Thread: '23 T bucket frame dimentions

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I am planing on building my own frame. I am searching for dimentions for a '23. Anyone have them or know where I could get them?

Thank you,
Z

There is actually no "standard" size, especially in the length, as most are designed around how much room you need in the engine room. However, there is sort of a standard width in the front crossmember ,and in the rear crossmember, and I will measure mine tonight to see what those dimensions are, and will post for you.

Wheelbase is a very personal thing and is dictated by the engine (as mentioned above) and how long you want your T to be. Usually, the WB ends up sort or around 100 inches, though.

I have two frames, one is for a small block Chevy, and the other I built to accomodate a 460 Ford. The one for the Ford is a few inches longer because of the additional length of that engine.

Don


PS: As a tip, build a frame out of 2 x 4 lumber first, as it will approximate the size you build out of tubing. Also, you need to have your body bought first, so you can have it to build the frame around.

I look forward to your measurements.

What about the rear kickup?

Thank you,
Z

Kickup is dependant on how low you want the rear of the body to sit. That is why you need to have the body, rear axle, tires, etc there before you build the frame.

Not to be self-serving, but go to Project $ 3K that I have been posting on, and you will see the process from bare tubing to a rolling chassis (I get a check everytime someone reads this thread , yeah, I wish.) I think there might be some good info for you there, since you are doing exactly what I am.

Don

Here is some other info for you Z, but you'll enjoy reading Don's build-up from the git-go....
http://www.nationaltbucketalliance.c.../techindex.asp

Ok, measured it for you. The front crossmember width is 24 inches, and the rear is 30 inches. If you are going to build your own frame, I have a suggestion for you. The 2 and 7/8 inch diameter tubing you need for the front crossmember is hard to find. Total Performance sells a 23 3/4 inch piece of it for $ 25.00 already cut perfectly for the front crossmember. You can get it with their perch too, if you want. Some people use 3 inch water pipe, DON"T DO IT. It is not made for these kinds of stresses, you want DOM tubing, and that is what Total Performance has.

Tech's suggestion about the National T Bucket Alliance is a very good one. Lots of info there.

Good luck.

Don

Don,

The frame gradally widents towards the back?
Could the frame just be 24" all the way back? or 30" all the way up?

I wan't to use a '60's 223, pref. with a 4 speed.

Thank you,
Zachariah

When I requested a technical drawing I was given this link
http://www.wescottsauto.com/site2003C/frame_specs.html

Originally Posted by oddcarout

Don,

The frame gradally widents towards the back?
Could the frame just be 24" all the way back? or 30" all the way up?

I wan't to use a '60's 223, pref. with a 4 speed.

Thank you,
Zachariah

You could, but it looks so much better tapered. Otherwise you have to make it wider in the front so it meets the firewall correctly, and that just doesn't look right IMO. The vast majority are tapered.

Don

Here, I borrowed this picture from Anchorboy46's gallery. It shows a very typical T bucket frame, especially the taper. The taper also gives you more room in the cockpit for transmission, etc.


Don

Thank you for all of your help Don.

Now Im off to get all the parts.

Zachariah

OH OH, we've created another Monster. , Welcome to hot rodding, Zachariah.


Don


PS: Let us know as questions arise.

good luck with the bucket i got a 500 caddy in mine (its a t bucket body not much else)do you have your body already cause that should dictate the frame taper and width.