Thread: Low-budget/T-Bucket Pickup

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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!

Thanks man. I can see these things could hurt you quickly if you don’t use your head. I’m still easing into driving this thing.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

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!

Been there, done that! LOL! Sold mine....

And we have PICS! And a first drive report too. Way cool. Good for you - enjoy the ride 'cause there will never be another first for that one. Are the new rear tires still like new? LOL.

After you've logged some miles you'll get used to its quirks and driving it will be pure fun. My first rod was a 1915 C-Cab replica that I built on a T-bucket style chassis. It had a 327 with a mild cam and a 4-barrel carb. The blower was a dummy, just an empty case. It had a 3.55 posi rear end and a Turbo 350 with a Vega 11" torque converter. Once I got used to its handling, I could launch it straight and turn consistent 13.60s at the strip. It was a fun car.

It looks really nice! I'm betting the open diff will help keep it from going really sideways but you will be the first one to find out.

I’m getting ready to order some foam to upholster the seats. I’m thinking about getting 3” thick firm or medium/firm for the seat bottom, and 2” medium foam for the seat back. Does that sound about right to you guys?

I would look for the densest foam I could find in the thicknesses you suggested.

Originally Posted by Driver50x

I’m getting ready to order some foam to upholster the seats. I’m thinking about getting 3” thick firm or medium/firm for the seat bottom, and 2” medium foam for the seat back. Does that sound about right to you guys?

See if someone in your area has some that you might be able to try out. Maybe an upholstery shop in or near you? And a lot of folks like to add the different densities to layer it and get the different "feelings" to suit your tastes. To soft and you'll sink right through it and to hard will cause you pain/discomfort. The top (closest to you) is usually the softest one inch or less, then a higher density below that. Or??? Just see if you can try some out and return it if you don't like it in exchange for something different.

Or just carry on as if I hadn't replied, you may be better off! LOL..

I got some foam from this place to replace cushions in our RV, I got the Lux version, firm but feels good.
https://www.thefoamfactory.com/Merch...=1&shape_id=13

I ordered my seat foam from thefoamfactory.com I used 3” thick firm on the bottom and 2” thick medium on the back. I got the vinyl on sale from JoAnn Fabrics. The total materials cost was about $85.

I glued the foam to the plywood, then wrapped the vinyl around it and stapled it from the back. It’s pretty simple looking, but I like it that way. The seat is really comfortable. The bottom cushion just sits in place. The back cushion is attached with two hinges on the bottom. The seat back folds forward to access the storage space behind it.

About ten minutes after I finished the seat, I headed over to a local weekly cruise in at Biff Burger.

I’ve got 300 miles on this thing now. I’ve had no real problems with it. It drives straight as an arrow at freeway speeds. It is pretty harsh on the bigger bumps, I’m thinking about removing 1 or 2 leaves from both the front and rear springs to try to improve the ride a bit.

Right now is prime cruising weather in Florida.







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The seat looks great and good deal to hear it drives great and you're putting miles on it!

times 2. Nice to see you out and about with it.