Thread: T Bucket Build Questions

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Hi. I have some questions about building a 23 T Bucket. I have found a pretty good blueprint for the chassis and will be ordering 24' of 2X3 steel this week. I want to build as much of this car as possible. The problem begins after the frame. I do not know anyone with a T Bucket. I have not sat in one since I was about 8 years old. I live in Wisconsin so there is not many of them around to look at. So I have no idea what goes where and what to use. I really do not want to buy a how to book because I have seen things done a dozen different ways. From what I have gathered you just build it how you want and make as comfortable as possible. My first question is about steering and steering column. What are option for the steering box? I heard Corvair or Vega. Is that the only options? What is the cheapest route? As far as the column I have seen some wild stuff. One car had the column straight up and down and against the left side of the body. So you would have it on your left side. Another had it the same way but it looked like it would go between your legs. A few had the column go through the floor right at the firewall. Looked much better going through by the firewall. Thanks for any info. Keep this in mind too. I am trying to build this car as cheap as possible. I am building it on a tight budget. I was never planning on chroming it out or anything anyway. Maybe a chrome spring and a chrome windshield frame. The car is going to used as a driver not a show car. I am a service tech at a Harley dealer so I already have chrome nightmares!!! Thanks again guys for any info or links.

Jason

Yep,what Streets said.
That NTBA web site is a great place to start,if it is purely T buckets,they have a great technical BBS.With Bucket design there is only one rule.There are no rules.As long as the rod is SAFE there really is no set down black and white blueprint to follow,apart from the suspension setups,re camber/castor and making sure all chassis work is safe legal and plumb of course.What parts you use are entirely up to you,if they fit and do the job go right ahead and use them.We have been using that philosophy down here(NZ) for years.Thats what makes building a rod,especially a Bucket so satisfying,although we can use current cars as a starting place and even take ideas from other rods or builders,the end result is yours and originally yours,one of a kind.Thats rodding!
Good luck.Hope to see some photo's on THIS site soon.

Cheers KIWI