Lifelong T Fan. Once Again Considering a Build.

[69SpecialDeluxe]

Hello,
I've been a lifelong lover of the Model T in all it's forms. Stock and everything else. I've started to build a T a few times but never got far. Once, I had mostly put together a decent steel body from some crusty '20 T touring panels. I deeply regret selling that, even though at the time it was a bigger project than I had the skills or money to finish. Now considering starting another next year; a 1926/27 widened body from Class Glass or a glass stock dimension 1923-25 body. Either would be LOW on narrowed '32 rails with a solid roller Chevy 283 and TH400. Although, the '26 would also look pretty good on A rails. Glad to be on here to get some ideas and the occasional advice.

 

[Spanky]

Welcome to the family. Your story sounds familiar. I hope we can help you make your dream a reality, since most of us started with a dream and built it step-by-step. In my case, it took 15 years (2001 - 2016) - I was working and raising a family at the same time until I retired in 2012.

I'm curious about your mention of a 283 for engine choice. Is there a reason for that particular SB Chevy?

 

[69SpecialDeluxe]

Thanks. Yeah, my granddad used to run a '57 Chevy in NHRA jr stock before the year rule (1960 or newer) and had many stories to entertain a young kid. He also had a '56 he drove in high school with a solid lifter dual quad 283 and 4 speed from a wrecked Corvette. Those stories made 283s legendary to me.

 

[Spanky]

. . . . Those stories made 283s legendary to me.

I get it. The problem you will have is finding a 283 block in good enough condition to rebuild. 350's are even getting harder to find, at least good ones. Would you consider building a 350 to look and perform like a 1950's era 283?

 

[RodStRace]

I agree with Spanky, BUT if you keep an eye out and know all the casting numbers and can check the important specs to ensure it's rebuildable, you can find one. You just need to be able to have cash in hand and confirm it's a valid purchase.
Example I have no idea if it's already 40 to 60 over or the right parts.

283 Chevy engine and stand - auto parts - by owner - vehicle automotive sale - craigslist

Just pulled 11/2/25, ran great, just used oil, was gonna rebuild. Went another route

semo.craigslist.org

A word of warning. decades ago, I pieced together a fairly hard to find engine. It ended up costing a lot more than if I had found one complete.

Casting numbers! These should be printed out or saved on your phone so you can verify that 283 is legit, not a 87 305!

Small Block Chevy Engine Block casting and code identification

Small Block Chevy engine identification. Code identification, Casting Number info.

nastyz28.com

and

Chevy Casting Number identification - Block casting numbers

Chevy Casting Number identification including Block casting numbers, cylinder head casting numbers, Crankshaft and intake casting numbers.

outintheshop.com

I will also mention that while looking for a guide on these, I ran across a few sites that are just AI garbage. I won't bother posting them, but verify what info you use. If the page says something like "most are 90 degree V8s" or "The fuel pump pushrod is in the center of the engine" consider it to be worse than useless. Hopefully you know enough to be able to weed out this junk.