The new Slicktrack Track Roadster from California Custom Roadsters (CCR) continues a 40 year tradition of designing and building beautiful T-Bucket hot rods.
Of course, California Custom Roadsters is famous for their T-Bucket Chassis Plans, which have become a reliable standard in the industry since the mid-’70s and which we are proud to be able to offer to T-Bucket builders.
The Slicktrack Track Roadster presents a new lean, low and traditional hot rod look when compared to the T-Bucket for which CCR has become famous.
While there are similarities, the Slicktrack track roadster is a true from-the-ground-up new and unique design: not just a T-Bucket with a longer pickup bed.
Track Roadster or Roadster Pickup?
Come to think of it, while CCR refers to it as a track roadster, to me it really has the look of what’s traditionally been called a roadster pickup (RPU).
What’s immediately noticeable is the unique new fiberglass body. It actually has a cowl with a Model A look connected to a slightly stretched T body with a very nice reveal at the rear tire kickup.
That, in turn, is mated to a nicely functional 20″ long pickup bed that’s much roomier than found on most T-Buckets. The special wheel and tire package shown here really carries through on the traditional T hot rod look.
It uses the tried and true polished, reversed Corvair steering box with a chromed Pitman arm. At the rear, you’ll see the single radius rod which is part of the well-engineered triangulated 4-link rear suspension for a smooth, sure ride.
The pickup bed contains a powdercoated 14 gallon fuel tank with stainless fuel lines, as well as an Optima battery box.
The pickup bed is home to a pair of custom ’37 Ford Taillights and rear braking is via 11″ rear drums.
The Currie 9″ rear end has a 3:25 third member, with custom polished aluminum rear end cover, polished coil overs and rear anti-sway bar.
The interior features a custom polished aluminum dash with SoCal gauges and Deco knobs. Also in the interior is a stainless E-brake handle, great-fitting opening door and the integral CCR floor pan that ensures a very solid body.
A stainless steering column and polished aluminum drop support the 4-spoke chrome steering wheel.Padded and vented leather bucket seats ensure a comfortable, well-supported ride.
Another distinctive feature is the custom curved-top chrome windshield frame with curved glass and custom angled windshield posts.
In keeping with the Model A cowl, the new CCR roadster comes with a chopped steel ’29 radiator shell and a custom Walker Z-Line radiator.
Up front you’ll also find stainless Model A headlights with integral turn signals.
The Slicktrack Roadster also features a new 6″ dropped front axle with hairpins, chromed monoleaf front spring and a nicely hidden steering stabliizer.
Wilwood Disc Brakes (.812 vented) are used on the front axle with finned caliper brackets and stainless steel brake lines.
The custom-made aluminum hood comes with stainless bracing and hinges
What you can’t see is the Setrab transmission cooler with stainless lines.
Of course, the newly designed custom chassis easily houses a Chevy small block or whatever engine you may prefer.
So, if you’ve got the urge for a T-Bucket style hot rod that’s a bit bigger and a whole lot unique with strong traditional appeal you’ll want to contact California Custom Roadsters to start the process of their building one to meet your particular needs.
May 10, 2014 Update: For those who have asked and those who haven’t, but are interested, we’ve checked with CCR and are happy to provide some price information on this very unique T. It’s really quite reasonable when you consider the incredible quality and craftsmanship that goes into the CCR chassis and bodies. The Chassis and Body package for the Slicktrack Roadster starts at around $11,000. If you want the whole enchilada, as shown in the photos here, the current price on that particular Slicktrack Roadster is $20,500. And that’s out the door with just about every part you need, ready for you to drop in an engine and trans, paint it the way you like, and be the proud owner of an almost one-of-a-kind T roadster. (By the way, you can deduct $1500 without the wheels and tires shown).
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
Everything but the price. Love the concept.
Thanks Jim. Your question was heard and I’ve been back in touch with Jerry and CCR and have updated the post with the price information you were looking for. Now, just give ’em a call and they’ll get one started for you.:)
Always loved T-buckets but being 6’5″ tall I do not want my knees around my shoulders when I drive. its almost that bad in my 49 Chevy half ton! Maybe the longer cab on this roadster might help.
You’re a big guy, Bill (take it from an under 6 footer) and this might do it for you. If you’ll notice, the body looks low but is unchanneled, which also gives more cockpit room. Plus, it doesn’t have a too big set riser like some T-Buckets that put the driver above the body. Those buckets are low profile. Give Jerry a call at CCR and he can fill you in on the exact specs.
I’m a die hard T bucket man. Maybe someone else will like the truck thing here. What I do want is one of the California Custom Roadster license plates I saw on the back of the truck. Can I get one ??????????? thanks
Don’t know about the availability of the CCR license plates, James. Might want to contact them: http://californiacustomroadsters.com/index.html