plan on installing a Ford 302 with a C4 transmission and a Ford 9 inch rear end, so I'm gonna beef the frame as much as I can to handle that much power & torque. Thanks and God bless.


Jason

 

[Youngster]

While what your planning is admirable, There are some things you need to consider. In order to make that frame suitable for that Ford motor or any other for that matter, it will take so a lot of work. In less time you can have a well built one made from tubing. There isn't much on that frame that is usable save maybe the rear crossmember and spring. Another point to think about is the safety factor. You speak of your wife and daughters. I'm sure you want them to be riding in a safe well built car.

Please consider starting with a new chassis. You won't regret it.

Ron

 

[one finger john]

I would like to keep the original frame if all possible, trying to keep a piece of history here I guess, so if someone can help with some plans on a good way to beef it up I would greatly appreciative. Plan on installing a Ford 302 with a C4 transmission and a Ford 9 inch rear end, so I'm gonna beef the frame as much as I can to handle that much power & torque. Thanks and God bless.


Jason

Jason, have you ever heard the saying "82 years of tradition, unhampered by progress"? The 302/c4 combo will have enough suds to twist that T frame even with bracing, For car that accelerates straight, stops straight, and won't scare the wife and kids just driving down the road, seriously, give Ron @ RPM a call. Nice guy, FAIR prices on product, straight shooter on advice ... what more could you ask for?

John

P.S. Pieces of history belong in a museum, not on public roads.

 

[GizmoJoe]

Welcome...

I have an original frame too... sitting idle. I won't use it for this project, even though I'm no stranger to a wedler. For a resto or a speedster with a 4-banger... sure.
I do understand wanting to preserve some part of history. Been there.

I had more written but these guys are on top of things, as usual.

Listen to these guys.. they; know, have been there, wrote the book, live the experience.

Safety is #1 with fun being a close 2nd.

 

[rooster57]

These guys are right you may consider that the additional horse power could cause you to cross that "river jordan" sooner than you would like to.