The T Bucket Alliance Nationals is this weekend in Green Bay, WI. I first saw this cool T at the T Bucket Nationals 2011 and it is at this year’s event, too. Just one more reason to attend the T Bucket Alliance Nationals. Here’s what it looked like at the T Bucket Nationals 2011 in Dayton, Ohio. Hurry on up to Green Bay to see how it looks today, because a few subtle changes have been made.
Carl Tschopp’s T at T Bucket Nationals 2011
I must apologize for my lapse in 2011 T-Bucket Nationals reports — just too many things going on this summer to keep up with blog posts. I’m determined to make up for it, though, so my coverage will now officially resume with the very unique T-Bucket roadster of Carl Tschopp of Lancaster, Ohio.
Carl has addressed two of the biggest dilemmas that have plagued T-Bucket owners for decades. The first is how you finish off the back of the bucket: pickup bed, turtle deck, fuel tank or nothing? The second is what do you do about the driving range of a T-Bucket being limited by a tiny 10 gallon fuel tank? Carl’s truly unique, eye-catching (and practical) solution: two fuel tanks.
Of course, the polished aluminum tanks also accent the highly polished Corvette independent rear suspension which undoubtedly helps make those long distance cruises more comfortable.
And none of those skimpy metal bands holding down those weighty-when-full fuel tanks for Carl — he’s chosen to go with a beefy machined aluminum mounting system that not only secures the twin tanks but its design also accents the knock-off style caps on the tanks.
The interior of Carl’s T-Bucket is a nice study in complementarity. The tan interior’s flame pattern complements the nice flames on the body. The tiny steering wheel’s wrap complements the upholstery and the machined panel below the dash not only complements the dash itself but also the machined exterior mounts for the fuel tanks.
While he was on the complementary theme, Carl decided to also complement the black vinyl covers for the modern rectangular headlights with a matching cover for the grille shell (when stationary, of course).
By now, you’re probably not the least bit surprised to notice that the air cleaner for the dual quads matches the finned aluminum valve covers.
The four-bar spring-behind front end with its nicely dropped axle aligns perfectly with the small block Chevy’s exhaust headers and the drag link from the Corvair steering box. The step plate for easy entry blends in just as well.
I really like the unique details on Carl’s T-Bucket; two of which can be seen if you look closely at the above picture of its front end. Know what they are?
If you didn’t immediately guess what the two unique, subtle changes were this view better shows them and I’ll tell you. The first is that the front crossmember, rather than being a straight across tube, has been cut and fabricated to a nice forward angled peak. In addition, the front frame rails extend beyond the tubular crossmember and their ends have been taper cut to incorporate ingenius built-in parking lights, with turn signals mounted above them.
Looking at Carl Tschopp’s distinctly different T-Bucket, just remember that anybody you hear parroting the old line, “T-Buckets are all alike” is just showing their ignorance of not only the hot rod sport, but also car construction in general.
We know you’ll want to see more “up close and personal” of this cool T-Bucket, so we have a nice 1 min. 40. sec. video on Carl Tschopp’s bucket waiting for you.
You’ll be kicking yourself if you miss this year’s T Bucket Alliance Nationals in Green Bay, Wisconsin, so make plans now to be there. All the info is here>
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.
- The Steve Scott Uncertain T – Resurrected! - January 24, 2024
- Uncertain T Exposed! - January 24, 2024
- Y-Block Ford T-Bucket: Ted Kramer’s Snoopy Inspires Me - February 11, 2023
Related Posts
- 10000
The National T-Bucket Alliance's T Bucket Nationals 2015 will be held July 8-11 in beautiful Green Bay Wisconsin. Here's why you need to be there: If you like T-Buckets or have ever thought about building one: This is the opportunity to surround yourself with T-Buckets of every variety. Take pictures,… - 10000
The schedule for the National T-Bucket Alliance 2015 T-Bucket Nationals in Green Bay, Wisconsin continues to evolve in order to pack as much fun as possible into the event. If you have been following along with our Nationals announcement and the latest reminder you'll want to check out the latest… - 10000
Sure, some guys might have stainless steel T-Bucket headers but only one guy I know of has a stainless steel T-Bucket. And if you come to the 2017 T-Bucket Nationals in Carson City, Nevada, from June 22-24, you'll see it up close and personal. Winfield Scott of Marcellus, Michigan works in…
Hello. I was wondering if there are any T-Bucket related events going on in Arizona in the next 12 months. Thanks and keep up the great work !!! Hope to have my stretch T done soon !
In reference to T-Bucket events coming up in Arizona, Michael, you’re in luck. Fred’s Fun Run is November 6-7, 2015 in Tucson. A great T-Bucket event that’s been going on for quite a few years. By the way, you can always check out upcoming events on the National T-Bucket Alliance website, http://nationaltbucketalliance.com/