Speedsters. The "half bucket"?

[tfeverfred]

I have posted about them and I have a strong desire to do one. In fact, I'm doing research as you read this. I know Youngster has looked at them and he gave me a really sweet link that is worth a look. http://www.nwvs.org/CarPhotos/CarPhotos.shtml

Has anyone else thought of doing one or is anyone doing one? Maybe it's just my enthusiasm and imagination running wild, but building one of these looks like it could go down for not a lot of bucks.

Nice and simple. No frills. Hardly any chrome. In fact, a bunch of expensive stuff would ruin it. A 4 CYL. or maybe a straight 6 for power. I think it could work. Anyone else?

 

[Baby Huey]

We have a club of those Mod T's around here , they race em at the local County Fairs...There is a member here in town close by that has his car outside in the driveway in good weather.......pretty cool to see the old 4 bangers ..
"BH"

 

[Youngster]

These car were the muscle cars of the teens. You cold buy one from almost all of the manufacters of the day. Edsel Ford had one built for him at the Ford plant. Anyone who wanted a little extra fun from their T would start striping unnessesary weight from car. Overhead conversions started to pop up from Rajo, Hal and others. Of course everyone had to see who had the fastest car, so the horse tracks provided a place for a test of the cars. If this dosen't sound like Hot rodding, I don't know what dose.

Just remember, They are T's too. Not as quick as a bucket, but just as much fun to drive and own.

Ron

 

[Youngster]

Fred...Thought I'd move the speedster bit over here. OK?

No that's not a speedster body. It's the beginings of a race car body circa 1933. That's actually the frame that the shell and the body are sitting on. I'm working on the tail section now. I need to find a pair of '48 chevy type front fenders before I can go any further.

It's gonna have a Model A 4 cylinder engine, trans and rear end. The front axel and spindles are from a '33 Ford with Model A split wishbones. I have a set of "33-'34, 17" Ford wire wheels for it, but would really like to run '32, 18"" wires. Got 4 now but 2 are in bad shape.

Next time I pull it out to work on it, I'll take some pictures in a mock up stage.

BTW I copied those plans for the dirt race car I told you about. PM your addy and I'll drop them in the mail for you.

Ron

 

[tfeverfred]

Man, just what I can make out is VERY impressive! You really do need to get some pics up. The T Bucket's half sister is really on my mind lately. I tossed ideas at a friend of mine today and his eyes really lite up.

 

[tfeverfred]

I think a simple extended cowl, say about 18", two "do-it-yourself" bomber seats, a decent size wooden tool box (in your choice of wood) behind the seats, a cool gas tank made by RPM (yea, gotta get him in here too) and for motivation.... a 4 banger of your choice (Henry would appreciate a Ford). It would be just as much fun as a bucket, but with minimal body and about 25+ MPG. Oh, did I mention it could probably be done for less than $5,000 if ya shop around for stuff. I'm already checking prices on stuff. The big ticket item would be the power plant and that's not such a big ticket.

I'll have sketches soon.

I'll also work up ideas as to what the chassis would need to be like. I have no experience with chassis design, but I think I can sketch a few things down for you to get an idea of what I may need to see this through. barring the unforseen, I expect to be needing a chassis around Christmas.

 

[tfeverfred]

Youngster, here is a pic I found on that site. This is the style of chassis I would want to go with. The rear would be as shown using a Speedway spring and brackets, but a regular style kickup. In place of the front crossmember in the pic, a conventional square tube type, with a spring mount typical to T Buckets. The height is about what I would want, even using a straight axle up front. Take a gander at this and play with ideas and see what you can come up with. A rough cost would also be appreciated and I'll not hold you to it. It's just for me to get an idea.

I already have my hat picked out!:welcome:

 

[Dennis Bynum]

Fred, I have that headgear. Awsome and worth the $$.

 

[tfeverfred]

Fred, I have that headgear. Awsome and worth the $$.

Yea, I saw it on SoCals website and just HAVE to have one! I'll get it after my bucket is legal and driving around proper and have it ready. Hell, I'll probably sport it in the fall with a nice pair of goggles to break it in! :welcome:

 

[LumenAl]

Where do you get the rear axle, spindles, wheels and brakes?

 

[tfeverfred]

These guys have all the gennie repop stuff: http://www.modeltford.com/
But, I'd probably go with conventional running gear. A Pinto would be the ideal donor car for the running gear.

I'm not after making a resoration type speedster. I just want the look with dependability. Ebay and swapmeets would be my friend.

 

[Youngster]

There's alot going on in that picture. It's a good reprsentative of a speedster chassis. This one I beleive is going to be running a Rajo head on a Model T block. There are some updates planned for it like disc brakes etc.

If you were going to run a later mmodel 4cyl., this chassis would,IMO, not be the way to go. The T rear end is too weak for the type of use we put our cars through. The same could be said for the front axle assembly. The frame is a C-channel type and would also be a problem. The wire wheels are either Buffalo or Hayes. They are big buck items if you can find someone willing to part with them.

That's the bad news, here's the good news. For a late model 4cyl. or even a flat head, a rect. tube frame can be built using a Model A or T rear spring on a Model A or later banjo rear axel. A Model A front axel assembly on a flat cross member will work for the front. A set of A wires would be usable but 17" or 18" ones would be better. If the frame mirrored a Model T frame, A body such as the one Fred posted at the beginning of the thread could be used / fabricated.

These cars are a hoot to drive. I can guarentee you will get as much attension in one of thiese as you will in your T bucket!

Ron

 

[Todd]

I was thinking that a spring over drop axle front with a spring behind rear would be cool. Kind of a lowboy speedster/highboy modified type of thing. I would do more of a modern take on an old favorite build.

 

[VegasBruce]

I was thinking that a spring over drop axle front with a spring behind rear would be cool. Kind of a lowboy speedster/highboy modified type of thing. I would do more of a modern take on an old favorite build.

If your using a later model engine, I think that would the way to go.

 

[tfeverfred]

"For a late model 4cyl. or even a flat head, a rect. tube frame can be built using a Model A or T rear spring on a Model A or later banjo rear axel. A Model A front axel assembly on a flat cross member will work for the front. A set of A wires would be usable but 17" or 18" ones would be better. If the frame mirrored a Model T frame, A body such as the one Fred posted at the beginning of the thread could be used / fabricated."

That is what I wanted you to look at, Youngster. I want the frame in this style, but made with rectangular tubing. Model A rear and spring setup and a tube axle up front.

What would a basic frame like that cost?

 

[tfeverfred]

I want something like this, but no fenders.

Not quite as high. Maybe instead of wire wheels, steel wheels with Moon disc.

 

[VegasBruce]

That would be sweet.

 

[tfeverfred]

Hey! Is it just me or is that a faucet being used on the top of the radiator of the last pic I posted?! If so, THAT is too cool!:lol:

 

[LumenAl]

Hey! Is it just me or is that a faucet being used on the top of the radiator...?

Nope... It's just you!

 

[Yogi]

Thats what it looks like.....maybe used to release pressure?