2011 T-Bucket Nationals Report, Part 13

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

Quick now, what looks different about this T-Bucket? If you’re focused on what’s behind the body you’re on the right track. While most people debate whether to attach a 14″ or 12″ pickup bed on their T-Bucket, Donnie Jenkins of Zanesville, Ohio, thought “why not make it something I can actually use?”

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

And that’s not all Donnie did that makes his T just a bit different. But many of his tricks are like the pickup bed — they just don’t jump out at you, but after standing back and admiring this bucket a bit you start to see the nice, subtle differences that make it so cool.

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

However, benefit number one of that longer pickup bed is being able to include a larger fuel tank than the typical 10 gallons.

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

If you study the pickup bed, you’ll realize that Donnie didn’t just extend the typical one but rather constructed his own high-quality thick-walled bed. Take a look at how beautifully it’s molded to the body.

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

Then, take a look at the beautiful wood floor with the chrome straps — a totally unique T-Bucket treatment.

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

The interior is clean, restrained and functional and appears just as roomy as the pickup bed.

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

Up front, you get a very traditional look with the stock, undropped I-beam front axle. So, how can it look so low without being dropped?

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

Aha. Keeping with his subtle change theme, Donnie has z’d the front of the frame to get it down low overall. If you don’t think Donnie plans some serious driving in this T, take a look at that double-thickness aluminum radiator.

Donnie Jenkins 1923 Ford T-Bucket roadster pickup

By now, you’ve probably also noticed that the gray flames perfectly match the tasteful gray interior. All in all, Donnie Jenkins’ bucket earns the name “1 KOOL 23”.

John Morehead
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