1924 Ford Model "T" Roadster
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History of 2 The "T"
Lets start with "What is a T-Bucket "? The best description is: A T-bucket (or Bucket T) is a specific style of hot rod car, based
on a Ford Model T but extensively modified, or alternatively built with replica components to resemble a Model T. Since the
last Model T was built over three-quarters of a century ago, modern T-buckets are generally replicas as there are few real
Model Ts left in scrap yards to build upon.
Well, this is the life story of my 1924 Ford T-Bucket Roadster, since I purchased it.. Not much is known about it prior to 2004,
other than it had quite a few other owners.. I do have some of the original pictures but they are not good enough to publish..
I purchased it from Big Boy's Toys on December 8th, 2004. There were a few things at the time that I did not like ..Rear tires
were the tall 31/10.50/15's and I wanted something wider and shorter.. I purchased new 10" wide Cragar SS's to match the
front.. Old always looks good.. Then got some BF Goodrich 50 series radials and off we go.. During the winter months I had
"Easy Ed" stop by and put on some pin stripping, which he has been noted for all his life..Then he put the Taz Firefighting
Devil on the sides with "2 the T" on the rear.. After driving for months, I realize that the fairly stock 400 cubic inch Chevrolet
engine is not what I wanted..BUT, my neighbor Steve said, "don't sell this, we will make it run and look good".."Just give me
your credit card".. Well, that was the start of some great winter months and the beginning of a good friendship.... The engine
was torn apart by Carl and myself..After it was in pieces, Steve ordered the cam, lifters, polished tunnel ram, dual 4 barrels,
gaskets, Mr. Gasket blower style air cleaner, a 3500 stall converter for the transmission, B & M Transpak and a
B & M ratchet shifter. Now you talk about fun..Everything went together well and best of all, no leaks..no drips..just pure
attitude with the engine. After this project was completed, we realized that the 273 gear ratio was in immediate need of
upgrading.. After taking the rear end apart, Steve informed me that we have "limited slip" in there and a corporate style rear
end. Some new clutches, 390 gears, and Steve's expertise, off we go again.. Now we need to test drive and season the new
gears.. We get about 5 miles from home and we are covered with anti freeze. The water pump gaskets were gone !! A flat bed
tow to the house, new gaskets, a good wash job on the car and us, were off again.. Everything runs and works great..
Since that time, I have upgraded more things.. I have added new coated headers, new bench seat, 15/33.50/15 Firestone
slicks for rear tires, 8000 rpm Auto Gauge tachometer with a large shift light, neon lights under the tunnel ram, and a new
"squirter" on the top of the radiator shell.. Remind me to show you the squirter the next time you are near the car.. I installed
the Competition Engineering bars with red anodized to match the car color. Also completed project was the rewiring the car
and dash plus installing the larger shift kit.
This roadster is now almost finished. As I tell everyone, there are no two T-Buckets alike.. They are all original in their own
ways.. Mine would not be what it is if it wasn't for good friends.. Thanks Steve and Carl..
Lets start with "What is a T-Bucket "? The best description is: A T-bucket (or Bucket T) is a specific style of hot rod car, based
on a Ford Model T but extensively modified, or alternatively built with replica components to resemble a Model T. Since the
last Model T was built over three-quarters of a century ago, modern T-buckets are generally replicas as there are few real
Model Ts left in scrap yards to build upon.
Well, this is the life story of my 1924 Ford T-Bucket Roadster, since I purchased it.. Not much is known about it prior to 2004,
other than it had quite a few other owners.. I do have some of the original pictures but they are not good enough to publish..
I purchased it from Big Boy's Toys on December 8th, 2004. There were a few things at the time that I did not like ..Rear tires
were the tall 31/10.50/15's and I wanted something wider and shorter.. I purchased new 10" wide Cragar SS's to match the
front.. Old always looks good.. Then got some BF Goodrich 50 series radials and off we go.. During the winter months I had
"Easy Ed" stop by and put on some pin stripping, which he has been noted for all his life..Then he put the Taz Firefighting
Devil on the sides with "2 the T" on the rear.. After driving for months, I realize that the fairly stock 400 cubic inch Chevrolet
engine is not what I wanted..BUT, my neighbor Steve said, "don't sell this, we will make it run and look good".."Just give me
your credit card".. Well, that was the start of some great winter months and the beginning of a good friendship.... The engine
was torn apart by Carl and myself..After it was in pieces, Steve ordered the cam, lifters, polished tunnel ram, dual 4 barrels,
gaskets, Mr. Gasket blower style air cleaner, a 3500 stall converter for the transmission, B & M Transpak and a
B & M ratchet shifter. Now you talk about fun..Everything went together well and best of all, no leaks..no drips..just pure
attitude with the engine. After this project was completed, we realized that the 273 gear ratio was in immediate need of
upgrading.. After taking the rear end apart, Steve informed me that we have "limited slip" in there and a corporate style rear
end. Some new clutches, 390 gears, and Steve's expertise, off we go again.. Now we need to test drive and season the new
gears.. We get about 5 miles from home and we are covered with anti freeze. The water pump gaskets were gone !! A flat bed
tow to the house, new gaskets, a good wash job on the car and us, were off again.. Everything runs and works great..
Since that time, I have upgraded more things.. I have added new coated headers, new bench seat, 15/33.50/15 Firestone
slicks for rear tires, 8000 rpm Auto Gauge tachometer with a large shift light, neon lights under the tunnel ram, and a new
"squirter" on the top of the radiator shell.. Remind me to show you the squirter the next time you are near the car.. I installed
the Competition Engineering bars with red anodized to match the car color. Also completed project was the rewiring the car
and dash plus installing the larger shift kit.
This roadster is now almost finished. As I tell everyone, there are no two T-Buckets alike.. They are all original in their own
ways.. Mine would not be what it is if it wasn't for good friends.. Thanks Steve and Carl..
| John's 2 The "T" |
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to: www.johnskinker.com
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| Last Update: 08/11/2008 |
| Number of Visitors Since November 2005 |
