Thread: What do I build with this?

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I've traded a saturn with a blown transmission for anything I can pull from an 82 dodge 3/4 ton van. It's got a low mileage 318 (48k), auto & driveshaft, dana 60, and any other bits I may deem useful.

Should I build a t-bucket or find an old dodge that needs a drive train? It was a deal I couldn't pass up...

I'm leaning toward t-bucket, but if I found the right old car I'd do that.

Tyson

Since I'm leaning towards the bucket, I'll ask a few questions that I've been pondering...

Has anyone used a body from Corbin Rods in Valdosta, GA? It's a bit of a drive from ATL, but they have a 6" stretched '23 body for $525. I'm 6'1" and long legged, so I think the additional 6" would be nice.

Also, I'm thinking a "long bed" t - 36" steel (I can build the bed pretty easy) with an oak floor. Seems like it would be a good of a place to throw a cooler and some chairs for shows.

I've got a '29 front axle and wishbone I'm thinking about using. It won't be ultra low, but I think it would have a good stance with the spring behind the axle mounted on split bones. What is the wall thickness of the early bones? There is a bit of pitting on the one I have, but I don't know if I need to find some in better shape.

I figure to get started I need the body so I can lay out the drive train and set the wheelbase/frame length. I just don't think starting without all of the bits could lead to me reworking the frame.

Tyson

If you’re set on building a T Bucket, you might want to spend a while looking over this thread. It’s pretty informative about what will be involved in a project like this.

Project $ 3 K Is Underway

It’s a bit long but probably the most informative T Bucket build thread you will find.

I actually read most of the entire project 3k thread before getting anywhere else on the forum. I say most as I skipped some of the more off-topic posts. It's a great thread - usually I don't post on forums, but that thread made this place seem pretty friendly.

I'm thinking about trying to build the original goal of the thread - a solid "less is more" reliable rod for a reasonable bit of $$. I love the look he ended up with, and the kit his son put together looked great too. I've "refurbished" a '71 F100 & a '67 Scout and done a frame up restoration on a '62 F100 so I figure its time to tackle a bit more of a project. I've also got Chesters "How to build a t-bucket" e-book and I've been studying pics for good ideas for final design.

Is there anyone in the Atlanta area that has a t-bucket they'd like to show off (and maybe let me try it on for size)? I've seen them at shows, but I'd now that I'm thinking about building one I'd like to put my eyes on some details and see how I fit in a standard body. I've been in a real T, but it's not really the same thing. Also, anyone in GA recently registered a home built replica? Seems like it's easier now, but I'm sure it depends on who you get a the tax office too.

Tyson

Welcome Tyson to the best site around. If you could meet up with a T owner locally to try out the sitting etc. that would be a tremendous help. I would still suggest that you purchase what body you are going to use first before planning out the frame as then you can set up the body with a seat to your liking and work the dimensions for the frame from there.I also like the idea of a longer pickup bed as storage space is non existence in the normal T Bucket.

There is a chassis n frame up in my area for a 24' Dodge bros pickup in case your looking

The Dana 60 probably has 8 bolt wheels, not great for a T bucket but good swap material. A 3/4 ton might have a Loadflite transmission, which is a heavy duty 727 with more clutch discs, good stuff. Although even a 904 will run forever behind a 318.