Thread: Low-budget/T-Bucket Pickup

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I too have a little cliché I love to throw at this type of moronic attitude: Those that can, do. Those that can't, teach. And those that can do neither...criticise.

Definately an authority issue thing!

In MA you don't need fenders on any vehicle pre 1948. This has created many heated conversations at inspection time. I now carry a copy of registry requirements in my duece and that usually shuts them up.

I rented a U-Haul trailer and towed the car in for the vehicle inspection.

When I got there, they told me to unload it and pull it inside the inspection bay. About 8 people came out to look at it, just out of curiosity. They did ZERO “inspection” of anything mechanical or safety related!

There was only one thing they were interested in. I used a title for a 1979 Chevy Malibu in my name, as the source for the engine. The “inspector” asked me where the numbers on the engine were, so I showed him. He then pulled out the title and said “these numbers don’t match”. Well no kidding. I told him that in 1979 the VIN number was not stamped on the engine. He spent a few minutes stewing over that. He kept saying that we had to find some way to prove that engine came out of that car. Then he said “well this is a hell of a mess”, and disappeared into the office for about 10 minutes. Another guy then came out and said “It’s OK, you’re good to go. The second guy then attached a pink sticker, with my new VIN number, to the car.

The “inspection” cost $40, and the title was $85.

I then called Haggerty Insurance and finished setting up my policy. We were waiting on a VIN number to do that. I then swung by the tag office and got my license plate.

I then headed off to work for a few days. When I get back home, I just have to get my alternator installed, and the car will be done “enough” to start tearing up the streets of Florida!

Since I’m using a Ford Mustang radiator, the upper radiator hose is now on the passenger side. That interferes with the stock alternator bracket, so I’m moving the alternator to the drivers side. I had been planning on making my own brackets, but my patience is wearing a bit thin right now, so I broke out the credit card and ordered a store bought bracket.
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Originally Posted by Driver50x

Since I’m using a Ford Mustang radiator, the upper radiator hose is now on the passenger side. That interferes with the stock alternator bracket, so I’m moving the alternator to the drivers side. I had been planning on making my own brackets, but my patience is wearing a bit thin right now, so I broke out the credit card and ordered a store bought bracket.

Such profligacy!
From you of all people!
I'm shocked!




Nah. I don't blame you one little bit. I've seen the time, sweat, and thought that you've put into this build, and I reckon you've earned a splurge with your money.

And I'm pleased for you that it went through certification so easily.

Get out now and drive the wheels off the thing! Burn some rubber!

(But only on a private road with Police supervision and no public access of course! )

Originally Posted by johnboy

Such profligacy!
From you of all people!
I'm shocked!


.

And I'm pleased for you that it went through certification so easily.

Get out now and drive the wheels off the thing! Burn some rubber!

(But only on a private road with Police supervision and no public access of course! )

HAHAHA,
You had me laughing with that one, even though I had to look up “profligacy” to see what that meant!

I’m looking forward to calling the police department to ask them to supervise my burnouts.


Yes that inspector definitely had me sweating and stewing for a bit. I think I managed to maintain my poker face.

And thanks guys, I’m really looking forward to the coming months. I’m planning on heading to the Billetproof show in Ocala, Florida in March. That’s about a two hour drive for me.

Originally Posted by Driver50x

HAHAHA,
You had me laughing with that one, even though I had to look up “profligacy” to see what that meant!

And thanks guys, I’m really looking forward to the coming months. I’m planning on heading to the Billetproof show in Ocala, Florida in March. That’s about a two hour drive for me.

UM.... well... you do know and understand that pictures will then be mandatory right???

Congrats on getting through the process! Now get out there and enjoy all your hard work.

Glad you cleared that hurdle. And I'll echo everyone else. Time for some cruising! 8-)

That must have had you sweating for a minute. It's scary after so much time and money you're at the mercy of a state inspector.

Congrats! Nice work!

Just awesome! I'm very glad you were able to get through the titling process without too many issues. Also a big congrats on driving it the first time. It sure is a good feeling isn't it?

Picking up the groceries at Wally World.

The next project will be finishing the seats. Using two by fours as a seat back is not the hot setup.

For anyone who has never driven a T Bucket, it really does feel like driving a big overpowered go cart. The steering and brakes feel really good on it. I haven’t had it on the freeway yet. I do know that you can be running about 15 MPH, give it about half throttle, and light up the back tire! I haven’t even opened the secondary’s yet.


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Sounds like you're having fun!

Be careful of even a tiny amount water on the road and even dust or dirt. Your T appears to be a little longer than most, but they will swap ends with you in a heartbeat if you're not careful. Very few cars have the power to weight ratio of even a modestly powered T.

Another thing, when passing, don't hammer the throttle and then change lanes. Change lanes and then open it up. They are different breed of car and can have a rather steep learning curve.

As I heard someone say, treat it like a loaded cannon. Make sure it's pointed where you want to go before you pull the trigger!

Stay safe!

Originally Posted by Hotrod46

Sounds like you're having fun!

Be careful of even a tiny amount water on the road and even dust or dirt. Your T appears to be a little longer than most, but they will swap ends with you in a heartbeat if you're not careful. Very few cars have the power to weight ratio of even a modestly powered T.

Another thing, when passing, don't hammer the throttle and then change lanes. Change lanes and then open it up. They are different breed of car and can have a rather steep learning curve.

As I heard someone say, treat it like a loaded cannon. Make sure it's pointed where you want to go before you pull the trigger!

Stay safe!

When I was young and insane I had a 'glass bodied '27 roadster with a 501" Ford and a Doug Nash five speed. My friend Rick called it the "Mystery Machine", every time you grabbed a gear it was a mystery what direction the car was going to go!