GNRS 2016 Top T-Buckets, Part 2

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

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

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.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

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.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

What really makes this low-slung six-banger so appealing is how the top of the engine aligns so nicely with the cowl.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

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.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

Just a couple of pedals and a 140 MPH speedo are all that are necessary.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

Whoever said, “simplest is best” knew what they were talking about.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

The home-constructed exhaust system provides nice visual impact and cleanly encloses the muffler.

Robrt Kropp T-Bucket GNRS 2016 GNRS

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

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket 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.

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket Dodge D-Bucket

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.

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket Dodge D-Bucket

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.

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket Dodge D-Bucket

Up front is a deep-dropped Super Bell I-beam axle with Ford spindles and drum brakes.

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket Dodge D-Bucket

Motivation is by a Chevy small block sporting three deuces feeding into a Powerglide tranny.

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket Dodge D-Bucket

The lower edge of the body has been elegantly notched to permit mounting of the front and rear split wishbones.

GNRS 2016 Boling Brothers T-Bucket Dodge D-Bucket

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

P Mion T-Bucket model car 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.

P Mion T-Bucket model car GNRS 2016

The full fenders and running boards are a nice touch and overall it is reminiscent of 1970s show rods.

Jamie Johnson’s “Scarlet Phaeton”

Jamie Johnson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

“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.

Jamie Johnson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

A steel 1927 Ford Phaeton body on 1932 frame rails give the just-right look to Jamie Johnson’s Albuquerque, NM based Tub T.

Jamie Johnson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

Of course, when it’s leather work by master Ron Mangus, you know it’s going to look great.

Jamie Johnson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

The 1946 Ford flathead with three deuces feeds into a T-5 manual tranny.

Jamie Johnson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

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

Ed Patterson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

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.

Ed Patterson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

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.

 

Ed Patterson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

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.

Ed Patterson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

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.

Ed Patterson T-Bucket GNRS 2016

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

Bill Veldman T-Bucket 2016 GNRS

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.

Bill Veldman T-Bucket 2016 GNRS

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.

Bill Veldman T-Bucket 2016 GNRS

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.

Bill Veldman T-Bucket 2016 GNRS

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.

Bill Veldman T-Bucket 2016 GNRS

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.

John Morehead
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