Thread: T-Buckets

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Would some of you T-Bucket owners give me some feedback about what to watch for when buying one; what they are like to drive; why you have one instead of a "full bodied" rod, etc. The sales prices I see vary so much, it's hard to get a read on what they are "worth".

Clue me in, wudja?

oh boy here goes " streets "

Kenny, I'll let Streets make a detailed post. I’ve never owned a T, but I drove a buddy’s for a while in the early ‘70s. I’d say that economics, low weight to horsepower ratio, and the “open air” style probably made them popular originally. I’ve seen a lot of T’s at shows lately too. The one I drove was powered by a warmed over 327, had a Muncie 4 speed, and it would give you a thrill in a hurry! As far as driving a T very far, you’ll find the comfort and leg room aren’t going to be conducive for “road trips”. Comparing a “full bodied” street rod to a T is really an apple to orange analysis... I don't think there is a comparison, it’s just a matter of what you want to do with your car. You certainly should be able to get into a T-Bucket for much less than a comparably built full bodied street rod.

Dan J

P.S. You REALLY need to drive a T before you decide to buy it. The steering and suspension are easily screwed up on these things. And even when they’re set up right, you get a pretty exciting drive.

Well you should watch for shoddy craftsmanship in the homemade ones i.e. bad or missing welds, homemade brake linkages, wiring that makes a squirrels nest look orderly, etc......as for the kits I would do a once over on every nut/bolt I could get a wrench on and check the wiring.
As for the driving they are like nothing else, kinda like explaing sex to a virgin, gotta try it yourself...........but in the fast ones, mine runs low 9's in the quarter and streets runs 8's, ya better have em pointed straight when ya nail it, ( you have been warned ) , but theres nothing else like one once ya get used to it, power to weight IS it for a hot rod, half the weight of a honda civic with 500 + hp .
As for price, they DO vary alot, about 32k to redo mine now, and I've seen some over priced at 2500.00, start REALLY looking at differences of em and what you really like/dislike most ppl at first glance can't tell the difference in a 23' or 27' for example, lots of variables going on in the T bucket world..........IMHO

I have a question for T-Bucket connoisseur.

Is it possible to set the seats lower, and run a shorter or angled windshield like a Duvall style?

Ive only seen them with the tall windshields....

Sorry if its too off-topic.

Yeah its possible, its just not popular to do. My T, which I havent touched in I dont know how long, had the windshield cut down to four inches and ive just got an indian blanket on the floor as a seat. Theres a lot more legroom without having a back to the seat. Of course im the weirdo here, since ive got a ford 200 six banger and 3spd ala a 65 mustang instead of the standard 350/350.

Theres nothing wrong with wierd things. However, this is creepy. WHERES STREETS??? I would have expected him to be the 2nd one on this board!

Buy the $3,500 kit from Total performance and go from there, it would only end up costing $10,000 or so after everything was said and done. The next rod I want to build is a T bucket but, I got to finish the '51 and then the Ford 302 conversion on the '83 MB 240D ( next year ).

Why do i own a bucket??,one word Exhilleration.Take one for a drive.From the moment you get in you just know youre in for one hell of a ride.Turn the key,pump the pedal, watch and feel the torque of that 500HP baby as she screams.Foot on the brake,click her into drive and feel her lurch forward impatiently,the power shaking all the way along the rails and up into the steering wheel,as you sit there trying to hold her back.Foot off the brake and slam that accelerator,front wheels launch off the ground then back down again,wheels take grip with a loud chirp,a brown stain appears in your pants and a huge grin encompasses your face.
My advice if you want to buy one is look at a few,drive as many as you can,just because you drive one and it doesn't feel right doesn't mean a Bucket aint for you.Remember all T's are custom made,like tailor made suits,one size don't fit all.Look around you'll find one that fits you,and when you do that grin on your face will take weeks to fade.The stains will take a bit longer unfortunately.


Cheers KIWI

There's nothing wrong with T-buckets. before you go out and buy one. you should ride in one and see if thats what you really want.
If your a big guy it's not the most comfortable ride. My son is 6'4 and wears and 13 shoe. when he drove his we was cramped