Seeing Fred Cossell’s dramatically panel painted T-Bucket is like going back in time to a major car show of the 70s when “Fad T’s” were in their heyday, winning America’s Most Beautiful Roadster awards with some regularity.
Fred’s Indy-based roadster has all the winning elements: chromed rear axle and high arch spring as well as ladder-style traction bars, the converted oil lamp tail lights and, of course, some huge rear tires. What would a 70s era tailgate be without a graphic mural?
The dramatic red, white and blue paint finish is quite an eye grabber and highly accented with the oh so period-correct diamond tuft upholstery. The chromed front hairpin radius rods, windshield stay rods, and nicely accented small block Chevy make it dazzle.
I’m particularly fond of vertical steering columns, despite their requiring some gymnastics getting in and out, because they are so emblematic of the 60s and 70s T-Buckets.
The use of the antiqued vinyl, which perfectly matches the side panels, on the pickup bed makes it even more dramatic with the diamond tuft theme.
You bet it’s running skinny wire wheels up front, along with the fully chromed front axle assembly and T grille shell with the winged motometer.
Another vintage cue I love on Fred’s bucket is the little scoop on the driver’s side of the body to allow the drag link to pass through. All in all, this car is a real joy for any true fan of T-Bucket nostalgia from the 70s and it’s great that it’s preserved in such fine fashion. Now, I’m kicking myself that I didn’t do a video on this one. Maybe next time.
TBucketPlans.com originated in 2005 as a personal blog extolling the virtues of T-Buckets. In 2009 I blogged about Chester Greenhalgh, the "how to" genius who wrote the legendary, out-of-print “How to Build a T-Bucket Roadster for Under $3000”. That led to a friendship with Chester and our partnership in marketing the updated eBook version of his T-Bucket building bible. The T-Bucket fire burns stronger and stronger.
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In case you just can’t get enough of this T-Bucket, I also just noted that Street Rodder magazine included another nice photo of Fred’s T-Bucket in their coverage of the 50th Indy World of Wheels Show at http://www.streetrodderweb.com/events/1001sr_50th_indianapolis_world_of_wheels/photo_38.html
No video ? No video? Huh, no video? Duuuuuuuude.
Yeah, I’m kicking myself. Maybe next time.