Thread: T Bucket-Start

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Decided to start another project, picked up the 2x4 steel for the frame yesterday. We will replace the frame rails and see what we can salvage from the existing frame

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Laid the frame mockup today and picked up the Jaguire IRS. Have to put together some initial wheels for the chassis.

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Jaguar IRS has 3.73 Gears in it already.

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Finally we got to set the body on the frame, some channelling to do yet.

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Couple of hits on the mock up frame today

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Kory made a lot of progress on the T-Bucket today.

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Kory made a lot of progress on the T-Bucket today.

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One of my best days was a few years ago when Preston Davis invited me and my father to Bowling Green for the NHRR. Steve Gibbs met us at the front gate and escorted us to Ray’s pit area where all of the Bo-Weevil cars were on display, sans the Mustang that burned. I have always been taken by the astounding attention to detail and work done on these cars, especially the A-Models. Building a 1950 to early 60s era slingshot wasn’t practical but those cars gave me a look I am trying for.

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For you younger folks, the man in the wheel chair is Ray Godman. Ray is also an NHRA Hall of Fame Member. Ray was one of the early Memphis Rodders. He was drafted into the service in the Korean conflict and was wounded by a sniper, hence the wheelchair. Ray owned the Lakeland Drag Strip near Memphis, famous for the movie “Two Lane Blacktop.” Ray was instrumental in the NHRA coming East of the Mississippi River. Ray also owned Godman’s Speed Shop in Memphis and campaigned a series of Dragsters titled Bo-Weevil. Ray was and is clearly one of Drag Racing’s legends. Ray initially had Red Dyer driving for him but brought Preston Davis aboard in 1964 when they campaigned the Top Fuel Bo-weevil. Ray and Preston remained close friends for life, teaming up on may projects to include restoring the 4 main cars they campaigned together. There is another shot in the stack of Ray talking to Bennie Osborne. I had others of Garlits, Jim Walthers, and others coming by to say hello to Ray. My Dad and I were guests of Preston and Ray that weekend.

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I’ve made a half hearted effort to find out how to buy a Ford EV Crate Engine. Decided to go with a 265 Chevand an old pwerglide. Also got the replacement for the broken front leaf springs in

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IIRC, the Bo-Weevil was runner up to "Sneaky" Pete Robinson for Top Eliminator at the 61 nationals in Indy.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

IIRC, the Bo-Weevil was runner up to "Sneaky" Pete Robinson for Top Eliminator at the 61 nationals in Indy.

Correct, The Championship eluded Preston and Ray. Preston did not come aboard until 63/64. They won a lot of races though. Red Dyer was driving I believe in 1961 when the 59/60 Car had been chosen by Wally Parks to make the opening pass at Indy. Preston owned that car for a while and actually held a couple of class records with a SBC in it. The 59/60 car was the last that Preston restored. Ray’s 56 Car ran at the Tulsa meet in 56 and eventually was a record holder. I wasn’t there so I cannot be sure. The Top Fuel Car came to be in 64 I believe. I first met Preston and Ray at Nicholasville Kentucky in 68. Did not meet Preston again until the mid 80s or early 90s fishing on Pickwick Lake. He had become close friends with my Dad. I am not really up on the details of the mid 50s-early 60s events. Have sat around and listened to Ray and Preston tell many stories about match racing in the mid 60’s. Perhaps I had misunderstood the exact date of the event

Replaced the front leaf spring today. Next moves include stubbing the engine and determining which steering box to go with. Also to get the motor and trans to a machine shop for some basic prep work.

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those last photos remind me why they call it a suicide front end. I know..it's in mock up.