Our GNRS 2016 coverage continues with this second of three installments on the Top T-Buckets at the Pomona, CA Fairplex.
Top T-Buckets at GNRS 2016, Pomona
Robert Kropp’s Sweet Six Powered ’23 T
I really like the look of Robert Kropp’s inline 6 powered ’23 T. To me, it’s a great example of what can be done on a budget with some careful planning.
For one thing, he’s using a fabricated windshield assembly which can easily save $500 or more when you include stanchions. Of course, Chester also has a nice do-it-yourself, low-buck windshield “how to” in his How to Build a T-Bucket for Under $3000 eBook.
What really makes this low-slung six-banger so appealing is how the top of the engine aligns so nicely with the cowl.
Some great low-buck upholstery tips here with tan carpet lining the inside of the body and nicely complemented by dark brown carpet on the floor. The little “buckets” are likely conventional chair pads that fill the bill. Plus, the orange accented early T style wheel is a nice touch.
Just a couple of pedals and a 140 MPH speedo are all that are necessary.
Whoever said, “simplest is best” knew what they were talking about.
The home-constructed exhaust system provides nice visual impact and cleanly encloses the muffler.
I don’t know the actual build cost on Robert’s T, but from what I’d guesstimate one would be hard-pressed to get more functional and visual bang for the buck.
Boling Brothers Built 1925 Dodge D-Bucket
I must say that the 19-inch Model A wire wheels on this 1925 Dodge D-Bucket, built by Boling Brothers Early Iron are really dramatic looking with their skinny bias ply tires.
I was fortunate enough to find a few quick minutes to take pics when this little roadster wasn’t being swarmed over by attendees. The ’50 Ford rear axle hangs from quarter elliptic springs.
Seating for this low-slung bucket is on upholstered pads on the floor and an arm rest console, all trimmed out by Chavez Upholstery in Visalia, CA.
Up front is a deep-dropped Super Bell I-beam axle with Ford spindles and drum brakes.
Motivation is by a Chevy small block sporting three deuces feeding into a Powerglide tranny.
The lower edge of the body has been elegantly notched to permit mounting of the front and rear split wishbones.
The body itself is a shortened touring car, with custom side skins to replace missing doors. The deep maroon paint also enhances the traditional look of this D-Bucket.
We even checked out the model cars at GNRS 2016
For you C-cab fans, you’ll enjoy this little number put together by P. Mion, which appears to be Corvair rear engine powered.
The full fenders and running boards are a nice touch and overall it is reminiscent of 1970s show rods.
Jamie Johnson’s “Scarlet Phaeton”
“Hate to see you go, but love to see you leave,” says it all about the smooth appearance from the back of this T phaeton.
A steel 1927 Ford Phaeton body on 1932 frame rails give the just-right look to Jamie Johnson’s Albuquerque, NM based Tub T.
Of course, when it’s leather work by master Ron Mangus, you know it’s going to look great.
The 1946 Ford flathead with three deuces feeds into a T-5 manual tranny.
Very notable, yet subtle, is how the 1936 Ford roadster windshield posts and frame have been adapted to the ’27 T body.
Ed Patterson’s ’70s-era T-Bucket
Whenever you see a T-Bucket with the unique opposed coil front suspension it immediately brings to mind the J&J Chassis/Dan Woods builds of the 1970s.
Wheelsmith did the wheels and I’m impressed that Ed chose reversed wires for his rear wheels in keeping with the era when Woods was using deeply reversed Buick Skylark rims.
The supposedly original Ed Newton-designed opposed coil front suspension is a thing of beauty. At first glance, Ed is running a brace of Webers, but it’s actually an EZ-EFI injection system on the 383 stroker motor.
Armando’s Custom Upholstery did the gorgeous interior and the wood dash and T steering wheel also are in keeping with the ’70s, although the steering column is more conventionally mounted rather than in the vertical position Woods typically used.
And no ’70s correct T-Bucket would be complete without a dazzling chromed and polished Jaguar independent rear suspension.
Bill Veldman’s 1927 Ford T Touring
The outdoor car show at GNRS 2016 was excellent in terms of variety. Hey, you just gotta’ love the crank handle strapped below the radiator on Bill Veldman’s ’27 T Touring. And it’s a great example as well of how you’ve really got to deep drop an axle when the spring is mounted on top to align with the crossmember rather mounting behind the axle as in typical suicide axle fashion.
I’m loving the step plates on the running boards and you’ll note that Bill’s given a nod to safety with front disc brakes and turn signal lights.
That tan interior is a perfect match for the deep green exterior and the reversed T-style wheel on a modern tilt column is a very nice touch.
And as long as the spare tire mount was originally there, why not used it. Of course, with the trailer hitch you know this is really a driver.
Talk about great looks and dependable, fun transportation Bill’s got it going on. And the capped header dump under the front fender is the cherry on the cake.
Guess what? We’ve still got more GNRS 2016 coverage in Part 3.
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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