Projects The '23 Fake T Project...

[NortonG]

Not really "FAKE" but I love calling my Fiberglass T body fake...

283ci Chev and PowerGlide with a '57 Chev rearend behind it.
Should get down the road pretty well I suppose...

2"X3" mild steel frame with a WelderSeries Model A style front crossmember.
Stock A rear crossmember, but undecided on what rear set up to really run yet.
Dad wants coil over...
Later 40's Ford front end, split bones, spring over axle, drums, etc...
16" wheels front and back.

Paid a bit too much for the body but I had to have it to get this thing going.
It's gotta have some history, but I don't know about it.
It's old real thin and has no floor at all...
Time to learn a new skill!

Well see what steering box comes along for us to use.
I'd like to use something 30's.

After selling my '27 the other year I've been kicking my ass to build another one so here goes!

Random photos....

[rusty28a]

Subcribed!

[steel rebel]

I like what your doin. And I don't say that lightly with fiberglass. Don't paint the body. A lot of history there.

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by steel rebel

I like what your doin. And I don't say that lightly with fiberglass. Don't paint the body. A lot of history there.

Thanks!
The sad part is that it needs a lot of work, but I'm going to dig up as much as I can on it before I change it.

[94hoghead]

Looks like a cool project. I love those T's!

[Fenders]

Originally Posted by NortonG

.....Paid a bit too much for the body but I had to have it to get this thing going.........

I did the same thing with an (O/T) RV.... time is money, gotta get movin', don't look back !!

[NortonG]

Really dig the swept front frame look...

Just more of a step in the back.

[Kramer]

Originally Posted by rusty28a

Subcribed!

Yep, I'm going to follow this also.

[Speedy Canuck]

Fake or not, it's gonna haul ass.


Sent from the open road.

[fleet-master]

what wheels are you using? I too have a similar project I'm quietly gathering parts for.Looking forward to see how you mount your diff.
I'm leaning toward a model A rear spring set up with with some MGB lever arm shock units on mine

subscribed

[swade41]

Congrats on getting into another build, glad you're keeping busy.

[bgbdlinc]

...thin body, no floors....says drag racing heritage to me. Great collection of parts to start with....

[butch27]

Join us at the tbucketeers site.

[NortonG]

Thanks for the replies fellas!

Originally Posted by bgbdlinc

...thin body, no floors....says drag racing heritage to me. Great collection of parts to start with....

That's what I've been thinking.
I keep having visions of it with the body removable and the floor bolted to the frame...

fleet-master, The front wheels are 16" X 5" Ford wheels. Not sure on front tire sizes yet.
The rears are some kind of new wheels with the old Chev bolt pattern, also 16".
Not sure how wide they are but the rear tires are 16" X 7.00 Firestones.

[Don's Hot Rods]

Fiberglass is one of the easiest mediums to work with. Unlike body work, almost anyone can do glass work with a minimum of tools and skill. It is also very forgiving, so if you screw up it is easy to correct your mistakes.

I have done a lot of glass work in my life, on cars and boats, and if I can offer a couple of suggestions. Go to the library and get a book on fiberglass boat building and repair............everything in there will directly relate to what you will be doing. It will tell you what types of materials to buy, how to tab a wooden substructure in for strength, and things like that.

Secondly, use polyester resin. Epoxy resin does have some advantages, but it is much more expensive and for what you are doing polyester is just fine. If you buy it from a fiberglass supply house or old time boat repair shop (where they pump it out of a 55 gallon drum) you will save a lot of money.

Finally, join the T bucket forum. Lots of good information and guys who have years of experience they are only too happy to share. Good luck with your project.

http://www.tbucketeers.com/


Don

[NortonG]

Thanks for the tips Don!

As Butch has said as well, I'll have to join that site and have a look.

The front corners of the body will need the most work for sure.
It has some wood in it already but it's pretty dry.
I's like to put some more in it or some steel.

[Don's Hot Rods]

Everybody had their own opinions on this, but personally I do not like metal inner structures on a fiberglass body. Steel and fiberglass have different contraction/expansion rates but wood is very close to being the same. I just use pieces of wood and encapsulate them with glass mat. The interior wood has been in my 27 for over 23 years and looks like the day I did it because air and water can't get to it.

Here is how I did my 23 to give you some idea of how you might do yours.



Don

[MitchellDeMoor]

Nice dune buggy dude! When are you going to start bolting the rusty pices of sheet metal to it to make it a rat rod? Also let's get going on this fucking thing we need to do a weekend thrash soon you greasy dick!

[outlaw256]

at one time i quit working on my 41 willys glass car. because i started to fall for the if it steel it aint real shit.but i know i cant afford to buy a good steel body. not when they cost more than my house and i got a hell of a place here.so ive decide to go ahead and finish this baby. hell the whole body doesnt weigh more than 250 lbs. combine that with a over 500 hp. sbc. and i believe it will eat alot of steel cars out there. time will tell.what really changed mymind was when a old timer( 70 something hotter rodder and pro drag racer) told me if they had glass cars in his day hed be damned if he would have run steel bodied cars.he also noted that all the cars that were goung fast had glass fenders and glass hoods. that those cars would have been all glass if they were available back then. that helped me go on with this car. i cant wait to get it rollin down thwe road.good luck with youre and keep us in the loop.oh yeah, looks like you got a good start already.

[Koz]

Way cool! I'm watching. After selling my T years ago I never really found anything else that was as much fun so I'm building another one. Love the frame sweep too. A man after my own heart.

[NortonG]

I wish I had more to post!

I should have taken more frame pictures!

Thanks for the encouragement guys!

[Jeff Norwell]

Don't sell this one ....please

looking good Nortee!

[captainjunk#2]

i like this thread keep on building , T buckets are cool , norms kookie T was my dream car when i was just starting to dig hotrod cars ,

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by Jeff Norwell

Don't sell this one ....please

looking good Nortee!

Never. I promise.
I'll always keep tabs on where the old one is too...

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by OldsteelSteve

Good luck. There are likely more 'glass T's out there on the road now than steel ones. Sometimes I think I should have gone glass, but I am getting attached to my project!

I'm still looking for steel body parts, but this old glass body is just plain cool!

This won't be a "t bucket" haha...

[NortonG]

Inspiration...

[MitchellDeMoor]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Never. I promise.
I'll always keep tabs on where the old one is too...

Sell it to me so I can make it a rat rod!!!! I will throw in some cash and a hand jigger!!!

[NortonG]

Screw you Mitch!

More frame work happening asap!

[MitchellDeMoor]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Screw you Mitch!

More frame work happening asap!

Fuck you! hahahahaha

[NortonG]

Dug up some pictures from when the guy had the body before me...

I"d like to know what it looked like before this abortion...

[heavychevyboy]

Nice lookin ride so far, like where this is going. If you ever need a hand lemme know. what area are you in?

[NortonG]

heavychevyboy, I live a couple blocks from Highpark.
Sadly the car is in Cambridge in my parents garage...

Where are you in Toronto?

I'll be hitting it hard this weekend!
If you want to come by shoot me a pm.

[NortonG]

Got the rear kick up tacked in place and set...

Really need to get that rear crossmember sandblasted before it gets welded in for good...

Gonna get the front of the frame done this saturday.
Just a little sweep up to it and we'll call the rails done for now.
Until we fish plate the joints and get building motor and trans mounts.

I still really love that picture with the frame hanging out of my dads truck...

[Pensive Scribe]

Looking for steel eh? I've got a steel cowl and windshield posts here, near Calgary. It's a bit rough, but it'll do for somebody some day.

Doug.

[tfeverfred]

Originally Posted by captainjunk#2

i like this thread keep on building , T buckets are cool , norms kookie T was my dream car when i was just starting to dig hotrod cars ,

You need to finish your hot rod car!

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by Pensive Scribe

Looking for steel eh? I've got a steel cowl and windshield posts here, near Calgary. It's a bit rough, but it'll do for somebody some day.

Doug.

I like the sounds of that. I'll shoot you a pm later...


Sounds like my Dad has welded the frame up solid this week and took the rear crossmember to the sandblaster.

Time to get a front spring and a few more front end parts and we'll have a roller!

[TexasSpeed]

Ah.. Good to see you on here! I recognized those last pictures from Instagram..

Not a fan of fiberglass but I really like where you're heading with this one. Can't wait to see when it's all together!

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by TexasSpeed

Ah.. Good to see you on here! I recognized those last pictures from Instagram..

Not a fan of fiberglass but I really like where you're heading with this one. Can't wait to see when it's all together!

Yep, same Norton as on there.

The Glass body will stick around while I find the pieces for a steel body...
That might take a while up here in the great white north.

Your car is looking awesome!

[CUTITUP53chevy]

very kool looking good man

[NortonG]

Thanks Ricky!

Got a few more parts for it this weekend...

[NortonG]

Got a lot more serious and kicked the front of the frame up on saturday.

Time to get some more front end parts together to get this thing rolling...

[NortonG]

Oh man! No love for this thing!

Parts and progress in a week of so...

[madmike8]

Cool deal...

[steel rebel]

It's FIBERGLASS why do I like it. I hate myself!

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by steel rebel

It's FIBERGLASS why do I like it. I hate myself!

'Cause that old FIBERGLASS body has soul!

I can't paint it... Yet.


...did I mention it has holes in the firewall for an Ansen style master cylinder mount?

[graham_paige]

a fake T..... That makes it a faux T or even a faut... I leave you with how you pronounce it


Looks like it will end up as an awesome beast, keep them pics comming

[NortonG]

Really diggin' on Mcphail's old T lately!
Just a shorter wheelbase and a little taller....

Pure HotRod!

[NortonG]

Always love Phil's T...

[NortonG]

And this one...

[Hot Rod Nut]

Oh Baby, Lookin goooood, Love the frame work. I'm hooked!

[fleet-master]

^^^ that there red one is killer ^^^ looks like your makin good progress Norton G

[Johnny Sweet]

Originally Posted by NortonG

'Cause that old FIBERGLASS body has soul!

I can't paint it... Yet.


...did I mention it has holes in the firewall for an Ansen style master cylinder mount?

Paint, no paint, build it your way after all it's going to be your ride. Who couldn't like the work your doing. Keep it going and have fun in doing so.

It took me fifty plus years before I had the time to start building mine.
Good Luck,
Johnny Sweet

[Speedy Canuck]

I can't remember from when I was over at your place, but are you planning on a turtle deck, or no?

[NortonG]

I love the red one I posted! Just a little shorter in the front and a little taller.

I plan on running a pick up bed or nothing.

[Kramer]

Originally Posted by NortonG

I love the red one I posted! Just a little shorter in the front and a little taller.

I plan on running a pick up bed or nothing.

X2 on that red one. I'm not a fan of turtle decks myself. But that is one nice car. Love these t bucket threads, just adds to my inspiration and keeps me motivated to finish mine.

[NortonG]

I'm pretty pumped to be working on it this weekend!

[Chris Stapley]

Kit car is lookin' good Norton, using the VW or the Chevette mill?

Ha,ha.... all seriousness aside, I think this little car is gonna look killer when the next guy

finishes it! LOL.....Needs stripes.

[NortonG]

Ouch! hahahaha!

[Jeff Norwell]

Keep going brother.. looking great!

[Beau]

I see you like the design I did for my frame

[NortonG]

Beau, I sure did! I'll get a good side shot of how it looks for you.

[Beau]

Cool! I'm going to run a '39 Ford Front spring in the back and modify the Model A rear cross member to fit that spring. The '39 front spring should allow me to run a lower arch spring. I'm hoping this set-up will allow me to have a softer sweep in the back.

Really excited to see this project come alive.

[servi53]

awesome project, and Johnny I dig yours with the molded flames

[swade41]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Always love Phil's T...

Thanks man, just build it your way and it will be right by you. You've got a good eye for things and I'm sure you will have a great looking car in the end.

[MitchellDeMoor]

[MitchellDeMoor]

On a more serious note. Here is some inspiration...

[NortonG]

That thing rules!

I'll be working in it some more those weekend.

[MitchellDeMoor]

Originally Posted by NortonG

That thing rules!

I'll be working in it some more those weekend.

You fucking better be!!!!

[wizzard23]

You might want to check out my Track T build in my albums. A little street roddy by todays standards, but it was my dream when it was built (mid 80s to mid 90s). Still driven' and enjoyen' it..............Wizzard.

[NortonG]

Man I've been slacking on updating this!

LOTS more coming this weekend!

[NortonG]

Put some good time in on this heap this weekend.

Got a '41 Ford steering gear last week and got it stripped and cleaned up.
Hubs and brakes found their way into the garage too.
Also got a great deal on some coilovers for the back end...

Pulled it all apart today so we can weld up the rest of the frame and add the model A horns on to it.
Going to finish bobbing the rear rails too.

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by wizzard23

You might want to check out my Track T build in my albums. A little street roddy by todays standards, but it was my dream when it was built (mid 80s to mid 90s). Still driven' and enjoyen' it..............Wizzard.

Great build Wizzard!

[NortonG]

I'm digging this little car from England!

[NortonG]

and this one!

[NortonG]

Got lots done on the frame over the last week or so.
Front model A horns need to get blasted and then they're ready to go on too.
Getting it off the table and mounting the rear end this coming weekend.
Need to clean all those old mounts off of there first... It also got some lugs on it now too! haha!

Still need to find a Hurst motorplate mount or make our own.
Mounting that '41 Ford column shouldn't be too much a pain either.

We should be moving along fast through September.

.....and now what you've been waiting for...

[TexasSpeed]

Looking good! I'm trying to remember if it was you that used to own this '26-'27.. I saw it earlier today in an old thread and was wondering whatever became of it.

[NortonG]

Yep! That was mine for sure! Shawnsauto1 owns it now!

I'll love and cherish that car until the day I die!
I'd steal it or buy it back it I ever had a chance!

On to faster things these days...

[TexasSpeed]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Yep! That was mine for sure! Shawnsauto1 owns it now!

I'll love and cherish that car until the day I die!
I'd steal it or buy it back it I ever had a chance!

On to faster things these days...

If that was just a mock up of an old T of yours, then this fake T is going to rule.

[Beau]

I love it all! The shor-T from England is nice! I have never seen that one.

Keep up the good work!

[NortonG]

Thanks fellas!

I dig your builds and they keep me going for sure!

[NortonG]

Posting this picture again...

What size are those wheel stud holes supposed to be?
I feel like these are big, but I forgot to check before I left yesterday.

[NortonG]

I dig progress!

Frame horns are going on tonight...

[TexasSpeed]

Originally Posted by NortonG

What size are those wheel stud holes supposed to be?
I feel like these are big, but I forgot to check before I left yesterday.

Are those F1 brakes? I've got a set down in the garage that I could go and measure..

[NortonG]

The brakes and spindles are late 40's car as far as I know.

[TexasSpeed]

Originally Posted by NortonG

The brakes and spindles are late 40's car as far as I know.

They do look like the brakes that came off a '46-'48 Ford front end I have.. Do you know if the hubs are from the same car and were separated from the original drums?

[NortonG]

I don't think they're from the same car but I bought them together like that.

Check post #72 for a picture pf the back side of the backing plate.

These hubs fit the square back spindles perfectly, so all the bearings must be right.

[shawnsauto1]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Yep! That was mine for sure! Shawnsauto1 owns it now!

I'll love and cherish that car until the day I die!
I'd steal it or buy it back it I ever had a chance!

On to faster things these days...

Well you can always shoot me an offer. I guess I better always make sure the alarm is on in the shop. Hahaha. Good to see you making progress on your T!

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by shawnsauto1

Well you can always shoot me an offer. I guess I better always make sure the alarm is on in the shop. Hahaha. Good to see you making progress on your T!

Nah, I just like seeing it out and getting driven from time to time.

Much faster things happening now!

[shawnsauto1]

Oh so your going to have more than a hundred horsepower? Nice! I'll still smile when you fly by me one day. Really good looking frame work by the way!

[NortonG]

Way more than 100hp... It's going to be lighter too...
Thanks!
Dad is doing the welding and fab work.

[Speedy Canuck]

Looking good bud! We seem to be progressing about the same speed. Maybe we'll both have rollers before the snow flies.

I like that you're adding horns on, and I'm bobbing mine off...

Originally Posted by NortonG

I'll love and cherish that car until the day I die!

haha, Toad.

[NortonG]

Thanks man!

Un-powered gravity races?

Lots more happening this weekend!

[NortonG]

Lots got done this weekend!

Got the frame off the table and got the table moved outta the way.
Front end put back together and the brackets cut off of the rear end.
Made it look like a car.

Now waiting for more parts to come in...

[swade41]

Looking good Norton, almost like a car..lol

[NortonG]

Thanks Phil

Waiting for parts sucks...

[kram]

T is looking good and it's making me want to get some more progress done on mine!

[NortonG]

Found a picture of the rearend cleaned up.

Or at least one side of it...

Need to get some brackets made for it now.

[NortonG]

bgbdlinc on here is probably the coolest guy ever and he helped me out today big!

Got some tires to roll the frontend around and this,

[wizzard23]

Looks like good pragress, Norton!

[wizzard23]

Mine's fake too, but it felt plenty real when I was driven' it today!

[TexasSpeed]

That radiator is flat out cool. I dig the valve cover on top.

You gonna call it a '23 Lincoln now?

[NortonG]

Well I scored some paperwork with a good vin number and it's really going to be a '24 now, hahaha

[shawnsauto1]

Hahaha. Now it's a 24. It's a year newer so should be worth way more.
I do like the top of that rad BTW


Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad

[MitchellDeMoor]

Fucking awesome

[Speedy Canuck]

Keep at it buddy! Things are looking good.

Is that rad going to fit in your shell? What's the plan there.

[NortonG]

It's real narrow and should be perfect.

I'll get real measurements tomorrow.

[NortonG]

I love the stance of Paul's roadster!

[ModelAPunk]

Lookin' good man! You're moving right along, Cant wait to see the finished product! What's the goal of having it on the road!? Or you just taking it one step at a time?

[NortonG]

Thanks!
If EVERYTHING works out how I want it, we're looking at the end of summer 2013...
Thats if everything goes 100% perfect! Hahaha Not likely...
So spring 2014 is looking good.
Tight budget and living an hour away from where we're working on the car makes it tough to get a lot done. Most guys seem to thrash after work in the evenings.
I wish I could sometimes.
I've got my dad to help with the real welding and stuff so things get done during the week here and there.

[Speedy Canuck]

Dave, you just need to do what I do. Whenever someone asks when I plan to have the truck done, I tell them "About another 2 years." Of course, I've been saying that for at least the past 6 months... haha

No deadlines means no disappointments

[NortonG]

I'm pretty determined to have the rearend holding itself up this weekend!

Getting a chance to sort out that front spring is the biggest slow down so far.

[ModelAPunk]

Haha, that's understandable man. I have a 27 T Roadster I'm working on, on and off too, But only because its 40 minutes away from me! Little by little you can get shit done and it will pay off! haha

AJ, Yep i believe that's what you told me back in July when i met you at Syracuse hahaha!

[Chris Stapley]

Car is looking really cool Dave, loving that rad tank too.. Car is simply gonna be baddass brother!

[bgbdlinc]

...it pleases me no end to know that the rad will live again. Oooh, oooh....I forgot to mention that it has a high price tag (since it has 'history' on the HAMB), therefore you owe me 1 ride when you get it street worthy....hahahahaha

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=355828

[NortonG]

Dave, I love that rad so much!
You'll get to drive this thing when it's running!
I owe you huge!

Thanks Chris!

[John "MASK" Maschke]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Thanks!
If EVERYTHING works out how I want it, we're looking at the end of summer 2013...
Thats if everything goes 100% perfect! Hahaha Not likely...
So spring 2014 is looking good.
Tight budget and living an hour away from where we're working on the car makes it tough to get a lot done. Most guys seem to thrash after work in the evenings.
I wish I could sometimes.
I've got my dad to help with the real welding and stuff so things get done during the week here and there.

its a t-bucket..build it in your livingroom...lol

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by John "MASK" Maschke

its a t-bucket..build it in your livingroom...lol

You're a T-bucket! Hahahaha!

The Rad is 26" X 16.5" and 4.5" deep, should fit perfectly in an A shell.

bgbdlinc rules!

[McKee]

Hey Curly,...I have a chopped 30 - 31 Model A rad shell if you need,.... lemme know.

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by McKee

Hey Curly,...I have a chopped 30 - 31 Model A rad shell if you need,.... lemme know.

Thanks Dave, I have one of those and a rough earlier one too.
Not sure which style I'm going to go with just yet.
It'll most likely be full height.

That Model A spring is getting more tempting...

Anyone have a wide late 40's front spring I can use?
The spring in front stock style.

[NortonG]

Well, not much got done here this weekend with Canadian Thanksgiving going on and family priorities coming first.

Mostly just looked at it and talked and made plans.

Also a big hole got cut in a wall so we don't have to go outside to get into the garage...

[bgbdlinc]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Mostly just looked at it and talked and made plans.

.....the essence of a good build...just ask Norwell... . Sitting and eyeballing and eliminating things you don't like is a great part of the process. Carry on.....

[NortonG]

Everything should fall into place after we get a front spring...

What a pain in the ass this front axle is.

[NortonG]

Big update!

I've gotten some huge help from some fellow HAMBers.
Bgbdlnc gave me the coolest radiator ever!
Shawnsauto1 still had some springs that went his way in our previous deal.

Huge scores!

Thank you guys both very much!



The bolt through the A rear spring was broken and it looked like it was about to come apart.



Using a tech thread I reversed the front spring eyes and de-arched it.







It might be a bit narrow but we're going to see what we can do.





Now we have to clearance the bottom of the frame a bit too...

How much clearance do you fellas think we'll need?

[LIFESTYLZ]

If it wasn't for fiberglass bodies I can well imagine that the sport
of Hot Rodding would be a dead duck in water for the most part.

[NortonG]

I would love to have a steel body.

Need more spring clearance...

[shawnsauto1]

That's great what you did with that spring. I wondered what you were going to do with it being arched so much. Now I've learned something new!


Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad

[NortonG]

Heres the tread it came from,
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=90824

I need to put the second spring back in the pack.

[ModelAPunk]

Lookin' Good Brother! Making a lot of progress! keep at it!

[Speedy Canuck]

Will you hurry up and make this thing a roller?!?

And you need to figure out what you're doing to locate the rear end before Anc this sunday.

[NortonG]

With some elbow grease this heap could be rolling on sunday.

And maybe with a swap meet score of some rear bones...

[John "MASK" Maschke]

you going this sunday?

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by John "MASK" Maschke

you going this sunday?

Heck yeah! Lets hope for some finds...

[skatermann]

cool project! that thing is gonna fly!

[NortonG]

Thanks skatermann!

Went to Ancaster today and picked up a Model T tank for $20...



Went back to the garage to mess with the car a little.
It's starting to look like something.





Speedy_Canuck brought some rear u-bolts over for me to us and we'll get some Model A rear shackles soon and the rear placement will get figured out.

Pretty damn good Sunday if you ask me!

[bgbdlinc]

...hey Dave, have you had the front spring under load yet?

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by bgbdlinc

...hey Dave, have you had the front spring under load yet?

Nope, I think it's too narrow...
I'm looking for a different dropped axle anyway now it seems.
Kind of a bummer.

[NortonG]

This thing kinda looks like a pumpkin...

[kennkat]

Happy Halloween, NICE Pumpkin!

[indestructableforce]

The pumpkin looks great.........

[Speedy Canuck]

Are you going to start calling this thing the Spook-T now?

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by Speedy Canuck

Are you going to start calling this thing the Spook-T now?

No, it reminded me how much I want to paint it!

At least it'll be a roller soon and I'll be able to put the floor in it...

[Malcolm]

Looking good, Mr. Grimm!



Malcolm

[Speedy Canuck]

Originally Posted by NortonG

No, it reminded me how much I want to paint it!

At least it'll be a roller soon and I'll be able to put the floor in it...

Spook-T. It's final.


Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad

[Fortunateson]

NortonG, that body colour combo looks perfect. It reminds me of the "Big T" model kit from my youth. Not the same colour but I think it POPS! Please re-think your plans on paint.

[MitchellDeMoor]

So much progress!!! Love the T tank

[MitchellDeMoor]

We need to do a drunken Caddy nite soon as well and yell "Heil Hot Rods" to everyone and ask them "do you like fiberglass hot rods?" hahahahahaha

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by MitchellDeMoor

We need to do a drunken Caddy nite soon as well and yell "Heil Hot Rods" to everyone and ask them "do you like fiberglass hot rods?" hahahahahaha

That was hilarious!! It'll happen again soon.

Updating this tonight with a few pics...

[steel rebel]

I'm still watching you and I like what I see. Quit worrying about the fiberglass body. As long as you don't start junking it up like they did in the late '60s and '70s (and I see you aren't) It will be fine and you'll have more leg room that you'll be happy for when you get my age.

[MitchellDeMoor]

Originally Posted by NortonG

That was hilarious!! It'll happen again soon.

Updating this tonight with a few pics...

It fucking better happen again soon!

[Jeff Norwell]

Originally Posted by steel rebel

I'm still watching you and I like what I see. Quit worrying about the fiberglass body. As long as you don't start junking it up like they did in the late '60s and '70s (and I see you aren't) It will be fine and you'll have more leg room that you'll be happy for when you get my age.

I totally agree!
Paint it 56 Ford Mandarin Orange and detail in a cream White(Wimbleton) and you got Bank.

Great work Grimmee.

[NortonG]

Thanks fellas!

I'll look into that colour Jeff.
Dark green is still what I have in mind. White accents for sure! Maybe even white suspension parts...
I'm pretty excited to get a floor into the body! Getting the frame and suspension set up first is priority. Just a handful of parts away from making that happen right now.

The car is in Cambridge at my parents place and my dad has been doing lots of fab work...

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by steel rebel

I'm still watching you and I like what I see. Quit worrying about the fiberglass body. As long as you don't start junking it up like they did in the late '60s and '70s (and I see you aren't) It will be fine and you'll have more leg room that you'll be happy for when you get my age.

SteelRebel,
I I'm trying not to mess with it too bad! I have some good marine plywood to put in it and I'll be doing that soon. I'd love to know what you mean by "junking it up" I'm just trying to keep it a '24 as much as possible.
Thank you for the kind words!

[steel rebel]

I'm not talking about junking up the body. I know you have to strengthen it get it ready for upholstery. I'm talking about things like super high windshield, cowl lamps, big brass radiator and headlights. Things like that and I can see your not doing that. Just remember less is more. If you need a model just look at Royal Shifters T. He is king of not junking it up.

[Fortunateson]

[QUOTE=Jeff Norwell;8311770]I totally agree!
Paint it 56 Ford Mandarin Orange and detail in a cream White(Wimbleton) and you got Bank.

OK, but you were only 1/2 listening! ORANGE and BLACK accents! So cool. Big bonus is that those are the BC LIons colours.

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by steel rebel

I'm not talking about junking up the body. I know you have to strengthen it get it ready for upholstery. I'm talking about things like super high windshield, cowl lamps, big brass radiator and headlights. Things like that and I can see your not doing that. Just remember less is more. If you need a model just look at Royal Shifters T. He is king of not junking it up.

Hahaha! Gotcha! Those late 60's -70's brass Ts weren't tough at all.

This thing is going to be tough!

[bgbdlinc]

...ditto on the Ford 'Wimbleton White' (God's gift) for details.....

...gotta organize a roadsterman's run next year....so hurry up....hahaha

[NortonG]

Got a ton done this weekend!

Front end pretty much in and done. Still needs shocks, steering, ect.. All in good time.

Got the rear end spring hangers on and it under the frame too.

All that equals no stands holding the frame up anymore!

[shawnsauto1]

Nice to see that rear end under it. Looks so tough, should be great for roasting tires


Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad

[NortonG]

[QUOTE=shawnsauto1;8321016]Nice to see that rear end under it. Looks so tough, should be great for roasting tires

Really couldn't have it at this stage without those springs!
Thanks again! I owe you and bgbdlinc many beers!

The rearend still needs to go up a bit. I took a few leaves out of the rear spring but I need to space it back up again.

[Speedy Canuck]

Alright. I want my U Bolts back now!



Looks great bud! Now we just need to get you some front tires so you can roll.

[MitchellDeMoor]

Valve cover t-bolts

[NortonG]

We need to do a bunch of engine/trans mocking up before we catch up to you AJ!
It still needs rearbones too...

Those T-bolts are just for mock up! Hahaha!

The front end really will be about another inch lower and the rear needs to go up about an inch still. It's going to sit right.

[steel rebel]

I loves this Weesner. Wonder why? Oh yeah it might look a little like my roadster. Anyway a little inspiration. Yours is looking good.
Gary

[NortonG]

Weez rules!

Heres a better picture of the front bones mounted as well.
The tie rod ends are tucked up under the frame pretty nicely...

[bgbdlinc]

....I guess you call that the 'Norton Sweep'.....very cool bones treatment....

[Beau]

Holy crap that front end is low! I bought the lowest spring Posies makes for the stock 'A' axle and mine isn't even close to the frame like that. Maybe I need to pull a few leaves out.

Looking good! You're helping me stay inspired for my build.

[Keep]

Glad to see another t-bucket coming together near me. Only a few of us around that actually drive them.

[NortonG]

bgbdlinc, those bones are stock late 40's Ford. They have a cool sweep in them stock.
I like them for more steering clearance.

Beau, I have a clamp on the front spring to mimic ride height with the weight of the engine and everything on it. I de-arched it and reversed the eyes. Check back in this thread about how I did it. Super easy! It's actually a stock late 40's front spring reworked.

Keep, This thing is going to be driven hard!

Thanks for the support fellas!

[Beau]

I saw how you did it. I didn't realize you had it clamped down.

I'm going to have to pull my spring apart. Mine still looks like a monster truck. my spring is nowhere near the frame, even with a simulated load.

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by Beau

I saw how you did it. I didn't realize you had it clamped down.

I'm going to have to pull my spring apart. Mine still looks like a monster truck. my spring is nowhere near the frame, even with a simulated load.

I'm using a Welders Series flat front crossmember. So, it's got no dip in it at all lowering the front that much more and I de-arched the spring and it's super flat now.
A bit of a crazy set up but, it should work.
Have you ever seen this build?
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=508741
Your car reminds me of it.

[John "MASK" Maschke]

i think we need to start an ontario roadster club soon...theres starting to be a few of us now....only T's and A's allowed though...lol

if i can help ya out let me know...although i still feel kind of useless when it comes to hot rods..

[NortonG]

John, I'll let you know when I'll be working on it again and you'll have to come hang out!

[NortonG]

My Father was getting creative earlier while I wasn't there...

I think it needs to move down and back a bit.

[steel rebel]

I don't know I think I might vote with your dad. Look at the Wees photo I posted again. Of course I might be a little prejudice as the guy that started my T mounted the bed pretty high.
Gary

[NortonG]

Nope, it needs to go down a bit...

More like this one and less like a "T-bucket"..

[weez]

I think the bed needs to relate to to the body in a reasonable way, regardless of the stance. I don't like seeing a bed too low, just to make the car look low if the body is up. I also don't like when a bed is way up over the beltline of the body, however, Gary's looks good, cause he's really going for the Kookie car vibe with it!

I'm excited about anything that gets away from the out-of-the-box kit T proportions! (and cars that are way too long...)

[NortonG]

I agree with that. It's all about proportion.
I want more of a stock bed location for this build.

It's sitting at a 102" wheelbase and I'm pretty comfortable with that. The body and engine are going to get pushed as far forward on the frame as possible.

How's your T coming Keith?

[weez]

My friend Ben just sent me this 50's pic of his Dad Ron Erdahl's T.

Cool to see something different in a 50's build!

Nothing happening with my T yet...

[steel rebel]

Wow Weez very Kool picture. I think that was the popular look until Norm came out with his black T in the middle '50s then changed the look to the Kookie Kar style a couple of years later and changed everything. In fact in the late '50s I used to ride around with a friend who had bought a rod P.U. that looked a lot like the one above.Wish I had a picture of it. Very good look. Might be pretty close to the look Norton is going for.
Gary

[Ghost of ElMirage]

I agree please don't paint that thing! It is gonna be really, really cool.

[NortonG]

Man! That front end is pushed back on that thing! Or maybe everything is pushed forward...
I'd love to see the frame under it. Anymore pictures?

I dig where the steering wheel ends up in it. That's where a lot of guys miss the look of an old build. Lots of the old guys didn't cut the column down and made do with where it ended up. I'm trying to get my angles right so I don't have to cut the one I'm using.

"stubby" HotRods rule! If you catch my drift...
Thats what killed the look of the '27 I built. Just too long in the nose.

We've pushed the body farther forward than any of these pictures show so far.
By about 3 maybe 4 inches.

I can't wait to paint this heap! Single stage dark green...

[steel rebel]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Man! That front end is pushed back on that thing! Or maybe everything is pushed forward...
I'd love to see the frame under it. Anymore pictures?

I dig where the steering wheel ends up in it. That's where a lot of guys miss the look of an old build. Lots of the old guys didn't cut the column down and made do with where it ended up. I'm trying to get my angles right so I don't have to cut the one I'm using.

"stubby" HotRods rule! If you catch my drift...
Thats what killed the look of the '27 I built. Just too long in the nose.

We've pushed the body farther forward than any of these pictures show so far.
By about 3 maybe 4 inches.

I can't wait to paint this heap! Single stage dark green...

I had to do the same with my roadster after a professional photographer pointed out "the ugly gap between the firewall and the engine) I moved the body forward three inches. And yes it is important to get the angles correct. You have to stand back maybe twenty feet and really look at the profile, even if you have to push it out of the garage. The grill is very important an inch too high and it looks like shit. My saying is if a grill on a roadster isn't too low it's too high. If that makes any sense.
Gary

[NortonG]

There'll be some good profile pictures from out in the driveway this weekend if it doesn't rain or snow!

Motor mounts should be started too.

[hemikev]

Hi Norton , im just starting my T bucket , am i am kind of local as i am in Hamilton ,, ive been collecting parts for a while ,,gonna do rough moch up this weekend , ill be watching your build Norton.. will post some picks this weekend .. Take Care Kev

[NortonG]

Can't wait to get going on this heap this weekend!

Kev, Get a good plan and vision for your build and try to stay close to it.

[hemikev]

love the painted wheels on the red 1 ,, Kinda leanin that way ..Kev

[steel rebel]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Man! That front end is pushed back on that thing! Or maybe everything is pushed forward...
I'd love to see the frame under it. Anymore pictures?

I dig where the steering wheel ends up in it. That's where a lot of guys miss the look of an old build. Lots of the old guys didn't cut the column down and made do with where it ended up. I'm trying to get my angles right so I don't have to cut the one I'm using.

"stubby" HotRods rule! If you catch my drift...
Thats what killed the look of the '27 I built. Just too long in the nose.

We've pushed the body farther forward than any of these pictures show so far.


I don't want this thread to become about me or my car but I just want to show the difference it makes when you close up the "ugly gap" between the engine and the firewall or for that matter the "ugly gap" between the engine and radiator/grill. First generation of my roadster with the Mustang engine then when I redid it a few years ago with the bigger and longer '50 Cad. engine. The longer engine took up the space between it and the grill but I had to move the body forward to take up the gap between the firewall and engine.
Gary
By about 3 maybe 4 inches.

I can't wait to paint this heap! Single stage dark green...

Okay I wrote in the middle of your post. Sorry.

[NortonG]

Well it looks way better now!

How much space do you have between your distributor and firewall?

[steel rebel]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Well it looks way better now!

How much space do you have between your distributor and firewall?

I just measured about 1 1/2" but I have a crab cap with the wires coming out the side which makes it look closer. The measurement is irrelevant what you need to do is get the car out and look at it and see what looks right. If 1 1/2" still looks ugly them move the body up.

I think you are doing some really kool stuff. I just don't want you to finish it and not like it and don't know why.
Gary

[swade41]

somebody's T out on the salt...lol

[NortonG]

I wish that was mine out there!
Tons of work got done today.
Pushed out into the driveway for the first time.
Pictures in the morning!

[NortonG]

Here's a few...

[tfeverfred]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Here's a few...

You're going to like that gap between the distributor and your firewall. Mine was VERY close when I first built it. After my wreck, I moved the body back about 1 1/2". That makes it easy to get to the tranny bolts and it also doesn't look poorly planned.

If I had a lift, I could drop my tranny without removing the body. A lot of guys have to take the body off just to see the tranny bolts.

[NortonG]

That's what the removable trans tunnel will be for...

Having a well equipt garage with jacks and tall stands helps too.

[tfeverfred]

Originally Posted by NortonG

That's what the removable trans tunnel will be for...

Having a well equipt garage with jacks and tall stands helps too.

Great idea. I like the way your build is going. I also never liked where the bed was located on the glass cars and was glad to find one without it.

Keep up the bad ass work.

[NortonG]

Thanks Fred!
I've followed along with the story of your T.

This thing is going to get a Model A style bed on it in a stockish location.
Trying real hard to keep it from being goofy!

More pictures to come later...

[NortonG]

Thanks Fred!
I've followed along with the story of your T.

This thing is going to get a Model A style bed on it in a stockish location.
Trying real hard to keep it from being goofy!

More pictures to come later...

[steel rebel]

I like what I see! I think you "get it" and got it!
Gary

[swade41]

Looks great sitting outside Norton, it's gonna have "the stance"

[weez]

Originally Posted by tfeverfred

You're going to like that gap between the distributor and your firewall. Mine was VERY close when I first built it. After my wreck, I moved the body back about 1 1/2". That makes it easy to get to the tranny bolts and it also doesn't look poorly planned.

If I had a lift, I could drop my tranny without removing the body. A lot of guys have to take the body off just to see the tranny bolts.

Why not just pull the engine?

[NortonG]

Tight gaps are the name of the game and remember that Stubby HotRods rule!

Lots getting done. The motor is sitting pretty much where it's going and the body is looking good where it is too...

[tfeverfred]

Originally Posted by weez

Why not just pull the engine?

wow. You'd still need access to the tranny bolts.

[NortonG]

Originally Posted by tfeverfred

wow. You'd still need access to the tranny bolts.

You'd have access after they were both on the shop floor.

[NortonG]

Someone sell me a 15" steering wheel for this thing please! Haha.

I'm also a little stuck of stock fan sizes. This on is 18" across. I want a stock looking fan but I need one that's about 2" smalles in diameter.
What's out there?

[shawnsauto1]

Originally Posted by NortonG

Someone sell me a 15" steering wheel for this thing please! Haha.

I'm also a little stuck of stock fan sizes. This on is 18" across. I want a stock looking fan but I need one that's about 2" smalles in diameter.
What's out there?

I have a certain blue metal flake wheel for sale. You may remember it? Glad to see all your progress. Looking good


Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad