Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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PROGRESS REPORT # 1

Continued mocking up the T bucket, and decided to actually give a very slight rake to the car, rather than make it sit low and level as I originally planned. My Kid suggested it, and he was right, it sits better. Front of frame will sit about 6 inches off of ground, and back will be about 8 inches. We also decided to use the existing front spring perch, and modify it by shortening it up, and mounting the spring to the top of the perch. This will drop the car lower than I could have gotten it otherwise.

We are going to go to the junkyard Saturday after next and pick out a rearend. I am leaning toward mid-70's Ford 8 inch out of something like a Maverick because the center sections are pretty, and the width should be about right.

Found an old T bucket radiator that someone gave me free years ago, because it is damaged. Something crushed in the top tank a little, and it needs redone. I figure a radiator shop should be able to straighten the tank and clean and resolder it for maybe $ 50.00 or $ 100.00, I hope so, because it is very thick and not too bad otherwise. Well have to see what happens there.

I have also decided to deviate from my original plan to use my arc welder to do the work, because, frankly, I am not a great welder, and this car is going to become a surprise gift for my one Son, and I want it to be safe. So I will do what I always did before, I will spot weld stuff, and have my other Son mig it for me. I don't want this thing to not be safe, and this won't affect the amount of money I put into the car.

I have to order a longer front spring from Speedway this week, and will post pictures of the front end, and how we set it up. I say WE, because my one Son has taken an interest in helping me with the build, so I know it will have nicer bracketry and all, because he really has an eye for what looks right.

Here are a couple of pix showing the freeby radiator I plan to use. I'll take some detailed shots when we start on the front suspension.

Don

PS: I'm really happy to see some others doing the same thing. Please post some pictures of what you guys are doing, so I can steal some ideas for mine.